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PEZA, Australian chamber tie up

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) tapped the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines, Inc. (CCIAP) as its investment promotion partner.

With PEZA signing a memorandum of understanding with CCIAP on Jan. 24, CCIAP outlined possible collaborations and investment opportunities in a sustainable circular economy.

Among these are research and development in partnership with academic institutions and laboratories and attracting multinational biotech firms for manufacturing and commercialization.

The partnership also aims to ensure “steady foreign direct investment inflows through strategic partnerships with ASEAN governments and industry organizations.”

“This agreement represents a pivotal step toward attracting global biotech players, establishing a robust value chain, and strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Australia,” PEZA said.

“This also aligns with PEZA’s vision of not only promoting the Philippines as a prime investment destination but also positioning the country as a regional biotechnology hub within ASEAN,” it added.

Australian equity among PEZA locators is currently valued at P11 billion in investments. These account for $750 million in exports and 47,000 jobs. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Collab to bridge skill gap pushed

K-TO-12 STUDENTS at a high school in Marikina City during their in-person graduation ceremony on July 2, 2022. — PHILIPPINE STAR FILE PHOTO/WALTER BOLLOZOS

A LABOR leader called for stronger collaboration between industry and education sectors in the Philippines to bridge the skills gap and improve the employability of K-12 graduates, urging stakeholder consultation, international partnerships, work-based learning programs, skills recognition and information dissemination.

Federation of Free Workers President Jose Sonny G. Matula said that the decline in critical thinking over the past decade has hindered graduates’ ability to meet labor market demands.

He said that to align education with national development goals, labor unions, employer groups, industry leaders, and government agencies should engage in regular dialogues to shape an education framework that meets labor market needs and supports an agro-industrialization strategy.

He noted that technology transfer from developed economies, along with the development of indigenous innovations, could drive long-term socio-economic growth in the Philippines.

He added that improving international partnerships by seeking collaboration with the International Labour Organization, the European Union, and the United States among others would implement global best practices and facilitate technology transfer for higher-value employment opportunities.

Moreover, work-based learning programs aim to strengthen internships, apprenticeships, and job placement initiatives, facilitating the transition into full-time employment while preventing worker exploitation.

The labor leader added that skills recognition and accreditation could establish industry-backed certifications to boost employer confidence in K-12 graduates’ qualifications.

Lastly, public awareness campaigns can bridge the gap by utilizing media, job fairs, and industry events to highlight K-12 graduates’ skills and educate them on workplace realities and labor rights. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Bill delaying BARMM polls urgent

@BANGSAMOROGOVT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has certified as urgent a bill postponing elections in the southern region of Bangsamoro, according to his office.

Malacañang made the confirmation as the two chambers of Congress work on different versions of the postponement bill.

“This is confirmed,” Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar B. Chavez told reporters when asked about Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero’s disclosure of the move.

The Senate on Jan. 28 approved on second reading a bill that would reschedule the parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to October 2025 from May of the same year.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, passed its version last December, seeking to move the BARMM elections to May 2026.

While the Senate bill separates BARMM’s first regular elections from the May midterm elections, it will synchronize succeeding elections with the Philippines’ national and local elections.

If the Senate bill is passed on final reading, a bicameral committee will decide the final schedule of the BARMM polls.

Calls for the postponement of the first-ever parliamentary elections in one of the Philippines’ poorest regions have been made after a Supreme Court decision excluding Sulu province from BARMM. 

Mr. Marcos in November said his administration was studying postponement proposals, citing the “unintended consequence” of the court’s decision.

Replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, BARMM was inaugurated in 2019 following a peace negotiation between Moro separatists and the Philippine government in 2014 that paved the way for an organic law in 2018.

The first-ever parliament election in the region was originally set for May 2022 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the failure to come up with an electoral code. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

P85-B smuggled goods seized in 2024

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said on Wednesday that P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods was apprehended last year.

