PHL faces fewer storms this year; temps won’t be as hot — weather bureau

March 10, 2025 | 8:24 pm

heat_wave-sunlight — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE PHILIPPINES is likely to face 16 to 19 tropical storms this year — fewer than the usual 19 to 20 — and temperatures that will not be as hot as last year, according to the state weather bureau.

“We are expecting to have a below average number of tropical storms this year,” Ana Liza S. Solis, spokesperson for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), told a palace briefing in Filipino on Monday.

“If we base this on historical data over the past 65 years, we are seeing a decrease in the trend of tropical storms since usually, we get 19 to 20 on average.”

The Philippines was the most disaster-prone country for the 16^th straight time last year, according to the latest World Risk Index.

Meanwhile, the PAGASA noted that while the Southeast Asian nation is still expected to experience warmer temperatures this year, these are unlikely to reach the scorching 52°C recorded last year.

“The heat last year was more intense due to a strong El Niño, with many record-breaking temperatures and high heat indexes,” Ms. Solis said.

The Presidential Communications Office earlier said it is working with the Department of Health and PAGASA to craft contingency plans for extreme heat.

PAGASA is also working on its modernization program and is seeking to acquire state-of-the art infrastructure and technologies to upgrade its weather forecasting capabilities, Ms. Solis said.

A heatwave hit the capital and other regions in April and May last year, as well as the bigger Southeast Asian region, leading to almost daily suspensions of face-to-face classes.

Heatwaves, which can last for several days, can strain health, emergency, energy and transportation services and eventually lead to food and power shortages, according to the World Health Organization website.

PAGASA considers a heat index of 42°C to 51°C in the “danger” category that increases the risk of cramps, fatigue and heat strokes. Temperatures of 33°C to 41°C are under PAGASA’s “extreme caution” category.

On Sunday, it said the hottest temperature on Monday would be 41°C in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Cuyo, Palawan. The weather bureau expected Metro Manila to experience a 36°C temperature.

“Our predicted maximum daytime temperature may rise toward the end of April or the first week of May,” Ms. Solis said, noting that Metro Manila might experience higher temperatures of 39.6°C to 39.8°C during those months. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

DoTr told to extend operating hours of Metro Manila trains, bus lane

March 10, 2025 | 8:23 pm

LRT-Commuters — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

A CONGRESSMAN on Monday urged the Transportation department to extend the operating hours of the Philippine capital’s trains and bus lane as major thoroughfare Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) is set to undergo rehabilitation this year.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendana said the Department of Transportation (DoTr) should extend the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), and EDSA bus carousel line’s hours to accommodate commuters amid the expected heavier flow of traffic in Metro Manila.

“It is even more important now to extend the operating hours of the MRT, LRT, and now even the EDSA Bus Carousel, as the EDSA rehabilitation will surely cause severe traffic congestion,” he said in Filipino.

“Private vehicles have options, but commuters do not. They must be provided with adequate public transportation,” he added.

EDSA serves as the Philippines’ main transportation artery, surrounding its capital city Manila and passes through business hubs such as Makati City. Around 407,000 vehicles pass through the major thoroughfare daily, according to government data.

Manila was the 14^th most congested city in the world, with an average travel time of 32 minutes, according to the latest edition of the TomTom Trafﬁc Index. The index assessed cities and metropolitan areas across 62 countries by their congestion and travel times and how many hours commuters stuck in trafﬁc have lost.

A 2018 Japan International Cooperation Agency study showed that traffic congestion in Metro Manila costs the Southeast Asian nation P3.5 billion a day. The Public Works department will start its rehabilitation works by end-March, working on the thoroughfare “one lane at a time” around-the-clock, it said in a statement published on Facebook last week.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon in February said he’s open to extending the operating hours of the MRT and LRT but acknowledged possible challenges in maintaining the train sets.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando S. Artes in February said his agency has discussed a proposed five-year Comprehensive Traffic Management plan with the President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in preparation for the EDSA rehabilitation.

