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MPBL: A record-breaking night as Davao Occidental, Laguna win

MICHAEL Mabulac was a long-time reserve player of San Miguel Beer in the PBA, whose main function at practice was to guard June Mar Fajardo.
In the MPBL Datu Cup, he got the break of a lifetime and played his best game ever when he finished with 15 points and broke a seven-month record for most rebounds in a game in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league in the country by grabbing 21 rebounds and eclipsing the 20 previously set by Gian Abrigo, then playing for the Quezon City Capitals.
Too bad, Mabulac’s record had to stay for only two hours as Mark Yee shattered the feat in Davao Occidental’s 68-61 victory over Pasay late Wednesday night.
Yee, an ex-pro like Mabulac, came away with his own double-double performance, scoring 16 points and pulling down 24 rebounds to set a new mark for most rebounds by any player in a game.
With Yee leading the way for the Cocolife-backed El Tigre, the team from the Mindanao region grabbed solo second place in the Southern Division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Davao Occidental notched its third straight win and improved its win-loss record to 6-3.
Mabulac’s effort, however, wasn’t put to waste at all as Laguna pulled off a king-size upset win over powerhouse Manila, 74-68, in the first game.
This is the third straight game a lower-ranked seed squads were able to shock their more fancied rivals.
Mabulac conspired with fellow ex-PBA player Denok Miranda in the fourth period, allowing the Krah-supported Heroes to pick up their third straight win, a game behind second placer Davao Occidental in the Southern Division with a 5-3 win-loss record.
The loss was only the second in nine games for Manila, which dropped to third place of the Northern Division. — Rey Joble

LeBron James teams with ‘Black Panther’ director Coogler for Space Jam 2

LOS ANGELES — Two months ago, basketball superstar LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, he’s taking on Hollywood in a big way.
The long-awaited sequel to “Space Jam” — the 1996 live action-animated film starring NBA legends Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing — is finally moving forward.
King James’s production company, SpringHill Entertainment, on Wednesday tweeted an image of a locker room featuring the names of James, “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler as the producer and… Bugs Bunny himself as point guard.
“I loved his vision” for “Black Panther,” James said of Coogler to The Hollywood Reporter.
Independent filmmaker Terence Nance — the creator of HBO’s quirky comedy “Random Acts of Flyness” — is tapped to direct the film for Warner Brothers.
The original film featured the Looney Tunes characters — Bugs, Daffy Duck, and friends — who recruit Jordan to help them win a basketball game against the Monstars, a team of animated alien villains who steal the talents of other NBA icons.
“Space Jam 2” has long been rumored, but Wednesday’s tweet made it clear the project is a go.
This is not the first time that James, who signed with the Lakers in July, has dipped his toe into the acting world, but this would be his first starring role.
He made a well-received supporting turn in Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck” (2015) and has a voice role in Warner Brothers’ animated feature “Smallfoot,” which hits US theaters this week.
He also produced the HBO series “The Shop,” in which big names in the sports and entertainment worlds talked about the big issues facing America in barbershops.
“The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,” James told The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s so much bigger. I’d just love for kids to understand how empowered they can feel and how empowered they can be if they don’t just give up on their dreams. And I think Ryan did that for a lot of people.”
“Space Jam” earned more than $230 million at the box office worldwide. “Black Panther” has raked in more than $1.3 billion. — AFP

