Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 11102

ROTC program to expand training on military skills

By Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
THE Department of National Defense (DND) said firing exercises and more lessons on technical skills will be part of the program of the proposed Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for senior high school.
“In the past, it was just purely military science. Ngayon kasama natin dito na mag-implement ang DepEd dito sa part na historical values. Sa technical development, ang TESDA. Kapag pumasok ka sa ROTC ngayon, hindi lang medic or infantry ka….Tuturuan ka na maging radio operator, computer and cyber-specialist, Morse code. These things are technical na pwede mong gamitin,” DND Spokesperson Arsenio R. Andolong said in an interview with BusinessWorld on Dec. 6. (We will now implement together with DepEd [Department of Education] [a course on] historical values. On technical development, we will work with TESDA [Technical Education and Skills Development Authority]. If you enroll in ROTC, you’ll be taught not only medic or infantry, but [how to be a] radio operator, computer and cyber-specialist, [and understanding] Morse code. These are technical things that you can use).
Since last year, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has been pushing for the mandatory implementation of ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 in both public and private high schools.
The current curriculum of ROTC in college includes military history and laws, physical trainings, and emergency preparedness.
Mr. Andolong added, “Highly technical na ngayon ang military (The military is highly technical now),…kaya (that’s why) you have be taught…these things. Cyber warfare is one area that we can teach to our students….(We also have) firing, field training exercise, kasi (because) they will be training alongside the regular force para naman (so this would be) exciting.”
If its proposal is approved by the Congress, Mr. Andolong said graduates of the ROTC program, both in senior high school and college, will be granted civil service eligibility. “Kapag naka-graduate ka ng basic ROTC, may civil service eligibility ka na. Let’s say hindi ka nakapagtapos ng (you didn’t finish) college (but) you want to work in the government, at least may civil service eligibility ka na (you now have civil service eligibility).”
He added, “Kapag ikaw ay grumaduate sa college at kumuha ka ng advanced ROTC, may second level ka ng civil service eligibility (If you graduate from college and take the advanced ROTC [program], you will have second-level civil service eligibility). So it’s going to be worth your while.”
Graduates of the basic ROTC program in senior high school will also be eligible for entry in the military or the police. “Kapag grumaduate ka ng basic ROTC, hindi ka na makakapag-college, tapos naghahanap ng trabaho, eligible ka sa entry to AFP, PNP, Coast Guard as an enlisted man and woman,” Mr. Andolong said. (If you graduate from the basic ROTC program and you’re unable to finish college but you’re looking for work, you’re eligible to entry in the AFP, PNP, Coast Guard as an enlisted man and woman).

Malacañang cautions against UN official’s defense of Rappler

MALACAÑANG said United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye should not politicize the tax evasion cases the government has filed against Rappler.com and its CEO and executive editor Maria A. Ressa.
“An official from the United Nations (UN) has once again barged into our legal and judicial processes. Without the benefit of factual information, Mr. Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, has called on the government to drop the tax evasion charges against Rappler and its head, Maria Ressa, contending falsely that the same constitutes censorship,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a press statement released on Saturday night, Dec. 8.
In his statement on Dec. 6, as posted on the official Web site of the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, Mr. Kaye said: “In light of past measures taken against Rappler, I am concerned that the charges of tax evasion constitute an attempt to silence the news outlet’s independent reporting.”
He added: “This is a serious threat against independent and investigative journalism in the Philippines, and will have implications beyond its borders.”
In response, Mr. Panelo said: “We expect the UN representative to be more circumspect instead of politicizing a crime and ignoring its gravity and assaulting the sovereignty of our country.”
“Tax evasion is a serious offense not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well,” he added.
“The case against the media outfit has absolutely nothing to do with the freedom of expression. Being a media entity and a journalist cannot shield them from criminal prosecution when they violate the law. A court of competent jurisdiction has found probable cause against them; hence, they have been formally charged.”
“The fact that Rappler and its reporters continue to publish articles of dissent against this Administration is an eloquent testimonial. The fact that detractors and critics of the President continue to air their protests in various media platforms against our policies is another irrefutable proof. Should there be cases of censorship, people are always free to seek redress from the courts. We note that there are no reports of such cases.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