It includes upgrading traffic regulation and enforcement, developing a traffic management database, upgrading the traffic signal system, and improving intersections and traffic corridors. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

PHL, Hungary to ink labor deal

March 10, 2025 | 8:21 pm

THE PHILIPPINES and Hungary plan to ink a labor cooperation agreement before 2025 ends, the eastern European nation’s ambassador said on Monday.

Speaking during the Philippine-Hungary Friendship Week, Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, Titanilla Tóth, said the memorandum of understanding between the two nations is already “in the pipeline, to keep a firm legal base” with the hopes of completion before this year ends.

At present, around 13,000 overseas Filipino workers are working in Hungary, particularly in the automotive manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.

“Filipinos are supporting our initiatives in foreign direct investment, thereby contributing to creating more jobs in Hungary, even for Hungarians,” Ms. Tóth said.

On March 11, around 3,000 jobs in Hungary in the machine operators, welders, pipefitters, hotel and restaurant, and factory sectors will be up for grabs.

Monthly salaries range from P40,000 to P60,000.

Both countries are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL, Slovenia seek closer trade ties

March 10, 2025 | 8:21 pm

THE PHILIPPINES and Slovenia are seeking to enhance cooperation in trade and other sectors, such as, science, nuclear energy, maritime activities, labor, and sports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said ahead of the scheduled visit of Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza said that the Slovenian foreign minister would conduct a three-day visit to the Philippines, starting with her arrival to the country on March 10.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, her Excellency Tanja Fajon, will be in the Philippines from March 10 to 12 for an official visit,” Ms. Daza said in a video message sent to reporters.

She added that the Slovenian minister will meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo on March 11, to “further enhance bilateral cooperation in priority sectors such as trade and investment, science and technology, nuclear energy, maritime cooperation, sports, and labor.”

She said that this visit marks the first time that the Slovenian Foreign Minister is visiting the Philippines.

Ms. Daza added that both envoys will discuss regional and global issues, which include the Philippines and Slovenia’s shared commitment to the rule of law and rules-based international order.

“The Foreign Minister will also formally open the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila, the first and currently the only Slovenian mission in Southeast Asia,” she said.

Last year, the Slovenian government opened its first embassy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region in Manila.

Ms. Fajon, along with a delegation from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is scheduled to meet with officials from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the Slovenia-Philippine Business Forum.

The forum is set to “promote and encourage collaborative activities among Philippine and Slovenian businesses.”

She will also deliver a lecture at the Far Eastern University during her visit to the country. — Adrian H. Halili

Gov’t probes bullet-planting scheme

March 10, 2025 | 8:19 pm

THE government, through the Department of Transportation (DoTr), will investigate the bullet-planting scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

“The President will have this matter thoroughly investigated with the assistance of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon (Vivencio B. Dizon),” PCO Undersecretary Claire A. Castro told a Palace briefing in Filipino on Monday.

“It is essential, especially when tourists or fellow Filipinos are victims of such incidents, that hte President won’t allow this to happen.”

A March 6 Facebook post went viral after a 69-year-old Filipina complained about an airport security officer supposedly found an amulet made out of an empty bullet in her luggage before a flight to Vietnam.

The bullet planting scheme issue started in 2015 after at least 30 cases were recorded of airport security officers allegedly targeting overseas Filipino workers.

“Accountability is necessary, and if someone is found responsible after a thorough investigation, they must face the consequences,” Ms. Castro said.

Meanwhile, the DoTr has ordered the termination of three airport personnel involved in the March 6 incident.

“We are announcing the termination of all the people in the OTS (Office for Transportation Security) who were involved in this incident. The appropriate investigation will be conducted, and the proper administrative charges will be filed after the investigations against the three personnel,” Transportation Secretary Dizon said in a media briefing on Monday.

DoTr-OTS is in charge of security screening which includes x-ray baggage inspections.

Mr. Dizon said the Transportation department would also review the procedures and protocols for screening and security protocols at the airport.

The DoTr said the investigation of the incident is still ongoing but pointed out the lapses of airport personnel as physical inspection of luggage should only be conducted at the baggage screening area.

In a statement on Monday, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said it had immediately coordinated with OTS and reviewed CCTV footage related to the case.

NNIC said it is now working with the OTS to reinforce security monitoring, proper screening procedures, and to ensure transparent security operations at the airport.

“NNIC remains committed to working with the OTS and other authorities to provide a secure and seamless airport experience,” NNIC said.

Further, the DoTr is also aiming to set up a hotline the public may contact to report similar incidents and other irregularities at the airport. — John Victor D. Ordoñez and Ashley Erika O. Jose

DICT undersecretary named OIC

March 10, 2025 | 8:17 pm

Paul-Mercado — PAUL JOSEPH V. MERCADO — DICT.GOV.PH

DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Paul Joseph V. Mercado has been named officer-in-charge (OIC) of the agency after Ivan John E. Uy resigned from the agency’s top post, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

PCO Undersecretary Claire A. Castro confirmed the appointment to reporters via Viber.

She told a separate news briefing on Monday that Mr. Uy did not disclose the reason behind Mr. Uy’s resignation.

Mr. Uy was appointed head of the DICT in June 2022. Among his initiatives was the SIM Card Registration Act, a law designed to curb spam calls and texts.

His tenure also focused on the expansion of the Free Public Internet Access Program to over 16,000 active sites and the drafting of the National Cybersecurity Plan. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

MIAA expects passenger volume to grow by up to 30%

March 10, 2025 | 8:14 pm

NAIA-Passengers — Passengers are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, July 25, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) expects passenger volume to grow by up to 30% for this year, driven by expected travel demand.

“Give and take about 20-30% growth,” MIAA General Manager Eric Jose C. Ines told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

In 2024, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport posted a passenger volume of 50.26 million 2024, 10.9% higher than the 2023 level and 4.9% higher than the 47.90 million posted in the last full pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Domestic passenger traffic was 26.89 million, up 8.1%. International passenger traffic rose 14.4% to 23.37 million.

Aircraft movements — the sum of takeoffs and landings — amounted to 293,427 last year, up 8.3%.

MIAA is also expecting to see passenger growth during the Holy Week, Mr. Ines said, noting that it logged four million passengers for the two months to February of the year. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Admin did not abandon OVP — Palace

March 10, 2025 | 8:13 pm

VP-Sara_2 — VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — FACEBOOK.COM/MAYORINDAYSARADUTERTEOFFICIAL

THE PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) on Monday countered Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s claim that the Marcos administration has abandoned her office, arguing the agency was given opportunities to justify its request for more funding this year.

This comes after the Vice President, who was impeached by the House of Representatives and faces an impeachment trial before the Senate, accused the government of abandoning her office at an event for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

“The government did not abandon Office of the Vice-President,” PCO Undersecretary Claire A. Castro told a news briefing.

“There was no obstruction in providing the appropriate budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), if she could justify it.”

Lawmakers earlier cut the OVP budget this year to about P733 million from the P2.06 billion under the National Expenditure Program.

The House of Representatives impeached Ms. Duterte before it went on a four-month break on Feb. 5, alleging misuse of secret funds, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization, and plotting the assassination of the President, the First Lady and the Speaker.

The Impeachment complaint was filed and signed by more than 200 congressmen, more than the one-third legal requirement before it could be sent to the Senate, which will try her as an impeachment court. Under the 1987 Constitution, several congressmen will be serving as impeachment prosecutors. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

LPG regulation act compliance urged

March 10, 2025 | 8:13 pm

THE Department of Energy (DoE) is urging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry players to comply with the LPG Industry Regulation Act (LIRA) for public safety and consumer protection as there were participants who failed to follow.

“As of date, there have been a number of LPG industry participants that have been administratively charged and imposed fines and penalties for violation of the LIRA,” the DoE said in a statement on Monday.

