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Marcos greenlights Iloilo dam project

JALAUR RIVER MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT STAGE-II — FACEBOOK.COM/@BONGBONGMARCOS/

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday greenlighted a water reservoir project in Iloilo province in central Philippines.

The P19.7-billion Jalaur River multipurpose project-Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo is the largest water reservoir outside the main island of Luzon, he said in a speech, based on a transcript from his office.

“Costing almost P20 billion, the JRMP II has three key components — irrigation development, environmental and watershed management and institutional development,” he said.

The dams under the project span over 80 kilometers with a service area of 31,840 hectares, the presidential palace said.

It said 25,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the project.

The Supreme Court in 2012 issued a Writ of Kalikasan on the mega-dam project amid concerns that it would displace thousands of residents including indigenous people and cause flooding.

The project’s ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Feb. 21, 2013, but civil works started only on April 10, 2019, about four decades after the first stage was completion in 1982, according to the palace.

The President said the project could increase annual rice production in Region 6 by 160,000 metric tons, “which is almost 20% of the region’s annual rice requirement.”

It would also generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power, boosting Panay Island’s power supply, he added.

“Additionally, it is also proposed to develop inland fishery, floating solar energy systems and ecocultural tourism in the near future.”

The project, which received a grant from the South Korean government and an equity from the Philippine government, is expected to become fully operational next year. — K.A.T. Atienza

Fire hits Baguio mall

BAGUIO CITY — Fire hit the third floor of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex, Baguio’s first shopping mall built by the Human Settlements Development Corp. under former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos in 1982, at dawn on Tuesday.

The cause of the fire, which started at one of the stalls of the four-story building, was still being investigated.

No one died or got hurt.

A building security guard noticed thick smoke coming from the stall after 1 a.m., according to an initial report by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He immediately alerted the bureau, which is just 300 meters away.

Fire fighters rushed to the scene and started putting out the blaze. The BFP declared “fire out at 4:30 a.m. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Magnitude 4 quake hits Baguio

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City was rocked by a series of earthquakes on the eve of the 34th anniversary of the magnitude 7.8 quake that hit Luzon on July 16, 1990.

In an advisory, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology measured the first tremor at 10:12 p.m. on July 15 as a magnitude 4 quake.

The epicenter was located near Kabayan, Benguet province, with a depth of five kilometers.

Several quakes ranging from magnitude 2 and 2.8 were recorded hours later.

The US Geological Survey also recorded a magnitude 4.7 quake in the Philippine Sea near the coast of Cagayan Valley at 7:19 a.m. on Tuesday.

No one was hurt and no properties were reported damaged in any of the earthquakes.

Thirty-four years ago, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked most parts of Central and North Luzon, killing about 1,200 people after several buildings collapsed. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Probe of airport delays sought

PASSENGERS queue at the various gates of the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a resolution that seeks to investigate long passenger lines and malfunctioning electronic gates at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is ranked as one of the world’s worst airports.

“There is a necessity to evaluate the current situation and operational improvement and ensure that international aviation standards are complied with,” Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo said in Senate Resolution No. 1069, which was filed on Monday.

He cited reports of airport e-gate scanners for arriving passengers failing to read passports and boarding passes, and escalators that often malfunction.

NAIA ranked 199th out of 239 airports from 69 countries in the 2024 global airport ranking report released by flight compensation company AirHelp.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies in a study last year said the airport suffered from both passenger and runway congestion.

In a separate statement, Mr. Tulfo urged the Tourism department to set up more airport information booths to address flight and travel concerns.

“Passengers are the ones carrying the burden of inconvenience, as they had to spend extra money to re-book their tickets and stay extra hours at the airport lobby, even when they are not the ones at fault.”

The agency last month said it wants to increase passenger service fees at NAIA to P390 from P200 for domestic travelers, and to P950 from P550 for foreign travelers. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Opposition lawmaker eyes Senate

PARTY-LIST Rep. Arlene G. Brosas on Tuesday said she would run for senator next year, the second lawmaker from the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives to announce her bid.

Party-list Rep. Rep. France L. Castro earlier said she would for the Senate. The coalition has said it seeks to field 12 bets for the Senate rate in midterm elections next year, as it tries to become the “genuine opposition” amid a widening rift within the ruling alliance.

The lawmakers have been serving in the House since 2016 and will finish their terms in 2025.

Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said Makabayan needs to be “consistent about its messaging” and expand its allies.

“Protest votes are good in preferential ranking votes if the ultimate objective is just registering the solidity of the support network,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“But if the real objective is to win, they have to contend with making sure at least one of their candidates makes it to the Magic 12,” he added.

