MPIF funds Cordova mangrove

December 5, 2023 | 8:16 pm

RECOGNIZING the Cordova mangrove as a vital ecological hub on Mactan Island, Cebu, the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) and the Cordova municipal government sealed an agreement to revive the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center and transform it into a sustainable tourism destination.

The recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to solidify their collaborative effort underscores their shared commitment to environmental preservation and the revitalization of the sole mangrove site in the Visayas, heavily impacted by Typhoon Odette in December, 2021.

“The Mangrove Propagation and Information Center will be a beacon of sustainable tourism in our municipality,” said Mayor Cesar “Dido” E. Suan of Cordova as he thanked the MPIF’s commitment to allocate P4.5 million for the center’s repair and rehabilitation.

“This marks the beginning of a fruitful and enduring partnership… I am excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our environment and our community,” Melody M. del Rosario, MPIF president, said in a statement on Tuesday.

To ensure the center’s daily upkeep, the foundation has also committed to a 50% share in the monthly allowance for four Mangrove Eco-Guides over three years.

In a statement, the MPIF said that the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation has contributed funds from their Typhoon Odette disaster response, emphasizing the shared commitment to preserving coastal and marine biodiversity.

This streamlined partnership not only aims to restore the Cordova Mangrove Propagation and Information Center but also signifies a crucial step in the collective mission to conserve the country’s mangrove ecology and promote sustainable practices, the statement said. — Nate C. Barretto

COVID-19 cases rising in Manila

December 5, 2023 | 8:16 pm

Commuters-pedestrian-face mask — Commuters pass through an overpass connecting the LRT Lines 1 and 2 in Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE WEEKLY coronavirus disease (COVID-19) positivity rate in Metro Manila ending Dec. 3 rose to 10.2% from 7% on Nov. 26, OCTA Research said on Tuesday.

In an X post, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the rising positivity rate was accompanied by a 50% increase in daily cases over the last seven days, but that the hospital occupancy in Metro Manila remained “low” at 18%.

The Department of Health (DoH) reported 204 new COVID-19 cases across the country on Dec. 4, with 70 cases recorded in Metro Manila. Mr. David said the country may record as many as 200 new cases on Tuesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is now under a five-day isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, according to his office.

It said the President, who is still fit to carry out his duties, would be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference. Updates on his health will be provided as they become available, it added.

This was the third time that Mr. Marcos tested positive for COVID-19.

He was last seen in public on Saturday when he led a family day event inside the complex of the presidential palace. He was set to visit Marawi City, where a bombing happened on Sunday, as well as Surigao del Sur, which experienced a major earthquake last week.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said there has been no recorded outbreak of “walking pneumonia” cases in the Philippines, citing the monitoring of the Health department’s epidemiology bureau.

“In the Philippines, there is no outbreak yet, according to our epidemiology bureau, although there are many cases,” he told a Commission on Appointments hearing.

The disease causes cold-like symptoms and is caused by mycoplasma bacteria. Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag earlier said there’s been no recorded walking pneumonia cases in the country because there is no routine testing for the disease.

He said the illness had been recorded in the Philippines before but doctors would prescribe antibiotics to people who carry symptoms to ease their condition.

But Mr. Tayag said the bacteria is “90% to 95%” drug-resistant in China, which means antibiotics do not affect the illness.

Mr. Herbosa urged the public to take the same precautionary measures during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic because it’s the “season of respiratory illness.”

“The social distancing and the wearing of face masks, having a cough etiquette, should be done to avoid catching illnesses,” he added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Bar passing rate drops to 36.77%

December 5, 2023 | 8:16 pm

Bar exam 2023 — SIXTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Rosula Calacala from North Eastern College in Isabela reacts after passing the 2023 Bar exminations at the Supreme Court on Tuesday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ERNIE PEÑAREDONDO

A TOTAL of 3,812 out of 10,387 examinees passed the 2023 bar examinations, marking a 36.77% passing rate, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Tuesday.

