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US, Philippines agree to develop Manila’s 5G, cable systems

FLATART-FREEPIK

THE PHILIPPINES and the United States have agreed to boost cooperation in building more fifth-generation (5G) and undersea cable networks to boost Manila’s technology ecosystem and defenses against cyberthreats, according to the US Embassy.

Manila and Washington on July 15 and 16 held their first Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue where diplomats and information technology officials from both countries shared best practices in protecting critical digital infrastructure, the embassy in Manila said in a statement on Thursday.

It added that both sides had committed to work on cloud computing and satellite-based solutions to improve digital connectivity in the Philippines.

“Our collaboration sets a powerful precedent, inspiring nations to join forces in confronting cybersecurity challenges head-on, ensuring a safer and more resilient global cyberspace for generations to come,” Philippine Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy said during the dialogue, based on the statement.

A US business delegation that visited Manila in March committed to invest over a billion dollars in the Philippines.

Private equity firm KKR & Co. has also pledged to continue investing about $400 million to develop about 2,000 telecommunications towers in the Philippines.

“The United States believes that a secure and trustworthy ICT ecosystem is vital to supporting the growth of the digital economy and providing improved digital services for our citizens,” US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick said during the talks.

“The first Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue was an opportunity to discuss our important bilateral efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and our digital economy and to protect government information systems that are a critical backbone of our alliance,” he added.

A 2023 Palo Alto Networks report showed the Philippines was hit by the highest number of cyberattacks in Southeast Asia.

It said 29% of Filipino organizations reported higher threats, with 51% feeling that they were at high risk from cyberthreats. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Philippines to work with Vietnam on maritime issues, says DFA

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE PHILIPPINES on Thursday said it is ready to work with Vietnam on maritime issues in the South China Sea after Hanoi filed a claim to an extended continental shelf before the United Nations (UN).

“We acknowledge Vietnam’s right as a coastal state like the Philippines to submit information to establish the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the relevant and lawful baselines from which its territorial sea is measured, as provided for under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

Manila is ready to find a “mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues” with Vietnam in accordance with international law, it added.

Vietnam Foreign Ministry in a separate statement said it was asserting its claim over the Paracel and Spratly Islands. Vietnam filed the claim a month after the Philippines filed a similar claim before the UN.

China claims more than 80% of the South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

It seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012 and forced Filipino fishermen to travel further for smaller catches.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 voided China’s claim over the waterway for being illegal. Beijing has largely ignored the ruling and continued its island-building activities.

About $3 trillion worth of trade passes through the South China Sea annually, and it is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas deposits, apart from fish stocks.

Last month, the Philippines filed an extended continental shelf claim with the UN covering up to 350 nautical miles off the western island of Palawan.

The Philippines and China have agreed to set up new lines of communication to improve their handling of sea disputes after both countries resumed talks on easing tensions in the South China Sea. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

P41-B drugs, fake goods seized

BW FILE PHOTO

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) said it seized illegal drugs and counterfeit goods including general merchandise, cigarettes and tobacco worth P41.58 billion in the first half.

The agency recorded 204 apprehensions during the period, it said in a statement on Thursday. It destroyed illegal cigarettes worth P595.2 million and seized agricultural products worth P100 million.

The bureau collected P455.8 billion in the first half, surpassing its P442.621-billion target by 2.98%.

Earlier this week, Customs said it is confident of collecting P20-30 billion more than its P939.69-billion target this year.

Citing its digitalization efforts, the bureau said it had started its electronic phytosanitary certificate exchanges with Indonesia and Thailand as well as the enhanced e-Travel system, integrating Customs declarations and overseas employment certificates.

In April, the BoC said its operations were 96.99% digitalized. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Balabac runway almost done

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said a military runway project on Balabac Island, one of the four new sites under the Philippine-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is almost complete.

The project is 89% finished, he said in a speech in Palawan province, where he distributed aid.

The President said the project would boost Philippine security and tourism in Palawan, which is facing the South China Sea.

Construction of the three-kilometer Balabac Military Runway started as early as 2019, based on state media reports. It became a state priority after Balabac, Palawan’s southernmost municipality, was listed last year as among the four new sites under the 2014 EDCA.

Three other sites are in the northern provinces of Isabela and Cagayan, which is about 600 kilometers away from Taiwan.

The project, which is funded by a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of National Defense, will serve both military and civilian aircraft. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Angara resigns as senator

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

SENATOR Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara has resigned from the Senate before he takes his oath as the country’s Education secretary on Friday.

His resignation took effect on July 18.

In a letter to Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero dated July 16 and sent to reporters by his office via Viber on Thursday, the lawmaker said his experience in passing educated-related bills would help him take on the challenges of his job.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed Mr. Angara Education chief on July 2 after Vice-President Sara Duterte-Caprio quit.

“The portfolio that I will be taking on as Education Secretary is riddled with very serious challenges,” Mr. Angara told Mr. Escudero.

“But I am confident that with your support and of the rest of my colleagues at the Senate, these challenges are surmountable.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Public attorney posts created

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the creation of 178 public attorney positions.

“These additional public attorney positions will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Attorney’s Office in delivering legal services to the public, ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of their economic status, has access to justice and representation they deserve,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement.

Public attorneys represent poor clients in different legal cases, conduct research, prepare legal documents and appear in trials and hearings. They also engage in inquests, jail visitation and village-level programs. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Bill allows dual citizens to teach

TWO senators have filed a bill that seeks to allow Filipinos with dual citizenship to teach in state universities without having to give up their foreign passports.

Senate Bill No. 2733, which Senators Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva filed on Wednesday, will amend the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

“To provide transformative education and increase the global competitiveness of our public higher education institutions, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” they said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Covered jobs include teaching, research and administrative positions. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Bill eyes more rural roads

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A BILL that seeks to establish a national program for rural roads to boost countryside development has been filed at the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 10508 by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez will provide funding for the construction of “local economic roads” in underdeveloped areas. It mandates the Department of Public Works and Highways to prioritize rural roads.

Under the bill, the DPWH will get at least P175 billion annually in the next four years to fund the construction of rural roads.

“The establishment and implementation of the program will ensure seamless connection of provincial, municipal and city roads with the national highways that support trade, tourism and agricultural activities,” Mr. Rodriguez said in the bill’s explanatory note. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Vape vending machine seized

PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

              

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday said it had confiscated a vending machine that sells illicit vapor products.

In a statement, the bureau said the products were being sold for P500 each.

“Selling illicit vape is illegal, whether the same is through vending machines or online stores,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said in the statement. “The BIR will confiscate and raid any illicit vape products.”

The bureau said two informants reported the products through Mr. Lumagui’s Facebook page. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PBEd pushes skill development

THE PHILIPPINE Business for Education (PBEd) on Thursday said local government units (LGUs) should prioritize skill development as artificial intelligence (AI) threatens job security.

“As technological advancements continue to reshape the workforce landscape, the need to invest in the skills development of our people is even more pronounced, especially for our young workforce entrants,” PBEd Deputy Executive Director for Programs Hanibal E. Camua said in a statement. “The job market today is very different — this evolution underscores the importance of adapting and equipping young individuals with the right skills to boost their potential.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Smuggled cigarettes seized

SVKLIMKIN -PIXABAY

COTABATO CITY — Police seized P12.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga City on Wednesday.

Police and Customs agents confiscated P6.8 million worth of cigarettes with Indonesian brands in Sinunuc village and arrested two suspects, Brigadier General Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, director of the Police Regional Office-9, told reporters on Thursday.

He also said P5.6 million worth of Indonesian cigarettes were seized in another joint police-Customs operation in Maasin village late Wednesday. — John Felix M. Unson

CoA flags Zambales school

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE COMMISSION on Audit (CoA) has flagged the P36.6-million inventory balance of the President Ramon Magsaysay State University in Zambales province last year for gross misstatement.

The university included nonexistent properties in its books including textbooks, laboratory and building materials and office equipment, overstaying the balance by P34.9 million, state auditors said in a report.

The school did not immediately reply to a Facebook Messenger chat seeking comment.

“The University’s Inventory account balance reported at ₱36.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2023 was misstated by ₱34.9 million due to unrecorded issuances of inventories to end-users and inclusion of nonexistent inventories,” CoA said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

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