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Entertainment News (10/15/24)

Drag Race Philippines crowns 3rd season winner

THE winner of the third season of Drag Race Philippines is Maxie. Aside from the title of being the Philippines’ Next Drag Superstar, she received a grand prize of P1 million and a year’s supply of makeup products from Anastasia Beverly Hills. This all came after Maxie competed in a final lip sync for the crown against runner-up Khianna. The entire third season of Drag Race Philippines is available via HBO GO.

The Bloomfields releases new single ahead of show

IN TIME for their 20th anniversary show this month, The Bloomfields have dropped “Get Up,” a new single that the band originally wrote in 2019. Built around a single-chord jam, the song draws inspiration from 1960s psychedelic rock. The track brims with a heavy dose of loud, droning guitars and hypnotic soundscapes, providing a stark contrast to their more pop-leaning work. The indie pop/rock outfit will be performing the song live for the very first time at Byaheng Mahiwaga: The Bloomfields 20th Anniversary Gig, happening on Oct. 25 at Fin and Claw, Timog Ave., Quezon City.

Rain, Hwasa, and BINI in the IAM Worldwide concert

P-POP girl group BINI will be sharing the concert stage with Korean singer-actor Rain and Mamamoo member Hwasa on Oct. 20. The three are the chosen guest acts for the 7th anniversary of network marketing company IAM Worldwide, to be held in Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 20. Organized by Wilbros Live, the concert will serve as a warm-up for the Pinoy girl group as they prepare for their three-day November concert Grand BINIverse in November at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

StageDoor adds 2nd night of Musical Theatre Rave

FOLLOWING overwhelming demand, StageDoor by GMG Productions has announced the Musical Theatre Rave: Encore, a second night of the sold-out Musical Theatre Rave. The event aims to merge the magic of Broadway with a high-energy dance floor, making it the ultimate celebration for theater lovers. Originally scheduled for one night only on Oct. 26 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC, the event will now have a second night on Oct. 27 at the same venue. The second night is open to attendees ages 12 and up, with tickets priced at P1,500 for adults (including two complimentary drinks) and P999 for juniors (no complimentary drinks). A special Family Bundle (two adults and two juniors) will also be available for P4,500. For more information, visit StageDoor’s social media pages.

The Rest Is Noise PH to hold Halloween Special

INDIE production outfit The Rest Is Noise PH will be throwing a Halloween party this month. It will feature Thai alternative pop trio KIKI as the headliner, in their first performance in the Philippines. The Bangkok-based band is known for catchy songs that blend pop and funk elements with groovy basslines, colorful synths, hip-hop elements, and soulful vocals. Other acts on the bill include Filipino drag star M1ss Jade So, whose run on the second season of Drag Race Philippines captivated fans all over the world, and AXEAN Festival alumni Munimuni and CRWN. DJ guests will be Davao-based hip-hop collective Playertwo and Chain Messages. “The Rest Is Noise Halloween Special” will take place at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City on Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. onwards. Early bird tickets are available in limited quantities via bit.ly/kikimanila.

Ely Buendia launching album with full-length show

OPM legend Ely Buendia will be celebrating the release of his upcoming album, Method Adaptor, with an official launch at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 8, from 7 p.m. onwards. Aside from Mr. Buendia himself, the stage will be graced by a wide roster of artists under Offshore Music, such as Ligaya Escueta, ALYSON, Carousel Casualties, and Aviators. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, Ely Buendia: Method Adaptor Album Launch will debut the songs off Mr. Buendia’s new record for the first time in a live setting, with special surprises in terms of production and repertoire. Pre-sale tickets are available via bit.ly/elybuendia123block.

British acid jazz band Incognito live in Manila

FANS of the British acid jazz band, Incognito, are in for a treat as the group is set to perform live in Manila for the first time after 10 years, on Nov. 10, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. The group is known for their smooth blend of jazz, funk, and soulful sounds as their signature style, led by frontman Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick. The concert is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets are available at ticketnet.com.ph.

Rakuten Viber brings back Backstage Pass Live

HOMEGROWN acts will be placed in the spotlight by Rakuten Viber in a free gig on Nov. 15 at the Brooklyn Warehouse in Manila. The lineup will include P-pop icons Josh Cullen of SB19 and KAIA, popular indie bands The Juans and One Click Straight, and pop-R&B star jikamarie. Tickets are available through Viber’s Backstage Pass Channel, where there will be a daily raffle giveaway until Nov. 10.

McDonald’s Stripes Run to host family and pets run

MCDONALD’S Philippines recently opened registration for its annual family fun run. Held since 2010, McDonald’s Stripes Run has been welcoming thousands of runners, now including their pets, all for the benefit of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines. This year, it will happen on Dec. 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, with proceeds going to RMHC’s Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers across the country. Participants can choose from 10km, 5km, 3km, and 1km runs. There is also a 1km Fur Category for those bringing along pets. Each participant will receive a race kit to wear on race day, inclusive of race singlet, socks for kids and adults, a race map, bib, a breakfast meal on race day, and a finisher’s token. Participants can register at RaceRoster.com: bit.ly/StripesRun2024.

LOVER: An Eras Tour Experience coming to Manila

A TAYLOR SWIFT-INSPIRED concert is heading to the Philippines on Dec. 15. Lover: An Eras Tour Experience will be held at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City, at 8 p.m. Fans can expect a recreation of Ms. Swift’s legendary Eras Tour and hear the greatest hits of the pop superstar, as brought to life by Texas-based performer Charity Eden. Lover has had performances worldwide, with sold-out shows in Japan, Kuwait, and across North America. The show is presented by Concert Republic, with tickets available at all TicketNet outlets and online. Prices range from P2,750 to P4,500.

Energy regulator pressed to release pricing mechanism for GEA-3

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) should finalize the pricing mechanism for the upcoming green energy auction (GEA) to ensure it proceeds as planned this year, a senator said.

“That is one of the priorities I think we need to do… the goal is to make the shift to renewables, and this is directly related to that. I hope we can get that done. I understand there are things that have to be done on the side of ERC as well,” Sen. Pilar Juliana “Pia” S. Cayetano said at the Senate budget hearing last week.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and ERC Officer-in-Charge Chairperson Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres were present at the hearing.

The DoE assured the lawmakers that GEA-3 will be completed before the end of the year.

“Our target for the Green Energy Auction 3 is to finish it before the end of the year such that the pumped storage hydro, [more than] 3,000 megawatts (MW), will be able to come in five years from now,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said.

The green energy auction reserve prices, which set the maximum price offers for the auction, have yet to be released by the ERC.

“One of the items required there would be the approved pricing methodologies with ERC. We’re coordinating that,” Mr. Lotilla said.

Ms. Cayetano said that many investors are anticipating the third round of the GEA, which facilitates investments in the renewable energy sector.

In the last two years, the DoE has staged two rounds of GEA, which generated a total of 5,306 MW of renewable energy commitments for delivery in 2024 to 2026.

For this year, the agency has said that it would auction off renewable energy technologies worth a total capacity of 4,399 MW.

GEA-3 will cater to non-feed-in-tariff (non-FIT) eligible renewable energy technologies such as geothermal, impounding hydro, and pumped storage hydro.

The upcoming auction will also cater to run-of-river hydro, which is a FIT-eligible renewable energy technology.

The GEA program aims to promote renewable energy as one of the country’s primary sources of energy through competitive selection. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Discovery Hospitality to open second Kip & Kin in 2026

DISCOVERYHOTELS-RESORTS.COM

DISCOVERY WORLD Corp.’s property management firm Discovery Hospitality Corp. (DHC) is targeting to finish its lifestyle and “millennial-focused” brand Kip & Kin in Siargao by 2026.

“In the early first week of December, we will be introducing a new brand. It’s going to be called Kip & Kin, we will do the groundbreaking in Siargao Island in General Luna,” Discovery Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Jose “Jun” C. Parreño said during a media roundtable on Wednesday last week.

The concept of the Kip & Kin brand combines a hotel and hostel business in a single property.

Joegil Magtanggol M. Escobar, the hotel manager of Discovery Coron, said the development is targeted to be finished in two years.

The firm will break ground for the General Luna, Siargao location in the first week of December this year.

“This is for the younger market, for the millennial-centered, more on design, more on communal spaces, more on connection to the locality and experiential,” Mr. Parreño said.

Meanwhile, the first Kip & Kin brand in El Nido, launched in 2021, is still under construction as it was delayed due to the pandemic.

“We have a land bank in Benguet. We also have land banks in San Vicente. Actually, we have another lot in Boracay. Hopefully, we’ll be able to use that for Kip & Kin in the future also,” Mr. Parreño said.

This also came with the rebranding of the two resorts. Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan are now Discovery Boracay and Discovery Coron.

The 99-suite Discovery Boracay offers guest rooms and signature suites ranging from 40-45 square meters (sq.m.) for a junior suite to 252 sq.m. for a grand signature suite.

It is 30 minutes away from Caticlan Airport and two hours away from Kalibo International Airport.

Meanwhile, Discovery Coron offers a garden suite, sunrise villa, oceanview villa premiere, sunset villa, and sunset villa premiere. These guest rooms span from 27 sq.m. to 60 sq.m.

The resort is an hour away from Busuanga Airport.

“With this change comes a fresh new website, updated social media handles, and several exciting experiences for our guests, designed for everyone to enjoy,” Mr. Escobar said.

The rebranding is intended to ensure consistency and elevate the customer experience across all resorts. 

“It is a crucial step in maintaining the high standard in service, amenities, and guest satisfaction that keeps Discovery Resorts distinct from the rest,” the firm said.

Along with the launch of the Kip & Kin brand, Mr. Escobar said that Sinag Restaurant is set to open later in 2024, along with the expansion of room offerings and treatments at the Glow Spa.

Last year, Discovery Resorts expanded with Discovery Samal that offers “a captivating vista of the Davao Gulf.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

ACLED: Philippines 2nd most dangerous country/territory in East and Southeast Asia

The Philippines ranked 29th out of 243* countries and territories in the biannual Conflict Index by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED). The index uses four indicators of conflict that rate how deadly a country is.

ACLED: Philippines 2<sup>nd</sup> most dangerous country/territory in East and Southeast Asia

How PSEi member stocks performed — October 14, 2024

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Poll: 73% of Pinoys won’t vote for pro-China bets

PHOTO shows a fisherman near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on May 16, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

SEVEN of 10 Filipinos will not vote for candidates perceived to be supporting of China in next year’s midterm elections amid escalating sea tensions with Beijing, according to a poll by Pulse Asia Research, Inc.

The poll, commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, showed 73% of Filipinos said they would not support pro-China candidates, while 5% said they would support pro-China candidates. About 23% of Filipinos were undecided.

Pulse Asia interviewed 1,200 Filipinos on Sept. 6 to 13 for the poll, which had an error margin of ±3 points.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.

“Many Filipinos feel that China’s actions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, directly challenge our sovereignty and undermine our nation’s interests,” Victor Andres C. Manhit, the think tank’s president, said in a statement.

“This prevailing view is driven by both patriotic sentiment and a desire for leaders who will prioritize the Philippines’ long-term security and prosperity,” he added.

He said electing pro-China candidates could lead to policies compromising Manila’s sea claims and economic interests.

Only 1% of Filipinos see China as a trusted partner in national development, while 79% saw the United States as the Philippines’ most trusted development partner, according to the poll. About half of Filipinos said Japan is Manila’s top ally.

About 7% of Filipinos said China is a beneficial economic partner for the Philippines, while 66% backed the US as the country’s top economic partner, followed by Japan with 43%, Australia with 32% and Canada with 31%.

“These countries have proven to be dependable allies, not only in ensuring regional stability but also in fostering economic growth,” Mr. Manhit said.

Based on a July Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll commissioned by Stratbase, 60% of Filipinos said measures including joint patrols and military exercises with “allies, friends and partners” were enough in dealing with the Southeast Asian nation’s sea dispute with China.

“The Pinoy voter is notoriously known to decide only a few days before election day,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, said in a Messenger chat. “So, this anti-China sentiment can still change.”

“These results seem to suggest that Beijing’s effort to win the hearts and minds of Pinoys is failing.”

He said candidates this year would likely use the poll to stir anti-China sound bites and slogans, but are unlikely to offer sound national security solutions.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last week pressed Southeast Asian leaders and China at a regional summit to speed up negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, while accusing Beijing of harassment and intimidation.

A 2016 arbitral ruling that voided China’s claims in the South China Sea said Scarborough shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen. China has controlled the shoal since 2012.

The Philippines has been unable to enforce the ruling and has since filed hundreds of protests over what it calls encroachment and harassment by China’s coast guard and its vast fishing fleet.

Maria Ela L. Atienza, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines, said the worsening tensions with China and allegations of espionage and crimes involving Chinese operators of online gambling operations in the Philippines have made these anti-China sentiments more apparent.

“We should not underestimate those forwarding Chinese interests as they may have a lot of resources that can affect the campaign and eventually the results of the elections,” she said in a Viber message.

Philippine Defense chief doubts China’s intent on South China Sea code

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

THE Philippines doubts China’s intention to negotiate a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea although Manila is looking forward to continuing discussions, according to its top Defense official.

While Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. had approved “good-faith discussions” with China over the long-delayed code, he doubted Beijing’s sincerity, Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. told reporters on Monday. “Right now, honestly speaking, I do not see that.”

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Southeast Asian leaders on Sunday called for swift agreement on a code of conduct for the South China Sea based on international law, after escalating confrontations in the strategic waterway where $3 trillion worth of trade passes annually.

China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The Philippines has complained of Chinese vessels’ use of water cannon, collision and ramming tactics to stop resupply and patrol missions in disputed waters.

The maritime code, which could help avoid such confrontations and prevent conflict, has been mooted for years, and talks led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have made slow progress.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez called out Russia for allegedly blocking a consensus statement by Southeast Asian nations over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, saying Moscow has no authority to “meddle” with the region’s affairs.

“Russia should not have blocked the ASEAN statement,” he said in a statement. “Moscow has no business meddling in disputes in this part of our region.”

A United States official who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused Russia and China of blocking a proposed statement of the 10-member ASEAN for the 18-nation East Asia Summit in Laos, objecting to the draft’s language, according to a Reuters report.

Mr. Rodriguez, a member of the House of Representatives foreign affairs committee, said the Russian move showed it agrees with Chinese intrusion into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, including “bullying, harassment and ramming of Philippine vessels, their crew and Filipino fishermen.”

‘MEDDLING’
The East Asia Summit is an annual forum led by ASEAN, seen as an avenue for multilateral dialogue on issues concerning the region. The regional summit was originally composed of ASEAN member states, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Korea in 2005. The United States and Russia joined in 2011.

Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov said the ASEAN declaration had not been adopted because of “persistent attempts by the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand to turn it into a purely political statement,” according to a transcript of his response to a media briefing on Friday, published on the website of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This prompted Laos, which hosted this year’s East Asia Summit, to issue a unilateral statement on concerns involving the South China Sea, according to Mr. Rodriguez.

Laos Prime Minister and East Asia Summit Chairman Sonexay Siphandone said there is a need to “enhance mutual trust and… self-restraint in the conduct of activities” in the South China Sea, urging countries to “avoid actions that may further complicate the situation” in the water body, according to the chairman’s statement of the 19th East Asia Summit published on ASEAN’s website on Oct. 13.

He pushed for a “full and effective” implementation of a 2002 regional conduct code in the South China Sea, an agreement aimed at reducing tensions and conflict among claimant states.

“Given that China is closely allied with Russia, it comes as no surprise already that it is one with the People’s Republic of China in blocking the statement on the South China Sea,” Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at the School of Diplomacy and Governance at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Russia is undoubtedly meddling in regional affairs” by helping China consolidate and achieve a “more solid and strategic position” in Southeast Asia.

Russian and Chinese flexing could hurt the Philippines’ sea claims, Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Messenger chat.

“If both Russia and China has influence on ASEAN, it might become more and more hostile to our multilateral efforts to protect our West Philippine Sea claims,” he added, referring to areas of the disputed sea within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

The idea of a maritime code was first agreed between China and ASEAN in 2002, but the process of creating it did not start until 2017.

Mr. Marcos at last week’s summit pressed Southeast Asian leaders and China to hasten negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea. “There should be more urgency in the pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China code of conduct,” he said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio with Reuters

Courts asked to let Quiboloy, cohorts attend Senate probe

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A SENATE committee on Monday asked a Pasig City trial court and Quezon City trial court to allow televangelist Apollo C. Quiboloy and his cohorts to attend a Senate hearing looking into allegations of child abuse and human trafficking against him and his church.

In separate letters to Pasig City Presiding Judge Elma Mendoza Rafallo-Lingan and Quezon City Presiding Judge Noel L. Parel, the Senate committee on women, children, family relations said the religious leader should be allowed to attend the Oct. 23 hearing.

“The committee respectfully and formally requests your honor to allow the above mentioned individuals to appear before the committee,” according to the letters signed by Committee Secretary Gemma G. Tanpiengco.

In April, the Pasig court ordered the arrest of Mr. Quiboloy for qualified human trafficking, while a Davao City court issued an arrest warrant for child sexual abuse. The Supreme Court in May ordered the transfer of the Davao child sexual abuse cases to the Quezon City trial court.

Mr. Quiboloy, who claims to be an “appointed son of God,” was arrested after weeks of police search. He is wanted for child sexual abuse and human trafficking in the Philippines.

He was indicted in a California district court on Nov. 10, 2021, and a federal warrant had been issued for his arrest.

The church leader is also wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US on charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.

The Senate committee in March ordered his arrest for failing to attend hearings looking into the crimes.

Last week, Mr. Quiboloy filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in next year’s midterm elections.

The celebrity evangelist, who has denied the charges, is followed by millions of people in the Philippines, where the church has political influence. He is also the spiritual adviser of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, who heads the Senate committee, earlier noted that for someone facing multiple charges, Mr. Quiboloy had the audacity to run for senator. “Let us not elect lawbreakers as lawmakers.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Tulfos are top senatorial bets for 2025 polls

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

BROTHERS Erwin and Bienvenido “Ben” T. Tulfo are the top senatorial bets of Filipinos for the 2025 midterm elections, an October survey, conducted after the filing of certificate of candidacy (CoC), found.

Market research firm Acquisition Apps, Inc. reported that ACT-CIS Rep. Tulfo maintained his lead with 62.33% of respondents saying they would vote for him, up from 58% in September.

His brother, Ben, who is a broadcaster and media executive, tailed Rep. Tulfo in the overall ranking with 49% voter preference after he filed his CoC, up from 42.96%.

“The Tulfo brothers have this image that they will fight for you,” President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Xavier D. Peñaflor told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the survey launch in Makati City.

He noted the brothers have a strongman personality close to former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which makes them appealing to voters. Filipino voters, he said, still look for such personality in potential leaders.

The Tulfo brothers are also “relatable” and “pro-people,” as exemplified by their social media presence, Mr. Peñaflor said, which added to their appeal.

Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III ranked third with 46.50% this month, a slight increase from 44% last month; while reealectionist senators Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, with 46.08% and 45.50%.

Mr. Peñaflor said the former Duterte aide Mr. Go has detached himself from the shadow of the former president and is now known for his Malasakit Centers. This allowed him to boost his popularity among voters despite his former boss facing scrutiny over his deadly drug war.

Boxing icon turned lawmaker Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao placed sixth with 42.21%, followed by former Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson with 38.92%. Both politicians ran in the 2022 national elections as presidents but lost.

Also among the Top 12 were Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail “Abby” S. Binay (36.17%), former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. (33.42%), SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta (31.88%), reelectionists Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid (31.67%), and Senator Francis N. Tolentino (31.46%).

DARK HORSE
Mr. Peñaflor said there are three possible “dark horses” in the tight senate race, particularly former senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan (28.29%), Las Piñas Rep. Camille A. Villar (24.92%), and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” C. Singson (14.67%).

He said Mr. Pangilinan, who is leveraging TikTok, shows a strong social media standing. The survey also showed that Ms. Villar is among the biggest gainers after climbing 8-points to 24.92% from only 16% in September.   

Mr. Singson, meanwhile, is considered an “outlier,” Mr. Peñaflor said.

On Senator Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos’ ranking, Mr. Peñaflor said her supporters, especially from her bailiwick in Northern Philippines felt betrayed when she exited from her brother, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s senatorial slate.

“They feel betrayed by her aligning with the Vice President…That’s the reason why she went independent and that’s the reason why she’s number 18,” he told BusinessWorld.

“When we started monitoring this, Senator Imee Marcos was in the top 8…So, we were really surprised that she came down, and it’s related to our current events.”

The survey was administered between Oct. 10-12 via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 2,400 registered voters.

Napolcom commissioner resigns

THE Marcos administration has accepted the resignation of National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto D.C. Leonardo, who was linked to the murder of a former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) official.

In a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Catibayan Remulla, Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said the resignation of Mr. Leonardo, who is tagged in the murder of ex-PCSO Board Secretary Wesley A. Barayuga, has been accepted “effective immediately.”

Lawmakers including House dangerous drugs panel chair and Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace S. Barbers earlier recommended the filing of murder charges against Mr. Leonardo and retired Police Colonel Royina Garma in connection with Mr. Barayuga’s murder.

Ms. Garma was the PCSO general manager while Leonardo was a commissioner of the Napolcom when Mr. Barayuga was killed. The two have already denied involvement in the alleged murder plot.

Mr. Leonardo is also accused of having involvement in former president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s drug war, which is now a subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) probe.

In House hearings, Ms. Garma has accused Mr. Duterte of offering cash rewards for every drug suspect killed in his drug war.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) recently urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to submit the findings of the House quad committee probing the drug war to the ICC.

Asked to comment on the proposal, Mr. Bersamin told reporters via Viber: “The Philippines will not return to [the] ICC.”

“Based on this, the [P]resident is not expected to change his mind and now refer the quadcomm matter to the ICC,” he added.

Mr. Bersamin also said in a separate Viber message to reporters that “the Palace will support the filing (of charges) but will leave the decision to file entirely to the Department of Justice or Ombudsman.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DoJ clarifies 20% PWD discount

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption for persons with disability (PWD) apply to the total cost of a group meal if it can be proven that the food is exclusively for their consumption, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

“In the purchase of a group meal which is ideally for food sharing, if it can be clearly determined that it was for the exclusive use, enjoyment or availment of only one person who is a PWD, i.e., dine-in transactions, then the 20% discount and VAT exemption should apply to the total amount of the food purchased,” it said in a legal opinion written by Assistant Secretary Randolph A. Pascasio.

Under the rules that enforce the Magna Carta for PWDs, the discounts are limited to the consumption of the person with disability. The DoJ noted that when the law is clear, it must be given its literal meaning and applied without interpretation.

The clarification came after Glenda D. Relova, executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs, sought guidance from the DoJ regarding the application of the discount in group settings. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

SC rules on PAGCOR workers

WIKIMEDIA/PATRICKROQUE01

THE Supreme Court (SC) said contract of service workers employed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) are not government employees under the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) jurisdiction.

The top court’s First Division said employees working for PAGCOR in its hotel and restaurant business under a contract of services and job order setup are not covered by the CSC’s law, rules, and regulations.

The case stemmed from a petition filed by job order workers of PAGCOR seeking recognition as regular government employees to enjoy benefits, such as the security of tenure, retirement benefits, and other privileges given to civil servants.

The tribunal ruled that PAGCOR’s job order workers are outside the purview of government employment as defined by existing labor laws and civil service regulations.

It added that there is no employer-employee relationship between the government and job order workers whose services are not considered government services. 

The agency hired the petitioners as cooks, waiters, purchasers, pantry aides, and other positions. They signed a contract with PAGCOR for a fixed term but were occasionally renewed. They worked for the agency for a total period ranging from one to 17 years.

When PAGCOR closed its hotel operations at the Goldenfield Complex and relocated to L’Fisher Hotel, both in Bacolod City, it did not renew the individual contracts of the petitioners.

They filed an illegal dismissal complaint before the CSC Regional Office, saying they were regular employees entitled to security of tenure, but the agency junked their complaint for lack of jurisdiction and found that they were job order workers and not government employees based on their contracts. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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