This year’s passing rate is lower than the 2022 rate of 43.47% (3,992 out of 9,183), and significantly below the 2020/2021 digital bar exams which had a passing rate of 72.28% (8,241 out of 11,402).

Ephraim Porciuncula Bie from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the year’s topnotcher with a mark of 89.26%, followed by Mark Josel Padua Vivit from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) who scored 89.12%, and Frances Camille Altonaga Francisco from San Beda University (SBU) with 88.91%.

Top-performing law schools with more than 100 examinees were ADMU at 94.08%, followed by SBU at 92.2%, the University of San Carlos at 90.91%, the University of the Philippines at 89.45%, and UST at 85.25%. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said the country there has been no recorded outbreak of “walking pneumonia” cases in the Philippines, citing the monitoring of the Health department’s epidemiology bureau.

The 2023 Bar chair Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando announced the results after the SC’s special en banc session.

The roster of successful examinees can be accessed on the Supreme Court website and social media platforms. Oath-taking and roll signing for those who passed will take place on Dec. 22 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. — Jomel R. Paguian

CA confirms DA, DoH secretaries

December 5, 2023 | 8:16 pm

THE COMMISSION on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Tuesday the appointments of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Pe Tiu Laurel and Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

At a hearing on his nomination, Mr. Laurel said he would focus on consulting biologists, data scientists and academics to help the Department of Agriculture (DA) come up with ways to boost production in livestock, rice, poultry and other high-value crops.

He also vowed to tap national and international law enforcers to deal with food hoarders, price manipulators and smugglers.

On the other hand, Mr. Herbosa said the Department of Health (DoH) would look into fraudulent claims in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

He also targets to release within the next three years the remaining P62 billion in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) emergency allowances for healthcare workers. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Release of oldest prisoner sought

December 5, 2023 | 8:15 pm

Prison-jail-Bilibid — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A SUPPORT group for political prisoners appealed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to approve the release of the country’s oldest political detainee before Christmas Day.

Support group Kapatid requested Mr. Remulla to include 84-year-old Gerardo Dela Peña in the next round of clemency grants for elderly prisoners, citing a Board of Parole and Pardon (BPP) resolution that reduced the required minimum service of sentence to 10 years from 15 years for detainees who are at least 70 years old.

“We further appeal to please quicken action on his case since he is already very frail,” said Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr. Dela Peña has been in jail at the New Bilibid Prison for more than a decade, accused of charges that some groups say were trumped up. BPP deferred his clemency application on Sept. 6.

In a letter to Mr. Remulla dated Nov. 29, the spokesperson said Mr. Dela Peña has already served 11 years in jail with credit for good conduct time allowance, arguing that the Department of Justice (DoJ) has been able to release elderly inmates even younger than him.

“But is being a political prisoner an insurmountable barrier to his release?” Ms. Lim told the justice secretary in her letter. “I hope you can find a solution to bring him back home — hopefully before Christmas Day.”

Ms. Lim cited the case of Marcos Villareal, a political prisoner who died on Sunday at the Tinangis Jail and Penal Farm in Camarines Sur due to his kidney disease. “Don’t let what happened to his fellow Bicolano political prisoner (Mr. Villareal) happen to him,” highlighting that Mr. Dela Peña suffers from health concerns due to old age. — Jomel R. Paguian

De Lima new Liberal Party spokesperson

December 5, 2023 | 8:15 pm

leila-de-lima PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE COUNTRY’S Liberal Party (LP) has appointed former senator Leila M. de Lima as its new spokesperson, party president and Albay Rep. Edcel B. Lagman announced on Tuesday.

Mr. Lagman said Ms. De Lima is “committed to resume her active role in advocating and enhancing the party’s advocacy on good governance, social justice and liberalism.”

In a statement, she said: “I hope to convey our party’s message of reforms and advocacy on good governance, social justice and civil liberties.”

Ms. De Lima, however, stopped short of mentioning her future political plans “pending thorough consultation with allies and kin,” Mr. Lagman said.

To recall, she secured a seat in the Senate in 2016 but spent most of her six-year term behind bars for serious drug charges, which she claims were trumped up by the Duterte administration.