Republic Act No. 11592, LIRA, regulates the LPG industry to ensure compliance with the standards for health, safety and quality applicable to the activities related to LPG, which is widely used for cooking, heating, and vehicles.

These activities include the importation, refining, storage, export, refilling, transportation, distribution, and marketing of LPG, and the importation, manufacture, requalification, repair, exchange, improvement, and scrapping of LPG pressure vessels, LPG seals, and other ancillary equipment.

The law provides substantial administrative and criminal penalties, including fines of up to P100,000 for every non-compliant item, material or equipment, such as LPG seal or pressure vessel. Non-compliant players could also face business closure and permanent disqualification, and imprisonment of up to 12 years.

“These penalties are designed to protect consumers, prevent hazardous incidents, and maintain the integrity of the LPG industry sector,” Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales said.

“By enforcing strict safety measures, we ensure that only legally sourced and properly handled LPG products reach the market, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to public safety and product quality,” he added.

As of December 2024, there are 6,952 registered LPG players, according to DoE. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Comelec moves local absentee voting deadline

March 10, 2025 | 8:13 pm

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) postponed the deadline of local absentee voting (LAV) to March 17 ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

In a resolution sent to reporters by Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, the poll body moved the deadline of receiving LAV applications to March 17 from March 10.

The verification of registration of applicants for LAV was moved to April 11 from April 8, while the transmittal of list of qualified local absentee voters, local absentee ballots, and other election forms and supplies was postponed to April 27 from April 21.

The 2025 Philippine midterm elections on May 12 will see about 68 million Filipinos voting to elect over 18,000 officials, including 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, and local government positions. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Penalties sought vs BI personnel in Korean fugitive escape

March 10, 2025 | 8:12 pm

BI-Bureau-of-Immigration — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A SENATOR called on the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to impose strict penalties on personnel involved in the escape of South Korean fugitives.

“Commissioner (Joel Anthony M.) Viado should ensure that BI officials involved in this shameful incident be imposed the strictest penalties, including criminal liability under Article 223 of the Revised Penal Code,” Senator Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel said in a statement on Monday.

She added that CCTV footage showed that BI officials were involved in the escape of the fugitive from custody.

“CCTV confirmed: the Korean fugitive didn’t just escape from the Bureau of Immigration, he was deliberately let go,” she said in Filipino.

On Sunday, BI authorities rearrested two Korean fugitives wanted for estafa and fraud in South Korea after their escape on March 4.

Mr. Viado, in a media briefing on Sunday, said that the personnel involved in assisting the escape of the two South Koreans have been terminated.

“This is symptomatic of the failures and offenses of the BI in handling erring foreign nationals. It seems that the culture of corruption in the agency will not go away,” Ms. Hontiveros added.

The senator added that she will seek a subpoena on the CCTV footage and pursue the case in the next subcommittee hearing. — Adrian H. Halili

Digital literacy bill passage pushed

March 10, 2025 | 8:12 pm

THE Commission on Human Rights called for immediate action on Senate Bill No. 2934, highlighting the growing necessity of equipping students with digital safety skills.

“A child’s right to safety should not be confined to the physical world — it must extend to the digital landscape where they learn, interact, and grow,” it said in a statement on Monday.

It also underscored the urgency of enacting stronger safeguards as children increasingly engage in digital platforms for education and social interaction.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child mandates that governments ensure access to safe and informative online spaces while protecting minors from digital harm.

The legislation seeks to equip students with digital literacy skills and bolster protections against online threats, aligning with global child welfare standards.

It builds on Republic Act No. 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

It also aligns with a 2017 United Nations Children’s Fund study that found Filipino children are among the most vulnerable to online risks, with eight in ten exposed to cyberbullying or online exploitation.

If passed, the legislation would institutionalize a nationwide framework for internet safety education, empowering young Filipinos with the tools to navigate online spaces responsibly. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana