Meralco’s Movem, Polish firm ChargeEuropa to deploy EV charging stations

November 14, 2024 | 12:02 am

MOVEM Electric, Inc., the sustainable mobility arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has partnered with Polish infrastructure provider ChargeEuropa to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Movem signed a memorandum of understanding with ChargeEuropa to install and operate ChargeEuropa’s EV charging stations throughout the Philippines, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The exclusive partnership allows ChargeEuropa to expand its presence in Asia, with the Philippines as its first point of entry in the region.

Founded in 2018, ChargeEuropa has deployed ad-display chargers — combining EV charging and ad space through an integrated LED screen — in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and other parts of Europe.

“We chose this market because we strongly believe in the potential of the Philippine EV industry and market. We see that EV charging is becoming a growing and very significant part of mobility in the country,” ChargeEuropa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Matt Tymowski said.

Movem President and CEO Raymond B. Ravelo said that the company will be the prime mover in deploying ChargeEuropa charging stations across Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

“Our vision in Movem to drive a highly electrified, emissions-free Philippine transport sector is brought to life through partnerships with like-minded institutions such as ChargeEuropa,” Mr. Ravelo said.

“Ultimately, our thrust and goal is to bring world-class EV solutions not only to our clients but also to the wider public,” he added.

The partnership with ChargeEuropa forms part of Movem and Meralco’s support for the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act “through the provision of end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions for institutional customers and the riding public.”

EVIDA requires industrial and commercial companies to have at least a 5% share of their fleets comprise EVs.

“Meralco, through Movem, has long since looked into the EV industry and aided in the transition together with the regulators and advocates within the industry like the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP),” Meralco Senior Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer and Movem Chairman Ferdinand O. Geluz said.

Meralco established Movem last year as its new subsidiary that will focus on the development and deployment of various electric transportation solutions.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Bo’s is going to Canada; releases holiday menu

November 14, 2024 | 12:02 am

Bo’s released its special holiday items at its flagship location in Makati’s Glorietta 5. Most of the items use Filipino ingredients, highlighting the idea of Philippine Christmas – which is just as well, because they’ll be in Canada by this time next year.

In a tasting on Nov. 6, Bo’s showed off its Puto Bumbong Cheesecake, Halo-Halo Cake, and returning holiday favorite Bibingka Cheesecake and Mini Bibingkas. As for drinks, there’s the Dark Mocha Macadamia Froccino. They’ve also entered a partnership with local candy bar brand Choc Nut, hence the new Choc Nut Series featuring the Choc Nut Mocha Froccino, Iced Choc Nut Latte, and Hot Choc Nut Latte.

“That’s really part of our mantra: putting the spotlight on Philippine coffee, and also that’s part of our social commitment as well, to partner with Filipino brands and bring them together with us as we grow as a company,” said Bo’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President Rachel Fallarme. Bo’s is known for partnerships with local coffee growers, such as those in Sagada, Benguet, Bukidnon, and Davao.

O CANADA
The year is ending sweetly for Bo’s: according to Ms. Fallarme they currently have 150 stores worldwide and are targeting to open 10 stores in the next six weeks, with 35 more to open next year.

And they are spreading their wings even wider.

While they already have a presence in the Middle East in Qatar and the UAE, they are planning to open more, rounding out the number to 20.

“Next year, the good news is that we’re going to open in Canada,” she said in a speech.

In a group interview, Ms. Fallarme said that the franchise deal means opening 10 stores in the Greater Toronto Area in 10 years. “That’s the commitment, but we do have four already identified,” she said, and the first ones will be open in about a year or two. The master franchise for the Canadian venture will be operated by a Filipino-Canadian immigrant family who visited the Philippines after several years, and liked Bo’s in Pangasinan so much they decided to open their own in their new home, she said.

“Not many Filipino companies succeed on the global stage. We’d like to think of ourselves as the Jollibee of coffee,” she said, referring to the local fast food chain’s success in opening branches abroad.

GROWING AT HOME
“One of our strategies is really to saturate the Philippines,” said Ms. Fallarme. “What we have done is to promote Bo’s Coffee as a good franchise business. That’s how we are able to enter certain markets, especially those putting up stores in first-in-market locations.” This is why they are the only national brand in Marawi (Ms. Fallarme also counts this as their biggest branch).

Bo’s was founded in 1996 by Steve Benitez, with its first branch opening in Cebu.

It could be a steep hill for Bo’s to climb, when one realizes that their direct competitors in the Philippines are international brands. While she admits that the international brands have the advantage due to their sheer size, Bo’s still has one card up their sleeve.