Davao court order Trillanes to comment on HDO over libel case

THE DAVAO City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 54 has ordered Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV to comment on the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) motion to issue a hold-departure order (HDO) against him for libel, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said.
“The Court gave Sen. Trillanes 5 days to comment/oppose our motion for the issuance of an HDO, as part of due process,” Mr. Guevarra said in a text message, adding that the motion has been “submitted for resolution.”
The Davao RTC Branch 54 is the same court that issued four arrest warrants against the senator on Dec. 7 over four counts of libel filed by former Davao City vice mayor and presidential son Paolo Z. Duterte.
The senator has also been ordered to post bail of P24,000 for each.
Messrs. Duterte and Carpio charged Mr. Trillanes of libel last Sept. 2018 after the senator alleged that they were involved in corruption and extortion, including ride-hailing services.
In a statement last Dec. 7, Mr. Trillanes said he was planning to turn himself in to police authorities once his warrant was out, but his lawyers said the prosecution prohibits arrests on minor cases on Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
“So, instead of turning myself in, which is apparently not possible under the circumstances, I will just post bail before the appropriate court on Monday,” he said.
He also criticized the current administration, saying, “Baliktad ang hustisya sa gobyerno ni Duterte. Ang mga mandarambong ay pinalaya na. Ang mga kritiko naman ay gagawan ng kaso para pilit na maikulong (Justice under the Duterte government is reversed. Plunderers are freed. Critics are charged over made-up cases to be detained),” he said.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo, meanwhile, said the senator should focus on facing his cases instead of attacking the administration.
“Everyone must be accountable for any wrongdoing or infraction of any law. His being a senator cannot excuse him from prosecution from those he has wronged. Instead of employing squid tactics and smearing the Administration, he should focus on the legal remedies available to him,” Mr. Panelo said yesterday.
In another development, Judge Elmo M. Alameda of Makati City RTC Branch 150 on Dec. 7 denied the appeal of the prosecution and upheld his Nov. 29 decision to partially lift the HDO against Mr. Trillanes as he has complied with the requirements of the court.
Mr. Trillanes plans to travel to the Netherlands, Spain, and United Kingdom from Dec. 11, 2018 to Jan. 12, 2019 to attend various meetings and activities. He will also go to the United States from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, 2019.
A travel ban was issued against him by the Makati court on Sept. 25 for his rebellion case over the 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege after President Rodrigo R. Duterte voided his amnesty on Aug. 31 through Proclamation No. 572. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Cordillera IPs prepare proposals for autonomy law

REPRESENTATIVES of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) concluded on Sunday, Dec. 9, a three-day legislative assembly in Baguio City, where they finalized provisions for inclusion in House Bill 5343, the proposed law for the establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera (ARC). “I would like to assure you that there is enough time for us to consider whatever (proposals) you will present to us… I am committed to wait for your inputs prior to the approval in the Technical Working Group of this proposed bill,” Baguio City Rep. Mark O. Go, one of the bill’s seven authors, said during the assembly’s Friday opening. The gathering — organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)-IP Peace Panel and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), with support from the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) — was intended to obtain proposals from the region’s IPs on how the pending bill can be further enhanced, specifically provisions that impact on the rights and welfare of their communities. Prior to the legislative assembly, the OPAPP-IP Peace Panel and NCIP led a series of provincial consultations in Ifugao, Benguet, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province as well as in Baguio City. The 1987 Constitution provides for the creation of the ARC.

Soldiers, police to receive 500 housing units

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will turn over today the 500 housing units built in San Miguel, Bulacan for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Palace said in an e-mailed advisory on Sunday. The housing project was built under the New AFP/PNP Housing Program. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Davao Airport Authority bill gets House nod on 2nd reading

THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on second reading the bill creating the Davao International Airport Authority. House Bill No. 8691, the Charter of the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA), will establish a corporate body to operate the Francisco-Bangoy International Airport in Davao City. The DIAA, which will be an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and will get capitalization from the national budget, will be mandated to “principally undertake the economical, efficient, and effective control, management, and operation,” of the airport. The airport, currently under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, is being planned for development with private sector participation. The counterpart measure, Senate Bill 1213, authored by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, remains pending at the committee level. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Cebu business chamber eyes Europe for next trade missions

WHILE China and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are currently the favorite trade mission destinations of Philippine businesses, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is eyeing Europe for its trade roadshows starting next year. CCCI President Antonio N. Chiu, also the honorary consul of the Slovak Republic consulate in Cebu City, said Europe’s appeal is recapturing local businesses. Mr. Chiu said consultations with CCCI members are being planned to determine which European countries offer good business viability for Cebu businessmen. With over 6,000 products under the new European Union’s Generalized System Preferences Plus (GSP+), an EU delegation recently urged businesses in the Visayas, including Cebu, to look at Europe to drive export growth. — The Freeman

