NCREASED public spending during the holiday season will help the Philippines achieve its full-year growth target of 6 to 7 percent, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
At the sidelines of the DBM’s Fiscal Policy Conference on Friday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Principal Economist Joselito R. Basilio told the BusinessMirror the government will hit its growth target for 2024.
“ We expect the fourth quarter [GDP] to be at 6.5 percent to 6.6 percent,” Basilio said, adding the economy should grow at this rate to achieve the full-year target.
Th is comes after the Philippines’ gross domestic product slowed to 5.2 percent in the third quarter, coming from a strong 6.4 percent in the second quarter and 5.7 percent in the first semester.
D espite the Philippine peso weakening against the US dollar, closing at P59 to the greenback on November 21, Basilio and Pangandaman saw this as an opportunity to speed up economic growth.
“[The] depreciation of the peso
could be good for some sectors and bad for others,” Basilio added.
Particularly, a higher US dollar to Philippine peso exchange rate will benefit remittance recipients of overseas Filipino workers, receiving more in pesos. Basilio said this would enable them to spend more given their higher purchasing power and stimulate economic activity. We see more of that in the Christmas season,” he added. Public spending accounts for
about 10 to 15 percent of the Philippines’ GDP.
With this development, Pangandaman said the country’s economic team—the Development Budget and Coordination Committee (DBCC)—will meet in December to adjust growth targets. W hether the DBCC would revise the targets upwards or downwards, Pangandaman said she has “no idea yet.”
By John Eiron R. Francisco
By Samuel P. Medenilla
OMPLICATIONS caused by the Supreme Court decision separating Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) may lead to the postponement of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), according to President Ferdinand Marcos
Chinese steel exports booming, but here’s why that won’t last
By Katharine Gemmell, Yihui Xie & Andy Lin Bloomberg
CHINA’S steel exports have exploded higher.
History suggests it can’t last.
Steelmakers in the world’s biggest producer are leaning heavily on overseas sales to soak up a surplus caused by the country’s yearslong property crisis. But they’re running into dumping accusations from importers and a protectionist Donald Trump will soon be back in the White House. The flare-up in tensions is starting to resemble the industry’s last trade crisis of nearly a decade ago.
Unless Beijing rips up its current playbook and decides to re-inflate the housing market or splurge on infrastructure, then steel consumption in China is in long-term decline. But mills have barely cut production to match that reality. The result is near-record exports. Over 11 million tons were shipped last month, a nine-year high.
Investors fret that Trump’s reelection will prompt another trade war. Even though China doesn’t sell much of the alloy to the US directly, protectionism could ripple though the world’s steel markets
and choke global trade. Analysts at ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. reckon Chinese mills may try and ‘front run’ any increase in tariffs by boosting exports even further over the next few months, according to a note from the bank last week.
History lesson
CHINESE steel has a history of stoking trade tensions. Importing countries have opened 25 antidumping investigations so far this year, the most since 2016, according to China’s commerce ministry. If that period’s any guide, expect sales to drop sharply. China’s steel exports may start to decline by end-2026 as more trading partners step up anti-dumping export controls and total steel production falls,” said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michelle Leung.
Developing economies
CHINA is mostly exporting its steel to nearby developing economies that still need to build infrastructure at scale. Nations in Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East have seen the biggest increase in imports this year and many are partners in Beijing’s Belt and Road initiative. B ut even those countries are getting swamped and are raising trade barriers in return. That spells trouble for Chinese steelmakers because it indicates just how saturated the market has become. And it’ll only get more
costly for mills if they’re forced to ship further afield.
Vietnamese boom
CHINA’S biggest overseas market is a case in point. “When Chinese hot-rolled coil exporters look out at the world, they don’t worry about Trump much, they worry about Vietnam,” said Tomas Gutierrez, an analyst at Kallanish Commodities Ltd.
It’s one of the countries that has pulled up the drawbridge after being flooded with Chinese steel. But traders in Vietnam have also responded by boosting exports to clear the metal that’s pooled there, worsening the global glut in the steel market’s version of whack-a-mole.
Threat to neighbors OTHER neighbors aren’t happy either. Exports from Japan and South Korea have flat-lined in the face of Chinese competition, while their domestic markets are also threatened by an influx of steel.
Japan wants to broaden its anti-dumping measures to catch Chinese steel being routed via third countries, while South Korea has launched a probe into imports of stainless-steel plates as it fields complaints about products made in China being sold below market value.
The surge of affordable Chinese steel has created challenges for manufacturers in Japan and South Korea, resulting in dimin-
ished market share and profit margins,” said Martina Reber, a research manager at Pala Investments Ltd.
Volume over value EXPORTS have been crucial in keeping Chinese mills afloat because there’s just not enough demand domestically to sustain 1 billion tons a year of production. Now, cheap Chinese steel is dragging on the whole market. Rivals from European steel giant ArcelorMittal SA to Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp. have called for tougher measures to stem the flood.
Rush in BARMM transition
may lead to turmoil, says Marcos Jr.
Continued from A1
In an interview with Palace reporters in Pangasinan last Friday, the Chief Executive said they are considering options to address the “unintended consequences” of the decision, including the creation of a new province for eight municipalities that did not join BARMM and the designation of a new congressman for Sulu.
He said the separation of Sulu from BARMM will also require the creation of a new system based on the Administrative Code, Electoral Code, and Local Government Code.
“We might not be able to complete these [changes] by May of next year,” Marcos said.
“It is better to be correct [with the transition] instead of rushing it,
which can lead to turmoil,” he added.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued its ruling upholding the validity of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The decision also stated Sulu should not be included in BARMM since the province rejected inclusion in the new region during the plebiscite conducted in 2019.
There is pending legislation in Congress, which seeks to defer the conduct of the BPE to next year to address possible governance gaps for Sulu.
Until such law is passed, Marcos said preparations for the conduct of the BPE will continue. A motion for reconsideration of the SC ruling is also pending in court.
From simple gig, platform delivery rider goes full time
which led to widespread layoffs, unexpectedly opened up new opportunities for him.
A lthough he lost his retail job, the transition to food delivery was a natural step given his prior part-time experience. This shift allowed him to pursue the job full-time, where he now finds greater fulfillment and sees more opportunities, all while meeting his family’s needs.
“Maganda naman kay Grab, kaya hindi ko na binalikan ang trabaho ko [Grab was okay, so I didn’t return to my old job],” Armas said, explaining that his previous minimum-wage income, which was P500 to P537 daily in 2019, was insufficient to cover his family’s needs, including his children’s education, house rent, electricity, water, goods and daily necessities and other expenditure.
Research group IBON has found that wages in the National Capital Region (NCR) are not keeping up with inflation or worker productivity. The highest value of the NCR minimum wage of P491 was in June 2016, when it was worth P538 in real terms, adjusted for inflation. However, after four wage increases, the P610 minimum wage in May 2024 is only worth P501 in real terms, a 7-percent decrease from 2016.
IBON noted that workers are struggling with low wages, which are insufficient to meet the rising costs of living. In May 2024, the P610 minimum wage is just 51 percent of the P1,197 required to support a family of five. This means a worker earning the minimum wage takes home about P14,373 monthly, which is 8.5 percent less than the P15,587 poverty line for a family of five.
Faced with these challenges, Armas embraced the flexibility and earning potential offered by platform-based work, which allowed him to better support his family while managing his own time, giving him the freedom to fulfill his roles as a father to his two children and as a husband.
He appreciates being able to attend important events without needing to seek approval from superiors, a stark contrast to his previous job where such flexibility was not possible.
Despite his earnings, which are said to be more than double the minimum wage, Armas emphasized that as a food delivery rider, their income still depends on a rider’s productivity. He clarified that earnings fluctuate based on the number of bookings completed each day.
Nakadepende kung gaano ka kasipag [It all depends on how industrious you are],” he said.
He reflected on the unpredictability of daily earnings, acknowledging that not every day brings the same opportunities. Still, he
Embracing the flexibility and earning potential of platform-based work, Armas thrives in an industry that offers independence and opportunities, despite the challenges and risks associated with the job. His story highlights the growing appeal of the food delivery sector as more workers seek flexible, higherearning alternatives in the face of rising living costs.
found solace in being able to provide something, no matter how modest, for his family.
‘Family wages’
MEANWHILE , Gallen Villanueva, Grab Assistant Public Relations Manager, told the BusinessMirror that the company’s goal for its delivery partners is to provide “family wages,” which he explained as something in the realm of two to three times the minimum wage.
This is important because we believe delivery partners should not just survive but thrive,” he said.
He emphasized that the platform remains flexible, allowing delivery partners to work at their own pace without the pressure of an employment contract that forces them to work continuously.
A study conducted in July 2022 by Grab in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sought to assess the impact of gig economy employment during the pandemic. The research, which surveyed 1,200 GrabFood delivery partners across the three major regions of operation—Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao—found that 95 percent of respondents intended to continue working as GrabFood partners. This was attributed to positive experiences highlighted in the study, particularly flexible working hours, competitive earnings, and independent working conditions.
The study also revealed that the average weekly earnings of these drivers amounted to P5,699 ($100), surpassing the average for the transportation industry.
Most drivers reported working more than five days a week, with three-quarters of the respondents working at least 11 hours a day.
“[Tinatapos ko ang araw ko] kapag meron na akong maiuuwi para sa pamilya ko [I end the day when I’ve earned enough to bring home to my family],” Armas shared, explaining that he often works between 8 and 10 hours a day. At the same time, he cautions against burnout.
“Huwag nating pagurin ang sarili natin [Let’s not exhaust ourselves],” he added.
‘Riding the risks’ DESPITE the opportunity, he admitted that the job still carries risks, given the nature of the work on the road, where uncertainty and danger are constant factors.
Th is reality was also highlighted in an ADB study which underscored the operational hazards of such careers, including risks like skidding. The study emphasized the importance of affordable medical insurance schemes to ensure the long-term viability of this flexible self-employment model. A rmas recognized that, although he is not employed in a traditional corporate setting, he and other delivery partners have received support from the Singapore-based technology company through various benefits and initiatives.
In response, Grab Philippines has implemented a robust health and safety policy for its delivery partners. This includes provisions such as accident and life insurance, medicine allowances, prepaid ER HMO access, hospital assistance, a 24/7 Grab Safety Hotline, Grab Academy safety training, and telemedicine services.
A sked why he chose food delivery over driving a motorcycle taxi or other ride-hailing services— growing trends in the Philippines with over 68,000 registered motorcycle taxi riders and 370,000 commuters relying on ride-hailing apps as of May 2024—Armas explained his preference.
He shared that he finds delivering food less stressful, as any mishaps, like spills or accidents, are manageable and replaceable. In contrast, the responsibility of transporting passengers comes with greater risks, as accidents involving people are far more complicated and costly, something he hopes to avoid entirely.
Data from the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) covering the period from 2019 to 2024 showed over 5,000 accidents were reported, including seven fatalities. Meanwhile, figures from the Highway Patrol Group in 2023 revealed that motorcycle-related accidents, both public and private, were the second most common, with 12,192 incidents, trailing automobiles, which recorded 16,705 accidents.
A rmas shared his optimism and appreciation for where he stands in life today.
He emphasized his satisfaction with his current endeavors and noted that, as of this writing, he has no immediate plans to transition into another industry.
PhilHealth reports 37.7% hike in benefit claim disbursements
STATE-RUN Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) disbursed higher benefit claims amounting to P137.6 billion as of the end of October 2024.
PhilHealth announced on Friday that it paid P137.6 billion in benefit claims to more than 12,000 accredited health care facilities from January to October 2024, a 37.7-percent increase from the P99.9 billion it disbursed during the same period a year ago.
The national average turnaround time for claims processing also improved to 25 days, faster by 35 days than the prescribed period of 60 calendar days under Republic Act No. 10606 or the National Health Insurance Act.
“The steady flow of payments and accelerated processing time are part of our commitment to provide timely and efficient support to our health care partners. The reduced turnaround time have been commended by partner hospitals around the country,” PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said.
Ledesma said the reduced turnaround time helped hospitals to maintain liquidity, ensure a steady supply of medicines and supplies, salaries for health workers and improvement of facilities.
Earlier, PhilHealth partnered with Swift Claims through Pulse 63 Healthcare Ventures for a proof of value to address the delays in
claims processing, reimbursements and payment of claims of all health care facilities in the country.
“We have just completed a study conducted by experts on how AI can aid us in receiving and processing claims at break-neck speeds never before seen”, Ledesma said. “We are confident that with the support of our healthcare partners, this will happen in the very near future.”
While the release of benefit claims has improved, hospitals are also called to do their part in investing in “adequate and properly trained” human resources.
“This will help ensure claims are complete and in order, free from deficiencies, incomplete documents or signatures, and unreadable attachments, among other reasons,” Ledesma said. Claims are returned to the hospitals due to discrepancies in entries as well as incomplete, inconsistent or unreadable documents and improperly completed claim forms.
Meanwhile, claims are denied payment because of late filing/ re-filing, non-compensable cases and confinement during which the hospital has accreditation issues.
To reduce returned or denied claims, hospitals are told to inform and educate themselves on the latest claims policies, guidelines and pertinent requirements. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
BusinessMirror’s ‘broader look at biotech draws recognition
‘IF only science were accessible to farmers, sana hindi ganun kahirap ang buhay ng mga magsasaka [then maybe the lives of farmers wouldn’t be so hard].”
That was the late journalist Jose G. Burgos Jr. talking in the nineties, when he decided to embrace farming fulltime, and devoted his limited time as a journalist to one specialization: science journalism, specifically, biotechnology.
His widow Edith shared this recollection at the 13th Jose G. Burgos Jr. Awards for Biotechnology Journalism on Thursday at the Agriculture Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture, reviving a prestigious awards search that had been sidelined by the pandemic.
Burgos Jr., who in year 2000 was named one of the 50 World Press Freedom Heroes of the 20th Century by the International Press Institute (IPI), had championed mainstreaming biotechnology into science journalism, another niche in the profession that for decades had languished behind politics, entertainment and crime among the media outlets.
Edith Burgos said his advocacy is, fortunately, bearing fruit now that he’s gone (he died of cancer in 2003), and expressed hope more journalists and media outlets would focus on biotechnology, given the existential threats from climate change and food insecurity.
BM among winners BusinessMirror was inducted into the awards Hall of Fame for winning first place in the Institutional category, which honors newspapers that published the most number of articles on biotechnology, for
Jan-Oct state agencies’ rate of spending stays the same
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
DESPITE the higher cash allocation released by the national government as of the end of October 2024, the spending rate of state agencies remained the same year-on-year.
Latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed the government released P4.050 trillion from January to October 2024. This is higher by 12.43 percent from the P3.602 trillion disbursed during the same period in 2023.
NCA refers to the cash authority issued by the DBM to central, regional and provincial offices and operating units to cover the cash requirements of the government agencies.
However, with the increased
NCA released by the government, the spending pace of government agencies, state-owned corporations and local government units (LGUs) remained the same.
This means that agencies have utilized 94 percent or P3.789 trillion during the 10-month period. About P252.087 billion in cash allocations are still unused.
A higher NCA utilization rate shows the capacity of agencies to disburse their allocated funds on time and implement their programs and projects.
Based on the data, government departments were allotted P3.055 trillion in the first 10 months of the year, higher by 14.50 percent year-on-year from P2.668 trillion.
Of the amount, departments tapped P2.828 trillion or 93 percent, better than last year’s P2.461
trillion or 92 percent. There are P206.218 billion remaining to be used.
Among the agencies, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received the highest cash allocation worth P834.944 billion, followed by the Department of Education (DepEd) with P559.716 billion and the Department of National Defense (DND) with P276.062 billion.
The DPWH has utilized 94 percent of its cash allocation while DepEd and DND spending rate is at 93 percent and 96 percent, respectively.
Meanwhile, governmentowned and -controlled corporations (GOOCs) received P125.670 billion in cash allocations during the 10-month period, 21.44 percent lower than
the P156.815 billion disbursed last year. About P123.183 billion or 98 percent was used from January to October 2024, while there is still P2.487 billion left to be used by GOCCs.
Moreover, LGUs were allotted P869.414 billion, up by 11.81 per
five years.
For the Best News category, BM’s senior Senate reporter Butch Fernandez won second prize for his article, “Inefficiencies stunt growth of local corn sector–Villar.”
The first prize for the News category was won by Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas of the Philippine Star for his story, “CA ruling stops imports of Bt Talong, golden rice.” Louella Desiderio, also of the Star, bagged the third prize for the news category for her article, “Biz groups urge government to prioritize support for biotech crops.”
For the Features category, first prize went to the article “Stopping GMO crops may cause ‘more harm than good’—scientists” written by Jordeene Lagare and Kathleen De Villa of Philippine Daily Inquirer. Rainier Allan Ronda of the Philippine Star bagged second prize for his article “Scientists hit CA ruling vs Bt Eggplant, GMO”. The third prize winner of the same category was Alden Monzon for his article “Gov’t told: Genetically modified crops to feed population” published in the PDI.
In the Institutional category, which BM has ruled for five years, the Philippine Star received the second prize and PDI got the third prize. This year’s Board of Judges were composed of Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril, Technical Consultant of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute, Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of the DA- Biotechnology Program Office and Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita, Executive Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications Inc. and Director, Global Knowledge Center on Biotechnology.
EU-led 2-day education fair opens door for more Filipino students
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
STUDYING abroad is no longer just a dream for Filipino students, thanks to programs and opportunities offered by the European Union (EU).
T he EU-led European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) launched its two-day event on Friday, showcasing the EU’s commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and promoting quality education.
In an in terview with B usiness M irror , EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said that quality education will not just transform young Filipinos’ lives—but also the country’s situation as a whole.
“Quality education is fundamental because it’s only with quality education that you can generate the future of any country and any continent,” Santoro said.
F or years, the EU has opened doors to countless of Filipino scholars, granting access to world-class academic institutions and life-changing experiences.
T hrough the Erasmus+ program and other scholarship initiatives, Filipino students have pursued degrees and research endeavors in top universities across Europe.
T hese opportunities are presented in this year’s education fair at Robinsons Galleria, with an aim to guide aspiring scholars on their academic pathways.
F rom short-term exchange programs to full-degree scholarships, Filipino students are given a chance to explore the diverse
fields and cultural richness of Europe.
T he ambassador added that these education grants will also immerse scholars in Europe’s vibrant cultural landscape.
We allow Philippine students to go to the various European member states to gain better knowledge of their institutions and academic,” he explained, emphasizing that studying abroad go beyond building academic and professional expertise.
Giving back
WHILE these programs offer life-changing experiences, the EU reminded scholarship hopefuls to return to the Philippines and contribute to local development.
Santoro explained that international exposure can have a meaningful local impact, particularly in areas such as the digital economy, green initiatives, and heritage conservation.
“ Quality education means giving students the opportunity to go abroad, enrich themselves with new experiences, and return to their country enriched by those experiences,” the ambassador added.
Man y EU scholars have heeded this call, using their expertise to advance fields like public sector innovation and sustainable resource management.
B y aligning global insights with local needs, these returnees play a crucial role in uplifting their communities.
“It ’s up to the new generations to deal with digital and all the enormous dynamics that can come from digital development. So
Gatchalian seeks ₧79 million for scholarships of child devt workers
SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for an allocation of P79 million to provide scholarships for child development workers (CDWs) who have only completed high school.
Taking the floor to interpellate at the Senate’s plenar y session on the proposed budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Gatchalian said 11,414 out of 68,080 CDWs nationwide hold only a high school diploma.
To address this, Gatchalian proposed the allocation of P79 million to cover tuition and other school fees, stipend, book allowance, and certification and assessment fees for a National Certificate (NC) III course in early childhood education.
That funding will enable 2,854 of these CDWs to gain the necessary upskilling and reskilling opportunities to enhance their professional capabilities.
We want to, as much as possible, professionalize and upskill our CDWs. thank Tesda for coming up with this national certification, specifically for child development workers. Now we have to
start somewhere, and we are proposing to allocate P79 million for the scholarships of child development workers,” said Gatchalian, Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
G atchalian is also pushing for the upskilling of CDWs under the Basic Education and Early Childhood Care and Development Alignment Act (Senate Bill No. 2575), which seeks to achieve universal access to early childhood education. Under this bill, incumbent CDWs shall be required to complete mandatory upskilling and reskilling training programs on early childhood education or early childhood care and development (ECCD). Incumbent CDWs should also pass a certification from the Tesda, which shall provide the assessment and certification free of charge.
W hen the proposed measure is signed into law, the senator’s office estimates that the country needs an additional 161,143 CDWs to support 4.6 million children aged three to four. Butch Fernandez
again, quality education first for the wealth of any society,” Santoro said.
With its continued support, the EU has transformed the futures of over a thousand of Filipino students, empowering them to become changemakers who will bridge cultures and foster progress in both Europe and the Philippines.
From 2004 to 2020, the Philippines was among the top 10 countries with the most number of Erasmus+ scholars. This year ‘s EHEF showcases a total of 28 presentations, which are accessible both onsite and online. Interested participants may register for free at ehefphilippines. com.
House vows to reinstate ₧39-B AKAP in ’25 budget
PHL’s largest co-op, Korean firm ink MOU for PHL’s First Survival School
AMEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) was signed recently between ACDI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ACDI MPC), the largest cooperative in the country, and Safe Zone, a Korean company, at the Villamor Air Base Golf Club in Pasay City. The agreement marks a major milestone in the creation of the country’s first modern survival school.
Retir ed Major General Gilbert Llanto, chairman of ACDI MPC, and Mr. Park Gi Yong, representing Safe Zone, formalized the partnership. Under the agreement, ACDI MPC will allocate a portion of its properties in the Calabarzon region for the school’s construction, while Safe Zone will bring in investors to fund the school and complementary facilities, including hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other ventures. These initiatives aim to generate revenue for local government, ACDI MPC members, and the nation as a whole.
Llan to said that the survival school will cater to both Filipino and international students, focusing on training responders to manage disasters and emergencies effectively. This initiative will strengthen the Philippines’ disaster response capabilities while bolstering tourism.
Llan to underscored the project’s
importance in addressing the growing complexity of disasters exacerbated by climate change. The survival school will feature modern training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert personnel to meet these challenges.
T he development is envisioned as a mixed-use development project, integrating disaster preparedness with commercial opportunities. Discussions with local government units and relevant agencies will follow the MOU signing to secure necessary permits and operationalize the project.
T he facilities will also be made available to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local governments, ROTC cadets, and other organizations involved in disaster and emergency response, particularly in light of the potential for significant natural disasters, such as a magnitude 8 earthquake.
T his groundbreaking project provides a unique opportunity for the government to enhance disaster preparedness without allocating funds for construction, equipment, or training, as private investors will fully fund the initiative. Additionally, the survival school is anticipated to attract local and international tourists, contributing further to the country’s economic growth.
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
THE House of Representa -
tives is determined to reinstate the P39 billion Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), along with additional subsistence allowances for soldiers, in the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act, the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations said on Friday.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez directed Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co to ensure the restoration of AKAP funding during the forthcoming bicameral conference committee discussions.
Co said millions of struggling Filipinos depend on this critical financial support.
Amid concerns about AKAP’s possible discontinuation, Co reassured beneficiaries that the House contingent would fight for its preservation, highlighting its importance to 12 million low-income or near-poor families.
He said social welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Philippine Statistics Authority Usec. Dennis Mapa, both recognize AKAP’s significance.
