PCG to deploy 1,000 personnel for Black Nazarene feast

January 6, 2025 | 9:18 pm

feast-of-the-black-nazarene-2024 — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it will deploy over 1,000 personnel for law enforcement during an annual procession of a Black Nazarene image in the capital Manila.

The PCG said in a statement it had directed the Coast Guard District National Capital Region-Central Luzon to help the Philippine National Police and Manila prevent possible security-related risks such as terrorism and stampede during the procession called Traslacion on Jan. 9.

“We are expecting millions of devotees who will attend the series of activities during Black Nazarene Traslacion 2025,” PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said in a statement.

“The PCG assists in ensuring public safety and security against possible risks, including terrorism, stampedes, fire within nearby areas, and natural disasters, such as an earthquake during the yearly Catholic commemoration,” he added.

Included in PCG’s monitoring teams until Jan. 10 are Coast Guard K9 teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, special operations groups, civil disturbance management teams, and deployable response groups.

The PCG said personnel will be strategically assigned at the Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and within the vicinity of Quiapo Church.

“Teams of Coast Guard intelligence experts, crowd security personnel, and medical officers are also present to ensure maximum security and safety, especially during the Black Nazarene procession,” it said.

The PCG said it will also deploy 21 floating assets that “will conduct maritime security and safety operations in the vicinity waters of the Pasig River and Manila Bay” during the event.

Nine of its vehicles will also patrol Manila for surveillance. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

PNOC flagged for lack of GAD agenda

January 6, 2025 | 9:18 pm

woman-morning yoga — JARED RICE-UNSPLASH

THE Commission on Audit (CoA) has flagged the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) for failing to jumpstart its gender equality agenda, raising concerns about its ability to address gender issues and promote workplace inclusivity.

State auditors said the state-run oil company failed to utilize the P182.71 million allotted for its gender and development initiatives in 2023, which is against gender equality regulations for government corporations.

The PNOC did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment, but noted in the audit report that they were unable to formulate a gender equality agenda as “scheduled trainings did not push through” in 2023.

“PNOC has not yet formulated its Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda… thus [it] has no strategic framework and plan for gender mainstreaming and achieving women empowerment and gender equality,” a part of the audit report stated.

“The absence of a GAD Agenda may indicate a gap in PNOC’s compliance with regulatory requirements and mandates concerning gender-responsive planning and programming,” it added.

All government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) are mandated to craft a GAD Agenda to mainstream the entry of women into the workforce, according to the commission’s gender and development office.

The commission said that PNOC should prepare a 2025 agenda to lay out a plan for achieving gender equality in the workplace; while recommending PNOC officials to participate in gender empowerment training programs.

Meanwhile, state auditors also raised that PNOC failed to follow a joint circular mandating that at least 5% of a GOCC’s budget be allocated and utilized for GAD projects.

“PNOC did not fully utilize the GAD Budget amounting to P182.71 million for the GAD Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs)… incurring expenditures of only P1.39 million for the entire GAD PAPs or equivalent to only 0.13% of its Corporate Operating Budget (COB),” the report stated.

The state-run oil company had a COB amounting to P1.05 billion in 2023, according to the report. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

BIR ordered to refund PAL

January 6, 2025 | 9:15 pm

PAL-plane — AN AIRPLANE is seen landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, March 7, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALMA

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) granted Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) petition for revival of judgment, ordering the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to refund almost P2 million to the airline for its erroneously paid excise taxes from October 2009.

The decision of the tribunal’s Third Division, promulgated on Dec.19, 2024, revives a March 2014 ruling in favor of PAL. It ordered the BIR to refund P1.94 million to the flag carrier airline.

“PAL’s bone of contention is that its refund has not yet been claimed because the Decision dated March 26, 2014, has not yet been executed. Thus, it behooves upon respondents to prove that PAL had already collected its refund claim by showing that the subject Decision had already been executed,” the ten-page ruling penned by Justice Catherine T. Manahan read.

“Considering that respondent [BIR] failed to present any such evidence, the grant of the instant Petition for Revival of Judgment is in order,” it added.

In granting the petition, the tribunal said it has jurisdiction over the case, which the BIR and Bureau of Customs (BoC) disputed.

“The appellate jurisdiction of this Court is not limited to cases which involve decisions of [the] respondent on matters relating to assessments or refunds,” it said. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Clark operator logs over 2M passengers in 2024

January 6, 2025 | 9:15 pm

LUZON International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. has reported over two million passengers in 2024, reaching its target for the year, the operator of Clark International Airport said.

In a media release on Monday, Clark International Airport reported a total of 2.4 million passengers last year, marking a 20% increase from 2023.

Broken down, LIPAD said last year’s passenger traffic was driven by international passengers which accounted for the majority or 65% of last year’s passenger volume, while domestic passengers accounted for 35%.

“These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent the dedication of everyone involved in making Clark International Airport a valuable gateway to the Philippines,” said LIPAD Chief Executive Officer Noel F. Manankil.

Flight operations also improved in 2024, recording an overall 29% increase to a total of 19,221 flights. Of these flights, 53% are international routes and the remainder are domestic routes.

“Our commitment to providing exceptional service to our passengers remains a primary focus while maintaining a close partnership with government stakeholders to ensure regional growth and global connectivity.”

LIPAD said domestic passenger traffic climbed by 32% in 2024 from the 640,381 passengers logged in 2023; while international passenger traffic went up by 15% from 1.36 million in 2023.

LIPAD is projected to reach over 2 million passengers in 2024, it said, adding that it lowered its projection from the initial forecast of four million due to engine issues affecting some airlines. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Surrender of more firearms expected in Central Mindanao

January 6, 2025 | 9:15 pm

unlicensed-guns-firearms — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

COTABATO CITY — Officials of the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division (ID) are optimistic about collecting no fewer than a thousand more combat weapons from Central Mindanao residents this year through its regional disarmament program complementing the Mindanao peace process.

Major Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division, told reporters on Monday that local executives have reported that leaders of armed groups and villagers have relayed intentions to comply with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management (SALW) Program.

Units of the 6^th ID had collected 537 combat weapons, comprised of M16 and M14 assault rifles, M1 Garand and Carbine rifles, .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifles, 7.62-millimeter bolt-action sniper rifles, M60 and .30 caliber machineguns, 40-millimeter grenade and B-40 rocket launchers and 60- and 81-millimeter mortars, since August 2024, surrendered by owners in support of the SALW Program.

“Credit for that feat should partly go to local executives, traditional community leaders and police officials who helped us convince them to surrender their weapons to our units,” Mr. Nafarrete said.

Mr. Nafarrete said commanding officers of different 6^th ID units have also been receiving surrender feelers from the few remaining members of the two now moribund terror groups in Central Mindanao, the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters lately.

“We are expecting the few remaining members of these two groups to soon come out and pledge loyalty to the government as a prelude to their reintegration into mainstream society,” Mr. Nafarrete said. — John Felix M. Unson

Meralco Bolts brace for dangerous Tropang Giga

January 6, 2025 | 9:01 pm

Games on Tuesday
(PhilSports Arena)
5 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Phoenix
7:30 p.m. – Meralco vs TNT

FIRST obstacle in a killer slate of three games over six days this week — guest team Eastern — ticked off.

Barely 48 hours after grinding out an 88-83 victory over the Hong Kong club, Meralco aims to put a similar check mark on the second hurdle — TNT, a powerhouse that’s still fresh coming off PBA Commissioner’s Cup’s year-end break.

Good thing for the Bolts (4-2), everyone except Allein Maliksi is now on hand for the 7:30 p.m. test against the Tropang Giga (2-2) at the PhilSports Arena.

The Bolts snapped a two-game skid in play resumption with a near-full complement.

In their previous losses to Blackwater and Converge during the holidays, Bolt coach Luigi Trillo lamented that both Mitchell (broken nose) and his reliever DJ Kennedy were sidelined by injuries as did six more locals.

“But this break was a little bit good because we were able to have some days off. I think it’s big that we have guys back to get their feet wet – CJ (Cansino), CB (Chris Banchero), Brandon (Bates), Raymond (Almazan). They’re going to be crucial especially since we play a lot of guys so in the next games we can use them in the rotation,” said the Meralco mentor.

Much like the reigning Philippine Cup champions, the Tropang Giga made the most of the halt in action to rest, recharge and heal the aching bodies and legs of their stalwarts.

“Hopefully, with everyone becoming healthy, we should be hitting our stride,” said TNT mentor Chot Reyes, whose Governors’ Cup-winning troops had overcome personnel woes to string up back-to-back wins after a 0-2 start.

“But there’s a lot to learn. It’s a challenge for our defense because now, we have to defend against taller imports all over the league. Kaya mahirapan talaga kami. That’s why we have to double our efforts and figure out different ways to play defense,” he added.

Meanwhile, Phoenix (1-5) and Terarfirma (0-7) try to inject life into their respective campaigns in a clash of bottom-running teams at 5 p.m. — Olmin Leyba

Gilas closely monitoring the situation of Sotto

January 6, 2025 | 9:00 pm

GILAS PILIPINAS is hoping for the best for big man Kai Sotto but is ready for any eventuality.

Mr. Sotto hurt his left knee last Sunday in the Koshigaya Alphas’ 77-79 loss to the Mikawa Seahorses in the Japan B.League, triggering fears the injury might force him out of action, too, for the Nationals’ FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Window 3 matches against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand next month.

Gilas is closely monitoring the situation of Mr. Sotto. Worse case, there’s always veteran Japeth Aguilar to step in for the 7-foot-3 star.

“That’s why we have Japeth (Aguilar),” Gilas coach Tim Cone said.

“Japeth (Aguilar) is there to replace any of the bigs that we have. And if you can tell me there’s another big out there that matches Japeth’s size and ability, then I’ll be happy to look at him.”

“And we have Mason Amos to fortify us if we lose someone like Jamie (Malonzo) or one of the other guards,” he added.

Despite the constant threat of injury, Mr. Cone said he’s sticking to his “small” group of 12 regulars plus two alternates.

“The preparation time is so limited. You really have to make the most of that time. We can’t afford to try and teach 18, 19, or 20 players and get them into rhythm. We need to keep the roster tight so we can maximize our preparation,” he explained. — Olmin Leyba

PSEi extends climb on bargain hunting before CPI

January 6, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES rose for the third straight session, with the main index logging its best close in over three weeks, as investors picked up cheap issues and amid expectations that headline inflation stayed within target last month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 0.32% or 21.36 points to end at 6,625.17 on Monday, while the broader all shares index increased by 0.22% or 8.55 points to 3,794.03.

This was the PSEi’s highest close in more than three weeks or since it finished at 6,641.35 on Dec. 12.

“The local market extended its rise as investors continued with their bargain hunting,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“Also aiding in Monday’s session is the investors’ optimistic expectations towards the Philippines’ December 2024 inflation rate,” he added.

A BusinessWorld poll of 13 analysts yielded a median estimate of 2.7% for the December consumer price index (CPI), within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2.3%-3.1% forecast for the month.

If realized, this would be faster than the 2.5% print in November and mark a third straight month of acceleration. Still, this would be slower than 3.9% in December 2023 and would be within the BSP’s 2-4% target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release December and full-year 2024 CPI data on Jan. 7 (Tuesday).

“Philippine investors continued to slowly reposition as the first full trading week of the year begins,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

Mr. Limlingan said that aside from the inflation report, other trading drivers this week include US jobs data and minutes from the US Federal Reserve’s December meeting, as well as scheduled speaking engagements of some Fed officials that could give clues on the path of interest rates in the world’s largest economy.

Majority of sectoral indices closed lower on Monday. Holding firms dropped by 0.5% or 28.64 points to 5,648.25; mining and oil declined by 0.38% or 29.82 points to 7,708.32; industrials retreated by 0.11% or 10.38 points to 9,312.60; and property inched down by 0.01% or 0.44 point to 2,400.20.

Meanwhile, services climbed by 1.51% or 32.36 points to 2,163.81 and financials increased by 0.91% or 20.07 points to 2,226.57.

“Universal Robina Corp. was the day’s index leader, climbing 3.26% to P82.40. Wilcon Depot, Inc. was the main index laggard, falling 3.69% to P13.56,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover rose to P3.86 billion on Monday with 4.54 billion shares changing hands from the P3.78 billion with 2.77 billion issues traded on Friday.

Advancers bested decliners, 112 versus 103, while 52 names were unchanged.

Net foreign buying stood at P40.94 million on Monday versus the P171.99 million in net selling recorded on Friday. — R.M.D. Ochave

Peso drops further before inflation data

January 6, 2025 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO weakened further against the dollar on Monday on expectations of faster December inflation.

The local unit closed at P58.27 per dollar on Monday, declining by seven centavos from its P58.20 finish on Friday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Monday’s session unchanged at P58.20 against the dollar. Its worst showing was at P58.36, while its intraday best was at P58.17 versus the greenback.

Dollars traded declined to $1.74 billion on Monday from $1.38 billion on Friday.

The peso was dragged down by expectations of a slight pickup in Philippine December headline inflation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The dollar was also broadly stronger as the market waits for this week’s release of key US jobs data, which could dictate the US Federal Reserve’s next move, he added.

“The dollar-peso traded higher on cautious sentiment ahead of local CPI (consumer price index) [on Tuesday] and ahead of key US jobs data. [On Monday night], we have US factory orders and towards the end of the week, we have nonfarm payrolls,” a trader likewise said in a phone interview.