“Other international brands would be No. 1 in terms of recall, primarily because of the number of stores they have,” she said of the results of a recently conducted market study, noting that one international chain has three times more stores than they do (Bo’s has 136 in the Philippines at present).

“In that study, which we are happy to say, we are No. 1 in terms of the taste.” — Joseph L. Garcia

CIMB, Lazada launch savings account

November 14, 2024 | 12:01 am

CIMB BANK Philippines, Inc. (CIMB Bank PH) has launched a savings account product embedded in Lazada Philippines’ mobile application, expanding its partnership with the e-commerce platform.

“True to our mission as we pioneered mobile digital banking in the Philippines, we are going beyond credit-related inclusions on the Lazada platform and expanding our efforts to also help Filipinos grow their savings as well, alongside earning rebates for their online purchases with Lazada, to help them achieve even more of their financial needs and life goals,” CIMB Bank Philippines Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan said in a statement.

Customers can open a LazSave account via the Lazada app. Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old at the time of application are required to have a valid government-issued ID and a Lazada app account profile to sign up for LazSave.

The LazSave savings account has no initial deposit or maintaining balance requirement. It offers a 1% rebate for all purchases on the Lazada app excluding digital goods with no spending cap during the launch period.

The new savings account offers an interest rate of 5% per annum, also available during LazSave’s introductory period.

“At Lazada we are committed to building a superior online platform that optimizes user experience while safeguarding our buyers and sellers. Launching LazSave with CIMB brings new value and rewards for Lazada app users, empowering Filipinos with more ways to take charge of their finances and participate in the digital economy,” Lazada Philippines Chief Executive Officer Carlos O. Barrera said.

Through LazSave, CIMB and Lazada hope to drive digital commerce and make financial services more accessible to Filipinos, they said. — A.M.C. Sy

Lack of work experience

November 14, 2024 | 12:01 am

IT’S ABOUT the time of year again when job applicants line up for openings, for elective positions. Often, the very lack of qualification (I’ve never held any public office) is touted as an advantage in having an open mind and no history of wrongdoing — yet. Does this candidate even have an advocacy or program to promote? (I’ll have to win first and think about what to do afterwards.)

The lack of experience in a political job is not an obstacle, especially in ruling dynasties in the local setting. It is not clear whether those serving coffee and drinks or driving for their principals are also privy to the master’s and mistress’ discussions on dynastic governance. (Should we pressure the local business groups to support us?) So far, only relatives count in this situation.

Dynasties flourish because they have access to the levers of power and wealth. Qualification for the job is not a consideration. Only age and citizenship matter. (Sometimes, the latter isn’t even checked.) Dynastic candidates don’t apologize for belonging to a political family — we get elected by the people. Just because we have amassed resources to thwart any outsiders from contesting our seats doesn’t mean that we are not qualified to run. Anyway, dynasties can sometimes lose too.

How can a lack of experience for any job even be acceptable?

The newly elected (and raw) politician is afforded the benefit of a “honeymoon period,” a hiatus from harsh criticism allowing him to check the fire exits and discover which water closets in the building don’t flush properly. There is an “onboarding” workshop to brief the newbie on his job, the committees available to the members, and the need to recruit staff. The latter are expected to be more experienced than their boss in the ways of the new office. (Sir, don’t trim your moustache at the hearing.)

After raising hopes of change on the campaign trail, the rookie just wants to belong and get his share of the pork. (Who’s handing it out?)

Critics in social media may bash unqualified candidates whose only claim to fame is being a celebrity in another field. But that’s not the way it works. Even legal experience which seems to be an advantage for the job is seen as “not connecting to the people.” Can education even seem to be a disqualifier for a candidate? Spouting off one’s academic and work qualifications as advocates of public causes can put off the majority of voters.

The pining for an “intelligent vote” does not always translate into voting for an intelligent candidate. Should the only concern for electoral reform be limited to the honest counting of votes, rather than a general voters’ education program?

What is an intelligent vote after all if not the accumulated mutterings of people who put a premium on academic credentials, purity of heart (usually untested by temptation), and a point of view that coincides with one’s own? The flipside of this is that the “qualified candidates” keep getting rejected. Maybe they’re not cut out for public service?

Nostalgia for those days when the legislators were highly educated and principled members of the social elite does not seem to resonate with the voting public anymore.

If we believe in democracy as the rule of the people, shouldn’t we accept celebrities, entertainers, hard-nosed advocates of the complainers who need champions to do the cursing for them? They always top the polls.

