Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 2797

Lawmakers: Patrols should not worsen tensions with China

PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

THE PHILIPPINES should ensure that joint naval drills and patrols in the South China Sea do not escalate tensions with China, Philippine senators said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said joint naval drills with the United States, Japan and Australia would deter China’s aggression in the disputed waterway, but should not replace diplomatic measures to resolve the conflict.

“Diplomacy and politics should still be in the driver’s seat of dispute resolution, steering the direction towards absolute respect for the rule of law,” she said. “Any joint patrols should only serve as reinforcement to the diplomatic means of deescalating tensions and restoring true peace in the entire South China Sea.”

The joint drills aim to show the three countries’ commitment to the rule of law after the Chinese Coast Guard on Aug. 5 fired water cannons at Philippine vessels trying to deliver food and other supplies to a sunken ship at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Aug. 20.

The Philippines won’t be part of the drills this week due to logistical issues, but is open to participating in the future, it added.

Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel filed a resolution calling for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the Philippine Coast Guard’s capacity to safeguard outposts in the South China Sea through additional marine radar stations and automatic tracking systems for increased surveillance of the waterway.

“The militarization of portions of the West Philippine Sea by the Chinese government has led to an unprecedented challenge to the Philippine Coast Guard’s primary mission… of upholding maritime governance within Philippine waters,” she said in the resolution, referring to areas of the sea within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

In a separate statement, Senator Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said the Philippines needs larger and more advanced supply ships during resupply missions, but cited the need to prioritize peaceful dialogue with China.

“We will do whatever is necessary to protect our rights through peaceful means,” she said. “We will stand our ground because we are in the right.”

Ms. Marcos, a sister of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., said the government should ensure that attempts to communicate with China are documented and should be shared with countries that are not involved in the issue.

“This way, the world can ascertain both countries’ sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue,” she said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Senators want stricter screening of cops

PHIIPPINE STAR/ EDD GUMBAN

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) should update its screening process for policemen after Navotas City cops shot and killed a 17-year-old boy in a supposed case of mistaken identity, senators said on Tuesday.

During the Senate Public Order hearing, Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo called for the PNP to change its format for neuropsychiatric exams for law enforcers, claiming that the current format is not a good measure of a person’s criminal tendencies.

“Many get to pass the exam by just memorizing the answers from other people they know since it has been the same test ever since,” Mr. Tulfo said in Filipino.

“It happens again and again, which means that the screening does not work, and that is why there are a lot of rotten eggs in the police force,” he added.

Last Aug. 2, six Navotas policemen shot and killed Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar after he was mistaken for a suspect in a previous shooting incident. Navotas police chief Colonel Allan B. Umipig has called it a “lapse in judgment” on the part of his men.

Two of the policemen involved in the teenager’s killing were cited in contempt during the hearing for evading the lawmakers’ questions and giving inconsistent answers.

“What do you see your countrymen as — target practice?” Senator Ana “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel told the police officers involved in the shooting during the hearing. “Let us strive for a country where being poor does not paint a target on one’s back.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. said last week that his agency would consult with the National Police Commission about revising the three-strike policy for erring police officers.

“The three-strike policy is good, but we should have that elbow room for the national police chief to hold these officers, even commanding officers, accountable,” he said partly in Filipino. “One thing is certain: we need to update these police proceedings.”

Mr. Abalos cited the need for the national police chief to hold erring policemen accountable without delay.

Last month, the Department of Justice said it would revive an inter-agency task force that probed unlawful deaths in the Philippine government’s deadly war on drugs.

Toyota donates 35 vehicles to gov’t 

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. listens intently to Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda during his tour of Toyota’s plant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna on Tuesday. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. donated 35 vehicles to the government to mark its 35th anniversary. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE PHILIPPINE government on Tuesday received a donation of 35 brand new cars from Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. (TMP), as the vehicle sales and production company marked its 35th anniversary in the country.  

The donation was made up of 10 Hi-Ace ambulances, two Coaster mobile clinics, three Yaris cars, and five each of Toyota vehicle models Vios, Innova, Lite Ace Pickup, and Lite Ace Cargo.

In his speech at the Toyota manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized the company’s “contributions” to the country, especially in terms of employment.  

“Our Filipino employees who have come to work with Toyota have been very highly trained and are also extremely steeped in the Japanese culture of production, which is very important because they have shown themselves to be one of the most if not the most efficient when it comes to manufacturing and high volume production of products,” he said.  

As of last December, 3,742 workers were employed in TMP and about 71,000 others were affiliated with its suppliers and dealers. 

“We have always seen Toyota as being an important partner in everything, in our development in the Philippines,” said Mr. Marcos, who toured the manufacturing plant with visiting Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) Chairman Akio Toyoda.

Annually, the company has been producing about 54,000 of its Vios and Innova units in the country and since it started its operations in 2000, Toyota has invested about P73.7 billion. 

In a statement, TMP Chairman Alfred V. Ty said that with more conducive government policies, the company and other local part-makers “can expand and do so much more in our country to help generate more jobs for Filipinos.”

“We request your continued support to the auto industry, not only for vehicle manufacturing but to the entire supply chain, especially our domestic parts supplier,” said Mr. Ty. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DMW Secretary Ople dies at 61 

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

MIGRANT Workers Secretary Maria Susanna “Toots” V. Ople, who had long advocated for the rights and benefits of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in a private capacity, has died at the age of 61, her office announced on Tuesday. 

In a Viber message sent to reporters, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said she passed away peacefully around 1 p.m. of Aug. 22 while “surrounded by her family and loved ones.”  

The cause of her death was not immediately known as further details were expected to be released by the DMW. Prior to her appointment as DMW secretary last year, Ople had just recovered from breast cancer.