She is out on bail while battling the last of three cases filed against her by the previous administration.

Her bid to secure a second term as senator in 2022 failed. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

House approves bill on blue economy framework on 2^nd reading

December 5, 2023 | 8:15 pm

THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill seeking to establish a framework for a blue economy that would sustain marine ecosystems and resources.

House Bill No. 9662 seeks to harmonize policies on the sustainable use of the country’s marine resources through a National Marine Council and rename the National Coast Watch System to the National Maritime Monitoring System.

The council would be headed by the Executive Secretary and composed of the Secretaries of the National Economic and Development Authority (DND) and the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), of National Defense (DND), and of Foreign Affairs (DFA), among others.

Blue economy is an economic model seeking the sustainable utilization of ocean resources through green infrastructure and technology. Vietnam, Indonesia and China have been “aggressively developing” their blue economies.

The bill is included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s (LEDAC) list of priority measures.

Under the measure, the monitoring council will prioritize the development, research and resource explorations in maritime zones, especially in the South China Sea and Benham Rise (Philippine Rise).

Last month, the Senate approved on second reading a measure proposing the establishment of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) which would provide the government with essential data about ecosystems, forests, watersheds, and coastal areas. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Embassy says China followed due process in execution of 2 Filipinos

December 5, 2023 | 8:14 pm

CHINA afforded due process and upheld its own laws when it executed two Filipinos for drug smuggling, China’s Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday, adding that the mainland has a serious policy of punishing those convicted of drug-related crimes.

“Chinese law stipulates that all persons who commit crimes are equal in the application of the law, and no one is allowed to have privileges beyond the law,” the embassy told reporters in a Viber message.

“During the trial of this case, the Chinese side fully guaranteed the various procedural and the litigation rights of the two Filipinos in accordance with the law,” it added.

The embassy said China “unswervingly” adheres to laws that have a “zero-tolerance” for illegal drugs, adding that it imposes the death penalty only to criminals who have committed “extremely” serious crimes.

Two Filipinos were executed on Nov. 24 for drug trafficking offenses in China, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday, citing confirmation by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou.

They were arrested in 2013 and had tried to appeal their drug trafficking convictions several times in 2016.

The DFA earlier said the government had tried all legal avenues to appeal their drug trafficking convictions. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

UAAP: One last dance

December 5, 2023 | 6:18 pm

UP-LaSalle — UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AND DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY go at it once and for all to settle their first finals encounter in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finals — PHILIPPINE STAR/JUN MENDOZA

UP, DLSU battle in Game 3 of S86 basketball finals

A FIRST-EVER date now needs one last dance.

University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) go at it once and for all to settle their first finals encounter in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 (S86) men’s basketball finals today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The stage is set at 6 p.m. for the ultimate waltz after the UP Fighting Maroons and the DLSU Green Archers tangoed in the first two games of the quick best-of-three finale with statement victories of their own.

At 12 p.m., dynasty or destiny is the theme of the game as seven-peat champion National University and challenger University of Santo Tomas, bidding for first title since 2006, also clash for all the marbles of women’s basketball.

The Lady Bulldogs, undisputed UAAP queens since 2014, escaped with a 72-70 win in Game 2 to force a rubber match after the Growling Tigresses’ historic 76-72 Game 1 win to snap a 20-game, 11-year losing skid against the reigning champions. But if both games went down the wire in the women’s kingdom, it’s been a complete opposite in the men’s realm.

A bloodbath it was for Diliman and Taft, taking turns in wreaking havoc against each other in what now promises an all-our war for the final act.

“Whatever pressure is involved there, we should take it like men to overcome it,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde, entering his third straight Game 3 in as many finals appearances with the Fighting Maroons.

UP, drawing strength from the tremendous feat of dethroning Ateneo and snapping its sixth straight finals appearance, dealt the first blow on De La Salle with an emphatic 97-67 win in Game 1.

That was the most lopsided finals opener victory in the Final Four era.

