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BuCor, PEZA sign deal to set up economic zones in penal colonies

COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

THE BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Tuesday agreed to set up economic zones at idle penal colonies after the former released more than 600 inmates to decongest its prisons nationwide.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said the BuCor and PEZA would identify idle penal colonies that could be used as agricultural and economic zones.

“Under this partnership, idle lands of the BuCor which formerly had little to no use will now be maximized to produce economic and agricultural output making a major contribution to the country’s food security,” the DoJ said.

During the signing event, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said potential idle lands that could be used to set up ecozones measured about 32,300 hectares in total.

The lands are composed of 25,000 hectares in Ihawig Palawan, 7,000 hectares in Sablayan Mindoro and 300 hectares in the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

“It is our firm belief that the ecozone model should not only remain relevant but must be pivotal as well in advancing our country’s socioeconomic development,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said during the agreement signing event on Tuesday.

“To date, our 422 economic zones host more than 4,350 locator projects, employing more than 1.8 million Filipinos and generating more than $65 billion in actual export sales,” he added.

In a separate statement, the DoJ said the prison bureau has released about 9,228 inmates since July 2022, noting that the agencies adhered to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

“The reforms we’ve introduced are not just about improving systems; they’re about recognizing the potential in every individual and fostering their contribution to society,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said.

The DoJ noted that it has been simplifying the parole and clemency processes and lowering bail amounts for poor inmates.

Many of the country’s jails fail to meet the United Nations’ minimum standards given inadequate food, poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions, according to Human Rights Watch.

Earlier, Mr. Remulla said the government was working on accelerating legal proceedings for inmates still in jail due to pending criminal cases. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

PAF relocation pushing through

THE RELOCATION of Philippine Air Force (PAF) facilities from Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga goes full swing with next month’s bidding for the initial phase to transfer the housing facilities to an 85-hectare area in New Clark City, Tarlac — estimated to cost about P742 million.

This was confirmed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in a statement on Tuesday on the P4.24-billion project aimed at freeing up 300 hectares of prime property in the middle of the Clark Freeport commercial area.

“With the support of the Marcos administration, the BCDA is now ready to commence the relocation of PAF’s housing and operational facilities,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.

The project is part of the memorandum of agreement the BCDA signed with the Department of National Defense in 2019.

“Once completed, this project will allow us to provide modern and world class facilities for the Air Force,” he added of the plan to transfer the PAF’s operational facilities to a 147-hectare area within the OMNI Aviation near the Clark International Airport (CRK).

With PAF’s facilities relocated from Air Force City, the BCDA would use the freed-up land for more developments such as the proposed 100-hectare Clark Central Business District and the second runway of the CRK.

“The transfer of PAF’s facilities is just the first step to unlocking more opportunities in Clark. We believe that Clark still has so much to offer, and we are committed to bring out its full potential for the benefit of the people of Pampanga and nearby provinces,” said Mr. Bingcang.

Up for bidding in February is the first phase of the project which involves site development works and management services in the 85-hectare lot in New Clark City.
Upon the completion of the first phase of the project, the BCDA will move forward to the construction of PAF’s housing and support facilities which is estimated to cost P3.5 billion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Households to get solar kits

THE NATIONAL Electrification Administration (NEA) has partnered with the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) to facilitate donations of solar kits to households in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NEA said that it has signed separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the SGCC in partnership with Cagayan II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO II) and Isabela II Electric Cooperative (ISELCO II).

“The project is similar to the photovoltaic mainstreaming program of the NEA that uses various solar kits to energize households and other state-owned facilities within the recipient communities,” the agency said.

According to the NEA, the MoUs will facilitate the donations and grants from the SGCC in building off-grid photovoltaic energy storage and power supply systems to selected barangays served by the partner electric cooperatives.

The MoUs were signed by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and SGCC Chief Representative to the Philippines Yao Yousheng.
CAGELCO II and ISELCO II are represented by Board President Arnel Onza and Board Chairman Sherwin A. Balloga, respectively. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Stiffer cover-up penalty sought

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

LAW enforcement officers guilty of covering up heinous crimes should face harsher penalties under the law, a party-list congressman said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund S. Yamsuan pushed for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 7972, which seeks to amend Article 19 of the Revised Penal Code.

At present, the law imposes a penalty of 40 years in jail for heinous crimes such as drug trafficking and 12 years imprisonment — a penalty two degrees lower — for being an accessory to the same crimes.