A lack of experience for public office seems to have become an advantage. Popularity from sports, show business, and media have trumped any skills one may be able to bring to the public discourse.

It is certainly not in the elective offices that qualifications seem to matter. In the appointive positions even in the public sector, there is more scrutiny of work experience, academic credentials, and even public advocacy. Such criteria come closest to the private sector’s screening mechanism for employment.

Corporate recruitment views a lack of knowledge or work experience as an immediate disqualifier. Even in the succession planning of family corporations, some kind of apprenticeship is undergone by the eventual CEO. This token nod to “experience” is accepted as sufficient to assume corporate leadership at a young age.

Still, even the most experienced and knowledgeable corporate recruit can fail in his job when confronted by an entrenched corporate culture — which he may not be able to change in time.

Tony Samson is chairman and CEO of TOUCH xda

ar.samson@yahoo.com

Only 22% of organizations in PHL are fully ready to deploy AI-powered tech — Cisco

November 14, 2024 | 12:01 am

ONLY 22% of organizations in the Philippines are fully ready to utilize artificial intelligence (AI), but many are eager to increase AI investments in the next five years, according to Cisco Philippines.

The Philippines saw a slight increase from 17% last year, highlighting the challenges Philippine organizations face in adopting and leveraging AI, according to Cisco Philippines, citing its 2024 AI Readiness Index.

According to the study, 98% of Filipino organizations reported increased urgency to deploy AI over the past year.

The AI readiness index is based on six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.

According to Cisco, 65% of them allocated 10-30% of their information technology (IT) budgets to AI deployment.

Filipino organization’s top AI investment goals are improving efficiency and profitability, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and growing revenue and market share.

Despite significant AI investments in cybersecurity, many organizations said their expectations were not met.

They must adopt a comprehensive approach to ensure AI readiness, said Cisco Philippines Managing Director Zaza Soriano-Nicart.

“This year’s AI Readiness Index reveals that to fully leverage the potential of AI, companies need a modern digital infrastructure capable of meeting evolving power needs and network latency requirements from growing AI workloads. This must be supported with the right visibility to achieve their business objectives.”

The study also revealed that only 22% of organizations have the necessary graphics processing units needed to meet current and future AI demands.

Further, only 45% have the capability to protect data in AI models with end-to-end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response.

As demand for AI increases, nearly half (48%) of organizations plan to earmark more than 40% of their IT budgets to AI investments in the next four to five years.

The Cisco AI Readiness Index was based on a double-blind survey of 3,600 senior business leaders with over 500 employees across 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China. — B.M.D. Cruz

Apple’s next device is an AI wall tablet for home control, Siri, and video dalls

November 14, 2024 | 12:01 am

APPLE, Inc., aiming to catch up with rivals in the smart home market, is nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate apps.

The company is gearing up to announce the device as early as March and will position it as a command center for the home, according to people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, also will spotlight the new Apple Intelligence AI platform, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is confidential.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is betting that the product can make Apple a force in the smart home segment, where the company has trailed behind Alphabet, Inc. and Amazon.com, Inc. in recent years. He has made the device a priority for the company’s engineering and design departments, and is pushing to get it to market after more than three years of development.

A representative for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment.

The device has a roughly six-inch screen and looks like a square iPad. It’s about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display. There’s also a camera at the top front, a rechargeable built-in battery and internal speakers. Apple plans to offer it in silver and black options.

The product has a touch interface that looks like a blend of the Apple Watch operating system and the iPhone’s recently launched StandBy mode. But the company expects most people to use their voice to interact with the device, relying on the Siri digital assistant and Apple Intelligence. The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months.

The product will be marketed as a way to control home appliances, chat with Siri, and hold intercom sessions via Apple’s FaceTime software. It will also be loaded with Apple apps, including ones for web browsing, listening to news updates and playing music. Users will be able to access their notes and calendar information, and the device can turn into a slideshow display for their photos.

A first for Apple, the device will compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays, as well as Google’s Nest Hub. It’s also reminiscent of Meta Platforms, Inc.’s Portal, a failed videoconferencing device from the social media giant. Apple is already planning a more expensive follow-up version with a robotic limb that can move the screen around. Apple plans to market that technology as a home companion with an AI personality.

The higher-end product could be priced at as much as $1,000 depending on the components it uses, the people said. The display-only device will be far less than that, approaching the cost of competitors’ products. The Echo Show 8 is priced at $150, while the Echo Hub is $180. The Nest Hub Max costs $230.

Apple has designed different attachments for the device, including ones that affix the screens onto walls like a classic home-security panel. There will be bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk. Apple imagines the FaceTime feature being used while cooking or for videoconferencing during work meetings.

A person familiar with its development said the product is designed to bring Siri and Apple Intelligence to life in a way that hasn’t happened before. Last month, the company rolled out a limited set of Apple Intelligence features for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. More advanced capabilities — like generative AI for images and an integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT — are coming in December.

The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance. For example, if users are several feet away, it might show the temperature. As they approach, the interface can switch to a panel for adjusting the home thermostat.

The newly designed operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can run widgets for checking stock tickers, the weather, and appointments. Or they can configure the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favorite apps and an iPhone-like home screen grid of software icons.

During development, Apple discussed launching an app store as part of the device, but it recently decided to exclude this feature — at least in the initial version.

The product will tap into Apple’s long-standing smart home framework, HomeKit, which can control third-party thermostats, lights, locks, security cameras, sensors, sprinklers, fans, and other equipment. Apple supports hundreds of accessories with HomeKit and offers iCloud online storage plans for home security footage.

Security will be a particular focus for the new device. It will deliver security alerts and display camera footage, including video from smart doorbells. It also will serve as an intercom system between rooms in homes with multiple Apple displays.

Apple has explored building its own line of smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could double as a baby monitor. The idea would be to emphasize privacy controls, one of Apple’s hallmarks. If the smart home display is successful, the company could prioritize plans to bring such accessories to market.

Apple also is working on a system that will let the home device sense how many people are nearby. That approach relies in part on external sensors that could be placed in wall outlets in the vicinity of the device, but those accessories may come later or get canceled altogether.

The product will be a standalone device, meaning it can operate almost entirely on its own. But it will require an iPhone for some tasks, including parts of the initial setup. It will also work with Apple’s Handoff feature, which lets users trigger a function on one device and then continue on their iPhone after walking away.

The project is a collaboration between several Apple teams, including the home hardware engineering group led by executive Matt Costello and the software engineering ecosystems group run by Arun Mathias. Mr. Costello and Mr. Mathias are known as the “executive sponsors” responsible for development of the product. Apple’s industrial and human interface design teams also are heavily involved.

Ultimately, Apple hopes it can sell multiple units of the device to consumers, who will place them around the house and use them several times a day. — Bloomberg

Dining In/Out (11/14/24)

November 14, 2024 | 12:01 am

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Kenangan Coffee is now in Manila

KENANGAN COFFEE, Indonesia’s beloved coffee brand, is now in Manila, brought into the country by the Fredley Group of Companies (FGC). The first branch opened on Nov. 12 at the North Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia. Kenangan Coffee is renowned for its locally sourced beans and its signature Kenangan Latte, a creamy and smoky drink with a distinct flavor from black aren (palm sugar). The brand is set to expand its presence across the Philippines with plans to open more branches in SM East Ortigas, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan, SM Baguio and SM North EDSA. “We are excited to welcome Kenangan Coffee to the Fredley Group family. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, diverse dining experiences to the Filipino market,” said Avin Ong, founder and chief executive officer of FGC, in a statement. “We believe Kenangan Coffee’s unique flavors will resonate with local coffee lovers, and we’re thrilled to be part of its growth in the country.”

Pancake House enters the holidays with bibingka

PANCAKE HOUSE is bringing back one of its seasonal specials: Bibingka Pancakes. Available for a limited time from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 — or while supplies last — this festive favorite captures the holiday spirit. Pancake House offers a twist on the classic bibingka, a traditional rice cake. Each serving features fluffy golden pancakes with queso de bola and salted egg, and topped with melted butter. They are served with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut on the side. At P189, the Bibingka Pancakes are available across all Pancake House branches, through dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery. The price is inclusive of 12% VAT, with an additional 8% service charge for dine-in, and may vary for takeout and delivery orders.

Seattle’s Best Coffee’s new Caramel Pecan collection

FOR THE holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee has crafted four beverages that have a fusion of rich caramel and nutty pecan flavors. These are Iced Caramel Pecan (made with pecan praline syrup, cream and milk, sugar syrup, espresso, and ice cubes), Caramel Pecan Javakula (an ice-blended drink with pecan praline syrup topped with whipped cream), Caramel Pecan Javanilla (coffee ice cream with pecan praline syrup, low-fat milk, chilled water, garnished with whipped cream), and Hot Caramel Pecan (with pecan praline syrup, cream and milk, sugar syrup, and an espresso shot).

New York Steakhouse-inspired menu at Shake Shack

SHAKE SHACK is shaking up the holidays with heavy steakhouse offerings. There is the New York Steakhouse Burger, made with 100% Angus cheeseburger, with white cheddar topped with sautéed mushrooms, fried onions, and horseradish peppercorn mayo. Also offered are New York Steakhouse Fries: crinkle-cut fries topped with horseradish peppercorn mayo, bacon, and scallions. Match that with the Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Shake Shack’s signature chocolate frozen custard hand-spun with frosted mint syrup, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. There’s even some alcohol for a holiday buzz: Shack Red or White Wine, available by the glass or by the bottle, and ShackMeister Ale, available in bottles, tap, or packs of four.

Whisky Library offers Macallan masterclass

THIS NOVEMBER, the Whisky Library will hold an evening celebrating The Macallan. This is a guided tasting called “A Night on Earth in Scotland, A Night on Earth — The Journey, and The Macallan Classic Cut Limited Edition 2023.” Hosted by Macallan brand ambassador Hans Eckstein, the masterclass will provide unique insights into the stories and artistry behind each bottle. Whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike can join The Macallan Masterclass on Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m., for P4,500 nett per person. Book through: https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/products/the-macallan-masterclass?group=experiences. For more information on Masterclasses at The Whisky Library from Newport World Resorts, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

OECD: Low-performing Filipino students lag in Math, Reading proficiency

November 14, 2024 | 12:00 am

THE PHILIPPINES was among countries with the highest levels of mathematics anxiety among 15-year-old students, according to an international learning assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which flagged growing negative feelings towards the subject from 2012 to 2022. Read the full story.

How PSEi member stocks performed — November 13, 2024

November 14, 2024 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Philippines says it’s obliged to comply if Interpol seeks Duterte arrest on drugs

November 13, 2024 | 9:22 pm

FPRRD Duterte — SCREENSHOT FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FACEBOOK

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government on Wednesday said it would not stand in the way if former President Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and would be obliged to comply if his arrest was sought over his deadly war on drugs.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s office issued the statement hours after the tough-talking leader told a House of Representatives hearing he is not scared of the ICC, telling it to “hurry up” on its investigation of his administration’s alleged crimes against humanity.

It said it would be willing to consider handing Mr. Duterte over if an Interpol request was made.

“The government will feel obliged to consider the red notice as a request to be honored, in which case the domestic law enforcement agencies shall be bound to accord full cooperation,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said in the statement.

This was the first time the Philippine government has suggested it would cooperate with the ICC, which last year cleared the way for an investigation into the bloody campaign that defined Mr. Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency.

Mr. Duterte when president unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in March 2019 after it opened a preliminary examination of the drug killings. The court has said its prosecutors have jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.

In the statement, Mr. Bersamin said the government would neither object nor block Mr. Duterte if he wished to surrender.

Mr. Duterte remained defiant during the hearing as he defended his illegal drug crackdown, which was a key plank of his election campaign, during which he had promised thousands would be killed.

He had promised to kill 100,000 criminals in his first six months in office and throw their bodies in Manila Bay that the fish there “will grow fat.”

“ICC does not scare me a bit,” he told congressmen. “They can come here anytime. I suppose that you would want to maybe make it easy for them to visit and start the investigation. I would welcome that,” Mr. Duterte said.

“I have nothing to hide. What I did, I did it for my country and for the young people. No excuses. No apologies. If I go to hell, so be it.”

The 79-year old said he was getting impatient, and asked ICC to “hurry up” and “come here and start the investigation tomorrow.” “I’ll go to the ICC myself, they’re taking so long. Hurry up! Because I might get old and die before they could investigate me.”

According to police data, more than 6,200 people died in anti-drug operations under Mr. Duterte, during which police typically said they had killed suspects in self-defense. Human rights groups say as many as 30,000 drug suspects died.

“I assume full responsibility for whatever happened in the actions taken by law enforcement agencies of this country to… stop the serious problem of drugs affecting our people,” Mr. Duterte said.

The ex-President’s remarks on the ICC was a highly political move, said Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at the School of Diplomacy and Governance of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. “It’s surprising but understandable given the circumstances he faces right now. The 2025 midterm election is just around the corner,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Mr. Duterte is falling back on his usual bravado rhetoric. All of this is for him to appear fearless to his remaining support base,” Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches politics at the Ateneo de Manila University, said via Messenger chat. “ It’s the only way he and his family can remain credible to his support base.”

“Mr. Duterte’s change of position on the ICC investigation will definitely be sort of a clarion call for the Philippine government — that public opinion now will revolve on whether the Philippines will once again be part of the Rome Statute,” Mr. Cortez said. — with Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Reuters

US Defense Secretary Austin to visit Manila next week to explore deeper security ties

November 13, 2024 | 9:22 pm

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

US DEFENSE SECRETARY Lloyd Austin III will meet with his Philippine counterpart in Manila next week to explore deeper security ties and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the US Department of Defense.

“Secretary Austin will make his fourth visit to the Philippines, where he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The US Defense chief will also meet with other officials at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Laos on Nov. 21.

Mr. Austin’s trip seeks to build on “unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security,” the US agency said. He is also set to visit Australia, Laos and Fiji to tackle regional security issues.

“Mr. Austin has a lot on his hands, especially since now that it is clear there will be no Democrat continuity in the White House,” Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “His policies are at high risk of reversal by whoever succeeds him.”

“It is in his interest (as well as the US) to assure the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that their commitments to their defense of the West Philippine Sea will not waver even with the transition to a second Trump administration,” he added.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday told reporters that ties between both countries would not change under a Donald J. Trump presidency.

The US is the Philippines’ major security partner, with a 1951 Mutual Defense treaty compelling both nations to defend each other in case of an armed attack.

Under President Joseph R. Biden, Washington reiterated that the treaty covers any attacks on Philippine vessels, personnel and other assets in the South China Sea and anywhere in the Pacific.

In April, Republican Senator Bill Hagerty and Democrat Senator Tim Kaine pushed a bill that increased US military aid to the Philippines to $500 million from $40 million over five fiscal years through 2029.

“Our national security has always been anchored on the ironclad belief that the US will fulfill the Mutual Defense Treaty, and will continue to be in the foreseeable future,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University Policy Center, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Given Trump’s unpredictability and ‘America First’ mindset, maybe the Philippines should be prepared in case the US does not meet its obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Last year, the Philippines gave the US access to four more military bases under their 2015 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. on Tuesday said China is putting greater pressure on the Philippines to cede its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

China and the Philippines have sparred repeatedly this year over disputed areas of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia’s most contested features.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis, a ruling Beijing rejects.

“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to modernize our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Defense department said.

Also on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza told reporters via WhatsApp the agency had summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to deliver the Philippines’ protest over China’s drawing of baselines around Scarborough Shoal on Nov. 10.

“The… baselines infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral award,” she said. “The… baselines have no legal basis and are not binding on the Philippines.”

Usagi intensifies into a typhoon before landfall; port authorities alerted

November 13, 2024 | 9:20 pm

Typhoon #OfelPH (USAGI) — PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

USAGI, locally known as Ofel, has intensified into a typhoon, prompting the Philippines’ weather bureau to raise tropical wind signals over Luzon on Wednesday.

In a 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon was expected to intensify in the next 24 hours before making landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela.

“Its landfall will trigger a weakening trend, which will continue for the rest of the forecast period,” it said.

PAGASA warned of potential hazards on land and coastal areas outside the typhoon’s landfall point.

It raised tropical wind signal No. 2 over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela and the eastern part of Apayao.

Batanes, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Aurora were under Signal No. 1.

Usagi was last seen 480 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora province, and it was moving west-northwestwards at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Man-Yi was expected to strengthen into a typhoon before entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday (Nov. 14). It will be locally named Pepito.

“Since the tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category while over the Philippine Sea, the possibility of Man-Yi to reach super typhoon category prior to landfall is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.

It added that it was still too early to determine the storm’s specific land fall point, but warned of potential heavy rain, severe winds and storm surge over “most areas in Luzon.”

Man-Yi was last seen 1,965 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, and it was moving west-southwestward at 30 kph. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gust of up to 80 kph.

Meanwhile, the presidential palace said port agencies had been ordered to conduct a pre-disaster risk assessment on port infrastructure, facilities and equipment to “identify vulnerabilities,” the presidential palace said in a statement, citing a memorandum from the Philippine Ports Authority.

They were told to ensure that preventive measures were in place to minimize potential damage and disruptions.

Under a memo issued by the Philippine Ports Authority, ports were ordered to activate emergency response teams, review evacuation plans and enforce safety protocols to safeguard personnel, port users and assets.

“Personnel must be briefed on safety procedures and prepared for any necessary operational changes,” the palace said. — A.H.Halili and K.A.T. Atienza