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PCO to focus on fight vs fake news

PCO.GOV.PH

NEWLY appointed acting Secretary of the President Communications Office (PCO) Jaybee “Jay” Ruiz on Monday said he would focus on combating fake news and delivering accurate information on state programs and policies.

“Information is essential because it is very important to people. So, as directed by the President, it is clear,” he told reporters in mixed English and Filipino at the Palace.

“Of course, a lot of fake news will be spread, and we will fight that. We will have public information responsibilities.”

The former ABS-CBN reporter took his oath for his new post before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday, the PCO said in a statement.

His predecessor, Cesar B. Chavez, stepped down from his post last week, citing failure to meet expectations in overseeing the agency.

“There are many programs that people need to be aware of, such as education programs, free housing, or at least state-owned housing, especially for our less fortunate citizens,” Mr. Ruiz said.

“The President’s primary order is that the government’s message should be known to the public, especially the things they need to know like free scholarships and assistance for those who are sick.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Publicus Asia reviewing new Comelec policy 

POLITICAL consulting firm Publicus Asia, Inc. said it is currently reviewing Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11117, which outlines new regulations on the conduct and publication of pre-election surveys ahead of the 2025 polls.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it has been conducting both quantitative and qualitative research since 2007, under the brand Vox Opinion Research for commissioned studies through a mobile survey app.

The firm is behind the PAHAYAG quarterly survey, an independent and non-commissioned study that presents prevailing sentiments of Filipinos toward national leaders, government institutions, and current national issues.

The statement followed the issuance of Comelec Resolution No. 11117, promulgated on Feb. 19, which introduced new regulations on the conduct and publication of pre-election surveys for the upcoming midterm polls on May 12 and future elections.

It mandated that all individuals, candidates, or organizations conducting and publicly disseminating election surveys must register with Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department to ensure transparency and prevent the spread of misleading or fraudulent surveys.

Survey firms must also submit a comprehensive report detailing the survey’s sponsor, methodology, conduct period, and financial disclosures within five days of publication.

The resolution also requires the disclosure of those who commissioned, funded, or subscribed to the surveys. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Monthly stipend for 4Ps students sought

DSWD.GOV.PH

A BILL seeking to provide a monthly stipend for students in state colleges and whose households are registered with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was filed at the House of Representatives in early February.

Filed by Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña, House Bill (HB) No. 11422 seeks to give a P5,000 monthly stipend for students from poor families to help them finish schooling without it becoming a financial burden. The program would receive P2.5 billion in initial funding from the government’s coffers.

“This social protection measure is designed to complement all available social welfare and education programs so these students can finish their studies, optimize their potential, and break the cycle of poverty,” the measure, filed on Feb. 4, stated in its explanatory note.

While the government’s Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program already provides indigent students with up to P20,000 in financial support per academic year, the measure noted that students continue to drop from schooling due to the need to work and contribute to their households.

“The eligible student shall be entitled to a monthly stipend from the CHED (Commission on Higher Education) to augment his or her monthly allowance, including transportation costs, food, books and school supplies, and other related expenses,” the bill stated. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Visa for digital nomads seen boosting tourist arrivals

BW FILE PHOTO

A SENATOR on Monday said that granting of visas for digital nomads is expected to increase the amount of foreign tourist entering the Philippines.

“Digital nomads spend money and therefore, would benefit the economy. The Philippines is a promising destination for those who embrace nomadic lifestyle and leverage technology to work remotely from outside their home country,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in a statement.

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and without being tied to a specific location.

“While they are not allowed to take local jobs, they can share their knowledge and best practices with the local communities,” he added.

Mr. Villanueva has earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2991 which seeks to implement a new type of visa that would allow visitors to stay in the country for a longer period while working for a foreign-based employer or business.

Applicants for the visa would need to provide proof of sufficient income generated outside the country, valid health insurance. It may also be granted to foreigners who have no criminal record and pose no threat to the Philippines. The visa is valid for one year and renewable for another year.

Citing data from the World Economic Forum’s Nomad List, Mr. Villanueva said the Philippines was placed as the seventh fastest growing remote work hub.

According to data from the Department of Tourism, international visitor arrivals rose 9.15% to 5.95 million in 2024. — Adrian H. Halili

Bangsamoro gov’t, UNICEF roll out social protection plan

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bangsamoro government with help from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Australian government launched a social protection plan to benefit 4 million vulnerable residents.

In a statement on Feb. 21, UNICEF said the Bangsamoro Social Protection Plan 2024-2028 seeks to “reduce poverty and improve access to basic social services such as financial assistance, healthcare, and livelihood programs.”

The medium-term strategic framework will make cash assistance programs more efficient by using digital payments, expand social insurance coverage to include informal workers, UNICEF said.

It will also extend financial assistance to families affected by medical emergencies and natural disasters.

“Children and their families have the right to be protected from poverty and its consequences throughout their life,” UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Behzad Noubary said.

“Through this initiative, the Bangsamoro Government is taking a significant step toward ensuring that vulnerable families receive the support they need to build a better future.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Vice-mayor in Maguindanao del Sur hurt in gun attack

MAX KLEINEN-UNSPLASH

COTABATO CITY — The vice-mayor of Datu Piang town in Maguindanao del Sur was wounded when a gunman shot him while talking to his constituents during an outreach activity on Monday morning.

Local executives in Datu Piang, a hostile town, and senior officials of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) told reporters an hour after the incident in Barangay Magaslong that the assailant of Vice-Mayor Omar S. Samama had escaped amid the commotion triggered by the attack.

Mr. Samama was delivering a message during their local government unit’s humanitarian mission in Barangay Magaslong when he was hit by a bullet in the upper torso, fired from a distance by a lone attacker.

The wounded vice-mayor is a member of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, whose political figurehead is Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro regional government.

He is now in a hospital where emergency responders brought him for treatment.

Police Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of PRO-BAR, had told reporters that their investigators and local officials in Datu Piang are cooperating in investigating the incident.

Army Brig. Gen. Donald D. Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said officials of the 601st Infantry Brigade are helping the PRO-BAR identify the gunman. — John Felix M. Unson

Cynos Salon Professional Color System returns to the Philippines

New Summit Colors Distribution, Inc. is excited to announce the highly anticipated comeback of its premium hair color line, CYNOS, to the Philippine market. Join them on Feb. 25, 2025 (gates open at 6:00 p.m.) at Xylo The Palace Manila, Uptown, 9th Ave., BGC, Taguig.

Comeback to Remember with Anson Ko

This milestone event will feature a special appearance by experienced guest stylist Anson Ko. With an impressive career spanning 24 years, Anson Ko serves as the Technical Director of a HK-based company specializing in Hair Stylist Education. His experience on the global stage with hair coloring events makes him the ideal person to launch this event. Since 2023, Anson has also served as a Color Course Writer and Mentor at HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKUSPACE), and he will be sharing valuable insights into the changing landscape of hair coloring on stage.

Cynos Salon Professional Color System: The Comeback formula

At the heart of this exciting reentry is the Cynos Salon Professional Color System — a revolutionary hair color innovation packed with advanced conditioning agents and nourishing oils, sure to inspire hairstylists and elevate their craft! Designed to deliver long-lasting, vibrant colors while maintaining hair health, this premium Salon Professional product line aligns with strict EU quality control standards. Stylists can trust and rely on the results of the Cynos Salon Professional Color System.

A decade in the making: Back with innovation and xxcellence

Exclusively distributed by New Summit Colors Distribution, Inc. in the Philippines since 2011, Cynos Salon Professional Color System returns after 10 years, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering premium hair care solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Together with Cynos R&D in Toronto, Canada, New Summit Colors Distribution, Inc. is committed to delivering only the best for salons, ensuring top-quality products and innovative solutions for their needs.

Celebrate the reentry of hair color with CYNOS

This is more than just a relaunch — it’s a celebration of transformation, creativity, and excellence in hair color. Be part of this momentous event, connect with top industry professionals, and experience the future of hair coloring firsthand. This launch event will be followed by two days of Hair Cut and Color workshop.

For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact @cynosinsidehaircare on Instagram, email sales@newsummitcolors.com, or call/message 0917-634-5718. Secure your spot now and be part of this grand revival in professional hair color!

 

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DLSU, Fatima, Faith and CCA top the Estudyante Esports

DARK LEAGUE STUDIOS’ ESTUDYANTE ESPORTS

DE LA SALLE University (DLSU), Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), Faith Colleges and City College of Angeles (CCA) roared to history, becoming inaugural champions of four different disciplines in the Dark League Studios’ Estudyante Esports national championships over the weekend at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

The DLSU Green Aces swept the Southwestern University-PHINMA Cobras in the Valorant finals, 2-0, as Our Lady of Fatima Phoenix wiped out University of San Agustin Eagles in the League of Legends (LOL) finale, 2-0.

Faith Colleges’ Novus Bravehearts then pulled off a gritty 2-1 win over the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Thunder in the thrilling centerpiece Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) event marked by a 26-8 domination in Game 3 to complete the conquerors of the three team events.

City College of Angeles, represented by Zaskieee with a main Zafina hero, ruled the Tekken 8 over finalists Far Eastern University, Central Philippine University and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.

Xavier Juan (Xavi8K) spearheaded the way for La Salle in Valorant, bagging the MVP plum with solid coverage from teammates Lance Elmo Gacayan (Banunu), Aaron Francis Sablay (Fission), Fernando Miguel Dy (Guelson), Luis Corpus (Schnappi) and Lucas Gruenberg (Secre).

In LOL, Michael Jay (Austerity) reigned supreme for OLFU to win MVP. Backstopping him were Aiman Guro (SCP 001), Karl Emmanuel Aviles (Nezu), John Joseph Paracale (SWOOF), Van Michael Gestiada (UC VAN) and Joshua Mendoza (Mid Owa).

Then there’s Zywin Angelo Pedutem (Zywin God) clinching the MVP honors in MLBB for Faith Colleges with support from CJ Santos (Seajay), Rojan Macasaet (Shazz), Kirt Brainer Trinidad (Kirttt) and Ace King Toledo (ALASSSS).

DLSU, OLFU and Faith Colleges took home P500,000 each as City College of Angeles collected P100,000 for a whopping total of P1.6-million prize pool of Estudyante Esports, backed by the PBA, PLDT, Honda and Pocky, as part of the new program of Dark League Studios, which also organized the inaugural UAAP Esports last year.

Over 500 schools and 3,000 students vied in the Estudyante Esports National Championships, mirroring the national finals in basketball and volleyball from different leagues, as they duked it out in the tough regional qualifiers in the NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

But more than the bragging rights of school pride and luxurious cash prizes, the tourney marked a new horizon in the booming Philippine Esports scene with a bridge, at last, to connect the esports discipline and the academe — all for the future of youth in the digital world. — John Bryan Ulanday

Second seed Gilas Pilipinas will have a tougher road to Asia Cup

GILAS PILIPINAS — FIBA

GILAS PILIPINAS’ faltering finish in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers has made its path to glory in the Continental meet in August in Saudi Arabia rockier.

With a fiery 4-0 start in Group B, the Nationals had a chance to finish top of the group but stumbled and sustained numbing away losses to Chinese-Taipei and New Zealand in the third and final window.

Thus, the troops of coach Tim Cone settled for No. 2 in their bracket behind the topnotcher Kiwis (5-1) heading to the draw for the Asia Cup slated for April 8 in Jeddah.

Mr. Cone and Co. would have actually preferred a higher seeding which would have enabled them to avoid crossing paths early with the superpowers in the Aug. 5 to 17 joust.

“We really wanted to get that top seeding but that’s now going to go to New Zealand and we’re going to have a tougher road to the cup,” said Mr. Cone after their 87-70 blowout to the Tall Blacks in Auckland.

Heavyweights abound in the initial cast of combatants for the 16-team field.

Two-time defending champion Australia qualified as topnotcher of Group A along with runner-up South Korea as China (C), Jordan (D), Iran (E) and Lebanon (F) advanced by topping their respective groups.

Group second-placers Japan and Qatar and host Saudi Arabia round out the qualifiers as of Sunday’s completed matches. Syria and Bahrain were scheduled to face off last night in Doha to dispute Group F No. 2 and complete the march of 12 qualified squads after the three windows.

Meanwhile, four more slots will be contested in two Qualifying Tournaments next month featuring the six third-placed teams in the Qualifiers.

Thailand, Chinese-Taipei and Guam, which is bannered by Jericho Cruz, will contest the two tickets in one group. Iraq, meanwhile, is in the other group with either India or Kazakhstan from Group E and either Syria or Bahrain from Group F as opponents.

As for Gilas, the next months leading to the Asia Cup will be spent assessing and contemplating whether tweaks should be done to address the problems that have troubled it recently, including manpower issues amid the absence of Kai Sotto. — Olmin Leyba

Letran beats Lyceum to start its three-peat bid in NCAA 100 juniors

LETRAN SQUIRES — FACEBOOK.COM/GMASYNERGY

Games on Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
8 a.m. – JRU vs LPU
10 a.m. – Mapua vs Letran
12 p.m. – CSB vs UPHSD
2 p.m. – EAC vs AU
4 p.m. – San Beda vs SSC-R

COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran relied on a big second half effort as it downed Lyceum of the Philippines University, 63-45, on Monday to set in motion its three-peat feat bid in NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

It was also a fitting welcome gift by the Squires to their new coach, former PBA and Letran star Willie Miller, who took over from Allen Ricardo after the latter was promoted as the Knights’ mentor last year.