A BusinessWorld poll of 13 analysts yielded a median estimate of 2.7% for the December CPI, within the central bank’s 2.3%-3.1% forecast. If realized, this would be faster than the 2.5% print in November and mark a third straight month of acceleration. Still, this would be slower than 3.9% in December 2023.

For Tuesday, the trader sees the peso moving between P58.00 and P58.50 per dollar, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P58.15 to P58.35. — A.M.C. Sy

Malixi settles for third place in Australia

January 6, 2025 | 8:59 pm

THE Philippines’ Rianne Malixi faded in the final push to yield the Australian Master of the Amateurs crown and settle for third on Monday in Victoria, Australia.

Ms. Malixi turned in a closing one-over 74 card marred by a bogey-double bogey stumble on the 12^th and 13^th holes to finish at 289 behind winner Hyojin Yang of Korea (286) and Ella Scaysbrook of Australia (288).

Just like last year, the 17-year-old Pinay mounted a spirited attempt to wipe out a four-shot deficit in the last round at the Southern Golf Club. But it didn’t work out as planned in this failed title-retention.

Ms. Malixi managed to catch up with Ms. Scaysbrook at the lead after gunning down back-to-back birdies on Nos. 10 and 11.

But the world No. 3 amateur could not sustain the charge and even lost three strokes in the next two holes, virtually leaving Ms. Yang and Ms. Scaysbrook in a dispute for the top plum.

Ms. Yang birdied the 10^th and 11^th then parred the remaining holes to submit an even 73 and finish at six-under for the tournament.

Ms. Scaysbrook shot sub-par scores on Nos. 10 and 16 but bogeys on 13, 14 and 17 doomed her bid as her 77 for the day was only good for a four-under aggregate, two short of Ms. Yang’s winning tally. — Olmin Leyba

Nesthy Petecio first to return to the hunting ground to seek more glory

January 6, 2025 | 8:59 pm

AT 32 YEARS OLD and already decorated with a pair of Olympic medals, you would think Nesthy Petecio is already done for.

She isn’t.

Just months after snaring her Paris Games bronze, her second in the quadrennial games after a silver in Tokyo, Ms. Petecio made it known that she is far from hanging up her boxing gloves as she returns to the hunting ground where she seeks more glory.

“I’ll be there,” said Ms. Petecio on Monday just moments after Mitchell Martinez, a member of the national coaching staff, posted photos on social media of the team reporting back to training in Baguio.

Ms. Petecio and the rest of the national pugs are eyeing several tournaments in the middle and the latter part of the year.

Interestingly, Ms. Petecio was the first to report to training out of the five Filipino pugs who competed in the French capital.

According to Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Marcus Manalo, Carlo Paalam will come in a day late because he had to tend to personal matters while Aira Villegas is still in military duties.

As for Hergie Bacyadan, she is still with Vovinam after snaring an Asian Championship gold medal just late last year.

“We have yet to sit down with her and Vovinam about plans moving forward,” Mr. Manalo told The STAR. “Eumir (Marcial) is still undecided if he will go back full-time with us.”

The country is eyeing to compete in several meets or attend training camps this year including one in Korea in April, the World Championships in Liverpool in September, the World Cup in New Delhi, India in November and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

And expect Ms. Petecio to fight for slots and be part of it all. — Joey Villar

Cavs handle slumping Hornets for 10^th straight win

January 6, 2025 | 8:58 pm

DARIUS GARLAND scored 25 points and Jarrett Allen posted a double-double as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their 10^th straight game with a 115-105 victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Allen paired 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting with 11 rebounds for Cleveland, which also got 19 points from Donovan Mitchell and 17 from Evan Mobley. Georges Niang chipped in 10 points off the bench as the Cavaliers continued to roll after completing a 4-0 road trip.

Even with its top two offensive players, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, back in action, Charlotte was pummeled en route to its 10^th straight loss. Ball and Miller finished with 24 points apiece in their first games since Dec. 26.

Miller drained six 3-point shots, while Ball was just 3-of-11 from long range even after making his final two attempts.

The Cavaliers shot 49% from the floor in the first half and carried a 63-48 lead into the break. Cleveland was up by as many as 24 in the second quarter but watched its lead shrivel as Ball made five free throws during Charlotte’s 8-0 run to close the half.

Cleveland swelled the margin to Cleveland improved to 3-0 against Charlotte this season, with all three wins coming by double digits. — Reuters