Ronaldo controversially sent off, Lyon stun Man’ City

PARIS — Juventus kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory at Valencia in a match overshadowed by a controversial red card for Cristiano Ronaldo, while tournament favorites Manchester City were stunned at home by Lyon on Wednesday.
Ronaldo’s Champions League debut for Juventus lasted less than half an hour as the Portuguese star was red-carded after a collision with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo.
After tangling with Ronaldo, Colombian Murillo tumbled to the ground holding his face, and referee Felix Brych consulted with the assistant official beside the goal before giving the competition’s all-time record goalscorer his marching orders.
“The only thing I can say is that VAR could have helped the referee make the right decision,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, lamenting the lack of video technology in UEFA tournaments.
“It is very disappointing, we almost lost because of that and we will be without Ronaldo for the next (game).”
But Juventus, who had totally dominated until Ronaldo’s dismissal, were awarded two penalties within six minutes either side of half-time, and Miralem Pjanic confidently dispatched them both.
The Italian champions defended well thereafter to keep the hosts at arm’s length, although Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny did save a Daniel Parejo spot-kick in the final minute of injury-time.
Manchester United top the early Group H table, though, after continuing their recent upturn in form by brushing aside Young Boys 3-0 in Bern to notch a third straight win in all competitions.
Jose Mourinho’s men were inspired by Paul Pogba on the artificial pitch, as the French World Cup winner drilled home a brilliant opener before converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time, and setting up Anthony Martial for the third.
CITY DOWNED BY VIBRANT LYON
But English champions Manchester City struggled, with Pep Guardiola watching from the stands after a touchline ban, and were beaten 2-1 by French side Lyon at the Etihad Stadium after an error-strewn display.
City, the bookmakers’ favourites for the title this term, suffered a nightmare first half against an enterprising Lyon, with Maxwel Cornet sweeping in after a mistake by Fabian Delph, and Nabil Fekir drilling home before half-time.
The introduction of Sergio Aguero as a substitute revitalised City after the break, and Bernardo Silva turned in Leroy Sane’s cutback with 23 minutes still to play.
But Lyon, who have only won two of their first five Ligue 1 matches this term, held on to clinch a famous victory and ease the pressure on coach Bruno Genesio.
“We saw two very different halves. We conceded many counter-attacks and at this level you get punished,” said City assistant coach Mikel Arteta, who was filling in for Guardiola. “If you give cheap goals away it is difficult.”
In the other Group F game earlier on Wednesday, Brazilian youngster Maycon came off the bench to rescue Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-2 draw in their game against group-stage debutants Hoffenheim in Kharkiv.
REAL MAKE STATEMENT
Holders Real Madrid showed that they are still serious contenders on the biggest stage despite seeing Ronaldo leave for Juventus in the close-season, as Julen Lopetegui’s men saw off Roma 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Isco curled home a sumptuous 45th-minute free-kick to give the 13-time champions the lead, before Gareth Bale made it three goals in two Champions League matches after his spectacular double in May’s final triumph over Liverpool.
Mariano Diaz, making his second debut for Real after rejoining from Lyon last month, smashed home a fantastic third in added time.
“I thought the performance was very good tonight; the only disappointment was that we didn’t score more,” said Bale.
Real next travel to CSKA Moscow on Oct. 2, after the Russians came back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw at Viktoria Plzen, with Everton loanee Nikola Vlasic scoring an injury-time penalty.
Five-time champions Bayern Munich got their Group E campaign off to a solid start as Niko Kovac’s men eased to a 2-0 triumph against Benfica in Lisbon, with Robert Lewandowski and Renato Sanches scoring the goals.
Ajax cruised to a 3-0 victory over AEK Athens in Amsterdam earlier in the day to sit atop the early standings, with Argentinian Nicolas Tagliafico scoring twice. — AFP

Filipino MMA fighter Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio makes another attempt at ONE strawweight title

FELL short in his initial quest to become world champion two years ago, Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Joshua “The Passion” Pacio hopes that his second try at the ONE Championship strawweight title turns out a success.
In Indonesia right now, Baguio native Pacio is set to face reigning world champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Japan in the headlining fight for “ONE: Conquest of Heroes” on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Jakarta Convention Center.
It will be the second meeting between the two after they collided in October 2016 for the title where the Japanese won by submission (rear-naked choke) in the third round to successfully defend the belt.
Mr. Pacio (12-2) said he has grown as a fighter since his first encounter with Mr. Naito (13-1) and is confident that he can perform better this time around and believes he is on a firmer spot to make things happen.
Added motivation for the 22-year-old Pacio is the possibility of bringing further pride for his Team Lakay, which boasts now of two current world champions in Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio (flyweight) and Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon (bantamweight/interim).
For his Team Lakay teammates, Mr. Pacio’s willingness to learn and follow his dreams, apart from the inherent talent he has, should serve him well as he progresses in his MMA career.
“Joshua is a diligent kid who has chased his dreams and built his career with his bare hands. Everything he has achieved today has come through hard work and dedication. You do not see that in many kids in their 20s today. It is rare,” said former ONE lightweight champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang in an interview for the ONE Championship Website.
“The focus he has on achieving his goals is inspiring. The great thing is that he is young, and he has his whole life ahead of him. Being this good at what he does so early — it is scary to think how good he will be in the next five years,” he added.
Mr. Folayang went on to say that he is confident that their team has prepared Mr. Pacio for his upcoming fight and the outcome of the rematch with Mr. Naito could well be different.
“I am sure [Team Lakay] coach Mark [Sangiao] is putting together a tremendous game plan for him going into the Naito rematch. As laser-focused as Joshua is, and as determined as he is, I would not be surprised to see him get a finish this time around. Victory is just around the corner,” said Mr. Folayang.
Mr. Eustaquio, too, is high on the chances of Mr. Pacio the second time around against Mr. Naito.
“Having been able to challenge for the title at 20, it came as a surprise, and he handled it well. He took the experience, and absorbed what he needed from it. Now, the rematch is happening because he worked hard for it. Joshua willed this title shot into existence, and now he is staring destiny in the face,” said Mr. Eustaquio in a separate interview with ONE.
“With Joshua’s tools, he can beat Naito this time around and claim the gold, but he has to go in there with a good strategy. Naito is very slick and very smart. I am sure our team has a great game plan ready,” the flyweight champion added.
Entering the contest, Mr. Pacio is in a three-fight winning streak, the last one coming over Thai Pongsiri Mitsatit in July by way of submission (Hammerlock) in the opening round.
Mr. Naito, for his part, is fresh from reclaiming the strawweight title from Brazilian Alex Silva in May.
Also seeing action at ONE: Conquest of Heroes are Filipino flyweight Danny Kingad and women’s atomweight Jomary Torres. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Kaya FC-Iloilo keeps hold of Group B leadership at Copa Paulino Alcantara

