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USAID, Ayala unit boost HIV services

REUTERS

THE UNITED States Agency for International Development and Ayala Healthcare Holdings (AC Health) have inked a deal to expand health services on treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Philippines, according to the US Embassy in the Philippines.

“Supported by funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the partnership will develop, test, and scale approaches to improving and expanding HIV care and prevention services in the Philippines,” the agency said in a statement, citing a partnership signing event on Nov. 27.

The embassy said the partnership would tap into the private sector’s resources and technical-know-how to work on expanding telehealth services and providing free HIV self-testing kits.

“This collaboration brings us closer to bridging gaps in HIV prevention and testing, ensuring these critical services reach more communities nationwide,” AC Health Chairman Fernando M. Zobel de Ayala said at the partnership signing event, based on the embassy’s statement.

Based on data from the Department of Health, the country averages about 53 new daily cases of HIV from young Filipinos. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Pass environment bills, group says

EIA.EMB.GOV.PH

RIGHTS OF NATURE PH launches ‘Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans’ initiative to protect key water ecosystems and push for the passage of Rights of Nature Bill.

The initiative is supported by 28 different organizations and coalitions, led by the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), Caritas Philippines, Diocesan Social Action Center Calapan, Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre, Silang Sagip Kalikasan, and Renacimiento Manila.

“The ‘Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans’ campaign is more than just a movement; it is a collective call to protect the environment for the survival and well-being of all communities,” PMPI said in a statement.

During a two-day general assembly, Rights of Nature PH called on lawmakers to prioritize several key environmental legislations, notably the Rights of Nature Bill. This bill seeks to recognize the intrinsic rights of ecosystems, ensuring their protection for future generations.

The bill is also said to be crucial for the country’s response to the climate emergency.

The environmental group also pushes for other legislations like local and national declarations of “State of Climate Emergency,” systemic protection of environmental human rights defenders, and the signing and ratification of the universal declaration of ocean rights.

Meanwhile, during the general assembly, representatives from various groups expressed concerns over anthropogenic activities impacting water ecosystems.

Bea Dolores, co-founder of Renacimiento Manila, expressed concerns over what she described as ‘destructive’ projects in Pasig River and Manila Bay.

Nature-based solutions are needed that are humane and climate-appropriate, which will help reduce the effects of climate change and preserve our heritage, she added.

The controversial Kaliwa Dam has also received condemnation from a youth indigenous group over aggression in indigenous territories “Nagkakagulo sa komunidad ng mga katutubo dahil sa mga hindi katutubo o dayuhang nagpupunta sa kanila dahil sa mga proyektong kanilang pinapasok… Malaki na ang naapektuhan ng Kaliwa Dam sa kasalukuyan [There is unrest in the indigenous community due to non-indigenous or foreign individuals coming to them because of the projects they are undertaking… The Kaliwa Dam has already significantly impacted them at present],” Kristel C. Quierrez, youth advocate of Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre said.

Panelists at the assembly also emphasized the need for continuous dialogue with government agencies and holding corporate entities and public officials accountable for environmental destruction.

They also urged Environment Secretary Maria Antonia ‘Toni’ Yulo-Loyzaga to engage directly with environmental advocates as she continued to refuse, emphasizing the need for transparent leadership.— Edg Adrian A. Eva

Violence against women rooted in history

FREEPIK

VIOLENCE against women (VAW) has long existed in the Philippines because of colonization, according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Monday.

“Violence against women is deeply rooted in our culture and being colonized as a country,” PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla told reporters in Filipino at the launch of the 18-day campaign to end VAW.

“Empowered women were killed because they were considered impediments to colonizers,” she said. “There’s a history behind this.”

Highlighting this year’s theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras! [End VAW, Now is the Time!]”, Ms. Valdeavilla said that she wants to raise awareness about the history of women in the country to help end the violence. “Kung alam mo paano nagsimula, alam mo paano tatapusin [If you know how it started, you’ll know how to end it.]”

In a statement by Ms. Valdeavilla last October 18, she mentioned that during the pre-colonial era of the Philippines, men and women were treated as “nearly equals.” When the colonizers ruled, women were “subjugated, denied education, confined to homes, and disciplined toward subservience”.

“Most of the empowered women perished in this dark part of the Philippines’ colonial history, which also marked the beginning of the impunity to commit violence against women or gender-based violence (GBV),” she said.

According to the data from the Philippine National Police, 11,585 cases related to violence against women were reported last year, wherein 8,055 cases were filed under the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act or Republic Act (RA) 9262, 2,791 cases under the Anti-Rape Law, and 59 counts under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877).