“We can’t allow the administration’s most vital socialized program to disappear,” Co declared.
“Until these families earn at least P45,000 per person monthly, AKAP remains essential. If we can’t provide proper wages, this program is the right form of support to shield them from high prices and economic hardship.”
Launched to assist working Filipinos with insufficient incomes, AKAP provides one-time financial aid ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 to eligible beneficiaries. Since its inception, the program administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development has helped over 4 million Filipinos navigate difficult circumstances.
“Without AKAP, families living paycheck-to-paycheck will have no safety net for emergencies, such as
illness, death in the family, or natural disasters,” Co warned. He noted that recent aid distributions targeting mall workers across the country showcase widespread acceptance and support for the project.
Scrapped in Senate
CO expressed disappointment over the Senate’s decision to remove the P39-billion funding, which Senators Grace Poe and Imee Marcos proposed to scrap. The Bicolano solon revealed that AKAP had already disbursed 77.57 percent of its P26.7 billion allocation as of October 2024, benefiting 589,000 individuals in Metro Manila alone.
Co vowed to fight for the program’s reinstatement, underscoring its role in preventing vulnerable Filipinos from falling deeper into poverty. “Our people need AKAP now more than ever. We will not allow this essential program to be dismantled without a fight,” he said.
As budget deliberations continue, Co urged the Senate to reconsid -
er, stressing that sustaining AKAP is not only a moral responsibility but also an economic imperative to support struggling Filipinos and foster resilience. For his part, Romualdez affirmed what he called strong public support for the AKAP, reiterating the importance of maintaining the program in the 2025 budget, as it has become a lifeline for millions of Filipinos living on the edge of poverty.
In an ambush interview with the media during the Tabang Bikol— Tindog Oragon relief caravan and mini-Bagong Pilipinas Sebisyo Fair in Albay last Thursday, Romualdez encouraged senators to go to the grassroots and see how financial aid programs like the AKAP benefit many Filipino households. Earlier, Romualdez pledged the House of Representatives’ full support to secure the funding for AKAP in the 2025 budget, highlighting the program’s impact on more than 4 million “near poor” Filipinos nationwide.
House panel nixes VP Sara’s bid to stay with detained COS
HOUSE Committee on Good Governmen t and Public Accountability
Chairman Joel Chua denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s request to stay with her detained chief-of-staff, Atty. Zuleika Lopez, at the House of Representatives detention facility, describing the move as in defiance of established protocols.
T he denial, conveyed through an official letter, followed Duterte’s unprecedented move to remain overnight at the facility, shunning pleas and requests from the House
Sergeant-At-Arms for her not to stay at the House detention facilities.
After visiting Lopez, the vice president had gone to the office of her brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, who on Friday wrote the House leadership to say he has given her permission to use his officie for as long as she needed to, so she can be close to her aide.
In her initial letter, Vice President Duterte appealed to Chua on humanitarian grounds, citing Lopez’s health and well-being.
“F or humanitarian reasons, I request for consideration of her situation,” Duterte wrote, listing six circumstances, including Lopez’s chronic back problems, nausea and fears for her safety.
Duterte claimed, “She has requested me to join her so she may have peace of mind and get adequate rest.”
Chua, however, rejected the request, citing the strict guidelines of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).
“In as much as this humble representation would like to accommodate your request, we are constrained to abide by the guidelines of the Office of the Sergeant-atArms (OSAA),” Chua replied, stressing that the facility was exclusively for detainees.
The rejection letter emphasized the House’s adherence to protocol and clarified that Duterte could still visit Lopez during allowable hours.
“However, you may visit her during the period allowable under the OSAA guidelines,” Chua added.
He concluded by urging Duterte to comply with the rules, stating, “Please be guided accordingly.”
Despite the clear denial, Duterte responded with yet another letter, stating her intent to visit Lopez daily.
“I would like to inform you in advance that I intend to visit Atty. Lopez daily, for
the full period of her detention, within the bounds of the guidelines pertaining to persons under custody of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA),” Duterte said in a succeedng letter.
The Vice President’s actions drew criticism, particularly after she spent the night at the House detention facility following Lopez’s detention during a heated congressional hearing.
Critics have labeled the move as a blatant display of defiance against established legislative protocols and questioned her motivations.
Observers noted that Duterte’s request to accompany Lopez was unprecedented for a sitting vice president and raised concerns about potential overreach.
“Per the guidelines, the facility is for detainees, and the Committee has not ordered for your detention,” Chua reminded Duterte. The controversy surrounding Duterte’s actions has sparked debates over her use of the Vice President’s office to influence proceedings. Many have accused her of leveraging her position to circumvent procedures and exert pressure on lawmakers. Her persistence in seeking access to Lopez, despite being denied, has been labeled by some as an attempt to undermine the Blue Ribbon Committee’s authority.
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
www.businessmirror.com.ph
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Nonagenarians in Surigao City get cash incentives from provincial government
By Alexander Lopez
UTUAN CITY—At least 107
Bsenior citizens aged 90 to 99 in Surigao City received Nonagenarian Cash Incentives from Surigao del Norte’s provincial government during a distribution event on Friday.
The activity, held at the City Cultural Center, was led by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers and Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II. Each beneficiary received P25,000, with the total distributed cash incentives amounting to P2,675,000.
“Reaching such ages is already a blessing,” Barbers said in a statement after the event. He emphasized that the incentives aim to help senior citizens with their medical and nutritional needs.
Solon pushes for free vaccines for senior citizens nationwide
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
ApArty-list lawmaker has introduced legislation to provide free vaccines against infectious diseases to all senior citizens in the country.
Health (DOH).
“We Filipinos greatly value our grandparents and parents who cared for and raised us. In their old age, we wish to care for them and give them appropriate attention,” Lee said. Lee said senior citizens are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases due to weakened immune systems.
“The provincial government is committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable sectors, especially the elderly,” he added. Clarita, who accompanied her 92-year-old grandmother to the event, was thankful for the assistance.
medication. This cash assistance is a huge help,” she said.
“At her age, my grandmother requires help with walking and regular
Surigao City Mayor Dumlao also extended his gratitude to the provincial government for its continuous support of senior citizens in the city and the province. PNA
Eli Lilly Alzheimer’s medicine rejected for National Health Service use in UK
By Ashleigh Furlong
ELI LILLY & Co’s Alzheimer’s drug won’t be made available for patients using England’s National Health Service, after the drug cost regulator deemed its benefits were too small to justify the price. It marks the second such rejection in the UK for an Alzheimer’s treatment, after Eisai Co. and Biogen Inc.’s drug met the same fate earlier this year.
Eli Lilly’s drug, donanemab, was approved by the UK’s medicines authority on Wednesday. However, draft guidance issued Wednesday by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which assesses the costeffectiveness of new drugs, said the price of the medicine and the
intensive monitoring needed outweighed the relatively small benefit it would provide to patients. It decided the drug was not good value for the taxpayer.
Clinical trials showed that donanemab slowed Alzheimer’s disease progression by four to seven months.
“The cost-effectiveness estimate for donanemab is five to six times above what NICE normally considers an acceptable use of NHS resources,” Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said in a statement.
Similarly Eisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s treatment lecanemab is approved for use in the UK but NICE also declined to endorse the drug.
Both medicines are the first two drugs shown to slow the progression
of Alzheimer’s and are infusions that remove toxic amyloid from the brains of affected patients.
The drugs only modestly slow the disease and are approved only for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s, a minority of the total patient population with the illness. Side effects of both include brain swelling and brain bleeding, meaning that close monitoring of patients is needed, including regular brain scans.
The decision was “disheartening,” said Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s Society. Carragher said with diseases like cancer, treatments have become more effective, safer and cheaper over time.
“We hope to see similar progress in dementia.” Bloomberg
Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee filed House Bill No. 11055, known as the proposed Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act. The measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which limits free vaccinations to the indigent seniors. Under Lee’s proposal, senior citizens will receive free immunization not only for influenza and pneumococcal disease but also for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases as deemed necessary by the Department of
Free concerts in tiny spaces: The democratization of music
THANKS to digital technolo gy, the global democratization of music, or at least music concerts, is happening, going by the definition of making something available to all people. Now everyone can watch a virtual “pocket concert” or “desk concert,” which is one of the hottest trends on streaming platforms.
I follow a certain Josh Turner on YouTube who does musical performances, with a fellow musician or two, using personally owned electric guitars for accompaniment. He does it in his living room or a makeshift studio, sometimes in a patio, a park, at the beach or even in a cramped recreational vehicle. He does covers of classic folk songs including some of my favorites, and from time to time he regales audiences with an original composition of his. His renditions are so raw, natural, casual and infectious, that in one instance, he even makes a mistake on his banjo plucking (which is rare) in the opening notes of “Mama Mia.” But who cares? My wife who is a retired concert pianist and musically hard to please also likes him. That’s why we are one of his YouTube channel subscribers, which, as of last count,
By Nick Tayag
now are pegged at 732,000. Belarmino, my wife’s former student, now in his 70s, is an accomplished multi-instrumental player. He plays all instruments and has a knack for overlay digital mixing using his own professional quality editing equipment. He sends his recordings to his FB friends and everyone thinks they are just awesome. He deserves to have his own YouTube channel.
I’m very sure there are other music performers out there who are into this emerging type of pocket concerts. Amateurs, semi-professionals, music students, retired musicians, they all have one thing in common: a genuine passion for music. Who needs talent managers and impresarios when you can make yourself be heard directly by music lovers around the world? A really good instrumental or vocal performer can just do his thing and get watched by millions of viewers. All one needs is enough space, a few musical instruments, a sharp camera and good audio system. No need for big arenas, no need for sophisticated light and systems, as well as big screens.
As musically inclined audiences around the world are embracing
this novel format, it is now attracting superstars such as Taylor Swift and BTS as well as up-and-coming entertainers. Now fans can hear their music in a new way. It is also used by musicians and bands with concentrated fan bases and who are generally not mainstream.
I remember as early as 1983, Steve Jobs was already predicting a time when everyone would have
point in the use of digital technology for the benefit of humankind.
Of course, there’s nothing like a live concert in an arena, colosseum or an auditorium in front of thousands of screaming fans. But for an ordinary individual gifted with an extraordinary musical talent, that’s out of his realm of possibility and feasibility. So why deny the undiscovered new Nora Aunor
his own personal computer and said: “We will all be connected through the computer.”
Laptops, tablets, smartTVs, smartphones are now a source of recreation for millions of people, whether it’s watching movies and TV, playing games, or messaging friends. As Jobs envisioned: “The important thing is you have to have faith in people, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”
Wonderful things like giving musical concerts in tiny spaces, which to me marks another inflection
and Basil Valdez the opportunity to showcase their individual gifts, why make them wait to be discovered by a company that will only skim off their talent fees?
But while many might have the intense desire to perform, not all will have the talent that is equal to their passion. I’m sure, the Internet will be swamped with the good, the bad, and the terrible. “Let a hundred flowers bloom” is a motto I picked up from Mao’s little red book. In the same way, let a million talents perform and make music.
Let’s all watch them and let
the click buttons do the judging.
The online engagement statistics should separate the watchable and unwatchable. They could serve as guide to audiences. Equally important, let them collect what is due them for their efforts. It’s only fair and square. This is akin to an honor-system cash box in front of a student violinist at the mall or a lone crooner at the park entertaining us with good music.
That’s the essence of the democratization of music—equal opportunity, equal access, freedom to like or unlike.
This cultural trend must be welcomed and encouraged. Let us use this platform or format to discover and bring out gifted native musical performers out of their burrows in remote villages and towns. It’s a window that will enable our cultural agencies to spot diamonds in the rough, a budding Cecile Licad or Raul Sunico out there in the boondocks.