KAYA FC-Iloilo stayed on top of Group B in the ongoing Copa Paulino Alcantara following its defeat of JPV Marikina FC, 1-0, in their clash on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Alfred Osei delivered the winning blow for Kaya to hand his team the full three points to improve to 2-0-0 with six points in the inaugural season of the cup competition.
The match started tight but eventually Kaya got to dictate the tempo of the contest in the opening half which finished with a goalless tie.
In the second half, both teams tried to hold sway and had it nip-and-tuck.
Mr. Osei though would step up big for Kaya in the 75th minute when scored what turned out to be the marginal goal off a free kick.
JPV tried to rally back after but Kaya’s defense and goalkeeper Ace Villanueva’s work would not allow the Marikina-based team any headway.
“It was a really tough match. I would say JPV played an attacking-oriented game. I think we played well throughout 90 minutes, it’s just that we couldn’t get our finishing in the final third. We were able to control the midfield, get to the penetration area, but for the team to win games, we need to get shots on goal. We had shots, but we only had two or three on target. That’s something we have to work on,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida after the game.
With the win, Kaya extended its dominance over JPV for 2018, beating the latter for six consecutive times to date. But more importantly, it gave Kaya a good shot at securing the top spot in Group B with a win on Sunday, Sept. 23, against Global Cebu FC.
In the Copa Paulino Alcantara, the top two teams in the two groupings at the end of classification play advance to the crossover semifinals.
Heading into weekend action, Kaya leads Group B followed by JPV (1-0-1) with three points and Global (1-0-2) with three points.
In Group A, Stallion Laguna FC (1-0-1) has three points, Davao Aguilas Bellmare FC (1-0-0) with three points, and Ceres Negros FC (1-0-2) with three points. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Polarizing figure

Throughout LeBron James’ reign as the best player in the National Basketball Association for the better part of the last decade, the primary contention bolstering his value has been that of his capacity to make teammates better. And from the outside looking in, the numbers bear him out. Even as he’s already 33 with a whopping 1,382 regular season and playoff games under his belt, he continues to pad stat lines en route to three championships off eight straight Finals appearances and nine all told.
For all James’ accomplishments, however, a fresh, far less appealing, narrative has emerged. Emboldened by recent developments, naysayers have woven a counter-argument predicated on the Lakers’ inability to land another marquee name after they spread the welcome mat for him last July. Never mind that head of hoops operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have remained steadfast in their plan of prudence. Unlike those from the previous dispensation, they believe they can nab at least one more star without having to break the bank or give up significant assets.
Admittedly, James’ presence brings added pressure to the rest of the roster, and not simply because of his past achievements. He works extremely hard at his craft, even during supposed downtimes, and expects the same from those around him. Likewise, he’s a ball-dominant power on the court, with a playing style that necessarily relegates everybody else to supporting roles. In this context, he can stunt instead of promote growth, his extreme efficiency notwithstanding.
No doubt, the constant spotlight on James spurs would-be alpha dogs to seek better arrangements or stay away. It’s why Kyrie Irving wanted out of the Cavaliers last year despite their success together, and why Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler — despite their initial preference for the Lakers, seem to have shifted their sights to the Clippers. Heck, even Paul George’s decision to stay with the Thunder has been dumped on the four-time league Most Valuable Player’s lap, all evidence to the contrary.
Needless to say, James has long accepted the burden of leadership. In fact, he continues to thrive in it. Since taking the NBA by storm in 2003, he has met, and exceeded, all reasonable expectations. It’s why all free agency decisions have him in mind, and why, concomitantly, he will continue to be a polarizing figure for some time to come.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