What HB 7972 proposes is that law enforcers involved in the destruction or concealment of evidence for heinous crimes be imprisoned for up to 20 years, which is only one degree lower than the penalty for the actual crime. “They [law enforcers] should be held to a higher standard of behavior and conduct,” Mr. Yamsuan said.

The bill is currently pending at the House revision of laws committee.

In November 2023, the House dangerous drugs panel recommended to indict several police officers involved in an alleged cover-up of a drug buy-bust operation in 2022 in Tondo, Manila City, where P6.7 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

P23-B bridge project on hold

DAVAO CITY — The regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11) revealed on Tuesday that the implementation of the P23.04-billion Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project has been suspended since Jan. 3, 2023.

Speaking at the press briefing, NEDA 11 Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said the suspension is due to the right of way (ROW) acquisition issue on the Davao City side that involves two to three parcels of land.

She explained that the properties, which have two owners, are located in the area where the pier of the bridge will be situated on the Davao City side.

“If non-negotiation, the government may resort to expropriations. But hopefully, the parties involved will come to an agreement,” Ms. Lim said as she expressed optimism that the ROW issue will be addressed.

The construction of the bridge involves a toll-free four-lane prestressed concrete (PC) extradosed bridge with a total length of 3.98 kilometers including ramps in Davao City and 24 meters 24-meter-wide road and roundabout at the Samal circumferential road.

Ms. Lim reported that as of November 2023, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) based on the Design and Build Contract was already recorded at 83.91 percent.

“But it’s currently suspended effective Jan. 3, 2023, due to the prevailing issues on ROW acquisition which contributed to the delays in project implementation,” she said.

The construction of the SIDC Connector project is targeted to be completed by 2027. — Maya M. Padillo

Probe rights attack, UN agent told

HUMAN rights group Karapatan urged United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan on Tuesday to look into the defamation charges to be filed by the state against two supposed environmental activists, saying it is an attack on free speech.

Last Monday, the Department of Justice (DoJ) recommended the filing of defamation charges against Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano for claiming that they were snatched by military personnel in September last year.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has stood by its report that the two women, who signed an affidavit admitting they were members of the communist New People’s Army, had sought the help of the military after abandoning the rebel group.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina E. Palabay said: “They represent the victims of abduction and enforced disappearance who are being gagged in speaking out the truth.”

In a statement on Tuesday posted on Facebook, Ms. Castro and Ms. Tamano urged the DoJ to reconsider the defamation charges, saying the move was just meant to harass and silence those speaking out against the government.

“We are also urging the Supreme Court to pass our petition for a Writ of Amparo and Habeas Data since four months have passed,” they said, citing legal remedies granting protection to individuals from public officials.

On Sunday, Ms. Khan questioned the prolonged detainment of human rights defenders Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna as well as journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio. They have been imprisoned on illegal firearms charges since 2020.

The UN expert is in the Philippines for a 10-day visit that involves discussions with state officials, civil society groups and other human rights groups on freedom of expression issues and challenges in the Philippines. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Incentives may attract retired doctors back to medical practice — group

UNSPLASH

THE Philippine Medical Association (PMA) asked congressmen on Tuesday to consider incentives for retired and elderly doctors so that they would continue with their professional practice amid the shortage of physicians in the country.

“The Philippine Medical Association has a request to fill in the gap of the lack of doctors practicing right now in the Philippines,” Prudencio Z. Sta. Lucia, Jr., a licensed doctor and member of the group, told a hearing at the House of Representatives.

Mr. Sta. Lucia said the prevailing doctor-to-patient ratio 1:26,000, which is far from the ideal ratio of at least one doctor for every 1,000 patients.

“We came up with a proposal if it’s possible that doctors who are already retired and are senior citizens — but they’re still professionally abled — [to] be given some sort of incentive and encouragement [to practice medicine,]” Mr. Sta. Lucia, who also represents the Pasay-Parañaque Medical Society, said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He cited how elderly doctors could be exempted from paying their premium contributions under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) or be entitled to certain tax incentives.

He attributed the lack of doctors in the country to the low salary, among others.

A study published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies last year reported that 80% of hospitals, especially those handled by local government units (LGUs), struggle to keep their best medical practitioners due to the lack of incentives.

On Sunday, Quezon City Rep. Marvin D. Rillo reiterated his call for a higher base pay for nurses amid the doubled number of professionals taking the annual licensure examination to practice in the United States.

The panel created a technical working group to draft a new law that would streamline the necessary discounts and benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

IKEA recalls charger product over burn, electric shock risks

IKANO Philippines, Inc., also known as IKEA Philippines, said it has an ongoing product recall of one of its charger products due to thermal burn and electric shock hazard, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In an advisory, the DTI said that IKEA is urging customers who bought the ASKSTORM 40-watt USB charger dark grey to stop using it and contact the company for a full refund.

“In line with its corporate commitment to product safety and quality, IKEA notified the Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau of their ongoing product recall,” the DTI said on Monday.

IKEA said that they are recalling the product as the wear and tear of the power cable could lead to thermal burn and electric shock.

“IKEA develops its products using a rigorous risk assessment and testing program, to make sure that the products live up to all applicable laws and standards on the markets where they are sold,” the company said in a statement.

“Despite this, it has come to our attention that the power cable on the ASKSTORM 40W USB charger dark grey may get damaged and broken after being wrapped around a charged or bent back and forth after a longer period of use,” it added.

The company said that the product can be identified by the model number ICPSW3-40-1 which can be found on the label located at the backside of the charger.
IKEA posted the recall for the product on its website on Jan. 10. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Poe-Llamanzares tops early poll for VP in 2028

SENATOR Mary Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares was the top pick of Filipinos for the vice presidential race in 2028, according to a survey conducted by research firm WR Numero.

Ms. Poe-Llamanzares topped the list of potential bets with a 22% preference, WR Numero said in a report released Tuesday.

Trailing her in the survey is Sen. Maria “Imee” Marcos with 15%, former senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao with 11%, Sen. Robin C. Padilla with 11%, and former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo with 9%.

Over 11% of the respondents were split between Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri with 6%, Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro with 4%, and Speaker Martin G. Romualdez with 2%.

The research firm said about 21% were either undecided or chose candidates not on the list.

The nationwide survey was conducted face-to-face among 1,457 Filipino adults aged 18 and up on Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

It was also held over a year before the senatorial and midterm elections in 2025.

The survey found ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo led the list of senatorial candidates preferred by most Filipinos.

Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte and former senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III ranked second and third with 54% and 45% preference, respectively.

They were followed by incumbent senators such as Ms. Marcos with 41%, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa with 40%, who were tied at the fourth and fifth place, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. with 35%, and Senator Pia Cayetano with 35%.

The list also included Mr. Pacquiao with 34% and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go with 33%, who were all tied at ranks sixth to ninth.

Also part of the so-called “Magic 12” were former senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson (30%) and Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte (27%), after ranking 10th to 11th, respectively, in the survey.

Ranking 12th to 17th were former senator Francisco “Kiko” N. Pangilinan (26%), Ms. Robredo (24%), cardiologist Willie Ong (24%), comedian Willie Revillame (23%), Sen. Lito Lapid (23%), and Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay (23%).

Shares drop further on profit taking ahead of GDP

COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.

PHILIPPINE STOCKS dropped further on Tuesday due to profit-taking ahead of the release of fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 gross domestic product (GDP) data.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped by 8.67 points or 0.13% to finish at 6,622.01 on Tuesday, while the broader all shares index closed unchanged at 3,487.71.

“This Tuesday, the local market dropped by 8.67 points to 6,622.01 due to last-minute profit taking as investors took a cautious stance ahead of the release of the Philippine fourth-quarter gross domestic product growth data [on Wednesday],” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research and Engagement Officer Mikhail Philippe Q. Plopenio said in a Viber message.

Economic growth may have slowed in the fourth quarter of 2023, putting the full-year average below the government’s target, analysts said.

Philippine GDP likely expanded by 5.7% in the October-to-December period in 2023, based on a median forecast of 20 economists polled by BusinessWorld, slower than the revised 6% growth in the third quarter and the 7.1% expansion in the same period in 2022.

The same poll showed GDP growth may have averaged 5.5% in 2023, missing the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 6-7% target.

If realized, the estimate for 2023 would be below the 7.6% expansion in 2022 and the slowest since the 9.5% contraction in 2020.

“Philippine shares traded flat as investors analyzed the latest corporate earnings with the US Federal Reserve policy meeting on the horizon. Later [on Tuesday], the data on housing, the labor market and consum-er confidence [were] expected to be released,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

“These numbers come as market participants finalize their expectations for Wednesday’s monetary policy announcement and subsequent press conference,” he added.

The Fed is widely expected to keep rates steady at 5.25-5.5% for the fourth straight meeting at this week’s meeting.