“A loss can either simply highlight to the public how weak they really are, or even further demobilize their base.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Samar cash advances flagged

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE COMMISSION on Audit (CoA) has flagged Samar province for unliquidated cash advances worth P16 million at end-2023.

State auditors also said about P6 million of the sum was given to fund officers who have since resigned, retired or died, exposing state funds to misuse.

“Cash advances totaling ₱16.02 million remained outstanding at yearend due to nonobservance of the guidelines on the grant, utilization and liquidation of cash advances,” according to the audit report.

Included were doubtful accounts worth ₱6 million, “as the accountable officers therefore were already deceased, retired, resigned or separated from service, thus exposing the funds to misappropriation.”

The provincial government did not immediately reply to a Facebook Messenger chat seeking comment. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

PHL, Saudi to boost labor ties

THE PHILIPPINES and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will boost labor cooperation by streamlining employment processes.

“Saudi Arabia is committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of overseas workers, including the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who live and work in the Kingdom, making a valuable contribution to the ongoing transformation of our economy,” a representative from Saudi’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with Mr. Al Rajhi in Riyadh this week to discuss key issues on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia including mechanisms to streamline the recruitment and employment process.

Saudi was the leading destination for OFWs in 2022, according to the local statistics agency. About a quarter of the 1.62 million OFWs worked there. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Gov’t urged to solve labor woes

TUCP FB PAGE

THE TRADE Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Tuesday urged the government to settle internal labor problems to attract more foreign direct investments (FDI).

The state should invest in education and nutrition to fix its labor woes, TUCP legislative officer Carlos Miguel S. Oñate told a news briefing.

“We have to invest in education and skills training, which are very important because jobs are changing,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. “It’s no longer the usual middle-skilled work. We are now moving towards green jobs and digital jobs. Unfortunately, once again, we are lagging behind.”

He added that a P150 across-the-board legislated wage hike could boost consumption.

Mr. Oñate cited the poor performance of Filipino students in the Programme for International Assessment, adding that a wage hike would ensure workers could provide healthier and more nutritious food for their children.

The regional wage board of the National Capital Region approved a P35 wage hike that will take effect on July 17.

The Senate in February passed a P100 minimum wage hike for private workers, while the House of Representatives has yet to vote on a similar measure.

A dialogue between labor groups and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is a key step in solving labor problems, Mr. Oñate said.

Paul C. Gajes, another TUCP legislative officer, called for the review of the K to 12 program.

He said K to 12 was designed to help graduates become work-ready, but graduates have a hard time finding jobs if they are not college graduates.

Mr. Gajes said Filipino workers should be upskilled and reskilled so they can be ready for green and better jobs, “especially with the advent of artificial intelligence.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DepEd spokesman resigns

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) spokesman Michael T. Poa and four other officials have resigned from their posts, ahead of the effectivity of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s resignation as agency chief on July 19.

“It is only appropriate to give the incoming secretary of Education, Secretary [Juan Edgardo M.] Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will form part of his team,” Mr. Poa said in a message to reporters.

The other high-ranking DepEd officials who quit were Undersecretary Nolasco A. Mempin and Assistant Secretaries Sunshine A. Fajarda, Reynold S. Munsayac, and Noel T. Baluyan. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

China destroyed coral reefs to build artificial islands – Carpio

Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. — U.S. NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS/FILE PHOTO

The Philippines rejects China’s accusation of BRP Sierra Madre’s reef damage in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), asserting that China has caused “incomparable” environmental harms in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

“That kind of a ship cannot possibly cause substantial damage to the ecosystem…. Unlike what China did they destroyed…and pulverized the coral reef to create their artificial island. They created… at least four or five,” Antonio Carpio, a former Associate Justice, said in an interview during an event commemorating the 8th anniversary of the Philippines’ Arbitral Victory at the Hague.

Mr. Carpio’s remarks come in response to a report by Chinese state media, Global Times, which stated that the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal “illegally bleached” and “seriously damaged the diversity, stability and sustainability” of the reef ecosystem in the area.  

He also noted that China’s aggression against the Philippines’ resupply missions has prevented the restoration of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine military outpost on the contested Ayungin Shoal.  

“It’s because of their own action that we cannot repair the ship,” Mr. Carpio explained.  

On June 17, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) harassed Philippine troops during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in one Filipino soldier losing his right thumb.  

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro later confirmed that the CCG deliberately used “an aggressive and illegal use of force” against Filipino troops.  

Jemy Gatdula, Dean of the Institute of Law University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), said that China’s accusations lack sufficient rationale and justification.  

“That’s ridiculous, because actually their activities are the ones who are causing the environmental effects and damages, and the fact that they are intruding is actually making it worse,” Mr. Gatdula said in an interview during the conference.  