Espenido to face homicide raps

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas
THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has found probable cause to charge Ozamiz City Police Chief Inspector (PCI) Jovie R. Espenido and other police officers with six counts of homicide in connection with a police operation in June last year.
In a 10-page resolution signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Loverhette Jeffrey P. Villordon, the DoJ recommended that Mr. Espenido, SPO4 Renato J. Martir, Jr. and PO1 Sandra L. Nadayag be charged with six counts of homicide under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code.
The complaint was filed by Carmelita U. Manzano, in connection with the deaths of her husband Fancracio Manzano, son Jerry Manzano, and four other relatives and in-laws.
According to her, they were celebrating the birthday of a brother-in-law at their house at around 2:00 p.m. of June 1, when three policemen alighted from a vehicle outside and started shooting.
Ms. Manzano and her three grandchildren were rushed to the house of a neighbor, Laureto Ugmad, who lived with his six children, and they were told to “get down on the ground and face away from the street.” She said she “heard continuous shots coming from outside.”
Ms. Manzano herself was detained by Ozamiz Police Station that day and was only allowed to leave a week later, after signing an Affidavit of Arrest/Complaint/Search for violation of Republic Act No 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
In its resolution, the DoJ noted the stand of the accused that the killings were in the course of their duty.
“In other words, they wish to avail of justifying circumstance of fulfillment of a duty or killing in the lawful exercise of a right or office. Unfortunately for respondents, their admission of killing the herein victims is, on its own, sufficient to establish probable cause for the crime of homicide,” the resolution read in part.
The DoJ also took note of Mr. Espenido’s claim that the targets were robbery and homicide suspects.
It also stated that the Supreme Court previously held that if the accused admitted of the death of a victim “and his defense is anchored on a justifying circumstance, it is incumbent upon him to prove such justifying circumstance to the satisfaction of the court.”
On the other hand, the DoJ dismissed the charges of arbitrary detention and murder also filed by Ms. Manzano for “lack of probable cause.”
The DoJ also dismissed the complaint against respondent PCI Glyndo L. Pujanes, saying that “he was not part of the operation, and only arrived at the scene after the incident had already occurred.”
Mr. Espenido led the drug raid which killed Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and 14 others on July 30, 2017.

Crime victimization dips, fear remains in SWS poll

A SECOND QUARTER poll conducted in June found 5.3% (or an estimated 1.2 million) of families reporting victimization by crimes within the past six months, a figure that’s 1.3 points below the 6.6% (est. 1.5 million) in March.
The Second Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said this drop is “the lowest since the record-low 3.7% in June 2017.”
Crimes monitored by the non-commissioned survey, which was conducted in June, include pickpocketing or robbery of personal property, break-ins, carjacking, and physical violence.
PROPERTY CRIMES, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE FALLS
The survey found 5.1% (est. 1.2 million) of families losing property to street robbery, burglars (break-ins), or carjacking within the past six months. “This is 1.0 point below the 6.1% (est. 1.4 million) in March 2018, and lowest since the record-low 3.1% in June 2017,” the poll said.
The survey also found a record-low 0.2% (est. 45,000) of families with members hurt by physical violence, if a dip of 0.4 point below the 0.6% (est. 145,000) in March 2018, and of 0.1 point below the previous record-low of 0.3% in June 2011 and June 2014.
The survey pointed out that “(v)ictimization by common crimes reported in SWS surveys is much higher than the number of crimes actually reported to the police.”
It added: “Except in March 2013 and June 2016 when it was at 10.5% and 11.4% respectively, victimization of families by any common crime was at single-digit levels from March 2012 to June 2018. Meanwhile, except in June 2016 when it was 10.9%, victimization of property crimes was also at single-digit levels from March 2012 to June 2018.”
FEAR REMAINS
The survey found 55% of Filipino adults agreeing with the statement, “In this neighborhood, people are usually afraid that robbers might break into their houses.” This is similar to 54% in March 2018, and lower than 59% in December 2017, the poll said.
The survey found 46% agreeing with the statement, “In this neighborhood, people are usually afraid to walk in the street at night because it is not safe.” The earlier March poll also led to 46%, but this was slightly lower than the 48% in December last year, SWS said.
The survey also found street robberies falling in all areas — notably 2.7 points in Metro Manila and the Visayas — but rising 2 points in Mindanao, the one region under martial law since May 2017. On the other hand, families fearing unsafe streets fell by 12 points in Mindanao, from 48% in March to 36% in June.
Among other crimes monitored by the survey, carjacking yielded 0.0 in Metro Manila and the Visayas, but rose to 0.7% in Balance Luzon and 0.8% in Mindanao.
The survey also found that among the 4.0% who have been victims of street robbery, 61% were women and 34% were men. Victimization by street robbery rose by 2 points among women, from 59% in March, but fell by points among men, from 38% also in March.
The survey was conducted June 27-30, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with sampling error margins of ±2.5% for national percentages and ±6% each for the said areas.
In response to the survey, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said: “Bumaba pa po ang numero ng krimen at ang taumbayan na mismo ang nagsasabi nito (The crime rate has dropped and our countrymen themselves are saying this).”

US, PHL affirm defense treaty

By Camille Aguinaldo, Reporter
DEFENSE SECRETARY Defin N. Lorenzana and US Department of State Secretary Michael R. Pompeo reaffirmed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries in a meeting on Wednesday in Washington D.C.
In a statement, US Under Secretary of State Heather Nauert said the two officials also “discussed cooperation on regional security challenges,” including militarization in the South China Sea and the denuclearization of North Korea.
Mr. Pompeo also reiterated to Mr. Lorenzana the US’ continuing assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization program.
“Secretary Pompeo also expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered US assistance in humanitarian relief efforts,” Ms. Nauert said.
The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty mandates both countries to support each other in case the Philippines or United States is under attack in the Pacific region.
This agreement has been cited in the South China Sea issue as to whether it will be enforced if Philippine troops or vessels are attacked in the disputed waters.
The Philippines has long depended on the US for military hardware and support. However, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has recently turned to China and Russia for trade and defense cooperation.
Mr. Lorenzana also had a meeting with US Defense Secretary James N. Mattis last Tuesday at the Pentagon to discuss the continuing defense alliance of the two countries.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, Mr. Lorenzana and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez also met with US senators Cory S. Gardner and Daniel S. Sullivan last Tuesday.
Mr. Gardner is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific while Mr. Sullivan is a member of the Senate Armed Services committee.

Palace slams International People’s Tribunal’s ‘sham decision’ vs Duterte

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG on Thursday maintained that the guilty verdict on President Rodrigo R. Duterte by the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) is a “sham.”
Mr. Duterte was convicted by the said court of “crimes against humanity, war crimes, and violations of law and legal instruments.”
According to the IPT Philippines, as posted on its social media page, the IPT announced its verdict in Brussels, Belgium, last Wednesday, Sept. 19, on the charges filed against President Rodrigo R. Duterte, United States President Donald J. Trump, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization, and transnational corporations and foreign banks doing business in the Philippines “of gross and systematic violations of civil and political rights; gross and systematic violations of economic, social and cultural rights; and gross and systematic violations of the rights of the people to national self-determination and development and violations of international humanitarian law.”
In a video, an IPT juror said: “The Defendants Duterte, Trump and all other Defendants are guilty of all the charges specified in the Indictment, which account for their accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of law and legal instruments referred to in the Indictment.”
Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), one of the complainants, said in a press statement: “Last year, Kadamay had led more than 8,000 families in a successful occupation of public housing projects that have been idle for more or less five years. The group underscored the injustice of having hundreds of thousands of socialized housing units unused for so long amidst a worsening homeless problem.”
Other complainants, according to the IPT, include Bayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Gabriela, Anakbayan, Migrante, Karapatan, Hustisya, Desaparecidos, Selda, Sandugo, and Rise Up for Life and Rights.
Kadamay’s representative, Concepcion Opalla, who testified against “the gross negligence and grave threats made by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte against the movements of urban poor and homeless,” was quoted as saying: “Things are not getting any better for the homeless. Both Duterte and the NHA have worked to worsen the housing crisis, treating it like a business rather than a public service. In the last year, more idle homes have been put up while the agency continues to profit and make profits for corporate developers. They are doing more to guarantee the flow of money to their pockets rather than ensure homeless Filipinos have a roof over their heads.”
For its part, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said: “The International Peoples’ Tribunal is a legitimate venue and alternative or parallel platform initiated by the people to seek redress when existing traditional institutions and remedies are either limited, inadequate, unavailing or even skewed.”
The NUPL stressed that the IPT “follows and respects due process where the Defendants are duly notified and given an adequate opportunity to participate and defend themselves; has its rules of procedure that is consistent with universal standards of evidence; convened by prestigious and respected international lawyers’ organizations; presided by a panel of eminent jurors of different disciplines; and where the proceedings are conducted in an open and public trial.”
“Leaders and governments must take these credible initiatives by the people seriously. They must frontally address the complaints, grievances and charges against them before the international community,” the NUPL also said.
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said: “That’s a sham decision. It has no official sanction. The validity of the findings will depend on the credibility of the tribunals — I’m in this field of law. I do not know who sat there. They appear to be a propaganda body of the international left; and, therefore, we set it aside as being a useless piece of propaganda against the government.”

Uson, blogger Olivar charged before Ombudsman over sign-language video

By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter
MALACAÑANG said it will implement any decision by the Office of the Ombudsman on the complaints filed against Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux J. Uson.
“The Ombudsman can already order the dismissal of anyone in government, because it is both an administrative and a criminal case,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing, Thursday.
The Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PDF) on Thursday filed before the Office of the Ombudsman a complaint against Ms. Uson and blogger Andrew Olivar over another controversial video.
Igagalang po ng Palasyo ang proseso — kung sinabi ng Ombudsman, sibakin, hindi po natin tututulan iyan,” Mr. Roque also said. (The Palace will respect the process — if the Ombudsman orders for her dismissal, we will not object to that.)
He added, however, that the Palace is not considering Ms. Uson’s dismissal. “Sa ngayon po hindi (As of now, no),” Mr. Roque said when asked about this.
The complaint stemmed from the “Pepederalismo for Deaf People” video posted on her Facebook page “Mocha Uson Blog” on Sept. 14, with Mr. Olivar shown interpreting the sign languagem.
The complaint was filed by PDF President Carolyn B. Dagani with Hazel D. Bual, Lauro de Leon Purcil, Jr. and Liza B. Martinez. The PDF on Tuesday had also filed a similar complaint before the Commission on Human Rights.
The video, according to the PDF, violated Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities, which prohibits verbal and non-verbal ridicule and vilification against Persons with Disability.

Peso weakens on BSP, Fed rate hike bets

THE PESO weakened against the dollar on Thursday due to corporate demand ahead of expected monetary policy tightening by the local and US central banks.
The local unit ended yesterday’s session at P54.075, 8.5 centavos weaker than the P53.99-per-dollar finish on Wednesday.
The peso opened the session stronger at P53.91 versus the US currency, which was also its best showing for the day. Meanwhile, its intraday low stood at P54.09 versus the greenback.
A foreign exchange trader said the peso weakened as offshore selling “faded” throughout the session.
“From its P53.91 opening rate, it quickly traded [weaker] I think due to corporate demand,” the trader said in a phone interview.
“We saw local buying below P54 as more corporate demand was interested in the P54 level.”
The trader added that the peso-dollar pair traded relatively quiet during yesterday’s session. “It’s more of positioning in order to accommodate for the corporate demand.”
Another trader concurred, adding the peso depreciated “on bargain-hunting following the recent strength of the peso ahead of major monetary policy decisions next week.”
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reiterated signals of “strong” monetary response to surging inflation when the Monetary Board meets on Sept. 27.
Previously, BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. committed to “take strong immediate action” in response to the faster-than-expected 6.4% August inflation print.
The BSP has raised rates by a cumulative 100 basis points since May, with rates currently ranging at 3.5-4.5%.
Meanwhile, two more rate hikes in September and December are expected from the US Federal Reserve.
A number of Fed officials have signalled they are expecting further policy tightening in the coming months on the back of strong economic growth boosted by the tax cuts implemented December last year.
For Friday, the first trader expects the peso to move between P53.90 and P54.10 versus the dollar, while the other gave a P54-P54.20 range.
“The local currency might weaken ahead of likely upbeat US manufacturing and services data which could increase the appeal of the greenback over the peso,” the second trader noted in an e-mail. — K.A.N. Vidal