PHL-Japan Historical Museum gets P4.7M renovation fund from Japan


THE nearly 25-year old Philippine-Japan Historical Museum in Davao City is getting a spruce up with a P4.7 million fund from the Japanese government. The Embassy of Japan signed the grant contract last Nov. 28 with the Davao-based Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. (PNJK), a non-government organization that manages the museum. In a statement last week, the Japanese embassy said it hopes that the restoration work and upgrading of displays “will contribute to the further enhancement of mutual understanding and deepened relations between the Philippines and Japan.” The museum, built and inaugurated on May 14, 1994, features the historical ties between Japan and Davao, which can be traced back to the early 1900s. “This Museum is a repository of Japan’s past records as immigrants who came to Davao from the year 1903 up to the close of the Second World War, 1942-1945… Old relics, Japanese World War II vintage and other Allied war materials… books, pamphlets, pictures and other writings related to World War II are displayed for public viewing,” the PNJK said on its website.

Major campaign rally for BOL to be launched Dec. 10 in Cotabato City

A MAJOR campaign rally for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be launched today, Dec. 10, in Cotabato City, as the official campaign period started last Friday, according to the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. “I am confident that despite the challenges, our campaign for the BOL and for peace will have a positive impact not only in the Bangsamoro, but the rest of the country,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal said during a media forum on the BOL on Dec. 6. In the same forum, the Commission on Elections also announced that the plebiscite will now be held in two dates: Jan. 21 within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, and Isabela City; and Feb. 6 for Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato, including towns and barangays with approved petitions to join the Bangsamoro ARMM (BARMM). Recently-resigned Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza attended the forum, where he said, “I’ll be supporting my peace partners and the advocacy even in my personal capacity.”
YOUTH VOTERS
A survey conducted in Oct. and Nov 2018 by peace-building non-government organization International Alert (IA) Philippines indicates that “a significant majority of the youth” in the BARMM “will vote YES to the ratification” of the BOL. “This is significant considering that the youth comprise 57% of the registered voters in the ARMM,” said IA Country Manager Nikki de la Rosa said in a statement when the survey results were released on Dec. 6. However, youth were “either not in favor or unsure of the BOL” within the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, which are all part of the ARMM, and the towns of Midsayap, Carmen, and Pigkawayan in North Cotabato. “Our data suggests that those advocating for the BOL may consider putting more effort into explaining to young people how the law will weaken armed groups affiliated with ISIS, create jobs in government, encourage more investments in the Bangsamoro, and prove that it is not Moro-centric, but benefits non-Muslims, including indigenous peoples, as well,” Ms. de la Rosa said. IA will conduct a repeat survey in the first week of Jan. — Marifi S. Jara

Labor coalition seeks dialogue with Bello on killings, harassment of labor activists

A LABOR coalition has called on Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III to have a dialogue with them regarding the killings of trade union leaders.
“We already sent an urgent letter to Secretary Bebot Bello because we are seriously alarmed with the recent killings of trade unionists and the (harassment) and threats encountered by trade union leaders and organizers,” Nagkaisa chairman Sonny Matula said in a statement.
The labor coalition’s request comes after news late last month of the murder of Linus Cubol, former Caraga region chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno(KMU). Mr. Cubol was also the former president of the Manila Mining Corporation workers’ union in Surigao del Norte.
In 2016, Partido Manggagawa-Cebu organizer Orlando Abangon was killed by a still unidentified assasin.
Other incidents were the recent arrest in Bulacan of two former heads of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE). And union leaders from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) in Bulacan were reportedly harassed by police.
Members of the Confederation of Independent Unions (CIU) and Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) have also been accused of being part of the underground communist movement.
Nagkaisa marks Monday, Dec. 10, as the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The declaration is intended (to) prevent untold human suffering and aims to lay down the foundations for a just and humane world,” the group said. — G.M. Cortez

Senior UP players grateful for UAAP careers ‘winning’ finish

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
HAD it trying in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines careers, graduating players of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are happy and grateful to have been able to fashion out a “winning” finish to it all.
Captain Paul Desiderio, Diego Dario, Jarrell Lim, Gelo Vito and JJ Espanola all played their final game for the Maroons last week after they bowed to the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in the finals of Season 81.
And while their UAAP careers did not produce a much-coveted title for the Diliman-based team, they are nonetheless very proud of having helped in turning things around for the long-suffering UP basketball program and could not have asked for a better ending.
Part of the team that endured a winless season at one point and a couple of one-victory campaigns, the graduating UP players said to end up were they were on their final year was already as good as winning it all in the UAAP.
“As seniors we are grateful for what we have been able to accomplish this season. Before we were the laughingstock of the league and now to this. We could not have asked for a better ending,” said Lim as they met the UAAP media for the last time as part of the team after their 99-81 Game Two loss to the Eagles on Dec. 5.
“We’re so happy to have reached the finals on my final year with the team. Nobody expected us to be here with some saying a Final Four spot for us was not a guarantee this season. But we reached the finals,” said Desiderio, who carved his name in UP lore by embodying the “fighting” in Fighting Maroons with his now-famous “Atin ‘to” battle cry.
“When I entered in 2013 there were only a few who were watching us but today the coliseum was filled with so many UP supporters. I just hope they would continue supporting the team,” added the versatile player from Cebu.
Season 81 proved to be a breakthrough year for the Maroons as they barged into the UAAP Final Four after 21 years, a continuation on what has been a steady climb for the team in the last three years.
They then added cherry to it all by making it back to the finals after a 32-year absence, doing it by impressive fashion, overcoming a twice-to-win handicap in the semifinals against the higher-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons.
For the senior players, what UP has become of late has been a product of trusting the process and embracing the winning culture that Maroons coach Bo Perasol is championing.
“Honestly we just trusted the process. We just made sure everybody was on the same page from the practice to the game. We’re happy it has bore fruit,” said Dario.
He was seconded by Vito, saying, “The culture has changed. The winning mentality is back, thanks to Coach Bo. He really pushed us to have this mindset and we are grateful to him for bringing that to the team.”
Both Dario and Vito also mentioned the support of the alumni and the UP community for helping turn things around for Maroon basketball.
“The support of the alumni is amazing and one of the things that is different from when we started. I think Coach Bo picked up from that,” Dario said.
Moving forward, the graduating Maroons said they hope the holdovers and those who are going to come in would build on what they had accomplished in Season 81.
“As seniors we started something this year. We want them to achieve more than what we achieved this season. I’m sure Coach Bo’s goals are the same. The pressure is always there, so there will be pressure on their part. But we’re super-excited for them next season,” said Dario, who also shared that he is now focusing on finishing his studies and continuing to play afterwards.
Apart from winning, Lim said he hopes the Maroons would continue taking to heart what their efforts can do for the whole UP community, a major takeaway for them on their final year.
“We’re happy to unite the UP community with our efforts. It’s something we will remember for the rest of our lives,” said Lim.

Philippine Azkals’ showing at Suzuki Cup to build on

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine men’s national football team’s campaign at the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup ended on Dec. 6 after the Azkals bowed to Vietnam in the second leg of their semifinals, 2-1, and dropped, 4-2, on aggregate.
It was a showing that one local football analyst is viewing as something the Azkals could have done better in but nonetheless to build on with a lot of key takeaways.
“I think Sven Goran-Eriksson’s reign achieved the bare minimum with the Suzuki Cup semifinals qualification,” said analyst Lorenzo del Carmen when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts in the aftermath of the Azkals’ 2-1 defeat at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi last Thursday.
The defeat was in follow-up to the Vietnamese’ 2-1 victory over the Philippine side on Dec. 2 at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.
“However, things could have been better and the home leg loss to Vietnam in Panaad sealed our fate,” added the analyst, who writes for local site Tiebreaker Times.
Mr. Del Carmen went on to say that it is too early to judge if the hiring of World Cup coach Eriksson was worth it, saying the true test is the AFC Asian Cup next year where the Philippines is competing for the first time.
“I think it’s too early to judge Eriksson’s reign alongside his work with the likes of Scott Cooper and Chris Greatwich. It’s how we’ll do in the Asian Cup that will determine how much we’ve come under his reign,” said the analyst.
The Azkals brought in Mr. Eriksson, who has had an illustrious coaching career with stops in Italy, Portugal, United Arab Emirates and China, to take the team to another level as they prepare for competitions, including the Suzuki Cup and Asian Cup.
Mr. Del Carmen further said that key for the Azkals moving forward is having the right players, citing Stephan Shrock in particular, and a complete roster which can put up a sustained fight.
“My main takeaway is that Stephan Schrock is still our main guy. He’s an amazing player. He runs both ends of the pitch and tries to create something for the team. He’ll be key for our Asian Cup campaign,” Mr. Lorenzo said.
“Players leaving the team because of club duty as we’ve seen with the likes of Neil Etheridge and Daisuke Sato will harm our Asian Cup stint if it occurs. Hopefully the players who’ll play in the Asian Cup won’t leave the team [midstream] as what was seen in the Suzuki Cup our play will be greatly affected by it, particularly our defense,” the analyst added.
The two-leg final of the Suzuki Cup between Malaysia and Vietnam begins on Dec. 11.

1...11,10111,10211,103...13,730Page 11,102 of 13,730
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube