Over 50% back POGO ban — survey

November 11, 2024 | 9:17 pm

A RECENT survey revealed that over half of Filipinos support a total ban on Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing concerns over crime associated with these operations.

In a September survey, WR Numero found that 6 out of 10 Filipinos support the total ban imposed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last July. While 4 out of 10 said they support the closure of select IGLs.

Across regions, the strongest support for banning IGLs comes from respondents from the rest of Luzon (65%), followed by Metro Manila (64%), the Visayas (56%), and Mindanao (51%).

The findings form part of WR Numero’s Philippine Public Opinion Monitor which conducted a nationwide face-to-face survey among 1,765 Filipino adults between Sept. 5 and Sept. 23.

Most respondents (39%) credited the administration’s policy shift to Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel who led investigations into IGL operators in the upper chamber.

Mr. Marcos was credited by 33% of respondents, followed by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian (9%).

About 38% of respondents expressed concern over the potential economic impacts of the total ban, while 37% disagreed and 26% remained uncertain.

Concern was most evident in Visayas (47%) and Metro Manila (43%), with lower concern levels in Mindanao (35%) and Luzon outside Metro Manila (33%).

The Department of Finance (DoF) estimated that the reputational risk from IGL cost the government P55.36 billion in investments, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation estimated the foregone revenues if POGOs are shut down to be at P20 billion a year.

Business group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier warned that the sudden closure of IGLs in the country could cause “massive” job losses and adversely impact the property and financial sectors.

Various crimes have been linked with illegal IGL operations, including human trafficking and abuse, scamming, and tax evasion. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

NEDA highlights need for policies crucial to middle-class society goals

November 11, 2024 | 9:16 pm

slum-area-poverty — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL ANTONIO DE GUZMAN

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees policies that support the transition of Filipinos into the middle class and protection from economic shocks as crucial.

“Our first and important step is to address the poverty in the country,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a statement on Monday.

After the lift from poverty, the government should focus “on mitigating their vulnerabilities to risks by enhancing the resiliency of our jobs and other income opportunities to prevent them from falling back into poverty,” Mr. Balisacan said.

“To sustain a middle-class living standard, Filipinos need adequate income and substantial savings,” NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group Rosemarie G. Edillon said.

Additionally, she added that the government must keep commodity prices low and stable, spur employment opportunities, and enhance the employability of Filipinos, build resilience by strengthening social protection.

“The Philippines needs to create capabilities by establishing strong human capital and equipping workers with the skills of the future, integrating approaches to fix foundational challenges, and preparing for technological disruptions,” World Bank Lead Economist Gonzalo Varela said. – Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Rice Tariffication law amendment eyed anew

November 11, 2024 | 9:16 pm

Rice-Kadiwa Store — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A CONGRESSMAN on Monday proposed amending a 2019 law to allow the government to sell imported rice through Kadiwa outlets nationwide, enabling it to compete with private rice importers.

In his privilege speech to the House of Representatives plenary, Party-list Rep. Erwin T. Tulfo said the Rice Tariffication Act needed to be amended to reduce the retail price of the staple food.

Imported rice remains expensive despite an executive order slashing tariffs on rice imports to 15% from 35%, he said, noting that prices continue to hover at P50 to P60 per kilo despite its purpose to make “rice affordable at P42 to P45 per kilo.”

“The amendment I propose would allow government importation of rice to compete with the existing private imports, like the National Food Authority before, only this time the government imported rice will be distributed through licensed Kadiwa outlets nationwide,” Mr. Tulfo said, referring to a marketing initiative by the Agriculture department allowing direct farm-to-consumer access.

“By empowering the Department of Agriculture (DA) to import rice, we can create a balanced market where prices reflect the needs of consumers and limit undue price increases,” he said.

“It will provide the government with a stronger hand to stabilize prices, competing with the private sector while ensuring that ordinary citizens, the ones in the areas of our countries, are not left vulnerable to market fluctuations, hoarding and profiteering by some,” he added.

The Philippine Congress on Nov. 7 has transmitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. a measure seeking to amend the Rice Tariffication Act, which the House fast-tracked earlier this year amid pressure to reduce the prices of the staple food. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

At least 700 families affected by Toraji

November 11, 2024 | 9:15 pm

BAGUIO CITY — At least 708 families or 2,177 individuals have been affected by Typhoon Toraji (Nika), according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in region 2.

In particular, Toraji hit 58 barangays from Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces.

Initial reports by DSWD-Region II showed that at least 635 families (1,949 individuals) took temporary refuge in 58 evacuation centers in the Cagayan Valley region. Of this, 17 families (37 persons) are in 2 evacuation centers in Cagayan province; 478 families (1,492 persons) in 37 evacuation centers in Isabela province; 25 families (79 persons) in 4 evacuation centers in Nueva Vizcaya; and 115 families (341 persons) in 15 evacuation centers in Quirino.

According also to the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management reports, at least 29 families (88 persons) sought temporary shelter with their relatives and friends in the Cagayan Valley region as of Monday morning.

Moreover, the department reported at least 8,995 additional family food packs had already reached Batanes on Sunday via the BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard and C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.

These were for the victims of Typhoon Yinxing (Marce) that disastrously hit the northernmost province last week. The supplies also form part of the preparations on possible devastation response to Typhoon Nika until Friday.

DSWD-Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao further added that 10,000 family food packs are now being loaded by DSWD-Region III in satellite warehouses in Baler, Aurora as additional prepositioned goods that may be needed.

These are on top of the 1,000 family food packs being prepared to be sent to Dilasag, Aurora meant for prepositioning efforts of the department, she explained. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Iloilo City eyes ‘green’ practices next year

November 11, 2024 | 9:14 pm

THE city of Iloilo eyes integrating ‘green’ practices to leverage itself as an attractive destination for meetings, conferences and exhibitions, it said on Monday.

The Green Meets Great program of the local government of Iloilo City is included in its outlook for 2025.

It forms part of its goal to be the first city to integrate ‘green’ practices for visitors engaged in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

“Aside from festivals, our MICE-related events have influenced the steady stream of visitors,” Maria Lea Victoria E. Lara, director of the Iloilo City MICE office, said in a statement.

“Our facilities and accessible gateways have attracted MICE visitors from all over the country and the world.”

The city’s ‘green’ MICE initiatives include the accreditation of solar panel and energy saver establishments, government buildings, and accommodations.

It also covers its bikeable city plan, incentives for renewable energy adoption, and waste management protocols especially for streets and parks.

Other efforts aimed at creating a sustainable environment in the city include paperless registrations and bookkeeping, cashless transactions, smoking ban, and the prohibition of styrofoam and plastics in events.

The Green Meets Great program was presented to Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo P. Treñas on Oct. 22 in Makati City. It is in line with the city’s aim to become the “Philippines’ first green MICE destination.”

In 2023, Iloilo City generated a total of P8.29 billion tourism receipts, with the number of visitors increasing to 886,283 from 752,301 a year prior.

It boasts over 4,000 rooms in 47 hotels, 54 cultural sites, five major shopping malls, and one convention center. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Sandiganbayan acquits ex-FDA chief over Tarlac health center case

November 11, 2024 | 9:13 pm

THE PHILIPPINES’ anti-graft court has cleared a former chief of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of graft stemming from the raid and closure of a “natural medical center” in 2018, citing failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In a 43-page decision, promulgated on Nov. 7, the Sandiganbayan Third Division found ex-FDA Director-General Nela Charade G. Puno not guilty of graft, clearing allegations that she acted with “bad faith, gross negligence, and grave abuse of authority” for shutting down a “cancer treatment center” for selling unregistered health products without following due process.

“The Court finds that the evidence offered by the prosecution could not simply sustain a verdict of conviction,” part of the ruling by Associate Justice Ronald B. Moreno stated.

The complaint was filed by a medical doctor who claimed that Ms. Puno’s decision caused harm to patients undergoing her treatment and employees she was forced to let go following the closure order.

The doctor also alleged the FDA decision forced her to retire from practicing medicine. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Barangay executive killed in Cotabato ambush

November 11, 2024 | 9:13 pm

COTABATO CITY — Gunmen on Saturday killed a barangay official, involved in programs promoting interfaith solidarity among Muslims, Christians and the indigenous people, in an ambush.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou T. Mendoza and Kabacan Mayor Evangeline P. Guzman separately condemned on Monday the fatal ambush of Ernesto L. Bigsang, Sr., a barangay councilor in Cuyapon in Kabacan, while riding his mountain bike on his way to his farm in an interior area in the municipality.

Mr. Bigsang was known for his extensive participation in activities that complemented the national government’s peace overtures with Moro communities.

Brig. Gen. James E. Gulmatico, director of the Police Regional Office-12, told reporters on Monday that intelligence operatives of Police Regional Office-9 and the Cotabato Provincial Police Office are helping investigators in the Kabacan Municipal Police Station identify the killers of Mr. Bigsang for prosecution.

Witnesses had told investigators that the two pistol-wielding men who ambushed Mr. Bigsang managed to escape using a getaway motorcycle before responding community watchmen and barangay officials could reach the scene.

Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Guzman had separately offered an earnest cash incentive in exchange for any information leading to the arrest of the killers of Mr. Bigsang. — John Felix M. Unson

P5.7-M drugs confiscated in Zamboanga

November 11, 2024 | 9:12 pm

shabu-illegal-drugs-meth — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Non-uniformed policemen seized P5.7 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from two traffickers entrapped in Barangay Santa Barbara in Zamboanga City on Sunday night.

Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, director of the Police Regional Office-9, said on Monday morning that the 63-year-old Nasser Ibrahim Usman and his 48-year-old cohort, Frasel Saluay Sahibeini, are now locked in a detention facility and will be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Mr. Masauding said the duo was immediately arrested after selling to combined anti-narcotics operatives of PRO-9 and the Zamboanga City Police Office 850 grams of shabu in a tradeoff along Martha Drive in Barangay Santa Barbara.

The entrapment operation that led to the arrest of Mr. Usman and Mr. Sahibeini was laid with the help of barangay officials and the office of Zamboanga City Mayor John M. Dalipe, according to Mr. Masauding. — John Felix M. Unson

PHL stocks extend slide on FDI data, Trump woes

November 11, 2024 | 9:00 pm

LOCAL SHARES dropped further on Monday as the market continued to react to Republican Donald J. Trump’s win in the US presidential election and following the release of data showing that net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines declined in August.

The main Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went down by 0.53% or 37.17 points to close at 6,940.01 on Monday, while the broader all shares index dropped by 0.43% or 16.78 points to 3,867.02.

“Local shares opened the week in the red as investors digested the latest FDI data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP),” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message, adding that lower FDIs showed “potential caution among foreign investors.”

FDI net inflows fell by 14.5% year on year to $813 million in August, BSP data released on Monday showed.

Still, net inflows for the first eight months of 2024 went up by 3.9% to $6.1 billion from $5.8 billion a year prior.

The BSP expects FDI net inflows to reach $10 billion at end-2024.

The local bourse extended its slide amid Mr. Trump’s impending return to the White House, Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“Investors continue to price in the negative implications of US protectionist policies upon a Trump presidency. This includes a possible slowdown of policy easing by the US Federal Reserve and consequently the BSP due to the inflation risks posed by Mr. Trump’s planned tariffs,” he said.

“The peso’s weakness also continued to weigh on the bourse,” Mr. Tantiangco added.

On Monday, the peso went down to P58.595 versus the dollar from Friday’s close of P58.26.

Almost all sectoral indices closed lower. Mining and oil decreased by 2.6% or 218.05 points to 8,149.14; industrials went down by 0.89% or 87.02 points to 9,631.48; holding firms retreated by 0.73% or 43.87 points to 5,901.89; services went down by 0.61% or 13.20 points to 2,136.74; and property sank by 0.52% or 13.96 points to 2,651.70.

Meanwhile, financials climbed by 0.3% or 6.95 points to end at 2,271.54.

“Ayala Land, Inc. was the day’s index leader, climbing 1.94% to P31.60. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. was the main index laggard, plunging 5% to P34.20,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover retreated to P3.84 billion on Monday with 548.52 million shares changing hands from P6.35 billion with 682.45 million issues traded on Friday.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 118 versus 70, while 55 names were unchanged.

Net foreign selling declined to P740.09 million on Monday from P1.9 billion on Friday.

“Net foreign selling in the market has already been running on a 10-day streak,” Mr. Tantiangco said. — R.M.D. Ochave

Peso weakens as markets await Trump policies

November 11, 2024 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO slumped against the dollar on Monday as markets await clarity on the policy direction of US President-elect Donald J. Trump.

The local unit closed at P58.595 per dollar on Monday, weakening by 33.5 centavos from its P58.26 finish on Friday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Monday’s session weaker at P58.45 against the dollar, which was already its intraday best. Its worst showing was at P58.64 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went down to $1.31 billion on Monday from $1.405 billion on Friday.

The dollar was generally stronger on Monday as the market continued to digest Mr. Trump’s election win, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“The [dollar-peso] pair ended higher due to dollar strength over the weekend on the Trump win, which is good for the US economy, and cautious trading ahead of the release of US inflation data this week,” the first trader said by phone.

“The peso depreciated from global economic growth concerns after the latest five-year stimulus package for local governments announced by the Chinese government failed to spur market optimism,” the second trader said in an e-mail.

For Tuesday, the second trader said the peso could continue to weaken due to a potential uptick in US consumer inflation for October.

The first trader sees the peso moving between P58.40 and P58.70 per dollar on Tuesday, while the second trader expects it to range from P58.50 to P58.75. Mr. Ricafort sees the peso ranging from P58.50 to P58.70.

The dollar edged higher on Monday as markets braced for US inflation data and a throng of Federal Reserve speakers this week, while the yuan nursed a hangover from Beijing’s latest underwhelming stimulus package, Reuters reported.

The US dollar stood at 7.1955 yuan, having jumped 0.7% on Friday, and looks set to again test the 7.2000 barrier.

The dollar did regain 0.5% on the yen to 153.43, having been dragged off last week’s top of 154.70 by the risk of Japanese intervention.

The dollar index was a fraction firmer at 105.05, after gaining 0.6% last week mainly against the euro.

The single currency was stuck at $1.0715, having shed 1% last week to as low as $1.0683. Support now lies around $1.0667 and $1.0601.

The euro has been pressured by Mr. Trump’s proposals for tariffs on imports, which could hurt European exports and risk a global trade war. Analysts also assume Mr. Trump’s policies would put upward pressure on US inflation and bond yields, while limiting the Federal Reserve’s scope to ease policy.

A host of Fed officials are due to speak this week, including Chair Jerome H. Powell on Thursday, so there will be plenty of guidance on the outlook for rates.

Data will also be influential as US consumer prices are due on Thursday and a core reading above the 0.3% forecasted would further reduce the chance of a December easing.

All this was seen as bullish for the dollar over the long term, though it was yet to be seen what Mr. Trump’s policies would actually be in practice. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters

Brownlee sets for bounce-back game in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

November 11, 2024 | 7:20 pm

AFTER his disappointing outing in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals, Justin Brownlee (JB) sets out for a big bounce-back performance with Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).

Mr. Brownlee has stayed in Manila to rest and recover after Ginebra’s painful 2-4 defeat to back-to-back champ TNT in the finals, where he was held to a meager 19.67 points per game, including his career single-game low of eight, and 20% three-point shooting.

He has about a week to recharge both physically and mentally before reporting to the Gilas camp in Laguna on Friday ahead of the Nationals’ double home assignments against New Zealand (Nov. 21) and Hong Kong (Nov. 24).

“Definitely still got a responsibility to go out there (and) fight for the country. And we got two tough opponents — New Zealand and Hong Kong,” said Mr. Brownlee.

“We’ve got a few days before going to training camp, just get ready for that and prepare with the team and try to do our best,” he said.

Mr. Brownlee was in the same situation as last year, when the Gin Kings first lost the battle for the Governors’ Cup plum with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) and the Tropang Giga.

Just a few weeks after that April 2023 defeat, Mr. Brownlee joined the Nationals in the mission to reclaim the lost gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. That Gilas “redeem team” completed the job with an 80-69 rout of the import-laden hosts in the finals with Mr. Brownlee firing 23 in the clincher.

Mr. Brownlee, who later went on to power Gilas to the Asian Games gold at the expense of RHJ-led Jordan in October 2023, will have to be at his best against 22^nd-ranked NZ. The Tall Blacks have beaten the Filipinos in their last four duels since 2016.

“New Zealand is one of the top teams in the world, so it’s going to be a good matchup and a good test for us,” said Mr. Brownlee.

JB leads Gilas in points (21) and efficiency (32.5) in the opening window of ACQ while emerging as the team’s second-best rebounder with 10 behind Kai Sotto (12.5) and No. 2 in assists with 6 behind Scottie Thompson (9). — Olmin Leyba

EAC faces LPU for Final Four berth in NCAA 100

November 11, 2024 | 7:19 pm

Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m. – LPU vs EAC
2:30 p.m. – JRU vs UPHSD

EMILIO Aguinaldo College (EAC) shoots inch closer to a breakthrough Final Four appearance while Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) eyes a third straight stint there as they collide on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Tied at No. 4 with even 8-8 slates, the Generals and the Pirates both seek for a victory in their 11 a.m. duel that will ensure them of at least a playoff for that last ticket to the semis bus.

There, they will join the College of St. Benilde Blazers (13-3), Mapua University Cardinals (13-3) and San Beda University Red Lions (10-6).

“We’re all aware that all our remaining games are a must-win,” said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes, whose last elimination round foe will be against Jose Rizal University on Friday.

For LPU, it will be timely that for the first time this season, it will play with a complete roster as JM Bravo finally gets to play after a brush with concussion that sidelined him for a few weeks.

In a non-bearing contest, Jose Rizal University (4-12) and University of Perpetual Help (6-11) square off at 2:30 p.m. — Joey Villar