Mr. Gatdula believes that the Philippines has sufficient grounds to bring new cases before international courts due to China’s recent aggressive actions and the resulting environmental harm caused. 

“Whether it be under the provisions of UNCLOS… We should make an approach to the United Nations, particularly with regards to the General Assembly, and raise this issue of environmental damage, acts of aggression, and all other violations of international (law) that Chinese (has been) doing,” Mr. Gatdula said. 

He also emphasized that the Philippines’ arbitral victory serves as a reminder for Filipinos to continue efforts to maintain and reclaim territories that China is attempting to seize.Edg Adrian A. Eva

Tolentino confident Philippines can surpass Tokyo Games output

PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE President Abraham Tolentino — FACEBOOK.COM/TOLENTINOBAMBOL

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino oozes with confidence as he talks about Team Philippines’ golden quest in the Paris Olympics.

For Mr. Tolentino, the 22 gallant men and women — more confident and better equipped than the previous batch in Tokyo that produced a bountiful harvest of one gold, two silvers and one bronze — are very much capable of shining in the “City of Lights.”

“Definitely we will deliver. Definitely we will surpass (the output in) Tokyo,” Mr. Tolentino said at yesterday’s PSA Forum.

The feat in the pandemic-delayed Games in Japan led by the historic triumph of weightlifting titan Hidilyn Diaz was achieved despite less than ideal circumstances.

With things a lot better and the pandemic over, the POC, other sports bodies plus the private sector have made sure to build on the gains from this best-ever Olympic campaign.

For the first time, the Philippine Olympic team has enjoyed the benefit of holding a training camp in France a month before the conclave. Almost all of the 22 bets are spending the final phase of preparations in Metz, France.

“We’re all excited” said Mr. Tolentino. I would like to thank of course the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) for the support in training camp and other private businesses and sports partners Cignal and MVP Sports Foundation.”

Mr. Tolentino gave special thanks to the Office of the President, which through chef the mission Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, released additional allowances to the athletes and coaches for the pre-Olympics camp in Metz amounting to €100 per day.

“It’s a big help for all the athletes and coaches and officials there in Metz,” he said.

With the Games just 10 days away, the POC chief reported that everything’s A-OK at the Team Philippines camp.

Hidilyn Diaz missed a spot in Paris but the other medalists from Tokyo, silver winners Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and bronze earner Eumir Marcial, are back to lead the charge alongside gymnastics world champion Carlos Yulo and world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena. — Olmin Leyba

National Capital Region keeps Palarong Pambansa overall championship; Calabarzon at distant second

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION — FACEBOOK.COM/PALARO2024

CEBU CITY — The National Capital Region (NCR) has remained the lord of the Palarong Pambansa for the 17th straight editions.

It was officially booked by a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Western Visayas in the secondary football finals at the Borromeo-Dynamic Herb Sports Complex here at the close of the annual multi-sports meet for grades school athletes.

The Far Eastern University-Diliman booters came back from two goals down with a three-goal rampage in the second half in sealing the crown and the overall championship with a magnificent 98-gold, 66-silver and 74-bronze medal harvest.

It took the Big City bets a couple of days though before they got going.

When they did, there was just no stopping the NCR juggernaut as it struck from various fronts including gymnastics, swimming, chess, archery and the ballgames like football, volleyball and the sport that mattered the most — basketball.

The last time NCR didn’t win the overall crown was in Tubod, Lanao del Norte 21 years ago when it sent a token delegation, enabling Davao to win the crown instead.

When NCR returned the next year, there was just not stopping it from reclaiming its old place at the pedestal.

Calabarzon had a strong start and even led NCR for a couple of days but it got buried by the NCR landslide the rest of the way and wound up at distant second with a 57-51-53 haul.

Western Visayas was No. 3 with a 56-41-41 while Davao Region No. 4 with a 32-25-35 and host Central Visayas No. 5 with a 29-42-39.

Rounding up the top 10 were Central Luzon (25-37-45), Eastern Visayas (18-14-22), Soccsksargen (17-23-31), Northern Mindanao (14-27-43) and Bicol (14-15-20).

Meanwhile, Vice President and outgoing Department of Education secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio declared the weeklong meet officially closed in extravagant rites that was also attended by Cebu City acting mayor Alvin Garcia and Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, whose province will host next year’s edition.

Mr. Manotoc, nephew of President Marcos, said they have built the 12,000-seater Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium just for the Palarong Pambansa.

“We’re far, but we’re worth it,” said Mr. Manotoc of Ilocos Norte. “We’re the only province that can offer you a slice of Boracay, Baguio and Dubai all in one province of Ilocos Norte.” — Joey Villar