“Another record-breaking and unprecedented anti-smuggling accomplishment in the history of the Bureau of Customs,” Mr. Rubio said in a statement.

Mr. Rubio also said that for nearly four decades the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service has served as the frontlines, serving the intelligence arm of the agency.

In a previous report, Customs said it seized a total of 1,572 smuggled goods last year, amounting to P84.36 billion for the first 11 months of 2024.

It conducted 1,572 seizure operations from the January to November period. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

CHR probes killings in Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its regional offices, is conducting an independent investigation into the recent killings of local executives and election candidates in Zamboanga del Sur and Maguindanao, it said on Wednesday.

“We denounce similar incidents which violate the most fundamental of all rights—the right to life—this time affecting public officials and candidates as we approach the 2025 National and Local Elections,” it added in a statement.

The CHR expressed grave concern over the continuing attacks on local officials, as these incidents undermine public service, instill fear within communities, and erode democratic processes.

“We must be reminded that a secure environment is essential for conducting proper and credible elections, thereby enabling every citizen and voter to participate in political processes without fear for their safety,” it added.

On Jan. 3, a councilor from a village in Zamboanga del Sur was shot 12 times and died instantly. The next day, another councilor from another village in the same town was killed while riding a motorcycle, it noted.

Also on Jan. 3, the chair of a village in Maguindanao del Sur was shot multiple times at home shortly after praying on the balcony. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

On Jan. 18, a candidate for municipal council in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, was ambushed while riding a motorcycle home from the Midsayap area. The victim died on the spot.

Authorities are still investigating whether these killings were politically motivated. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Advocacy groups feel impact of US foreign aid freeze

A PHILIPPINE organization promoting the welfare of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on Wednesday said the United States (US) government’s temporary freeze on foreign assistance will affect some of its programs.

The stop-work order issued by the US State Department last week “does affect key innovations we’ve worked hard to deliver,” LoveYourself Inc. said in a statement, citing its free PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), self-testing kits, and campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and scaling up life-saving services.

PrEP is a medication that reduces HIV risks.

The order also “impacts many of our staff working on these programs, who are the heart and soul of our innovations,” the group added.

US President Donald J. Trump recently ordered a 90-day pause on existing and new foreign development assistance, to ensure alignment with his foreign policy.

LoveYourself said that its essential services — HIV testing, treatment, and TransHealth — remain unaffected.

The group urged decision-makers “to revisit and act quickly on” the impacts of the order.

“While we respect processes, the urgency to save lives cannot be overstated. Every delay affects real people, real families, and real futures,” it said.

The group said the void is a moment for the Philippine government “to step up and partner with civil society organizations.”

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on Monday said the stop-work order would only have a minimal impact on the Philippines, saying US foreign assistance represents only a “small part” of Philippine economic activities.

LoveYourself said in many countries with high HIV rates, “disruptions like these can halt medication procurement and vital services, putting countless lives at risk.”

The Department of Health last month said HIV cases in the Philippines would likely rise to 215,400 by the end of 2024, citing 4,595 confirmed cases from July to September 2024 alone.

Of the confirmed cases from July to September 2024, 1,301 or 28% had an advanced HIV infection at the time of diagnosis, according to the agency’s data.

Meanwhile, a Zamboanga-based LGBT organization on Tuesday night said it needs to suspend its Mindanao-wide human rights caravan due to the freeze order.

“This project has been a beacon of hope for so many, championing human rights and reaching communities across Mindanao,” its President and Executive Director Alvin Toni Fernandez said in a Meta post.

“To have it halted because of this policy shift is heartbreaking for all of us who have worked tirelessly to make a difference,” he added, noting the organization is hopeful that the freeze order is temporary. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

7 more Dawlah Islamiya members surrender to 6th ID

COTABATO CITY — Seven more members of the Dawlah Islamiya surrendered to local executives and senior Army officials in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Donald D. Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said on Wednesday that the seven terrorists yielded through the efforts of Mayors Rolly C. Sacdalan of Midsayap and Anwar K. Saluwag of Nabalawag and senior officials of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

The now moribund Dawlah Islamiya and its ally, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), are both tagged in all deadly bombings in Central Mindanao in recent years. Both groups also have a reputation for attacking buses and business establishments if owners refuse to shell out protection money.

The seven terrorists first turned in two M14 assault rifles, an M1 Garand rifle, M79 grenade launchers, and improvised explosive devices to the 34th IB before they pledged allegiance to the government during a surrender rite on Tuesday at the social hall of the Midsayap local government unit.

More than 400 members of the Dawlah Islamiya and the BIFF had surrendered in batches to units of 6th ID in different towns in Central Mindanao since December 2023, many of them reintroduced to the local communities, now thriving as farmers. — John Felix M. Unson

Quiambao back in KBL action after ankle injury

KEVIN QUIAMBAO — KBL.OR.KR

KEVIN QUIAMBAO, recently named Mr. Basketball by the Philippine Sports Writers Association, returned to action in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) with a solid performance following an ankle injury.

Mr. Quiambao fired 14 points on two treys plus four rebounds and five assists although his club Goyang Sono Skygunners absorbed a 94-69 defeat to the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters late Tuesday night at the Goyang Sono Arena.

The two-time UAAP MVP suffered a sprained ankle on Jan. 12 that marred his highly-anticipated debut.

Mr. Quiambao then had six points in almost seven minutes of play before exiting, sitting out more than two weeks.

Despite Mr. Quiambao’s efforts, Goyang’s struggles continued nearing the homestretch of the regular season. It stands at the bottom of the 10-team league with a 10-23 slate.

His fellow Filipino import Javi Gomez de Liaño went scoreless for Anyang (11-23).

Mr. Quiambao’s availability should come in handy for Gilas Pilipinas when it assembles next month for the final window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Mr. Quiambao is expected to be available when Tim Cone assembles his squad for a training camp in Doha before going on the road against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on Feb. 20 and 23, respectively.

Gilas will battle Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt in the 2nd Doha Invitational Cup on Feb. 14 to 16 as part of its preparations, though it is already a shoo-in for the Asia Cup with a 4-0 slate in Group B. — John Bryan Ulanday

Petecio not retiring, will try for LA berth

NESTHY PETECIO — REUTERS

TWO-TIME boxing Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio recently rejected rumors that she is hanging up her boxing gloves and giving up on her dream of striking gold in the Los Angeles (LA) Games.

“Walang hihinto hanggat walang ginto,” Ms. Petecio said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Hotel recently.

But while Ms. Petecio’s heart and mind are willing, her body may not as the Tokyo silver and Paris bronze winner will be 35 by the time the next Olympics are staged in Los Angeles.

There is also another issue surrounding Ms. Petecio’s bid — LA possibly leaving boxing off its calendar.

Ms. Petecio, however, is optimistic there will be boxing in LA.

“Ako, sobrang 100% ako na me Olympic boxing talaga,” she said.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Marcus Manalo said Ms. Petecio will be given a chance to qualify.

“We’ll see and we’ll take it a year at a time and think of the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this year first,” Mr. Manalo said.

“The most important thing is she must be with the national team and prepare early,” he added. — Joey Villar

Zamboanga crashes out of Dubai tourney with 3rd loss

ZAMBOANGA VALIENTES — FACEBOOK.COM/DUBAIBASKETBALLCHAMPIONSHIP

ZAMBOANGA VALIENTES folded to Lebanon’s Sagesse, 90-65, and bowed out of contention from the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club.

The Valientes were left in the dust by the hot-shooting Lebanese in the first quarter, 8-26, and never recovered from there on en route to a 25-point loss.

Zamboanga fell to 0-3 in Group B to hit the showers early regardless of the outcome of its final match against the Tunisia national team (2-1).

Adonis Thomas and former PBA player Prince Caperal were the only bright spots for Zamboanga with 18 points each.

Former PBA import Shabazz Muhammad fired 32 points with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals to lead the way for Sagesse (2-1).

Zamboanga is the other Philippine club vying in Dubai aside from Strong Group Athletics, which for its part, is unbeaten in three games in Group A.

SGA, out to sweep the group stage against Amman United of Jordan at press time, drubbed the United Arab Emirates national team, 99-91, host Al Nasr, 99-87 and Lebanon’s Beirut First, 95-88. — John Bryan Ulanday

76ers pull away after Lakers’ Anthony Davis leaves game

TYRESE MAXEY scored 43 points as the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers used a dominating second quarter to power a 118-104 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers and extend their winning streak to three.

LeBron James amassed 31 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, who lost star center Anthony Davis in the first quarter to an abdominal strain.

Kelly Oubre Jr. added 20 points eight rebounds and five assists as the 76ers won without Paul George, sidelined due to a finger injury, and Joel Embiid, who hasn’t played since Jan. 4 due to knee soreness.

Philadelphia’s Ricky Council IV put up 16 points while Eric Gordon and Guerschon Yabusele each added 14.

Maxey has scored at least 28 points in each of his past 11 games, and he hit 30 points in six of those contests.

Rookie Dalton Knecht scored 24 points and Austin Reaves added 13 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which gave up 27 points on 22 turnovers.

Lakers rookie Bronny James saw time in each half and was held scoreless on 0-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes.

With the Lakers playing on the second night of a back-to-back and the 76ers playing on the opening night of their own back-to-back, the teams were even 25-25 after one quarter.

Without Davis to anchor the Lakers’ defense in the second quarter, Philadelphia scored 48 points to take a 73-57 lead into halftime. It was the 76ers’ largest output in a half this season as they received 27 points from Maxey and shot 57.1% from the floor as a team.

Los Angeles was held to 19 points in the third quarter as Philadelphia expanded its lead to 99-76. Maxey had 41 points through three quarters, reaching 40 for the third time this season.

Davis departed one night after he scored 42 points and pulled down 23 rebounds in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Los Angeles fell to 4-2 on the second night of back-to-back sets.

The Sixers are on their longest winning streak since winning four consecutive from Dec. 23-30. Embiid played in all four of those contests.

Philadelphia was 1-8 to begin Embiid’s latest absence before the current three-game run. — Reuters

Jalen Green, Rockets hold off pesky Hawks

JALEN GREEN scored 25 points as the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to four games with a 100-96 win over the host Atlanta Hawks late Tuesday.

Alperen Sengun posted 18 points and 10 rebounds while Jae’Sean Tate came off the bench to add a season-high 16 points for Houston.

Trae Young had 21 points and nine assists, reserve De’Andre Hunter scored 16 points and Dyson Daniels paired 12 points with 10 boards for the Hawks, who rallied late before falling for the sixth straight game.

The Rockets looked like they had the victory all locked up when they led by 16 points inside the final five minutes of the contest, but Daniels led the way during a 16-2 run to help the Hawks draw within 98-96 with 46.9 seconds to go.

Daniels ended that burst with a free throw. Before he went to the line, a frustrated Dillon Brooks grabbed Young’s neck, leading to a double technical between him and the Hawks star guard for heated verbal exchanges.

Hunter missed a wide-open 3-point attempt with 12.9 seconds remaining that would have given the Hawks the lead, and Sengun closed the scoring with a dunk.

The Rockets took an 82-73 lead into the fourth quarter, where they eventually saw the advantage grow to 96-80 thanks to a Green layup with 5:16 to go.

Hunter connected on a triple 36 seconds later to ignite the run that almost brought Atlanta all the way back.

It was Houston that got off to a fast start, going up 7-2 before the Hawks rattled off 14 unanswered points. Atlanta led 27-22 after 12 minutes of action.

Green then came to life in the second quarter, scoring the Rockets’ first nine points of the period. Houston led by as many as five in the frame but trailed 50-49 at the break after the hosts put up seven of the final nine points of the first half. — Reuters

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