In addition, cases under the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) reached 473 reports. Meanwhile, 207 recorded cases were under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act..

Ms. Valdeavilla added that although the statistics show a significant number, many cases remain unrecorded because victims choose not to file a complaint. “The statistics are only an indication of how many cases were reported,” she said.

She added that some factors that contributed to these unrecorded victims were fear of causing family problems, fear of cutting ties with the offender, who is usually the main provider of the family, and shame. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

MENRE to facilitate RE dev’t in Bangsamoro area

FREEPIK

THE Department of Energy (DoE) will be transferring functions in facilitating renewable energy (RE) resources in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE).

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim signed a transition agreement to formalize the collaboration between the two governments for the smooth transfer of administration, application, and development of RE in the Bangsamoro area, according to DoE’s statement on Wednesday.

Section 8, Article XIII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law grants the Bangsamoro Government the authority “to explore, develop, and utilize natural resources, including renewable energy sources within the Bangsamoro region.

Inland waters that are a source of energy for areas outside the BARMM are co-managed by the BARMM and the national government.

The DoE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DoE-REMB) will continue to provide capacity building support to the Bangsamoro Government, the department said.

“Through DoE-REMB, we commit our full assistance to MENRE to facilitate its full assumption of the powers, functions, and responsibilities delegated to the DoE under the Renewable Energy Act, including those powers, functions, and responsibilities pertaining to the REMB, and other regulations that applies to the BARMM,” Mr. Lotilla said.

Transition activities will be completed by both parties by the end of December or until an agreed upon later date by both parties.

“As part of this responsibility, MENRE will ensure that all contracts are managed in accordance with its established policies and guidelines, which are specifically designed to align with the unique needs and priorities of BARMM,” the DoE said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Disqualification case filed vs Cagayan de Oro congressional aspirant

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) filed a disqualification case against a congressional aspirant in Cagayan de Oro City over alleged involvement in irregular voter registrations.

The poll body accused the political aspirant responsible for a 44.41% voter registration hike in a village due to his issuance of a village certification.

The village only had 39,359 registered voters on Oct. 30, 2023, which increased to 56,837, as of Nov. 11.

Out of the 21,854 voter applicants, 37.6% used the certification issued by the respondent, who charged a P50 fee per applicant, Comelec said.

“From Respondent’s own statement, he does not always verify, by actually calling either a person in the area or the zone leader who issued the zone clearance, whether the applicants in fact reside in [the village] or in the address as claimed by them,” the 16-page complaint, filed on Tuesday, read.

The aspirant is gunning for a House of Representatives seat to represent the 1st District of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

“Respondent willfully and maliciously employed the fraudulent scheme of issuing barangay certifications even to non-residents of [the village] to influence and induce them to register as voters in the said [village], to purposely give due advantage to his candidacy for the 2025 [National and Local Elections] and [the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections].”

The 2025 polls are set for May 12, 2025. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Aboitiz develops mangrove forest in Batangas

ABOITIZ CONSTRUCTION, Inc., the construction arm of the Aboitiz group, has partnered with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) to develop mangrove forests in Lian, Batangas.

The Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project aims to plant and grow 1,455 mangrove seedlings by 2026, Aboitiz Construction said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The project also aims to achieve an 80% survival rate of the planted seedlings by its completion, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mangrove forest and its positive impact on the local ecosystem,” it said.

It also seeks to support the Lian Fisherfolks Association and Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Sulok, a local community living in the area. This includes mangrove plantation design, nursery establishment, seedling production, and plantation maintenance.

“The Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project not only contributes to the preservation of vital ecosystems but also supports the livelihood of local communities,” Karmine Andrea Ching, senior associate Vice-President for business transformation of Aboitiz Construction, said in a statement.

The partnership was signed last Nov. 12 at the RAFI office in Cebu City. It will be implemented in coordination with the local government and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Lian.

The project adds to the construction firm’s sustainability initiatives. The company earlier planted around 1,300 seedlings in Alaminos, Laguna, Balamban, Cebu, and Claver, Surigao del Norte. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Over P7.5-M cannabis farms in Benguet raided

2H MEDIA-UNSPLASH

BAGUIO CITY — Three marijuana plantations were raided by policemen on Tuesday in remote barangay Badeo in Kibungan, Benguet, netting at least P7.52 million worth of harvestable cannabis.

Benguet police director Col. Joseph P. Bayongasan said the marijuana, planted on a total of 4,700-square-meter plantations were uprooted and burned after sufficient samples were taken for examination by the Philippine National Police Regional Forensic Unit in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The daylong operation was participated into by the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kibungan town police, Benguet Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and Benguet Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division of the Cordillera police and PDEA-Cordillera. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Resignation of BARMM officials after filing CoCs sought

COTABATO CITY — A bloc of political parties has urged Congress to ensure the resignation of Bangsamoro officials once they aspire for seats in the parliament if the 2025 parliamentary election is reset to 2026 via a legislative measure.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Grand Coalition (BGC) said in a statement released on Wednesday that it is unlawful for members of the BARMM parliament and officials of regional agencies to remain in their posts after filing certificates of candidacy for seats in the parliament during the upcoming political exercise.

Senate President Francis G. Escudero and House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez have filed Senate Bill 2864 and House Bill 11034, respectively, as enabling measures for the postponement of next year’s first ever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to 2026.

There is mounting perception, among groups that are not allies of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) that the bills filed by Mr. Escudero and Mr. Romualdez might possibly allow the holdover of BARMM officials who are to aspire for seats in the regional parliament.

The president of the UBJP is the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Ahod B. Ebrahim, the appointed chief minister of the Bangsamoro region.

The BGC, comprised of the regional parties Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP), which is a pioneer political party in BARMM that has more than 600,000 documented members and supporters, the Bangsamoro People’s Party, and the Al Ittihad-Ungaya sa Kwagib Nu Bangsamoro, said it is unlawful for appointed government officials to remain in their posts while aspiring for any elective position.

All of the 80 current members of the Bangsamoro parliament are presidential appointees.

The BGC said allowing them to remain in their positions after filing certificates of candidacy would violate restrictions clearly stated in the Philippine Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code. — John Felix M. Unson

Peso rebounds ahead of key US data

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO rebounded against the dollar on Wednesday as investors awaited the release of key US economic data and scheduled speeches from US Federal Reserve officials overnight.

The local unit closed at P58.71 per dollar on Wednesday, strengthening by 29 centavos from its P59 finish on Tuesday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session stronger at P58.92 against the dollar. Its intraday best was at P58.695, while its worst showing was at P58.97 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged jumped to $1.38 billion on Wednesday from $872.8 million on Tuesday.

The peso rose on profit taking as players awaited scheduled speeches from Fed officials and US economic data releases, a trader said by phone.

The reports scheduled for release include data on US gross domestic product (GDP) growth, personal consumption expenditures price index, durable goods, and initial jobless claims, the trader added.

The softer dollar also provided support for the peso, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

For Thursday, the trader sees the peso moving between P58.50 and P59 per dollar, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P58.65 to P59.

The US dollar consolidated against its major peers on Wednesday as investors weighed US President-elect Donald J. Trump’s tariff pledges, while awaiting a key inflation figure out of the US later in the day, Reuters reported.

Mr. Trump’s vows on Monday of big tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, the United States’ three largest trading partners, have left investors jittery, even if some of the reaction was tempered later in the US day.

The dollar was steady ahead of the October personal consumption expenditures price index due later on Wednesday, before US markets close for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six rivals, was last down 0.07% at 106.83. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters

PSEi sinks to 6,700 level on Trump’s tariff vow

BW FILE PHOTO

THE MAIN INDEX sank to the 6,700 level on Wednesday as the market continued to react to US President-elect Donald J. Trump’s threat to slap tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell by 1.53% or 104.27 points to close at 6,702.59 on Wednesday, while the broader all shares index dropped by 0.96% or 36.46 points to 3,760.08.

“The local market extended its decline as investors continued to digest the latest tariff threats from President-elect Donald Trump against China, Canada, and Mexico,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“Philippine shares closed back at the 6,700 level, falling more than 100 points, as investors concerns grew amid potential new tariffs suggested by President-elect Donald Trump,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan likewise said in a Viber message.

Asian stocks fell on Wednesday and currencies were volatile as investors fretted over whether other countries could be targeted for tariffs under Mr. Trump, a day after he pledged new levies on Canada, Mexico, and China, Reuters reported.

Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform early in Asia’s Tuesday that he would immediately put a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada upon taking office, and slap an additional 10% tariff on goods from China.

He said those levies would remain until the countries clamped down on issues such as illicit drugs and migrants crossing US borders.

“The peso’s weakness also weighed on the local bourse,” Mr. Tantiangco added.

On Tuesday, the peso slipped by a centavo to close at its record low of P59 per dollar, which it last hit on Nov. 21, as the greenback soared on safe-haven demand due to Mr. Trump’s statements.

The local unit on Wednesday rebounded by 29 centavos to end at P58.71 amid a softer dollar in anticipation of the release of key US inflation data overnight and the Thanksgiving holiday.

All sectoral indices closed lower on Wednesday. Holding firms dropped by 2.39% or 138.49 points to 5,636.93; property declined by 1.61% or 41.48 points to 2,531.15; services retreated by 1.23% or 25.73 points to 2,061.08; financials went down by 0.89% or 20.45 points to 2,269.92; mining and oil lost 0.64% or 48.91 points to end at 7,557.21; and industrials gave up 0.59% or 56.22 points to close at 9,382.47.

“Manila Electric Co. was the top index gainer, climbing 1.56% to P494. JG Summit Holdings, Inc. was the main index laggard, plunging 6.58% to P22.70,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover decreased to P4.27 billion on Wednesday with 375.48 million shares traded from P4.6 billion with 587.79 million issues exchanged on Tuesday.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 125 versus 60, while 49 names were unchanged.

Net foreign selling dropped to P539.05 million on Wednesday from P556.57 million on Tuesday. — R.M.D. Ochave with Reuters

Tanker Arvin Taguinota joins elite quintuple gold medal club

ARVIN NAEEM TAGUINOTA II (third from left) beams on the podium after winning the boys 12-13-year-old 100-meter backstroke in the swimming meet of the Batang Pinoy National Championships at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex swimming pool in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. In the photo is PSC Executive Director Paulo Trinidad (right) who awarded the medals.

TANKER Arvin Taguinota splashed his way to a pair of gold medals yesterday to join Pasig City teammate and gymnast Haylee Garcia in the elite quintuple gold medal club in the Batang Pinoy in Puerto Princesa, Palawan yesterday.

Mr. Taguinota, an 11-year-old protégé of Olympian Jessie Lacuna, topped the 12-13 boys 100-meter (m) backstroke in a minute and 4.3 seconds and then teamed up with Ricardo Delgado, Marcelino Picardal III and Jefferson Saburlase in seizing the 4x50m freestyle relay mint in 1:47.44.

Mr. Taguinota, who also won in 200m freestyle, 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley, thus matched the five-gold haul of Ms. Garcia, who hauled five in one fell swoop in the FIG juniors class of women’s artistic gymnastics Monday back in Intramuros, Manila.

In chess, FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Davao del Norte impressed as he completed a chess treble by ruling blitz, rapid and standard in the boys 15-year-old division.

Over in centerpiece athletics, Bacolod’s Mico Villaran led the record-breaking assault by spearheading his team of Ryzen Facto, Cloui Loquias and Churynthya Tecson to the 4x400m universal relay gold in 3:47.72.

It shattered the meet mark of 3:54.49 registered by Davao City’s Milchay Moreno, John Rods Bongcayat, Mary Jane Pagayon and Gorbachev Pepito last year at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

It was the third gold of the Palarong Pambansa track star who also topped the 400m hurdles and 110m hurdles in this meet bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

In pencak silat, Aklan towered above everyone else with golden feats by Lyca Pascual and Ma. Feroz Retiro (artistic double junior novice girls), Frenz Gregorio and John Jizmundo (artistic double junior elite boys), Mary Chantal Jizmundo, Marzhel Regalado and Nathalie Regalado (artistic trio junior novice girls), and Jharred Mabasa, Jason Patron and Justine Patron (artistic trio junior novice boys).

In taekwondo, it was Baguio who held sway with a three-gold haul courtesy of Vashti Budadda (cadet female category 2 kyorugi), Zyra Lee (junior female light middle), and Ian Lonogan (junior male middle). — Joey Villar

Cignal HD Spikers eye share of PVL lead in clash with Choco Mucho

CIGNAL HD SPIKERS — PVL

Games on Thursday
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. – ZUS vs Galeries Tower
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Cignal

CIGNAL aims to join sister club PLDT at the helm as it clashes with a dangerous Choco Mucho on Thursday in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The HD Spikers hurdled their first two assignments including one against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers last week and should reclaim a piece of the lead if they could hurdle the Flying Titans in their 6:30 p.m. duel.

Cignal skipper Ces Molina should continue to be the team’s beacon of strength after coming through big last game with a match-best 13 points while providing help in their floor defense with nine digs and seven receptions.

But it was the HD Spikers’ ability to recover quickly when the chips were done that have done great things to the team.

Choco Mucho though is expected to ride the crest of its 25-20, 26-24, 26-28, 25-9 win over Capital1 last Thursday for the former’s second win in three outings.

And the Flying Titans have no intention of slowing down.

“We’re hoping to work harder to sustain the momentum,” said Choco Mucho mentor Date Alinsunurin.

ZUS Coffee, for its part, eyes to improve on its 1-1 card as it tangles with Galeries Tower (0-3) at 4 p.m. — Joey Villar

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