Back home, sectoral indices ended mixed on Tuesday. Mining and oil rose by 118.74 points or 1.3% to 9,241.94; services climbed by 8.82 points or 0.55% to 1,604.06; and holding firms increased by 33.36 points or 0.52% to 6,369.44.

On the other hand, financials retreated by 19.08 points or 1% to 1,871.59; industrials fell by 39.69 points or 0.44% to 8,975.64; and property declined by 6.11 points or 0.21% to 2,866.35.

Value turnover increased to P4.48 billion on Tuesday with 550.64 million issues changing hands from the P4.22 billion with 303.36 million shares seen on Monday.

Advancers and decliners were split at 91 each, while 47 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign selling stood at P566.33 million on Tuesday versus the P459.98 million in net buying logged on Monday. — R.M.D. Ochave

Peso weakens as oil prices rise

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO declined against the dollar on Tuesday amid higher global oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and before the release of Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) data.

The local unit closed at P56.401 per dollar on Tuesday, weakening by 13.1 centavos from its P56.27 finish on Monday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Tuesday’s session slightly weaker at P56.30 against the dollar. Its intraday best was at P56.20, while its worst showing was at P56.475 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went up to $1.32 billion on Tuesday from $1.17 billion on Monday.

The peso corrected lower “as global crude oil prices hovered among two-month highs recently amid tensions at the Red Sea area that increased shipping costs and caused some shipping delays and also after the drone attack al-legedly by Iranian-back militias on a US base in Jordan,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The United States vowed to take “all necessary actions” to defend American forces after a drone attack killed three US troops in Jordan, Reuters reported.

US crude rose by 0.6% to $77.24 per barrel and Brent was at $82.78, up by 0.46% on the day.

“The peso weakened anew amid a potentially softer Eurozone GDP growth report tonight,” a trader said in an e-mail on Tuesday.

For Wednesday, the trader said the peso could recover against the dollar due to the release of Philippine GDP data for full-year 2023 and the fourth quarter.

“Stronger GDP data could support hawkish monetary policy stance as a matter of prudence amid higher global and local rice prices recently due to El Niño drought risks until the second quarter that could reduce palay output and could lead to some uptick in prices and overall inflation,” Mr. Ricafort said.

The trader expects the peso to move between P56.25 and P56.50 per dollar on Wednesday, while Mr. Ricafort sees it ranging from P56.30 to P56.50. — with Reuters

Phoenix eyes semis rubber match against Magnolia

PHEONIX FUEL MASTERS - PBA.PH

Game Wednesday
Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena
8 p.m. — Magnolia vs Phoenix
*Magnolia leads series, 2-1

EVEN with its youth-laden crew, Phoenix has shown its mettle in handling pressure-packed do-or-die situations.

The Fuel Masters put this on display by overcoming a more playoff-experienced Meralco in their quarterfinal sudden death, 88-84, to stretch their “fairytale” run in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Playoffs regular Magnolia then buried them to a 0-2 hole in the race-to-three semis but instead of folding, the Phoenix Fuel Masters took it head-on and hammered a 103-85 come-from-behind romp in Game 3.

Still in a life-or-death predicament, Jamike Jarin’s spirited charges have to do it a third time in tonight’s Game 4 if they want to draw level with the Hotshots and force one last duel the right to face early finalist San Miguel Beer.

“These games (quarterfinal KO and Game 3) provided us with a lot of experience, I guess,” said Phoenix veteran Jason Perkins.

After bungling winnable situations in the first two games, Mr. Perkins and Co. learned their lessons and did the right things at the right moments to make it 2-1 Friday night.

Adding to the big boost in morale and confidence was the fact that Phoenix trailed by as many as 21 but turned things completely around and beat Magnolia by 18.

“We don’t look at the score when we play. We’re just out there trying our best every possession, starting with our offense, getting back on defense, and continuing as many stops as we can get,” he said.

“Our guys are definitely resilient and I’m really proud of everyone for working hard and sticking to it, and sticking together.”

That attitude, and the hard lessons learned from previous defeats, should serve them well when they attempt an encore in the 8 p.m. tiff at the MOA Arena.

“We know what to do in the endgame,” said Mr. Perkins. “We just need to execute, get organized, rebound, and play defense.”

Expect Magnolia, a proud team with championship pedigree and post-season experience, to come in with a similarly high sense of urgency and purpose as it seeks to follow the Beermen, 3-0 winner of ousted champ Ginebra, in the best-of-seven finale. — Olmin Leyba

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