Jhuniel dela Rama dropped a double-double effort with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Syrex Silorio scattered 12 points for the Dominican school that is eyeing to add another crown after its back-to-back title reign.

Last year’s runner-up University of Perpetual Help likewise jumpstarted its title campaign after turning back Mapua University, 86-80.

LeBron Jhames Daep was king-like with 20 points, nine boards, three assists, three blocks and a steal to propel the Junior Altas to a great start to a season that they hope would propel them to their breakthrough high school crown.

Jan Roluna added 18 points to help in the cause. — Joey Villar

Montemayor, Quiñones sprint to rule the 7-Eleven Trail 2025

TILL the king and queen of the cross-country marathon.

Emmanuel Dave Montemayor completed a men’s three-peat while national campaigner Nicole Quiñones was hailed as the women’s back-to-back champion after photo finish victories in the 7-Eleven Trail 2025 over the weekend at the Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

Mr. Montemayor, who rode his bike from Bulacan all the way to Timberland as a warm-up, clocked in one hour, 47 minutes and six seconds in the enduring 40-kilometer (km) trail to make history.

He bested his pal James Carl dela Cruz (1:47:07) by the slimmest of margins following a climactic sprint in the last 100 meters.

It’s the same story for the Philippine national cycling team member Ms. Quiñones, who covered the dreaded single-loop course comprising a mix of road climbs, fire roads and single tracks in 2:12:40 to prevail over teammate Shagne Yao (2:12:41) in a close duel in the last 150 meters.

Both, who took home P25,000 each, will test their mettle in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road in Tagaytay this week, getting a much-needed momentum with sweet crows in trail, where they ran away from the pack as early as the first 10 km.

Jerico Rivera (1:48:29) completed the men’s podium while Adel Pia Sendrijas (2:16:07) finished third in the women’s overall of the ninth 7-Eleven bike trail, which gathered almost 1,500 participants.

Meanwhile, Cleo Dale Morales (2:01:30), Laurent Briel Ballog (2:01:34) and Jan Alfred Dominic Ong (2:03:27) topped the junior division (16-18 Male) as 7-Eleven put premium on trail cycling entering its milestone 10th edition.

And Philippine Seven Corp. President & Chief Executive Officer Jose Victor Paterno beamed with pride and honor for this sustained success of the 7-Eleven Trail Series — all for the sake of Philippine cycling.

“I think we have made a positive impact on Philippine cycling. As a former amateur racer myself, I feel like I owe a lot to Philippine cycling in terms of keeping me healthy, keeping me motivated, keeping the mind fresh and learning how to compete again,” said Mr. Paterno. — John Bryan Ulanday

Cavs fend off Grizzlies, stretch win streak to 7

DONOVAN MITCHELL scored 31 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their seventh straight game, beating the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 129-123 on Sunday night.

Sixth man Ty Jerome added 26 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and Evan Mobley posted 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 22 points for Memphis, Ja Morant paired 20 points with 10 assists and Luke Kennard contributed 19 points off the bench.

The Cavaliers led for most of the evening before their 11-point fourth-quarter advantage was sliced to 124-121 with 42 seconds remaining.

Jackson missed a pair of free throws with 23 seconds left, before Mitchell and Max Strus iced it from the foul line for Cleveland.

The Cavaliers, who were without guard Darius Garland with a left hip contusion, misfired with 2 of 15 3-pointers in the first quarter but a 21-7 rebounding advantage saw them lead 33-29 heading into the second frame.

Cleveland had 10 offensive rebounds for the period and outscored Memphis 10-0 on second-chance points, with Mobley particularly active on the glass.

The Grizzlies scored the first seven points of the second quarter before the Cavs rallied through Mitchell, who had 22 first-half points.

Strus’ bomb on the halftime horn was the first successful three from 10 attempts by any Cleveland player other than Mitchell, and gave the Cavaliers a 62-56 buffer.

Rookie Jaylen Wells knocked down his first four 3-point attempts and the Grizzlies inched into the lead before Mitchell, Mobley and Isaac Okoro restored order for the home side.

A loose-ball wrestle at ground level between Mitchell and Desmond Bane resulted in offsetting double technicals. Those two players were penalized, as were Morant and Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson for getting involved.

The Cavaliers’ 12-5 third-quarter rebounding advantage helped them lead 93-88 going into the fourth.

Jerome caught fire with 14 of Cleveland’s first 17 points of the final period as the Cavs’ advantage grew to double digits. — Reuters

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