Marcos touts ‘humane’ police

August 8, 2024 | 8:12 pm

Police personnel — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said police operations under his government that are bloodless and humane have been effective in the crackdown against crimes including illegal drugs.

“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” he said in a speech at the national police headquarters near the capital.

“Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful and as bloodless as possible,” he added.

There were 700 drug war-related killings in his first two years in office, according to the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center.

The center this week said 38 suspects were killed in the drug war in July. Cebu in central Philippines have had the most killings this year, including 20 killed by unknown gunmen and seven others by state agents.

The presidential palace said 16,634 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted from April 1 to July 31. “This resulted in the neutralization of 20,286 personalities and the seizure of over P13.72 billion worth of illegal drugs.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

3 of 10 students drop out

August 8, 2024 | 8:09 pm

CHED-building — COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION FACEBOOK PAGE

THREE of 10 Filipino college students who were supposed to graduate this year dropped out, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said on Thursday.

The dropout rate for last school year was lower than at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, CHED Chairman Prospero E. de Vera III told a House of Representatives hearing on Thursday.

About 37% of students dropped out during the school year 2021-2022. The college dropout rate spiked to 41.03% the following school year before settling at 29.4% in 2024, according to CHED data.

The government shuttered schools and imposed a sweeping lockdown in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to shift to online classes.

Universities and colleges should increase their support for students to discourage them from dropping out, Northern Samar Rep. Paul R. Daza told BusinessWorld, citing the need to increase scholarship opportunities and allowances.

“Local government units should also support National Government efforts by providing financial assistance to our needy students,” he said in a Viber message. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Work immersion program signed

August 8, 2024 | 8:09 pm

Students-school — Students walk inside the campus of a high school in Quezon City, April 18, 2024. — REUTERS

THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) and a group of private sector leaders advising President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on economic policies on Thursday signed a deal to start a work immersion program for senior high school students.

The program seeks to facilitate a well-coordinated government-industry-academe job scheme, the agency and Private Sector Advisory Council said in a joint statement.

The public-private collaboration pushes an enhanced work immersion experience for students, more hours for students to learn skills aligned with industry standards, teacher training and job fairs and matching opportunities nationwide.

“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical industry experience, making students more attractive to potential employers,” they said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Oil spill foregone income at P79M

August 8, 2024 | 8:08 pm

Bataan-MT Terra Nova-oil spill — PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD FACEBOOK PAGE

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said foregone income of fishermen affected by the oil spill in Bataan province was estimated at P78.7 million after a fishing ban was imposed.

In a bulletin, the agency said that about 28,373 fishermen in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and the Calabarzon region have been affected.

“Operations are still actively under way to address and contain the oil spill incident,” the agency said.

On July 30, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources banned all fishing activities in affected waters.

The oil tanker MT Terra Nova was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank off the coast of Bataan province on July 25.

The MTKR Jayson Bradley also sank in the shallow waters of Mariveles on July 27, while the MV Mirola 1 ran aground near the area. — Adrian H. Halili

City rules can’t trump laws — SC

August 8, 2024 | 8:08 pm

LOCAL ordinances cannot overrule the Constitution or any laws, the Supreme Court (SC)said after voiding a Quezon City rule that prevented the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc. from using a reclassified property.

The full court in a July 30 decision said the amended Quezon City zoning ordinance enacted in 2003 by the Quezon City Council could not overrule Proclamation No. 1670 by the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos giving the foundation the right to use a seven-hectare property owned by the National Housing Authority.

The court said the city does not have the authority to reclassify the property for a use different from that originally declared by law.

It also said the city was barred from foreclosing and seizing the property for nonpayment of real property tax because the owner, NHA, is tax-exempt.

“But since this exemption does not extend to the beneficial users of NHA’s properties, such as the foundation, then the city may satisfy its tax claim not through a foreclosure, but by directly assessing the Foundation,” it added. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DBM caps communication spending

August 8, 2024 | 8:07 pm

GOVERNMENT officials and employees may spend as much as P8,000 a month for communication purposes, depending on their salary grade, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

In a budget circular, the agency said the guidelines on communication-related spending would help ensure state funds are used properly.

The DBM said workers with Salary Grade 31 and other officials with an equivalent rank would have a maximum communication expense of P8,000 monthly. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Petecio settles for bronze

August 8, 2024 | 7:37 pm

Petecio-Szeremeta — NESTHY PETECIO (left) of the Philippines in action against Julia Szeremeta (right) of Poland in the Women’s 57kg - Semifinal. — REUTERS

PARIS, France — Nesthy Petecio’s Paris odyssey ended in a tough call in the semifinals Wednesday at Stade Roland Garros.

Ms. Petecio didn’t get it, missing a second straight Olympic final and settling for a bronze being added to her silver from Tokyo in 2021.

Ms. Petecio is not convinced she lost the fight to young Polish foe Julia Szeremeta.

The judges saw otherwise, giving the 57kg semis bout to Ms. Szeremeta at 4-1.

With another shot at the gold on the line, Ms. Petecio entered the arena determined to get it. First up atop the ring, Ms. Petecio prayed on her corner then launched her drive, taking the opening round at 5-0.

But it became a split when Ms. Szeremeta fought back and grabbed the second at 4-1, making the finale as the deciding round.

It became a veritable barroom brawl with Ms. Petecio indeed landing the clearer shots but with Ms. Szeremeta being the busier fighter, throwing more punches though not hitting the target.

Alas, all judges gave it to Ms. Szeremeta, a decision seen as a highway robbery by many Filipino sports officials.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino didn’t hide his disgust. POC Secretary General Wharton Chan disagreed with the judges and so did rowing chief Patrick Gregorio.

“Remnants of AIBA,” rued Mr. Tolentino, referring to the international boxing body expelled by the International Olympic Committee for governance, finance and corruption issues, among others.

But with her semis finish, Ms. Petecio nonetheless made history as the first Philippine boxer to nail medals in back-to-back Olympics. She’s the fourth Filipino Olympian to win multiple medals, joining gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and swimmer Teófilo Yldefonso.

“We came with five boxers and going home with two Olympic bronze medals,” said Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Chairman Ricky Vargas, thanking the nation for the support.

“To Hergie (Bacyadan), Eumir (Marcial), Carlo (Paalam), Aira (Villegas) and Nesthy, our gratitude. Your sacrifice and courage is what makes us all better as a nation,” Mr. Vargas also said. “Until 2028, in Los Angeles, the Olympic gold remains to be our goal. Sorry to disappoint. No excuses but we assure you we gave our best.”

Mr. Vargas was still happy “our flag still rises with the best.”
Team ABAP came through with a two-bronze haul after a two-silver, one-bronze haul in Tokyo.

Ms. Villegas was the other Paris bronze winner with her semis windup in the women’s 50kg class.

At 29, Ms. Villegas is looking forward to the next Olympics.

At 32, Ms. Petecio isn’t closing the door on another shot at Olympic glory. — Nelson Beltran

Maharlika volleyball returns with larger, stronger cast

August 8, 2024 | 7:36 pm

THE MAHARLIKA Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) returns with a bang Sunday featuring a larger and stronger cast following a rousing inaugural season won by Bacoor City last year.

Unveiling its second offering but first official regular season with a longer format, the MPVA will field nine teams this time around from the eight pioneering members in a bid to bolster its mission of championing Philippine volleyball from the ground up.

Aside from the Strikers who will host the opener this weekend in Bacoor, the MPVA will star runner-up Negros and third-placer Marikina along with other returnees Caloocan, Biñan, Rizal and San Juan.

Debuting teams are Quezon Province and Valenzuela City with Nasipit from Agusan del Norte not participating this time after its stint in the inaugurals.

All teams will vie in the double-round eliminations with the Top Four advancing to the semifinals. The No. 1 and No. 2 teams will sport twice-to-beat incentives.

Aside from ex-pros and varsity athletes, teams are required to parade at least three homegrown players as Manny Pacquiao puts premium on the development of the grassroots volleyball and the creation of more opportunities for aspirants, like in the MPBL.

“This initiative is part of our grassroots development program for sports.” — John Bryan Ulanday

Rianne Malixi advances to Round of 32 of US Women’s Amateur Championship

August 8, 2024 | 7:36 pm

FILIPINA Rianne Malixi marched into the Round of 32 of the US Women’s Amateur Championship after nosing out American Annabelle Pancake in the Match Play opener, 2 and 1, Wednesday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The sixth-seeded Ms. Malixi won four holes from the 12^th to 17^th, including an eagle at the Southern Hill Country Club’s par-5 13^th, to fend off her 59^th-ranked rival with a hole to spare.

Ms. Pancake, one of 10 survivors of the 20-player playoff for tickets to the KO rounds, managed to draw level with the 17-year-old Ms. Malixi with a birdie at the 14^th versus the latter’s par.

But the Pinay ace, the reigning US Girls’ Junior titlist, regained control by matching par at No. 15 and finally sealing the deal with an even score at No. 17 while Ms. Pancake dropped shots both times.

Ms. Malixi next faces 27^th-ranked Anna Huang of Canada in a dispute for a spot in the Last-16. Ms. Huang advanced at the expense of her 38^th-ranked Round of 64 opponent, Carla Escuder of Spain, 1-up. — Olmin Leyba

Team Philippines jumps to Rank 24 in medal table

August 8, 2024 | 7:35 pm

Abraham Tolentino — POC PRESIDENT ABRAHAM TOLENTINO — FACEBOOK.COM/TOLENTINOBAMBOL

PARIS, France — With two golds and two bronzes, Team Philippines was just outside the Top 20 in the medal table with only four days of hostilities to go in the 2024 Olympics.

After Carlos Yulo’s two-gold blitz in gymnastics, the Philippines even ranked as high as No. 19.

“We’ve surpassed our Tokyo performance with two golds and two bronzes here,” said Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

The country had a 1-2-1 gold-silver-bronze breakthrough in Tokyo courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial. It was bettered here by the two golds of Mr. Yulo and the bronze feats of Ms. Petecio and Aira Villegas.

Mr. Tolentino is still hoping the medal harvest to jump to five or six with Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina competing in women’s golf and Vanessa Sarno the last Philippine bet to vie in weightlifting Friday. Fighting at 59kg Thursday afternoon (late Thursday in Manila) was Elreen Ando.

“With a bronze we will surpass the four medals in Tokyo,” said Mr. Tolentino, celebrating the great ride of the Philippines in the last two Olympics.

“Counting the silver in Rio (of Hidilyn Diaz), the four medals in Tokyo and the four now here, it’s nine medals after going without a medal in the Olympics for 20 years. Four medals (in Paris) from a 22-strong team with meager funding, that’s excellence,” said Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Chairman Ricky Vargas.

Mr. Vargas, also former president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, tipped his hats off to the current chief of the country’s Olympic body. “Cong Bambol, thank you,” said Mr. Vargas in their brief chat at the end of the last bout for Philippine boxing here.

Before the start of action Thursday, Team Philippines was at No. 24 in the medal table paced by the USA with a 27-35-32 tally followed by China (25-23-17), Australia (18-12-11), France (13-17-21) and Great Britain (12-17-20) in the Top 5.

China was the leading Asian team followed by South Korea (12-8-7), Japan (12-6-13) and then the Philippines and Hong Kong which were tied with identical 2-0-2 hauls.

The highest finish the Philippines has achieved was 25^th with a three-bronze take from eight athletes in 1932 in Los Angeles. Delivering the medals then were Simeon Toribio (high jump), Teofilo Yldefonso (swimming) and Jose Villanueva (boxing).

The Philippines came in 69^th in breaking a long medal drought through Ms. Diaz’ silver in 2016 in Rio. The country then moved up to 50^th with one gold, two silvers and a bronze in Tokyo. — Nelson Beltran

US brings Nigeria fairytale to an end; France’s gold dream lives on

August 8, 2024 | 7:35 pm

PARIS — The United States brought Nigeria’s Paris Olympics fairytale to an end with a testy 88-74 quarterfinal win on Wednesday while France’s sweet dreams of women’s basketball gold live on.

The first African team, men or women, to reach the knockout stage of an Olympic basketball tournament, the plucky Nigerian underdogs have been one of the Paris Games feel good stories for their spirited, joyful play and boundless self belief that has embodied the Olympic spirit.

But an Olympic first is one thing, bringing an end to the US 58-match winning streak and run of seven consecutive gold medals would have been a contender for biggest upset in sporting history.

There would be no Hollywood ending on the Bercy Arena hardwood. But Nigeria did not exit meekly, throwing a small fright into the mighty Americans when they rallied in the second quarter to pull within four, 31-27.

France swept past Germany 84-71 and into the semifinals riding the same wave of national pride that carried the men to the final four.

A day after helping lift their men to victory over Canada, another raucous flag-waving crowd poured into Bercy determined to do the same for the women, each basket bringing a rafter rattling roar.

Mission accomplished, French supporters can now plan for Friday when Les Bleues will face Belgium with a place in the gold medal game on the line. — Reuters

Yulo’s private life

August 8, 2024 | 7:35 pm

If there’s anything the public’s unhealthy fascination with Carlos Yulo’s private life has underscored once more, it’s that social media doesn’t care about the quality of the information it shares. It believes its raison d’etre lies in the speed with which its churns out particulars, and the degree of interactions it spurs from users and practitioners as a result. Engagement is the end all and be all, never mind the chaos it creates and perpetuates in its wake.

Granted, Yulo’s celebrity status makes him a legitimate news figure. He is rightly looked up to for his extraordinary showing in the Paris Games, with his two trips to the top of the podium just the second and third of any Filipino in the annals of sports. That said, his private life should be off-limits. He may be an Olympic medalist, but he is, first and foremost, a person, complications and all, and far be it for all and sundry to believe every aspect of his being should be an open book.

Perhaps it’s human nature for observers to want to learn more about their heroes and, in the process, make the latter more relatable. All the same, the obsession with unimportant facets of outsized personalities serves no one and does no good. For instance, it should be enough for Filipinos to celebrate Yulo for winning gold, and twice. Instead, the very feats have been overshadowed as a result of a predatory insistence to focus on the parts of him that hold no glitter.

Yulo deserves to go about his days — and his relationships — in peace. He should be left alone to his devices, not be scrutinized as if he moves in a Petri dish. And it isn’t even that judgments are being made of him and those around him. It’s that they’ve already been made, and every bit and piece of a story digested in the wild serves only to amplify preconceived notions. In this day and age of algorithms in ubiquitous platforms spewing feeds that validate positions and do not promote, even provoke, beneficial discourse, everybody is a victim.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.