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PSEi climbs on BSP easing bets, bargain hunting

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE SHARES edged higher on Wednesday, buoyed by last-minute bargain hunting and growing expectations of a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rate cut next month.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 0.10% or 6.20 points to close at 6,166.05, while the broader all shares index increased by 0.53% or 19.53 points to 3,676.71.

“Last-minute bargain hunting brought the local market higher this Wednesday. Rising hopes that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will ease their policy in their April meeting helped in lifting sentiment,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of the HSBC Global Investment Summit in Hong Kong on Tuesday that there is a “good chance” that the Monetary Board will cut rates by 25 basis points (bps) at their April 10 meeting, Bloomberg reported.

Mr. Remolona said the BSP remains on an easing cycle and could bring down borrowing costs by as much as 75 bps this year depending on data.

The central bank has reduced benchmark interest rates by a cumulative 75 bps since it began its rate-cut cycle in August last year, with its policy rate currently at 5.75%.

The Monetary Board in February unexpectedly kept rates unchanged amid uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration’s policies.

“Philippine shares made a modest recovery as Wall Street also closed higher on Tuesday, extending gains as investors bet on narrower US tariffs,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.01% or 4.18 points to 42,587.50; the S&P 500 gained by 0.16% or 9.08 points to end at 5,776.65; and the Nasdaq Composite climbed by 0.46% or 83.27 points to 18,271.86.

Majority of sectoral indices posted gains on Wednesday. Services increased by 1.7% or 34.05 points to 2,032.03; mining and oil went up by 1.42% or 130.12 points to 9,291.43; financials climbed by 0.36% or 8.59 points to 2,397.42; and industrials rose by 0.29% or 25.41 points to 8,752.70.

Meanwhile, property declined by 2.13% or 47.11 points to 2,162.55 and holding firms shed 0.47% or 24.17 points to end at 5,031.71.

“Puregold Price Club, Inc. was the day’s index leader, jumping 6.46% to P28. Bloomberry Resorts Corp. was at the tail end, falling 6.69% to P3.07,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover went up to P4.91 billion on Wednesday with 1.06 billion shares exchanged from the P4.75 billion with 520.59 million issues traded on Tuesday.

Decliners bested advancers, 111 versus 92, while 46 names were unchanged.

Net foreign selling surged to P1 billion on Wednesday from P604.51 million on Tuesday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Nine Marcos-backed candidates for Senate make it to top 13 in SWS poll

SENATOR BONG GO AND ERWIN TULFO FACEBOOK PAGE

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

NINE of the 12 senatorial candidates endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., made it to the top 13 of the midterm election race, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll conducted just days after the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Re-electionist Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, who is not part of the administration slate, and Party-list Rep. Erwin T. Tulfo were tied at the top.

Only 12 senators will win in the May 12 elections, but three candidates were tied for No. 11, 12 and 13.

Mr. Go, a former aide of Mr. Duterte, increased four percentage points from the February poll, while Mr. Tulfo declined three points, Stratbase Group, which commissioned the poll, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Marcos-Duterte alliance, which delivered a landslide victory in the 2022 presidential and vice-presidential elections, was fractured last year due to policy disagreements and competing political ambitions.

The tension between the two political camps culminated in the arrest of Mr. Duterte by Philippine police on March 11 so he could be tried by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in connection with his deadly drug war.

A month earlier, his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, was impeached by the President’s allies at the House of Representatives.

“The Malasakit Center machinery reinforced his clientelist credit with the voter base, and much like politicians who performed during the pandemic — either good governance- or patronage-based — they’re still reaping the dividends off that,” Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.

The centers, which provide medical and financial assistance to poor Filipinos, are Mr. Go’s flagship program as a senator.

The March 15 to 20 SWS poll showed a competitive race from third to 13th place, with margins between candidates falling within the ±2.31-percentage-point error margin.

Broadcaster and independent candidate Bienvenido T. Tulfo and former Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III were tied at third and 4th place with 34%, while Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid slipped to fifth place with 33%, down three points from February.

Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr., held the sixth spot with 32%, while Senator Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano and former Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr., shared the seventh and eighth spots with 31% each.

Senator Ronald M. Dela Rosa, Mr. Duterte’s former police chief who is not backed by the government, was No. 9 with 30%, down two points from February.

Another independent candidate, television host Wilfredo B. Revillame, remained in 10th place with 28%, followed by Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail S. Binay, former Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Sr. and Las Piñas Rep. Camille A. Villar, who were tied for 11th to 13th place with 27% each.

Just outside the top 12 were former Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan (24%) and former Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV (21%).

One of the biggest falls came from presidential sister Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R. Marcos, who fell to 16th place with 19%, down five points from February.

On Wednesday, she said she had withdrawn from administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

“I cannot stand on the same campaign platform as the rest of the Alyansa,” Ms. Marcos, a close friend of the Dutertes, said in a statement. “As I have stated from the outset of the election period, I will continue to maintain my independence.”

‘STRONG COALITION’
Of the original 12-member slate, only Ms. Marcos, Senator Francis N. Tolentino (No. 20) and Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. (No. 18) failed to make it.

Stratbase President Victor Andres C. Manhit noted that while the unity between the Marcos and Duterte factions might have dissolved, Mr. Marcos has built a strong coalition that includes five major political parties that could win in May.

“Right now, it’s safe to say that the Marcos administration and the coalition they have built, which includes five major political parties, can win big in the May 2025 election,” he said in a statement. “Beyond the incumbency advantage, the President has fostered unity among various political forces.”

“While the unity between Marcos and Duterte may have dissolved, we’re now seeing strong alignment among traditional political parties and their allies,” he added, noting the Marcos-Duterte battle cry in the 2022 presidential race.

He added that the strong standing of Alyansa candidates was driven by their popularity, further bolstered by the President’s endorsement.

He expects support for many of these candidates to continue rising, especially as the local campaign period starts on March 28.

“These candidates already have a degree of popularity and existing support. When you add the President’s endorsement and the administration and its allies’ political machinery, it creates a powerful force heading into May 2025,” he added.

He said candidate visibility across traditional and digital media platforms remains a significant factor in maintaining their rankings.

“What we are witnessing now reflects the continued impact of media exposure, political advertising and social media engagement on voter preferences,” he added.

Mr. Juliano said the strong standing of Marcos-backed candidates shows the administration reinforcing its bases.

“The Marcoses want more in the Senate to reinforce their policies — most likely economic Charter change again — plus [they want to] ensure they don’t become a lame duck for preferred successors come 2028,” he added.

The Philippine midterm elections on May 12, 2025, will determine 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate, along with positions in the House of Representatives and local government units.

The SWS interviewed 1,800 voters nationwide for the poll, which had an error margin of ±2.31 points.

Senate rejects House plea to summon VP over ouster raps

VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE — PHILIPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Philippine Senate has rejected a plea by congressmen who will act as prosecutors in Vice-President (VP)Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial to compel her to comment on her impeachment charges.

The Senate could not act on the motion since Congress is on a break and the Senate had yet to convene as an impeachment court, Senate President Francis G. Escudero told reporters on Wednesday.

“It cannot legally be done,” he said. “It is not allowed because the Senate is not in session.”

On Tuesday, the congressmen urged the Senate president summon the Vice-President and inform her of the charges.

“When the Senate is in session, only then can they present articles of impeachment and only then can the impeachment court be convened to mediate the impeachment,” Mr. Escudero said.

According to a proposed impeachment schedule, the prosecution’s presentation and the approval of updated impeachment trial rules are set for June 2 or once congress resumes from its four-month break.

Congress went on a four-month break for the 2025 midterm elections and will reconvene for a two-week session on June 2.

The proposed start of the trial is scheduled on July 30 once newly elected Senators take oath as impeachment judges on July 29.

The House impeached the Vice-President on Feb. 5, alleging secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his family. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

The impeachment complaint was filed and signed by more than 200 congressmen, more than the one-third legal requirement before it could be sent to the Senate.

Congress has been on a four-month break since February for the midterm elections. Filipinos will pick a new set of congressmen, 12 of the 24-member Senate and other local government officials on May 12.

Based on the proposed impeachment trial schedule, the prosecution’s presentation and the approval of updated impeachment trial rules were set for June 2. The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court the day after. The issuance of summonses was set for June 4.

The proposed start of the trial was scheduled for July 30, once newly elected senators take their oath as impeachment judges on July 29.

Mr. Escudero said earlier that the impeachment trial would likely be concluded before the October recess.

Meanwhile, Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro insists Congress need not be in session for the Senate to be able to convene as an impeachment court “because impeachment is entirely different from legislative functions.”

“Our legal standing is rooted on the fact that the impeachment process is different from the legislative process,” she told a virtual news briefing.

Mr. Escudero has repeatedly said the Senate could not act on the impeachment complaints until Congress resumes sessions after the midterm elections.

He had also rejected calls for a special session to start the impeachment trial. He urged congressmen not to rush the impeachment process since this give Ms. Duterte the leverage.

“They might just be giving the accused… more reasons and weapons to question the process at the Supreme Court,” he said. “I would rather be more prudent and stay faithful to the law.”

Ms. Luistro said the House prosecution team had split-up into smaller groups to tackle each article of impeachment against the Vice-President. — A.H. Halili

Former Solicitor General and Erap lawyer Estelito Mendoza dies at 95

ESTELITO MENDOZA — U.P COLLEGE OF LAW

ESTELITO P. MENDOZA, who gained a reputation of defending high-profile and controversial clients including convicted former President Joseph E. Estrada, has died. He was 95.

His death was announced by Philippine National Bank, where he had been a director since 2009, in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

Mr. Mendoza served under the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. as solicitor general from 1972 to 1986 and was his Justice minister from 1984 to 1986 before the strongman’s ouster by a popular street uprising.

Mr. Mendoza, who was called the “Attorney of Last Resort” during his long career as a defense lawyer, had been tapped to represent Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio in her three lawsuits before the Supreme Court over P125 million in confidential funds she received in 2022.

“Estelito Mendoza can be considered as the archetype of the classic Filipino lawyer,” Jeremy Benigno Gatdula, dean of the University of Asia and the Pacific College of Law, told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger.

“He has served his clients and his country to a level of excellence difficult to match in any other era or circumstance,” he said. “Estelito Mendoza was a gentleman of high personality, wit and true love for the law, which I believe is something that all Filipino lawyers should aspire to.”

Mr. Mendoza served as chief lawyer for Joseph “Erap” Estrada during his impeachment trial, which culminated in his ouster by a popular street uprising in 2001.

He also lawyered for the dictator, his wife Imelda and their business associates Lucio C. Tan and the late Roberto V. Ongpin and Eduardo “Danding” M. Cojuangco, Jr. in various cases for sequestered assets.

Mr. Mendoza also advocated for the late Fernando Poe, Jr., who run for President in 2004, when his citizenship was questioned before the Supreme Court. He also successfully defended ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her plunder case before the High Court.

Mr. Mendoza also got before the Supreme Court a bail for plunder defendant former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in connection with a multibillion-peso pork barrel scam. At the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, the lawyer got Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. acquitted of plunder for the same pork barrel case.

“He was one of the seasoned lawyers,” National Union of People’s Lawyers President Ephraim B. Cortez said in a Viber message. “Of course, we cannot but remember that he was part of the martial law government of Marcos, and that he never severed that relationship.”

“He defended Imelda Marcos and the other members of the Marcos family, and his choices of clients showed that human rights were far from his radar. He was never involved in human rights advocacy. He represented clients with a questionable human rights record.” — Norman P. Aquino and Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Duterte likely to deny involvement, systematic killings in ICC challenge

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

FORMER Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to deny his involvement as well as assert extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs were minimal as he prepares to challenge the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) accusations, a human rights lawyer said on Wednesday.

National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) President Ephraim B. Cortez said the tough-talking leader is likely to argue the number of deaths was too minimal to establish the killings were widespread and systematic, as the ICC accused in its arrest warrant.

Widespread and systematic are two key elements required to classify the acts as crimes against humanity, Mr. Cortez noted.

The arrest warrant cited 43 cases during the infamous drug war, against the 6,229 people killed based on government data and more than 20,000 deaths claimed by human rights groups.

The 79-year-old former president is also expected to raise the issue that there is no basis to link him to the actual killings.

“To do this, he will refute any evidence showing he either ordered the killings or deny that these were carried out as a matter of policy,” the lawyer group leader said in a Viber chat.

He also noted the firebrand leader will likely maintain that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 under his presidency. 

“As he and his supporters repeatedly argued, the Philippines already withdrew its membership from the ICC and is no longer bound by the provisions of the Rome Statute,” Mr. Cortez added.

However, Mr. Cortez noted this argument is untenable because the alleged crimes and the filing of complaints occurred while the Philippines was still a party to the ICC.

Mr. Duterte, who was president from 2016 to 2022, may also invoke the principle of complementarity, which asserts that the ICC can only intervene if the national judicial system is unable or unwilling to prosecute the alleged crimes.

“He will definitely argue, alternatively (on the issue of jurisdiction), that the complementarity rule prevents the ICC from acquiring jurisdiction over him since the Philippine judicial system is working,” the human rights lawyer added.

This comes after the defense team of Mr. Duterte received the initial set of evidence to be presented in the crimes against humanity case filed against him before the international tribunal on March 24.

In a three-page communication to the pre-trial chamber overseeing the proceedings, ICC prosecutor Karim A. Khan confirmed the prosecution has disclosed “181 items” of evidence to Mr. Duterte’s defense team.

The initial set of evidence, labeled “package 001,” has been classified as “confidential” and was disclosed inter partes, meaning it was shared exclusively between the concerned parties.

Mr. Duterte’s counsel is led by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, an international lawyer who has represented other high-profile clients before the ICC.

Specific details of the evidence have not been disclosed, but the “181 items” submitted to Mr. Duterte’s defense team comprise the material cited in the warrant of arrest issued against him.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I previously directed the prosecutor to provide observations and respond to several questions regarding the evidence and witnesses intended for presentation against Mr. Duterte.

This directive is part of the “disclosure of evidence” process, which ensures that the accused is informed of the evidence the prosecution will rely on during the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for Sept. 23.

As part of this process, the prosecutor was tasked with answering 15 questions, including providing information on the number of written pieces of evidence, written statements, and non-written evidence such as photos, videos, and audio recordings to be presented; general information about the witnesses the prosecution plans to call; and whether there are plans to submit requests to withhold the identity of any potential witnesses.

The ICC judges also instructed the defense team to submit observations and respond to preliminary questions, including whether they intend to invoke any grounds for excluding criminal responsibility; whether further investigations are needed before the confirmation hearing; and the possibility of presenting evidence and calling witnesses during the proceedings.

If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years, depending on the gravity of the offenses, Mr. Cortez said.

“Considering the gravity of the offense, he may be looking at a jail term of at least 10 years to 30 years. There is no possibility that he can still return to the Philippines,” he added.

The average trial in the ICC is eight years, but as Mr. Duterte is only facing one charge, his trial could be faster.

PAGASA declares dry season onset

Pedestrians cross the street in Cubao, Quezon City, April 25, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE PHILIPPINE weather bureau on Wednesday announced the start of the dry season with the termination of the northeast monsoon (amihan) over most parts of the country.

“The shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly due to the establishment of the high-pressure area (HPA) over the Northwestern Pacific signifies the termination of the Northeast Monsoon over most parts of the country and the start of the dry season,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a statement.

It said the weather across the country will “gradually” become warmer each day, though isolated thunderstorms are still expected.

It also said the extreme Northern Luzon may still experience occasional northeasterly winds.

The heat index in some parts of the country, particularly Tarlac and Pangasinan provinces north of the capital Manila, has hit 46°C-47°C.

Temperatures would likely rise further toward the end of April and May.

In a separate statement, the Federation of Free Workers said as the termination of the northeasterly monsoon ushers in rising temperatures, the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke among workers also increase.

The group urged employers to take immediate and preventive measures to safeguard the health and safety of their workers amid extreme heat conditions.

“We call on all employers to ensure that workers, especially those in outdoor and high-temperature environments, are protected from heat-related hazards.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Marcos pursuing stronger peace ties

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL PABALATE

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday told newly appointed ambassadors from Colombia, Ukraine, and Cambodia to boost peace-building ties with their countries.

“I believe there’s more that we can do, that we can explore many other sectors, and strengthen and deepen the relations between our two countries,” he told Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines Edgar Rodrigo R. Garavito at the Malacañan Palace, based on a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office on Wednesday.

The Colombian ambassador said his country eyes cooperating with the Philippines to ensure “lasting peace and development.”

Also on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos reiterated Manila’s support for all efforts for peace in Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Oleksandrivna Fediv said her country seeks to develop bilateral relations with the Philippines on “collective efforts that promote peace, prosperity, and mutual respect across borders.”

“We hope to continue — we will always support you in your efforts for peace,” the President said to the Ukrainian envoy. “And we are very happy to welcome you here and to be able to have conversations with you as to what else we in the Philippines, though far away, might be able to do to help our quest for peace.”

He also told Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Sin Saream that Manila is keen on stronger relations with Phnom Penh.

“I welcome you to the Philippines and I look forward to even stronger relationships between our two countries, to strengthen what is already a very strong union between our two countries,” Mr. Marcos told the Cambodian diplomat. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Imee withdraws from admin slate

IMELDA “IMEE” R. MARCOS — SENATE PRIB

SENATOR and presidential sister Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said on Wednesday that she has withdrawn from her brother’s senatorial slate, citing the administration’s actions regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“I cannot stand on the same campaign platform as the rest of the Alyansa [Para sa Bagong Pilipinas]. As I have stated from the outset of the election period, I will continue to maintain my independence,” Ms. Marcos said in a statement.

The re-electionist senator added that government officials were “hiding essential facts” during a Senate hearing on the arrest of Mr. Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“By repeatedly invoking executive privilege and the sub judice rule during the Senate’s hearing last week, the government witnesses appeared to be hiding essential facts,” she said.

“Beyond their constant narrative that the Philippines was simply complying with its international commitments, a deliberate effort to obscure the truth only gave rise to ever greater suspicion that the Constitution may have been disregarded and our sovereignty diminished by the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Ms. Marcos added.

Several cabinet members including the Secretaries of Defense, Justice, and Interior and Local government denied having colluded with the ICC to pave the way for the arrest of Mr. Duterte. 

They had also used their executive privileges after Ms. Marcos asked about a meeting with the President to discuss rumors regarding the warrant of arrest issued by the ICC.

“Over and above political advantage, the sovereignty of the country and the interest of true justice for every Filipino must remain paramount,” she added.

Prior to her official withdrawal, Ms. Marcos had skipped the Alyansa slate’s rally in Laguna, last week, stating that she could not accept what was done to the former President.

Suspicions that she had been dropped from the Alyansa were also raised after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. left out the mention of his sister during his speech, only accounting for 11 senators in the administration’s senatorial ticket. — Adrian H. Halili

OP backs plan to let NFA buy 20% of local rice

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PRESIDENTIAL Palace on Wednesday backed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) call to Congress to allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy 20% of local rice supply to address the high prices of grain.

“It would be good to give the NFA authority again because it lost its power to import rice,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing on Wednesday.

“Currently, everything the NFA and DA do must go through the LGU (local government unit), as farmers cannot directly address their needs.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday urged the government to allow the NFA to buy about 20% of local supply to move the needle on rice prices and to influence the market.

“I hope Congress will revisit the Rice Tariffication Act to address this and grant the NFA proper authority,” Ms. Castro said.

The DA in February declared a food security emergency on rice, the latest effort by the government to lower the cost of the staple grain.

This allows the agency to release rice buffer stocks held by the NFA to stabilize prices and ensure that rice, a staple food for millions of Filipinos, remains accessible to consumers. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Marcos won’t abolish NTF-ELCAC — Malaya

THE COUNTRY’S anti-communist task force on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. does not plan on abolishing the body as he still sees the need to stop “terrorist activities” of communist groups.

This comes after Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene G. Brosas called on the President to abolish the task force citing cases of red-tagging and harassment.

“I am sorry to relay the bad news to them that the President made it clear today that he will never abolish the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict),” Jonathan E. Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council and the chairman of the task force told a news briefing.

He said the President ordered the Department of Budget and Management to allocate an additional P5 million for the task force’s village development project which would provide livelihood programs, education and healthcare services affected by communist conflict.

“We thank the President for his 100% support to the NTF-ELCAC and we commit to his directive to continue our efforts to finally end communist armed conflict in this country within his term,” Mr. Malaya said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

LTFRB orders ride-hailing apps, operators to equally share fare discount

PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered transport network companies (TNCs) and operators of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) to equally absorb the 20% fare discounts for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and students.

In a memorandum dated March 19, signed by LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo E. Guadiz III, the LTFRB said fare discounts mandated by law and other regulations will not be passed on to drivers by TNVS operators and other transport network vehicle services, beginning April 7.

It said TNVS operators and TNCs will have to equally share the mandated fare discounts.

“The Board resolves as it hereby resolved that the 20% discount availed of by passengers with fare privileges shall be shared by the TNC and TNVS operators strictly,” LTFRB said.

In January, the LTFRB said it is set to release a memorandum ordering TNCs to shoulder the 20% fare discount privileges, following a series of Senate hearings which found that TNCs passed on the bigger portion of the discount to drivers.

LTFRB had also convened a dialogue with 19 TNVS platforms operating in the country to ensure compliance with fare discount mandates for senior citizens, PWDs, and students.

This came after reports of noncompliance with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which entitle seniors and PWDs to 20% fare discounts, as well as reported violations of similar guidelines for students. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Criminal charges sought vs Filipinos spreading pro-China narratives

VECTORJUICE-FREEPIK

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should file criminal raps against Filipinos spreading pro-China narratives following the agency’s move to investigate vloggers linked to disinformation campaigns, a congressman said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Zambales Rep. Jefferson F. Khonghun called on the NBI to file cyber libel, espionage, sedition, and terrorism charges on individuals spreading pro-China propaganda and disinformation.

“If their actions cross the line into aiding the enemy, spreading disinformation, or sabotaging national interest, they must be held criminally liable,” Mr. Khonghun added.

The NBI said earlier that they are investigating about 20 vloggers linked to spreading disinformation.

The congressman had called these Filipinos wumaos, a Chinese phrase referring to individuals paid to post pro-government propaganda.

“Wumaos are not just online trolls. They are dangerous enablers of foreign aggression,” he said.

Mr. Khonghun added that these individuals have been defending Chinese incursions, downplaying harassment of Filipino fishermen, and attacking the Armed Forces and the government on online platforms.

“The government cannot allow Filipino citizens to act as mouthpieces for a foreign power, especially as tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) escalate,” he said.

Last week, House lawmakers conducted their third tri-committee hearing to tackle the rising threat of online disinformation and fake news, which seeks to hold accountable persons deliberately spreading disinformation. — Adrian H. Halili

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