On cue, De La Salle was quick to exact payback by handing UP its biggest loss this season and in the Monteverde era, 82-60, in Game 2 to drag the series to win-or-go-home setto — even with Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao coming off the bench.

“It’s gonna be hard. Winning a championship is hard against the top college team in the country right now,” warned first-year coach Topex Robinson.

“Come game 3, there’s going to be a lot of work in and we know UP is going to come out with guns blazing.”

The Green Archers are aspiring to end a seven-year title drought for its 10^th crown while the Fighting Maroons are bidding for their second championship in the last three seasons and third overall.

At the buzzer, ony one dream will be realized. — John Bryan Ulanday

Mapua aims to end 32-year championship drought

December 5, 2023 | 6:18 pm

NCAA-Mapua — FOR THE SECOND TIME in the last three years, Mapua University takes a shot at a first NCAA championship in more than three decades against a San Beda University side. — FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

Game Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. — Mapua vs San Beda

FOR the second time in the last three years, Mapua University takes a shot at a first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in more than three decades against a San Beda University side seriously intent of resurrecting its dynastic days in today’s start of their best-of-three Season 99 title duel at the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA).

The Cardinals are bent on replicating their magnificence in the elimination-round, where they went a league-best 15-3, and in the Final Four, where they smashed the College of St. Benilde Blazers, against the Red Lions in the opener slated at 2 p.m.

All that because of one ultimate goal — end a 32-year championship wait and bring the Intramuros-based school its first crown since 91 and seventh overall. “Focus first at Game One,” said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara, who happened to be part of that last champion team by the Cardinals.

Mr. Alcantara will be gunning for his first title as a coach in the seniors division to add to his trifecta of accomplishments consisting of two NCAA juniors title as a coach and two seniors championships as a player including that unforgettable one in 1991 that proved to be their last.

And the Cardinals are bent on ending the excruciating wait this year.

“We’re focused on helping coach (Alcantara) as well as the whole Mapua community win that title,” said Mapua gunner Paolo Hernandez, who came alive when his team needed it most and unloaded a sterling 22-point effort.

Clint Escamis, who will receive his MVP award in Game Two Sunday also at MOA, is also going all out for that most precious hardware.

“It won’t be easy, but the goal is to win a championship,” said Mr. Escamis, who had 21 points last time.

Out to foil that bid is San Beda.

The Red Lions have shown they’re capable of beating anyone after bringing down No. 2 seeds the Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Pirates that sent them back to the finals after missing to make it that far the last two seasons.

The Red Lions made it that far using their deadly shooting and defense.

In fact, San Beda made a total of 26 triples in their two wins over LPU while bringing in its lockdown defense.

The proud Benedictine school will aim to relive its dynastic run the last two decades when it made the finals 14 straight times starting in 2005 and snaring an impressive 11 crowns.

“The goal from the start has always been to win the championship, and we’re one step closer,” said a young San Beda tactician Yuri Escueta. — Joey Villar

Winless Converge gets new import as they clash with NorthPort

December 5, 2023 | 6:17 pm

PBA-Converge — CONVERGE, the only winless team in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, decided it’s time to make a major step to fix the lag. — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

Games Wednesday
PhilSports Arena
4 p.m. — Converge vs NorthPort
8 p.m. — Blackwater vs Magnolia

CONVERGE, the only winless team in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, decided it’s time to make a major step to fix the lag.

In a deep hole after repeatedly failing to get the breakthrough, the FiberXers (0-5) brought in a new import in former LA Clipper Jamil Wilson as they try to save their playoffs bid over the next six games.

The 6-foot-7 Mr. Wilson, who played 15 matches with Clippers in the 2017-18 season and averaged 7.0 points and 2.1 rebounds, took over from Tom Vodanovich, who failed to lead Converge to a W in five starts.

Australian Mr. Vodanovich dropped 35 points, nine rebounds and three assists in what turned out to be his farewell outing, a 98-99 nail-biting loss to Phoenix, last Saturday.

Converge made the import switch even as it signed up 19^th pick JL delos Santos. The rookie guard out of Jose Rizal replaced Mac Tallo in Aldin Ayo’s revamped roster.

The new additions buckle down to work right away as Converge takes on NorthPort (3-2) in the 4 p.m. opener of today’s double-header at the PhilSports Arena.

The 8 p.m. showcase features unbeaten leader Magnolia gunning for its sixth consecutive victory versus a Blackwater side that fumbled to five straight defeats after starting its campaign triumphant.

Up to give Mr. Wilson his baptism of fire in the PBA are Australian import Venky Jois and the Batang Pier’s tough defenders.

Compared to the FiberXers, the Batang Pier have gotten more success at gaining traction in the conference, as reflected by their .600 card.

Moreover, the charges of Bonnie Tan are riding on their confidence-boosting 128-123 overtime upset of TNT last Friday as they shoot for a follow up.

Notes: Meralco’s worst fears were realized as MRI tests on reinforcement Su Braimoh confirmed a tear on his left Achilles, forcing him out of the tournament. Mr. Braimoh sustained the injury at the 3:55 mark of the fourth in their 97-94 squeaker over NLEX last Sunday. “He’ll be out and we wish him well,” Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo reported in a Zoom presscon yesterday announcing the Bolts’ East Asia Super League (EASL) return duel with Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings in Macau on Dec. 13. The Bolts are looking at possibly tapping their EASL import, guard Zach Lofton, in lieu of Mr. Braimoh, or getting a new big man altogether. Their other EASL reinforcement, Prince Ibeh, isn’t an option as he stands over the 6-foot-9 height limit. — Olmin Leyba

Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers past Celts, into tourney semis

December 5, 2023 | 6:17 pm

TYRESE HALIBURTON turned a 3-pointer into a tiebreaking, four-point play with 1:33 remaining as part of a triple-double, and the Indiana Pacers outfinished the Boston Celtics for a 122-112 victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament Monday in Indianapolis.

The result vaults Indiana into the Eastern finals of the event, which will be played Thursday night in Las Vegas. The winner of Tuesday’s other Eastern semifinal between the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks will join the Pacers in Las Vegas.

The Celtics will drop back into NBA regular-season action Friday.

After a Jayson Tatum jumper produced the sixth and final tie of the fourth period with 1:57 remaining, Mr. Haliburton buried his game-changing shot at the shot-clock buzzer as Jaylen Brown was fouling him. Mr. Haliburton’s subsequent free throw put the Pacers up 109-105.

Indiana then put the game away by scoring the game’s next five points on a Buddy Hield 3-pointer and an Aaron Nesmith dunk, both assisted by Mr. Haliburton. Boston, meanwhile, missed three consecutive shots, including 3-point attempts by Mr. Tatum and Mr. Brown.

The Celtics held the upper hand for much of the first half before the Pacers, the NBA’s highest-scoring team, exploded for 37 points in the third period to go up 85-78. Mr. Haliburton had 12 of his team-high 26 points in the quarter, including two of Indiana’s six 3-pointers.

Boston drew even by Mr. Brown’s 3-pointer at the 6:07 mark of the fourth quarter.

Overall, Mr. Haliburton shot 5-for-11 from 3-point range to account for most of his scoring for Indiana, which connected on 19 treys and outscored the visitors 57-36 from beyond the arc.

The star guard also found time for a game-high 13 assists and a team-high-tying 10 rebounds for his first career triple-double.

Myles Turner compiled 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who earned the home court in the Eastern semifinals by virtue of having gone 4-0 in group play. Mr. Hield finished with 21 points, while Bennedict Mathurin had 16, Mr. Nesmith 14, Bruce Brown 13 and Obi Toppin 12.

The Celtics, who had walloped the Pacers 155-104 at home on Nov. 1 and came into the Monday contest on a three-game winning streak, were led by Mr. Tatum with a game-high 32 points and Mr. Brown with 30. Mr. Tatum completed a double-double with a game-high 12 rebounds.

Derrick White had 18 points and a team-high eight assists for Boston, which was missing injured Kristaps Porzingis (calf). Sam Hauser came off the bench for 15 points. — Reuters