Too many genuine talented individuals and would be prodigies are being undiscovered and passed by fame because they were not given a platform to shine, to perform. Our world streaming platforms now makes it easy for everybody to set up a live stream in the tiniest spaces.
At the same time, this format breaks down the walls of elite and formal concert venues such as CCP or Metropolitan Theater because we can now bring classical music, performed by seasoned musicians or music students to where the people are. Music virtuosos can now perform in a tiny space and allow families of farmers, market ven-
“Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects for older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. Kaya napakahalaga ng bakuna para maiwasan ang mga sakit, lalo na kung gagawin itong libre at mas accessible para sa lahat ng ating senior citizens,” he said. Lee added that vaccines are crucial for preventing diseases among the elderly, especially if they are made free and more accessible to all senior citizens nationwide.
Lee also highlighted the economic burden of healthcare on seniors, many of whom fear falling ill due to their inability to afford treatment or hospitalization.
“Our citizens, especially seniors, often worry about getting sick because they don’t want to be a burden on their families, given the high costs of medicine and hospital care. As a result, many let their illnesses persist without seeking check-ups, almost as if waiting for their time,” he said. Lee said the proposed free vaccination for all senior citizens is in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which promotes free treatment and medicine for all Filipinos.
“The bill aligns with the government’s broader commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the elderly, promoting their right to healthcare, and ensuring that they live healthier, longer lives,” Lee said. PNA
dors, fishermen, transport drivers to relish the kind of uplifting music they would only hear and enjoy if they come to CCP or elite venues. There are no spatial boundaries. An online pocket concert has the potential for a theoretically unlimited audience. The geographical position of the show becomes irrelevant. An artist in Pampanga or Kidapawan can reach a worldwide audience. He can play for and grow a global fan base.
The intimate setting offers a welcoming and comfortable space that allows a musician to try things that may not be heard anywhere else. They become more daring and inventive in reworking old material and offering audiences with a new material that a conventional closeminded producer would nix at the recording studio.
Beyond the music is the sense of sharing a communal space with people around the world. Watching Joshua Turner is like being in his home. Intimate is the only word to describe it. We get the feeling that we are family, that we are deeply connected somehow. This is why I hope that more and more people would embrace the personal, yet pared down, experience a tiny room concert offers.
Maybe in the future, we can expand the use of the tiny space platform to include spoken poetry or performance art, or doing monologue excerpts from plays, or standup comedy, whatever. So musicians of the world come out from wherever you are. We’re ready when you are. Let the concert begin.
A senior citizen gets vaccinated in this october 16, 2023 photo. Agri Party-list rep. Wilbert Lee on november 14, 2024, said he filed House Bill no. 11055, which seeks to provide free vaccines against infectious diseases to all senior citizens in the country. Photo courtesy of PIo surIgao c t y
Education Dept. & Swiss Embassy lead ‘Day of the Future’ 2.0 in PHL
THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Embassy of Switzerland marked the second edition of the “Day of the Future”—an initiative empowering local students to explore diverse career paths and engage with leaders from various industries.
The Day of the Future is a traditional event in Switzerland where students experience hands-on exposure to various career opportunities, immersing them in real-world professional environments. After last year’s successful inaugural launch, the Swiss Embassy, in collaboration with the DepEd, once again hosted young Filipino learners from across the country at Swiss companies in the Philippines.
The program on November 14 provided students from both elementary and high schools with unique access to workplace settings, which gave them an opportunity to engage in on-the-job activities.
During the press conference, Sec. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing educational systems and workforce readiness, as he commended the Swiss Embassy’s dedication to expanding career
T.I.P. hurdles
Asean univ. network QA assessment
THE Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) recently passed the Asean University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Institutional A ssessment, making it now only the third higher education institution (HEI) in the Philippines t o have been granted the honorable assessment. M oreover, the milestone placed T.I.P. as the 10th overall to successfully pass the AUN-QA institutional assessment in the entire Southeast Asian region.
Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, president of T.I.P., noted that the institutional achievement will play a pivotal role in delivering a holistic and high-quality student experience. She said that “handin-hand with our most recent three-year renewal of the Autonomous Grant from the Commission on Higher Education, [the a ssessment amplifies our goal to become] a global and national standard of excellence.”
She thanked the T.I.P. community for its unwavering support and dedication to the institution, as well as its members f or facing the challenges that translate these successes into better and more value-adding student outcomes.
The AUN-QA team conducted its week-long assessment at T.I.P. Quezon City and Manila from September 2 to 6, 2024.
On top of the institutional assessment, T.I.P. also has 20 academic programs assessed by the AUN-QA. These include its architecture, accountancy, business administration and teacher education, as well as a number of its engineering, computing and graduate courses.
Rizal Raoul S.
Reyes
awareness among Filipino students.
Chargé d’Affaires Céline Fürst echoed these sentiments, as she underscored Switzerland’s commitment to vocational training, apprenticeships and initiatives that cultivate career preparedness among students.
The event also tackled inclusivity in education, with Swiss company leaders emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for high-school graduates, supporting them with relevant on-the-job training and skill-building.
“Labor market information is crucial,” noted Angara, as he emphasized the need to streamline the senior high-school curriculum to allow more time for on-the-job training and immersive work experiences.
Fürst expressed the Swiss Embassy’s interest in expanding Day of the Future to support this vision, as she reiterated the Swiss
Cultural Fund’s vital role in the program and expressing openness to future collaboration with Philippine firms.
Panelists in the event’s press conference also highlighted the critical roles of sustainability, inclusivity and their commitment to fostering young minds and developing the skills of Filipino youth. Many of the participating Swiss companies, with decadeslong presence in the Philippines, have established strong partnerships with local schools and youth organizations across various industries.
Returning participants in the Day of the Future shared ways the program’s first edition in 2023 helped them build meaningful connections with nearby schools, as they underscored the lasting positive impact this initiative has created for both their companies
and local communities.
This year, nine Swiss companies hosted more than 350 students and their teachers nationwide. They promoted career exploration with an emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability in the workplace.
For the embassy, the initiative continues its mission in inspiring Filipino students, encouraging them to envision successful futures across sectors while equipping them with tools and insights needed for informed career choices.
As Day of the Future grows in influence, the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss Cultural Fund look forward to building on this year’s success by further strengthening partnerships with the Education Department and local institutions to create a lasting impact on Filipino youth.
Endless ripples of positive change
FOR more than three decades, the SM Foundation has been empowering countless aspiring youth through its scholarship program. What began as a vision of SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr. to uplift communities through education has now grown into a powerful force for positive change.
Nurtured by the SM Foundation’s commitment to both academic excellence and personal growth, its scholars are driven by a deep sense of purpose. They do not only excel in their studies, but also seek to uplift their families and communities.
Raised in a bustling urban poor community in Cebu, SM scholar Darmae Tan dreamt of a better life for herself and her family. Despite financial challenges, she excelled academically after attending a private Catholic elementary school through a full tuition waiver, then later gaining admission to a national science high school.
Her strong will led her to the SM Foundation College Scholarship program despite societal pressures surrounding women pursuing higher education at that time. This supported her education at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. Free from the burden of working while studying, she was able to fully engage in co-curricular activities, as she honed her skills and developed her leadership potential.
“My success would not have been possible without the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program,” shared Tan. “My experience as a recipient…shaped my personal and professional values, as well as instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. This has been a driving force in my endeavors after graduating college.”
Today, she is a successful technopreneur who co-founded MYT SoftDev Solutions: a software company focused on Filipino tal -
ent and innovation. The company established the MYT Foundation, which financially supports highschool and college scholars, as well as student-athletes.
Tan also manages ErrandBoy. Ph: a courier service established during the pandemic to empower displaced workers.
“Aside from my entrepreneurial work, I am also a lecturer in UP-Cebu, teaching Software Engineering and Management of Information Systems courses,” she said. “I continue to be passionate about the pursuit of knowledge and the value of education and created an internship program in my company called Module Zero to mentor younger generations who want to start a career or business in information technology.”
Scholar now a pilot COMING from a humble background, a college degree seemed out of reach for Edjil Lopez. However, the scholarship program became his “wings” that allowed him t o pursue his dream of finishing college and pursuing other endeavors, such as becoming a pilot in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Lopez’s time as an SM scholar provided the financial stability and focus he needed to excel in his studies and personal development. His scholarship instilled in
him the values of perseverance, resilience and commitment to excellence, which continue to shape his approach to life and service.
Today, he serves as an instructor pilot at the PAF Flying School. He finds immense fulfillment in shaping future pilots by imparting technical skills and character traits needed to navigate a challenging career.
“This process of mentorship feels like a natural extension of my duty to serve. It’s as if all my experiences—from my humble beginnings as an SM scholar to my missions as a military pilot— have converged to this point,” the airman shared. “My journey has allowed me to give back in one of the most meaningful ways possible, and helped me ensure that the values and dedication that defined my path to success will continue to soar with each new generation of pilots.”
SM Foundation continually paves the way for aspiring youth with its education program, welcoming each year’s graduates as they embark on new futures for themselves and their families while becoming agents of change. This year, it will introduce a new class of graduates ready to build brighter futures and drive positive change in their communities, just like Tan and Lopez.
AMEMORANDUM of agreement (MOA) was signed between De La Salle University (DLSU) and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) that will strengthen academic collaboration and spearhead a policy center dedicated to localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ceremonial signing, held on November 13, formalized both the general memorandum of agreement (MOA) and the initiative to create the said center in Iloilo, which will drive research and community engagement focused on sustainable development and fisheries science.
Dr. Robert Roleda who is DLSU’s provost and Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. who is ISUFST’s president represented their respective institutions at the signing. Dr. Siason highlighted the collaboration’s transformative potential, as he noted that “this partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting knowledge-sharing and collaborative research in fisheries, agriculture, management, education and technology which will have a long-term impact on both institutions and the communities they serve.”
He emphasized that the policy center would play a pivotal role in bringing research-driven, sustainable practices to communities
THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has reaffirmed the autonomous status of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Through CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) 7, Series of 2024, the three-year autonomous status was based on the college’s “Commitment to Program Excellence; Excellence in Instruction, Scholarly Works, and Community Engagements; and Institutional Quality and Excellence.”
Prerequisites such as permits, government recognitions or authorizations for all programs, operational structure for institutional quality assurance, existing tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation, as well as minimum faculty qualifications played significant roles in the recognition. These are in-line with the CMO 46, Series of 2012, which aims to enhance quality assurance in Philippine higher education through outcomes-based and typology-based frameworks.
CHED chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III cited curriculum alignment with industry demands, global linkages and engagements, performance in professional board examinations, employability rates, among others, serve as standards.
“New guidelines include global partnerships and international engagement with top universities all over the world,” de Vera
outside Metro Manila.
The event was attended by key figures, including ISUFST’s Research and Development director Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, Gender and Development director Dr. Lenirose Mondero and legal counsel Atty. Joey Mondero, as well as DLSU’s Dr. Franciso Magno, Dr. Jason Hecita, and Prof. Eddie Nuque, as they underscored the broad support for the initiative.
Another first for ISUFST, the UN SDG Policy Center, grounded in mutual objectives of academic excellence and research innovation, will not only support SDGaligned policy but will also facilitate future projects, joint research endeavors and faculty-student exchanges that will reinforce both universities’ commitment to impactful, community-focused education and development. By establishing the policy center, ISUFST and DLSU seek to localize the UN SDG 17’s principle of “Partnership for the Goals,” creating a model for sustainable and localized SDG initiatives across the country. This collaboration aligns with ISUFST’s vision of extending its academic reach and DLSU’s mission to foster transformative, socially relevant education, paving the way for enhanced contributions to the scientific and educational landscapes nationwide.
By Herman Lagon/PAMMCO
stated. “As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, CHED will ensure that Philippine [higher education institutions] remain competitive on both national and global scales.” He explained that “the 77 autonomous private universities represent the best of the best among our higher educational institutions, producing worldclass graduates and are included in international rankings.”
Benilde president Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC shared the good news with the community through a memorandum.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the innovative and excellent quality of education and commitment to academic excellence that we, as a Benildean community, have been known for,” Br. Fernandez stated. “The Autonomous Status granted to Benilde means that the school has met the high standards set by CHED in terms of academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student achievement.”
“It empowers us further to innovate and enhance our programs and our teaching methodologies in order to continue fostering an environment where students feel empowered, supported and valued,” he further noted. “Together, we will continue to make strides in education that inspire not only ourselves, but also those around us.”
Editor: Mike Policarpio
SEC. Sonny Angara (right) and CDA Céline Fürst
FORMER SM Foundation scholars Darmae Tan (left photo) and Maj. Edjil Lopez
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
USING CARDS AND E-WALLETS WHEN OVERSEAS?
Read this before making travel plans
Gone are the days when we had to go through the mad rush of purchasing US Dollars and sourcing smaller denominations before leaving the Philippines. While carrying cash is still a must to cover for incidentals and emergencies, using credit and debit cards and mobile wallets have made it so much easier to pay for almost everything while abroad.
But what if—after coming back from your travels, you are alerted by your bank over transactions that you’re sure you didn’t make?
That’s what happened to me and two other friends. We had cards issued by three different Philippine banks and had been to three different countries where we used our cards to pay for purchases at reputable establishments (in my case I used my card at the airport). Days after arriving home, we were charged the same amount multiple times in two to three-minute intervals a span of 20 to 30 minutes by a certain “apple.com / itunes” based in Cork, Ireland.
To be fair, our respective banks alerted us through email and text messages. Upon seeing these, we immediately called our respective banks.
This is how we discovered we had been victims of card fraud.
Whether it’s a credit, electronic, debit or prepaid card, fraud is on the rise worldwide. There are over 26 billion payment cards worldwide—less than one percent of this number issued in the Philippines. In many countries,
at least 30 percent of cardholders were hit with fraudulent transactions and losses from card fraud are in the tens of millions of dollars.
Wanting to understand what happened and how to deal with this situation, I reached out to Scam Watch Pilipinas—the national citizen arm of the Philippine government in educating Filipinos against cyber fraud; experts from a Philippine bank; and the Credit Card Association of the Philippines.
I’m sharing what I learned because I’m sure my friends and I are not alone. There are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of other cardholders in the Philippines who were also hit by the card fraud roulette game.
“Your card details were compromised and your card information (number, expiry, CVV) stolen. This could have happened through the Merchant where you used your credit card,” explained Scam Watch Pilipinas. “Fraudsters could have then used your card information for online transactions. ‘Apple.com’ is a legitimate merchant but fraudsters often use it as a gateway for unauthorized
transactions. Other common entities used for fraudulent charges include major online retailers, digital platforms, or subscription services like Amazon, Google Play, and Netflix.”
“These kinds of spurious charges occur when your card is used in an unsecured (non 3-D Secure) transaction. Unfortunately, Apple is a not a 3-DS online merchant and is often the target of fraudsters. To counter this, most credit card issuers employ sophisticated fraud monitoring systems that are able to detect unusual activities and alert the cardholder in order to prevent further losses,” added Alex Ilagan, Executive Director of the Credit Card Association of the Philippines.
Experts from a Philippine bank note that there are indeed countries in higher risk of card fraud due to less secure payment network, weak security infrastructure and economic instability. But that doesn’t mean the card was compromised overseas.
“We really cannot confirm with certainty that your credit card information was compromised in one of these foreign establishments because these are sometimes used many months after being stolen. It could have been a coincidental occurrence. Most physical merchants using point-of-sale (POS) terminals are safe for card use. In most countries, the rule-of-thumb
When plans fail, adventure finds you
Story & photos by John Eiron R. Francisco
How far are you willing to go with your sense of spontaneity?
The kind that leads you to places you never planned to visit, with no clear idea of how to end your journey, but somehow you find your way.
The type that leaves you uncertain about how far your budget will stretch, yet you manage to make it work. You might not know what kind of memories await, but you end up with moments of joy and laughter.
It's when you want to travel but can't afford an exclusive tour, so you opt for a group tour with strangers, and those strangers end up becoming part of the highlight of your journey. These are the moments that make exploring and stepping into the unknown so fulfilling—the moments that remind you how rewarding it can be to embrace the unplanned and unexpected.
Budget-Friendly Discovery
As the year nears its end, I found myself venturing to one of the far corners of North Luzon—Ilocos Norte. But before reaching this province, I had already made my way through its neighboring Ilocos s u r, which was a fourto five-hour drive away.
The trip was initially focused on a work commitment and my duties as a youth volunteer. My plans were simple: stay in Ilocos s u r, explore the historic Calle Crisologo, and savor local delicacies, like the large, orangehued Vigan empanada and longganisa.
w h ile strolling down the iconic street, I encountered numerous vendors lining the sides, offering local goods, while tour guides pitched exclusive tours to tourists.
At first, I hesitated to consider their offers, as my budget didn’t include any additional sightseeing beyond my planned activities.
But later, as I walked back to my hotel just a block away, something struck me. Travel in the northern part of the country isn’t exactly cheap—accommodations, food, transportation, and all the little expenses add up quickly. Yet, here I was, so close to Ilocos Norte, a place brimming with historical sites, natural wonders, and adventure—all the things I loved, but which often felt out of reach due to my limited budget.
Being so close to Ilocos Norte, just a few hours away, made me think it was the perfect moment to go for it. Besides, arranging a tour here would be much more practical than heading back to Manila only to plan another trip later.
w i th that in mind, decided to return to the tour guide, Joe, and take a leap of faith.
However, I explained that I couldn’t afford to rent the entire van just for myself. I told him that if he could find others who were also up for a spontaneous trip, I’d be happy to join. It would be my first time traveling with strangers.
To my surprise, Joe called me back and said they had found others willing to travel north as well. I was thrilled—not only had my expenses been reduced, but I would also get to experience a journey I had only seen online. It might sound a bit unusual, but that’s how it turned out.
Journey of Strangers and Stories in Ilocos Norte
Before sunrise, the tour van, along with the tour guide, was already waiting in front of the hotel where I had been staying for a few days. I had asked the hotel to prepare an early breakfast for me, and thankfully, they accommodated my request.
And so, our journey toward Ilocos Norte began. casually greeted the two unfamiliar faces in the van, only to later learn they were a couple. Along with this couple, there was another new friend I had met through volunteer work. In total, there were four of us—strangers to each other—setting off on a full-day adventure.
At first, I thought there might be some awkwardness throughout the trip since we didn’t know each other, but then I realized that if you dwell on the idea of awkwardness, it will only make things more uncomfortable. s o, being the talkative one in the group, I took the initiative to know their names, and before long, everyone was comfortable enough to share their travel stories.
o n o ur journey, we explored several iconic tourist spots in Ilocos Norte. f i rst, the famous arc that warmly welcomes visitors as they enter the province. we m arveled at the UN es C o wo rld Heritage s i te, the Paoay Church, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture.
Next, we visited the Malacañang of the North, a presidential museum in Paoay that once served as the residence of the Marcos family in the province during f er dinand
is for the cardholder to complete the transaction by dipping into or tapping the contactless card on the POS terminal,” Ilagan added.
When you are alerted that a charge has been made on your card, DO NOT IGNORE the message and take these next steps:
1. Check the charge – it might be a subscription you forgot about, a holder of an extension card making a purchase, or a purchase wherein the merchant’s name is different from the corporate or business name
2. Call your bank – If the charge is strange, report it immediately and have your card blocked. Often, the bank will replace the card to prevent further transaction attempts. Note that it takes at least five days to get a new card.
3. For online scam victims, call the 1326 hotline of the Department of Information And Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center
If the spurious charges go through—and you will see this in your Statement of Account (SOA), you MUST IMMEDIATELY DISPUTE THE CHARGES.
“The cardholder has the right to dispute any transaction that he/she did not make,” Ilagan noted. Bank experts stress that a formal dispute
must be lodged with the bank. This will entail filling up a document that will be emailed after the contacting the bank. Scam Watch Pilipinas added that cardholders might also need to “provide evidence to prove which charges are legitimate.” These include the charge slips, receipts and transaction records. For credit cards, you are not required to pay for disputed charges during the course of the investigation BUT YOU MUST PAY for the legitimate purchases to avoid penalties on those amounts.
A dispute investigation will take at least 30 to 45 days. During this time, a new SOA would have been generated showing that you have an unpaid balance. You might also get emails and texts reminding you to pay.
“Depending on the nature of the dispute, the bank may post temporary credits or reversals, preventing interest and penalties from accumulating,” said the bank experts.
However, Ilagan pointed out that, “if the investigation shows that the cardholder is found to be at fault or was negligent (e.g. shared card details with another person, or did not immediately report a lost/stolen card), the credited amount will be reversed and will have to be paid.”
So, is it still safe to use cards while traveling?
“For as long as the cardholder takes
care not to lose sight of the card when taken by a merchant employee,” advised Ilagan, “We always advice cardholders to treat their credit cards like cash by keeping it in a secure place like a wallet. Confidential information like card number, expiry date, CVV code and OTP should never be shared with other people. You should also never allow another person to use it because everything charged to your credit card is your obligation regardless of whoever used it.” And before tapping or inserting your card anywhere, here are some other tips from bank experts: n Check that the POS terminal is tamper-free n Use cards only at reputable, wellreviewed businesses n Avoid using cards
Investment app bridges gap between complex investment concepts and the everyday investor
DRAGONFI’S goal is to become the investment super app of the Philippines.
“I think we are resonating because we saw the pain point of the typical Filipino investor. There is a knowledge gap that prevents Filipino investors from getting into the stock market. There is very little opportunity for the more knowledgable investor who makes informed business decisions. That’s where we come in,” said DragonFi CEO and co-founder Jon Carlo Lim. DragonFi Securities Inc. is a web and mobile trading platform backed by DoubleDragon founders Tony Tan Caktiong and Edgar Injap Sia III.
What makes DragonFi unique is that it bridges the gap between complex investment concepts and the everyday investor, making the world of investing not just accessible but also enriching for all. DragonFi was launched in May 2023 as a desktop app with the mobile counterpart hitting the App Store and Google Play in April 2024. It is committed to enhancing the investing experience for Filipinos, promoting financial literacy, and fostering a culture of investment in the country.
“DragonFi is really the fastest growing broker in the country. Right now, we are at 24,000 accounts. Imagine that, in less than a year. In the wallet space, people like to say they have 500,000 accounts but how many of those are active? With DragonFi, all 24,000 are active accounts,” said Lim.
The mobile app allows users to manage a diverse portfolio ranging from Philippine stocks to global funds through a single and intuitive platform.
“If you look at DragonFi, you’ll see that we really created a modern UI/UX [user experience design/user interface design]. Most of the platforms, the interface
is really from the early 2000s. It’s really Web 1.0. We felt that discouraged many from investing in the Philippine market,” said Lim. DragonFi is focused on community-based investing where new investors can learn from seasoned ones and emulate the way they manage their portfolio. As a technology-based app, it also focuses on real-time analytics and the substance behind business decisions. “The interface is really loaded. It’s information and content driven. A lot of it is user-generated content,” said Lim. “If you don’t know anything about investing, DragonFi has the Creators Circle. These creators are the top literacy creators in the Philippines. We host their content.”
Cathryn Ann Lao is the chief technology officer and co-founder of DragonFi. She has helped engineer the app to offer an unparalleled investing experience
tailored to the preferences and behaviors of investors.
Among features of the DragonFi mobile app include:
■ All Your Investments in One Place: Manage a diverse portfolio ranging from Philippine stocks to global funds through a single, intuitive platform.
■ Creators Circle: A pioneering feature that connects users with leading financial literacy creators, providing content that demystifies investing and personal finance.
■ Stay Informed, Stay Ahead: From news to disclosures, to fundamental and technical data, the new DragonFi app is here to help you become a more informed investor.
■ Investing Club: Follow the DragonFi Research Team and learn as it manages a dividend growth portfolio. ■
Asticom, AI Rudder unite to transform customer experience in PHL
ASTICOM Technology Inc., a digitalfirst shared services and outsourcing provider, has partnered with AI Rudder, a global pioneer in voice AI technology, to reshape customer experiences across multiple industries in the country.
This strategic alliance aims to elevate customer service for Filipino businesses, offering efficient, personalized and seamless customer interactions through the power of advanced AI solutions.
The partnership brings AI Rudder’s advanced voice AI technology into Asticom’s service portfolio, empowering businesses across banking, fintech, e-commerce, logistics and more to accelerate digital transformation.
By streamlining routine customer interactions, the technology allows agents to focus on complex cases, while its natural language capabilities facilitate near-human, two-way conversations that set a new standard for customer engagement.
This enables Asticom’s enterprise clients to reduce customer wait times, optimize workflows, and deliver consistently high-quality customer care.
“Our partnership with AI Rudder allows us to harness the transformative power of AI to redefine the customer experience, making it more efficient and more human simultaneously,” shared Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, president and CEO of Asticom. “This is all part of our vision
to contribute to the country’s economic growth and support businesses in their journey toward digital transformation.”
“AI Rudder is thrilled to partner with Asticom, providing its customers with a digital-first shared services and outsourcing solution that harnesses AI Rudder’s customercentric technology to revolutionize
customer interactions. By sourcing top-tier talent and deploying AIdriven solutions for customer engagement, this collaboration aims to optimize operations, elevate customer experience, and transform customer service across various industries, including banking, fintech, e-commerce, and logistics,” shared AI Rudder founder and CEO Teng Ren.
Both companies are united in their goal to drive innovation and empower businesses to deliver exceptional customer service that meets the evolving demands of today’s digital environment.
The collaboration also underscores Asticom’s commitment to strengthening Philippine industries and contributing to national economic growth. By leveraging AI Rudder’s technology, Asticom enhances its ability to support Filipino businesses in creating more responsive, accessible and efficient customer service models.
More information about Asticom’s innovative service offerings are available at www.asticom.com.ph. For AI Rudder’s AI-driven customer service solutions, check out www.airudder.com.
Converge, Netflix roll out new bundle
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
internet speeds of Converge FiberX and headlined by the vast entertainment options of Netflix.
During a launch event held in Pasay City, Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy underscored the significance of the newfound collaboration and the benefits that the new bundle now presents to customers of the two companies.
Furthermore, Uy highlighted
“With the partnership, if you subscribe to Netflix, we give you more bandwidth in order to accommodate more users and more gadgets. So, you have a better quality of experience. This is in line with our direction to provide customers with digital experiences that go beyond connectivity. This is in line with our motto to ‘Leave No One Behind’, as we see more and more Filipinos consume entertainment content at a level not seen before,” shared Uy.
“This new partnership is headlined by the Converge Netflix Bundle which will set new standards for connectivity, innovation and entertainment,” added Converge executive vice president and chief commercial officer Benjamin B. Azada.
“We look forward to the remarkable experience this new product and collaboration will deliver, in our quest to build out an amazing digital experience,” he added. Orange Ramirez, vice president and brand and marketing head of Converge, also touched on how the new partnership is delivering both entertainment and connectivity to customers.
“Our new collaboration with Netflix opens a new world of possibilities for our customers, ensuring that they are not only connected but also captivated,” she shared.
Gaurav Pradhan, Netflix’s business development director for Emerging Asia, said the partnership is going to deliver value new entertainment choices to the local market. “Netflix continues to offer more customer choices through partnerships in the Philippines. With Converge, we are able to deliver valuable and uninterrupted entertainment options to our consumers. We are optimistic that this partnership will bring the best entertainment choices to more Philippine households.”
The new Converge Netflix Bundle starts at P1,798 per month, inclusive of a Converge FiberX plan with boosted speeds of 325 Mbps, a Wi-Fi 6 modem, a Converge Xperience Box, and a Basic Netflix subscription that can support one HD stream at a time.
Customers can avail themselves of more premium bundles that can support multiple devices streaming at the same time and offer additional speed boosts of up to 200 Mbps.
For new customers who want to avail of a Standard Netflix subscription that can support two concurrent streams and full HD streaming, the bundle is priced at P1,998 per month. This would also be inclusive of the Wi-Fi 6 modem, Converge Xperience Box, while the FiberX plan will be boosted to 350 Mbps.
The most premium version of the bundle comes with a Premium Netflix subscription that supports 4K streaming on up to 4 devices at the same time. This premium bundle is priced at P2,298 per month and comes with a boosted FiberX plan with speeds of 500 Mbps, along with the Wi-Fi 6 modem and Converge Xperience Box.
For existing subscribers who want to avail one of the three different bundle plans listed above, the Converge Netflix Bundle is available as an exclusive add-on priced at P298 per month, P498 per month, and P798 per month.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
43 percent Filipino singles want partners who share their love for sports, Bumble survey says
WITH the world coming together for the love of sports this competitive season, Bumble, the women-first dating app, conducted a nationwide survey to explore the relevance of watching sports in bringing Filipino singles together. This follows insights from Bumble’s Dating Trends 2024, which revealed that 31 percent of Filipino singles surveyed see a shared love of sports as a ‘must have’, be it as a player or a spectator.
Cheering on your favorite boxing athlete alongside a date, or discussing the latest Olympic challenge over drinks, could be the ultimate way to break the ice this season. According to the popular dating app, nearly half (43 percent) of Filipino singles look for a romantic partner with an interest in sports before deciding whether to explore a connection.
SPORTS AS A RELATIONSHIP CRITERION
FOR many Filipino singles, a liking for sports can be a positive factor in the dating scene. The survey revealed that while watching sporting events together is not a dealbreaker for over a third (34 percent) of them, more than half (59 percent) find dating someone who watches sporting events a potential positive. This suggests that Filipino singles who enjoy watching sports or being active might have an advantage in the dating pool. Interestingly, this preference for a partner who shares an interest in sports is more pronounced among Filipino men. Thirty percent of men consider it a deal breaker if their partner doesn’t watch sporting events together, whereas only 21 percent of women feel the same. Additionally, almost half (49 percent) of men prioritize finding someone with an interest in sports compared to 38 percent of women. This highlights that a shared interest in sports may be a more important factor for men when seeking romantic connections. Meanwhile, millennials (61 percent) are slightly more likely to seek out this alignment in interests than Gen Z (58 percent), and they also indicated that watching sporting events together make for great dates (60 percent).
WHY WATCHING SPORTING EVENTS
MAKE FOR GREAT DATES
AMONG Filipinos who view watching sporting events together as an ideal date choice, the majority of the respondents (68 percent) see it as a good activity to learn about their partner’s interests and passions, while 57 percent find that it would help to get to know someone’s personality. Additionally, 32 percent consider it an effective icebreaker.
This trend aligns with Filipinos’ long-time interest in sports, as evidenced by the National Basketball Association’s revelation in 2023 that the Philippines remains the top market in terms of Facebook fans outside the US.
A MATCH IS BETTER IN PAIRS
THE survey further suggests shared experiences can be key. While nearly a third (29 percent) of Filipinos watch sports with their partners because they both enjoy it, 20 percent of Filipino women, despite not personally enjoying sports, still see watching games together as a positive dating experience (50 percent of them agree it makes for great dates).
Relationship-seekers who are looking for likeminded connections can leverage Bumble, which offers Interest Badges on profiles. On the Bumble app, people can select from more than 40 sports badges, offering an easy way to start a conversation. In the Philippines, Olympics sports are gaining popularity among singles on Bumble as well, with Running, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Cycling, Volleyball, and Swimming being part of the top 10 most used Sports interest badge on the dating app.
Lucille McCart, Bumble APAC communications director, says: “With a new wave of women weightlifting stars, a constant stream of sports documentaries and the most significant global competition happening, sports is set to take a front seat in dating. Sports is a clear passion point among Filipinos, and we see our community starting to use the games as a topic to bond over and make connections and get to know each other. Mutual interests are really important in a relationship, so if you are looking out for a new connection this sporting season, add your favorite sports interest badges—be it soccer, running, or swimming—onto your Bumble profile, and find matches that align with your interests.”
BusinessMirror
Replacing passwords with passkeys for an easier login experience
BY KELVIN CHAN | The Associated Press
LONDON—If you’re tired of memorizing passwords, then give passkeys a try.
You might have noticed that many online services are now offering the option of using passkeys, a digital authentication method touted as an easier and more secure way to log in. The passkey push started gaining major momentum after Google started accepting them about 18 months ago. Passkeys are seen as eventual replacements for passwords, but if you’re still not sure what they’re all about, read on:
What are passkeys? And how do they work?
Forget about memorizing an optimized 14-character password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. Passkeys do away with that because you never need to see them. Instead you are using existing biometrics like your face or fingerprints, digital patterns or PINs to access your accounts. Passkeys are made up of two parts of a code that only makes sense when they’re combined, kind of like a digital key and padlock. You keep half of the encrypted code, typically stored either in the cloud with a compatible password manager or on a physical security dongle. The other half is stored on the participating apps, services or accounts you want to access. When you want to log in to your Gmail account, for example, both parts of the code will then communicate directly with each other and give you entry.
Do they offer better security?
A passkey won’t work with any website except the one it has been created for, eliminating the security risks associated with traditional passwords. That means bad actors carrying out phishing scams won’t be able to trick you into entering your details into a copycat login page for your bank. And because passkeys use cryptographic security, they also can’t brute force their way into your account by trying passwords exposed in previous data breaches or guessing them.
Where can you use passkeys?
Some 20 percent of the world’s top 100 websites now accept passkeys, said Andrew Shikiar, CEO of the FIDO Alliance, an industry group that developed the core authentication technology behind passkeys. Passkeys first came to the public’s attention when Apple added the technology to iOS in 2022. They got more traction after Google started using them in 2023. Now, many other companies including PayPal, Amazon, Microsoft and eBay work with passkeys. There’s a list on the FIDO Alliance website. Still, some popular sites like Facebook and Netflix haven’t started using them yet. Passkey is still in the “early adoption” phase but “it’s just a matter of time for more and more sites to start offering this,” Shikiar said.
How to set up a passkey I tried setting up passkeys for some of the major
online services I use. It was fairly easy for some but confusing for others. Shikiar said his group is constantly working on ways to improve the user experience. Google users can go to myaccount. google.com and under “How to sign in to Google”, click Passkeys and security keys. Upon reaching the setup screen, I received a prompt to create a passkey while simultaneously my password manager’s browser plug-in popped up offering to save it. I clicked to confirm and the setup work was all done automatically.
So far, pretty easy.
Then, I tried adding more Google passkeys to my Windows-based work laptop and a Yubico physical security key. This time, when I got to the Google setup screen, it asked for my existing passkey to confirm my identity. But then it somehow failed to authenticate through my password manager. I tried again using other verification methods, including my Google authenticator app that I already had on my iPhone, and it eventually succeeded.
Adding multiple passkeys to my Microsoft account—one on my password manager, another on my Yubico key—involved some head scratching over a few of the prompts, but I eventually figured it out.
Setting up passkeys on LinkedIn and Amazon was much easier. And when I attempted to add a passkey to my WhatsApp account, I discovered I had, apparently, already created one months earlier when I activated the app lock feature requiring a fingerprint scan.
Logging in
Once set up, it was a breeze to sign in to some of my accounts with just a click or two. But there was some friction with my PayPal account because its passkeys don’t work on some browsers, like Firefox.
When I tried to log in with my Amazon passkey, it asked for a one-time verification code from my authenticator app, which confused me because I
thought passkeys were supposed to eliminate the need for multi-factor authentication.
Shikiar said it depends on the site, but, in theory, the passkey already has enough protection built in.
“When the primary factor’s un-phishable, other factors aren’t necessary,” he said.
What happens if I lose my passkey?
If you’ve lost the device containing your passkey, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone. That’s because the typical method to store passkeys on phones is a cloud-based password manager from Apple, Google, or third-party providers. So just log back into the password manager from another phone or computer.
Passkeys stored on security dongles, on the other hand, aren’t synced to the cloud so there’s no way to recover them if they’re lost. It’d be a good idea to get a second hardware key and keep it as a backup. And don’t forget you can always mix both cloud and hardware methods to keep multiple passkeys for extra redundancy.
Should I add a passkeys to all my accounts?
Based on my experience, setting up a passkey can be easy, or tedious and bewildering, depending on the service and what other security technology you want to layer in. So I wouldn’t recommend doing all your accounts right away. Instead, choose a few of your most important and frequently used services or accounts and focus on a proper setup for those.
What about my passwords?
In theory, you could delete your old passwords. Some services like Microsoft already offer this option. Shikiar says it should be a “personal preference,” because “some people may feel extremely nervous” about going passwordless.
It’s fine to keep your password but make sure there’s also multi-factor authentication set up for it, he said. ■
THE rapid rise of real-time payments, artificial intelligence (AI) and embedded finance is revolutionizing global finance and transforming how consumers and businesses interact with financial services. Touted as the Philippines’
A10 Saturday, November 23, 2024
By Josef T. Ramos
TREMENDOUS shooting and physicality from New Zealand were not enough to break the will of Gilas Pilipinas as the home squad cut the Tall Blacks down to size in the second window of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Coach Tim Cone was proud to see the Philippines end the run of disappointments—four FIBA outings in eight years against New Zealand—with a 93-89 win Thursday night.
Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto came up with fine plays as Gilas put on a show for the crowd of 11,686.
“That was incredible shooting. You’ve got to tip your cap to them. And despite the incredible shooting, we were still able to win the game,” Cone said, referring to New Zealand’s 18-of-35 shooting from beyond the three-point zone with the Filipinos just making 8-of-27 shots.
“To overcome that and find a way to win as really something special together with our home crowd.”
While the Filipinos had a tough time from beyond the arc, they managed to find their way through the Tall Blacks’ terrible interior defense to draw 17 fouls. Gilas went 26 of 45 from the two-point area.
The Filipinos nailed 17-of-20 attempts from the free throw area while committing only 15 fouls that sent the Kiwis 12 times to the foul line. New Zealand made only seven shots there.
“They were incredibly physical,” he added. “That was the number one thing we had to battle through. Credit to Kai and June Mar for battling through their bigs. They played physical against
A SPECIAL WIN Cone proud as Gilas ends run of futility against NZ
Justin Brownlee and just banged him all game long. They were really physical against us.”
Brownlee shook off New Zealand’s physicality and posted 26 points, 11 rebounds and four assists plus two steals
Vargas throws full support behind POC chief Tolentino
FORMER Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas expressed his support to the leadership of Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino—who is gunning for a fresh mandate as POC president.
“I’m solidly for the continuation of the programs of Bambol [Tolentino],” said Vargas on the sidelines of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifier between the Philippines and New Zealand which Gilas Pilipinas won, 93-89, Thursday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Vargas, Tolentino’s predecessor at the top POC post, described politics in the POC as “painful” despite a successful leadership that led to two historic successes from 2021 to 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo and Paris where we won three gold medals.
“We need a man like him especially in the POC where politics is painful,” he said. “That’s the reason I chose him to take over my place because I knew that we needed somebody strong, someone who knows politics and who can actually manage politics in any organization.”
“He’s been able to help not only the POC stature, but bring up the stature of the POC and he also helps many athletes,” said Vargas, who was elected POC president in 2018 but resigned in 2019 prompting a special election with Tolentino winning over Philip Ella Juico.
The POC will hold its election on
Chargers eye solo lead as Cool
to get win run going
and two blocks. Sotto played his best game in a Philippine uniform with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists plus two blocks.
“I am really happy to see Kai’s progression and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him,”
“He’s only in his early 20s. It is really great as he does a lot of things really well. Shooting like I said, he has great skills at passing. He can do everything on the court.”
PThe Batang Pinoy National Championships is all set, with athletes battling for honors in the 12-year-old and 17-year-old age groups starting this weekend in the Palawan’s provincial capital.
November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Paranaque City with 61 national sports associations picking who will lead the organization in the next four years—Tolentino of cycling or Chito Loyzaga of baseball. Vargas said he shouldn’t be throwing tirades against Tolentino’s opponents but couldn’t resist defending harmony and unity within the POC.
“It’s expected, the other side has always been the biggest critic, and they never stopped, in the guise of unity, they never stopped,” he said. “And it’s the same people…but it’s their right, their right to run, wanting to take over POC again.”
“But I think we should be a little bit more circumspect,” he added.
Tolentino is seeking a fresh fouryear term with his “Working Team” composed of basketball’s Alfredo “Al” Panlilio (first vice president), modern pentathlon’s Rep. Richard Gomez (second vice president), surfing’s Dr. Jose Raul Canlas (treasurer) and volleyball’s Donaldo “Don” Caringal (auditor) and and Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante (canoe, kayak and dragon boat), Alexander “Ali” Sulit (judo), Ferdinand “Ferdie” Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing) as members of the Executive Board. Josef T. Ramos
THE Akari Chargers gun for the solo lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries when it takes on the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
The match is set at 6:30 p.m. The Chargers eye some payback two months after falling short in the Reinforced Conference finals.
Brownlee said, adding that Sotto is ready to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Returning Scottie Thompson added 12 points and six assists while Chris Newsome and Dwight Ramos made 11 points each for Team Philippines.
The World’s. No. 34 Gilas Pilipinas,
now unbeaten in three games in Group B, goes for a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup when it takes on Hong Kong on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue. Gilas Pilipinas beat Hong Kong, 9464, in February in the first window. No. 22 New Zealand dropped to a 2-1 win-loss record. They will face Chinese-Taipei at home on Monday.
World Beach Pro Tour Challenge set in Nuvali
TOP beach volleyball action returns to the City of Santa Rosa
Twenty-four teams in the men’s tournament and 24 in the women’s advancing to the knockout stage of the event hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the FIVB.
ATENEO seeks to play spoiler in Adamson University’s semifinal bid as the Eagles and Falcons clash on Saturday in the final elimination-round match in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 basketball eliminations at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The also-ran Eagles are eyeing a strong finish to the season, while the Falcons are bidding to forge a do-or-die match against University of the East for the remaining semifinal berth.
The match is set at 5:30 p.m.
The Blue Eagles, who will miss the Final Four for the first time since Season 76 (2013), are coming off a long break after giving the Red Warriors a blow to their semifinals aspirations with a 71-67 win last November 13.
UE, which has lost five of its last
Led by prolific import Oly Okaro, Akari eased to to the title series of the import-laden tournament but was ultimately swept by Creamline. The Chargers seek a third victory after back-to-back four-set wins behind solid play from Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Fifi Sharma and Camille Victoria. The Cool Smashers are no strangers to high-pressure matches. Fresh from a
six games after an impressive 5-2 first round, is now hoping for an Ateneo victory to secure its first Final Four berth since Season 72 (2009).
“I always have a soft spot for our opponents and our competitors. Jack [Santiago] is a great guy and he’s had a great year this year. They came under a rough patch this second half of the season. They surprised everybody this year with the quality of basketball they played and how they played it. I think they are a deserving playoff team,” Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin said.
The Red Warriors are at 6-8, while the Falcons hold a 5-8 record.
Ateneo has derailed Adamson’s Final Four aspirations in the last two seasons.
The Blue Eagles drubbed the Falcons, 70-48, in the do-or-die playoff
commanding straight-set victory
Recently-crowned Asian Seniors Beach Volleyball champions D’Artagnan Potts and Jack Pearse look to complete a double in Nuvali although they face fiercer competition with teams from across the globe vying for honors.
Volleyball powerhouse Poland, France, Italy, Brazil, USA and Germany are fielding teams as well as perennial Asian contenders Japan and Thailand.
The Philippines has three pairs on the men’s side and two in the women’s tournament.
Ran Abdilla teams up with Lerry John Francisco, James Buytrago joins Rancel Varga, while Ronniel Rosales plays with Edwin Tolentino. Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor are entered in the women’s event along with Alexa Polidario and Jen Gaviola.
last year, ending Jerom Lastimosa’s final UAAP season on a sad note.
Playing for the No. 1 ranking late in 2022, Ateneo sent Adamson to a sudden death match with La Salle for No. 4 following a 66-61 victory. The Green Archers then eliminated the Falcons in the playoff, 80-76.
Most of the 30 sports will be played at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in the city under the leadership of Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who declared 99.9 percent readiness in hosting the event that attracted 12,000 delegates from 177 local government units.
“Transportation, accommodation, food, venues—you name it—Puerto Princesa is 99.9 percent ready to host the Batang Pinoy Nationals,” Bayron said in a statement.
With the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under chairman Dickie Bachmann, the city will host play host to the event for the second time.
Medals are at stake in archery, arnis, badminton, athletics, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, breaking, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, karate, kick boxing, kurash, lawn tennis, muay thai, obstacle sports, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wushu and wrestling. Batang Pinoy provides a stage for young athletes who have never made it to the Palarong Pambansa and higherlevel national competitions. The PSC will give cash incentives, worth P5 million to the overall champion, P4 million to the runnerup, P3 million for third, P2 million for fourth and P1 million for fifth place, respectively.
Baguio City sent 600 athletes and coaches to defend the overall championship. They harvested 82 gold medals, 52 silvers and 59 bronze last year. The 2023 edition of Batang Pinoy was held last year in Manila with 25 sports. Josef T. Ramos
MAPUA and College of St. Benilde try to arrange a title duel even as Lyceum and San Beda look to steal the show in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100 semifinals at the Cuneta Astrodome. The top-seeded
after being ravaged by injuries in the elimination round, while San Beda is also expected to give it all as it tries to keep its title defense alive. A rubber match, if needed, will be held Wednesday.
Mapua coach Randy Alcantara said they expect a tough battle against Lyceum.
“Everytime
to the Lions last year.
St. Benilde faces a San Beda team that it swept in the eliminations this season.
UERTO PRINCESA CITY
SEAN QUITEVIS and the Eagles look to soar over Matt Erolon and the Falcons anew.
Smashers look
GILAS gets the job done with Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Calvin Oftana, Mason Amos, Dwight Ramos, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Kai Sotto, Justin Brownlee and Carl Tamayo suiting up. PHOTO FROM FIBA
GEN ESLAPOR and Kly Orillaneda wear the Philippines’ colors in another tough international meet.
RICKY VARGAS says the POC needs somebody strong like Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino.
Russia’s new hypersonic missile strikes Ukraine, sending stark warning to NATO
By The Associated Press
THE new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a militaryindustrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO.
Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin made a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television to clear up the mystery.
He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound.
“Modern air defense systems that exist in the world and antimissile defenses created by the Americans in Europe can’t intercept such missiles,” Putin declared in an icy and menacing tone.
The attack marked the first time that such a missile was used in the war—or in any conflict.
The dramatic events came in a week of soaring tensions as Ukraine struck targets in Russia with American-made longer-range missiles after the US eased restrictions on their use and Putin responded by lowering the threshold for using Moscow’s nuclear arsenal.
What is the new missile?
PUTIN said the missile was called “Oreshnik,” which in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” and that this first combat test of it “has gone successfully.”
He said in July that Russia would start producing intermediate-range missiles to “mirror” US plans to deploy such weapons. In his speech Thursday, he said Russia developed Oreshnik in response to the US development and deployment of missiles with a similar range.
Intermediate-range missiles, or IRBMs, can fly between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,400 miles). Ukrainian military officials said the missile was launched from the Russian region of Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea, 800 kilometers (500 miles) to the east.
While Russia has launched cruise missiles at Ukraine from even longer ranges, the new intermediate range missile marked the first such use of this kind of ground-launched ballistic missile, which can carry a much heavier conventional payload and
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas chief over war crimes in Gaza
By Molly Quell The Associated Press
THE HAGUE—The world’s top warcrimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza—charges Israeli officials deny.
The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war.
Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.” Gallant, in a statement, said the decision “sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.”
The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court
of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them.
Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel’s allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court’s decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden’s administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.”
The warrants represent “the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” Human rights groups applauded the move.
The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement.
The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants.
The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was
could also be fitted with multiple nuclear warheads.
Putin boasted that the missile, the latest in Russia’s arsenal of hypersonic weapons, reaches its target at speeds of Mach 10, rendering Western missile defenses useless.
Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that the missile used Thursday has a range “way beyond any of that seen in this conflict so far and possibly the first ever use in combat.”
He said the missile was capable of releasing multiple warheads at extremely high speeds, even though they are less accurate than cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles.
Video of the strike showed six fiery trails followed by powerful explosions—an apparent sign of the multiple warheads being used. The authenticity of the videos couldn’t be independently confirmed.
As for Putin’s claim that the Western systems could not intercept the missile, Savill said “these are quite hard to defend against” even for advanced US Patriot systems.
“You’re dropping multiple independently targetable warheads, MIRVs, at extremely high speed, so even Patriot will struggle to basically intercept those,” he said.
What’s Putin’s message to the West?
PUTIN has described Thursday’s use of the Oreshnik as a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian military facilities in Bryansk and Kursk regions earlier this week
involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead.
Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death.
The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.
The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration.
They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.”
Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed.
Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that.
For example, Russian President Vladimir
See “Gaza,” A12
with Western-supplied weapons.
One of those strikes killed and wounded an unspecified number of Russian servicemen, which the Kremlin leader said added “elements of a global character” to the conflict.
Putin has warned previously that use of the Western weapons would mean that Russia and NATO are at war.
“We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” he said. “And in case of escalation of aggressive actions we will respond resolutely in a mirror way.”
If Russia launches more strikes on Ukraine with the new missile, it will warn of its use in advance to allow civilians to reach safety as a “humanitarian” gesture, Putin said, adding that Moscow isn’t worried about tipping off the enemy since it cannot stop the attack “I would recommend the ruling elites of the countries that are hatching plans to use their military contingents against Russia to seriously think about it,” Putin said.
Savill said the new missile is sending a fear-inducing signal from Russia that “we’ve got stuff that outrages you.”
The larger message to the West is that “we’re happy to enter into a competition around intermediaterange ballistic missiles. P.S. These could be nuclear tipped. Do you really want to take that risk?’”
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council that is chaired by Putin, stepped up the rhetoric by posting a video of the missile attack on Ukraine and chastising the West.
“So, that’s what you wanted? Well, you’ve damn well got it! A hypersonic ballistic missile attack,” he posted on X. What was the response of Ukraine and the West?
IN a speech to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the attack and accused Moscow of using Ukraine as a testing ground for its new weapon.
“Today, our insane neighbor has once again shown what they truly are, and how they despise dignity, freedom, and human life
itself. And how terrified they are,” he said.
Two US officials who were not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive matter and thus spoke on condition of anonymity said Russia only has a few of this type of experimental missile in its possession and it is not a capability that is expected to be regularly deployed against Ukraine.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey told lawmakers that the war was at “a serious moment,” and “the front line is now less stable than at any time” since the conflict began.
“We have seen in recent weeks a very clear escalation from Putin and his forces,” he said. “They have stepped up attacks on the energy system in Ukraine ahead of winter, they have stepped up attacks on civilian centers killing children, they have deployed at least 10,000 North Korean troops to the battle front line.”
The
in Washington contributed
Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Aamer Madhani, Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor
Gaza death toll from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say
By Wafaa Shurafa & Fatma Khaled The Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—
The death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000, local health officials said Thursday.
The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
The Health Ministry said 44,056 people have been killed and 104,268 wounded since the start of the war. It has said the real toll is higher because thousands of bodies are buried under rubble or in areas that medics cannot access.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year.
In Lebanon, the death toll from
Israeli strikes and combat has surpassed 3,580 people, with more than 15,000 wounded, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. At least 51 people were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes on towns and villages across Lebanon.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused heavy destruction across wide areas of the coastal territory, leading many to wonder when or how it will ever be rebuilt. Around 90 percent of the population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, and hundreds of thousands are living in squalid tent camps with little food, water or basic services. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in residential areas, where they have built tunnels, rocket launchers and other military infrastructure.
Palestinian officials and rights
groups accuse Israeli forces of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the United Nations’ top court is considering allegations of genocide brought by South Africa. The Israeli government adamantly denies the allegations, accusing critics of being biased against it.
In recent weeks, the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza has plummeted, prompting the United States to threaten to reduce its military support for Israel before backing down, citing limited progress. Experts have warned that isolated, war-ravaged northern Gaza could already be experiencing famine.
The United States, Egypt and
Qatar spent months trying to broker a cease-fire agreement in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war. Those talks ground to a halt over the summer, with Israel and Hamas each accusing the other of making unacceptable demands.
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the wars in the Middle East without saying how. His previous administration gave unprecedented support to Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline policies toward the Palestinians.
Khaled reported from Cairo.
UN nuclear watchdog board condemns Iran’s lack of cooperation in nuclear investigation
VBy Stephanie Liechtenstein
The Associated Press
IENNA—The UN nuclear watchdog’s board on Thursday condemned Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the agency, the second time it has done so in just five months.
The International Atomic Energy Agency also called on Tehran to provide answers in a long-running investigation into uranium particles found at two locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.
Nineteen members of the IAEA board voted for the resolution, while Russia, China and Burkina Faso opposed it, and 12 abstained and one did not vote, according to diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the outcome of the closed-doors vote.
The resolution was put forward by France, Germany and Britain, supported by the United States. It comes at a critical time, ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump’s first term in office was marked by a particularly tense period with Iran, when the US president pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” against Tehran. In 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, and imposed even harsher sanctions that have since hobbled Iran’s economy further.
The resolution comes on the heels of a confidential report earlier this week in which the IAEA said Iran has defied international demands to rein in its nuclear program and has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
That report, seen by the AP on Tuesday, said that as of October 26, Iran has accumulated 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last IAEA report in August. Uranium enriched at 60 percent purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent.
The resolution approved on Thursday requires the IAEA to now produce a
“comprehensive and updated assessment” of Iran’s nuclear activities, which could eventually trigger a referral to the UN Security Council to consider more sanctions on Tehran.
In a joint statement issued after the approval of the resolution, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Iranian foreign ministry condemned the passing of the resolution, saying that Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami has issued orders to launch new and advanced centrifuges, powerful machines that spin rapidly to enrich uranium.
In the past, the IAEA has named two locations near Tehran—Varamin and Turquzabad—where there have been traces of processed uranium, according to IAEA inspectors. Thursday’s resolution honed in on those locations, asking Tehran to provide “technically credible explanations” for the presence of the uranium particles at the sites.”
The IAEA has urged Iran to also provide answers about the origin and current location of that nuclear material in order for it “to be in a
position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.”
Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until at least 2003. Tehran insists its program is peaceful.
One of the sites became known publicly in 2018 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed it at the United Nations and called it a clandestine nuclear warehouse hidden at a rug-cleaning plant.
Iran denied that, though IAEA inspectors later found the man-made uranium particles there.
While the number of sites about which the IAEA has questions has been reduced from four to two since 2019, lingering questions have been a persistent source of tensions.
On the subject of Varamin, the IAEA said that inspectors believe Iran used the site from 1999 until 2003 as a pilot project to process uranium ore and convert it into a gas form, which then can be enriched through spinning in a centrifuge. The IAEA said buildings at the site had been demolished in 2004.
Turquzabad, the second location, is where the IAEA believes Iran brought some of the material from Varamin amid the demolition, though it said that alone cannot “explain the presence of the multiple types of isotopically altered particles” found there.
Thursday’s resolution before the 35-member board at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, called on Tehran to explain the presence of the uranium particles at Varamin and Turquzabad, inform the UN nuclear watchdog about the current whereabouts of that nuclear material, and grant access to IAEA inspectors to all Iranian nuclear locations.
A draft of the resolution was seen by the AP.
Tehran continues to maintain that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and has told the IAEA that it has declared all of the nuclear material, activities and locations required under a so-called Safeguard Agreement it has with the IAEA.
Indonesia plans to retire all coal plants in 15 years
By Victoria Milko The Associated Press
JAKARTA, Indonesia—Indo -
nesian President Prabowo
Subianto has announced that his government plans to retire all coal and other fossil fuel-power plants while drastically boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity in the next 15 years.
“Indonesia is rich in geothermal resources, and we plan to phase out coal-fired and all fossil-fueled power plants within the next 15 years. Our plan includes building over 75 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity during this time,” Subianto said at the Group of 20 summit in Brazil on Tuesday.
Subianto also said he was “optimistic” Indonesia would achieve net zero emissions by 2050, a decade sooner than the country’s previous 2060 commitment.
Experts and environmental activists welcomed the announcements but hedged their expectations.
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of heavily polluting coal. Most of its energy comes from fossil fuels.
Over 250 coal-fired power plants are currently powering the country and more are being built, including at new industrial parks where globally important materials like nickel, cobalt and aluminum are being processed.
In 2022, Indonesia’s energy sector emitted over 650 million tons of carbon dioxide, the world’s seventh highest level, according to the International Energy Agency. Population and economic growth are expected to triple the country’s energy consumption by 2050.
Experts said that real changes need to be implemented on the ground in Indonesia quickly if the president is serious about his plans.
While Subianto’s predecessor, Joko Widodo, was in office Indonesia pledged to phase out—or at least drastically reduce—the use of coal by agreeing to numerous schemes with international stakeholders.
That included the largest $20 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership deal so far. The deal has struggled to make changes on the ground but is still underway. JETP deals still fall short of the estimated trillions of dollars that are needed to develop infrastructure needed to transition to renewable energy and put existing coal-fired power plants into early retirement.
In Brazil, Prabowo also spoke about Indonesia’s vast renewable energy potential from solar, hydropower, geothermal, wind and other sources. Only 14.5 percent of these renewable sources are currently tapped, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Current installed capacity of renewable energy in Indonesia is about 13 gigawatts, or less than 15 percent of total generation capacity.
“We are committed to renewable and green energy. We are blessed with many resources,” he said. “We have other renewable energy sources, and that is why we are very optimistic that we can achieve (net) zero before 2050.” Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and state electric utility, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, were not immediately available for comment.
“If the government is serious about speeding up the energy transition, efforts to shut down coal-fired power plants and prevent new permits for the construction of coal-fired power plants must be clear so that partners, investors and financial institution can see the pipeline and progress,” Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Indonesia-based Center of Economic and Law Studies, said in written statement to The Associated Press.
the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive.
Putin, wanted on an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, recently visited Mongolia, a member state in the court but also a Russian ally. He was not arrested.
Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union.
France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions.
“Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.”
Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif.
Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.”
Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost
Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under US pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later.
Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the UN distribution system. But Israel’s official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The UN has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top UN court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide, an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny. Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide.
THE bodies of three children are carried for burial in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Seven-year-old Hamza, his five-year-old brother Abdelaziz, and his fouryear-old sister Laila Hassan were among 9 people killed by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Wednesday. Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-monthold war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA
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