Late last month, Ms. Ople filed a two-week “health and wellness leave” from the DMW, following the consecutive passing of her two brothers — Hagonoy, Bulacan Mayor Felix “Toti” F. Ople, and former journalist Blas F. Ople, Jr., who both succumbed to lung cancer.

Many years of her life was dedicated to helping Filipino migrant workers through the non-governmental organization, Blas F. Ople Policy and Training Center, which was named after her father, the former labor secretary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Moro clashes displace thousands

COTABATO CITY — Recurring gunfights among rival Moro groups in two towns of Maguindanao del Sur have forced some 500 families fleeing to safer areas, the army reported on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Oriel L. Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, said armed clashes between two factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started last weekend, initially forcing at least 40 families in Barangay Sapakan, Mamasapano town to relocate.

Mr. Pangcog said the hostilities erupted in Barangay Sapakan after suspected members of the MILF 106th Base Command (BC) fatally shot a member of the 108th BC. 

“We are trying our best to settle the dispute,” he said of efforts by local government and army officials to mediate between MILF commanders while their fighters are in a stalemate in the village. 

However, heavy exchanges of gunfire between the two fronts marred Monday’s peace dialogue, forcing about 440 Moro and ethnic Teduray 440 families in Barangays Lamod and Biarong in South Upi to evacuate and leave their livestock and harvestable crops behind. — John Felix M. Unson

Road sharing eyed along EDSA 

GREENPEACE/JILSON TIU

AS THE VOLUME of vehicles along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) returns to pre-pandemic levels, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is studying the mixed use of bicycle lanes for motorcycles as well.

“The EDSA bicycle lane is underutilized,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando “Don” S. Artes said Tuesday as latest data released by the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center showed that 165,000 motorcycles traverse EDSA on a daily basis. 

He said the MMDA already has a preliminary study on the EDSA lane’s road sharing for bicycles and motorcycles. “We will have a stakeholders’ meeting (on the study) on Aug. 29 which will be attended by a group of cyclists and motorcycle riders,” said Mr. Artes.  

If a consensus on the mixed use of the bicycle lane is reached, it would have to be approved by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) before implementation. “The DoTr has the final say on the matter because the bike lane is their project,” Mr. Artes said. — NCB

Islamic cleric slain in Cotabato 

COTABATO CITY — A popular Islamic cleric heavily involved in peace initiatives in Mindanao was gunned down in one of the busiest streets in the city on Monday.  

Police Major John Vincent F. Bravo, commander of the city’s Police Precinct 2, said a lone gunman shot 32-year-old Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang six times using a .45-caliber pistol while he was about to drive his black Nissan Almera, which was parked on Governor Gutierrez Avenue, here. 

Midtimbang works in the Bangsamoro Darul Iftah, also known as the House of Opinions, which promotes cultural and religious solidarity among Muslims, Christians and indigenous non-Moro communities throughout Mindanao.  

He belonged to a large ethnic Maguindanaon noble clan and hosted a peace-advocacy program aired over a local radio station.  

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro, said Tuesday their intelligence units are helping investigators identify the killer. — John Felix M. Unson

Imee: Penalize ‘ailing’ ECs

DAVAO CITY — Electric cooperatives (ECs) deemed “ailing,” based on the parameters set by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), must be penalized and that includes even the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Nordeco), according to Sen. Imee Marcos.

According to the NEA, “red” or “ailing” ECs are those with a negative net worth for the last three years; accumulated 90 days arrears in power supply purchases and transmission charges; unable to provide electric service due to technical and/or financial inefficiencies and/or institutional problems; and unable to efficiently perform its electric distribution utility obligations.

Speaking at a press conference at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, here, last Saturday, Ms. Marcos said it is within the authority of the NEA to penalize such ailing ECs, citing past instances when it did so.  

“They (NEA) intervened — dissolved the board and took out all the members including the director general (and) started anew,” she said partly in Filipino. “I am hopeful that this can be done in the rest of the ailing ECs including Nordeco.”

Meanwhile, during the recent deliberation by the Committee on Legislative Franchises, the legal counsel of Nordeco had warned of a possible constitutional crisis if four bills seeking to amend the franchise areas of electricity distributors in Mindanao are to be passed.  

“The Constitution does not allow laws that impair contracts… existing contracts of NORDECO will be substantially impaired,” Atty. Jeorge V. Rapista, legal counsel for Nordeco, said as a result of passing House Bill Nos. 5077, 6740, 6995, and 7047 — all proposing to expand the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (Davao Light). 

As a reaction to that, Ms. Marcos explained that, in principle, a franchise is a special privilege from the government which can be withdrawn at any time or diminished at any point for the reason of the public good. — Maya M. Padillo

vivo Y27: Perfect companion for tech-savvy Filipinos

The highly anticipated vivo Y27 officially landed in the Philippines on Aug. 19, offering an array of cutting-edge features that cater to the needs and desires of tech enthusiasts.

Priced at an astonishing P8,999 and available in two stunning colors, Burgundy Black and Sea Blue, the vivo Y27 is set to redefine your smartphone experience.

With top-tier features, the vivo Y27 aims to deliver a seamless and unparalleled user experience. Here are some of the key highlights:

  1. 44W Fast Charging Capability: Say goodbye to long charging times. The vivo Y27 boasts an impressive 44W fast charging feature, ensuring that your device is ready to go when you are.
  2. Nighttime Charging Protection: Rest easy at night knowing that your device is protected while charging, thanks to vivo’s innovative nighttime charging safeguards.
  3. 6GB RAM and 6GB Extended RAM: Enjoy smooth multitasking and swift app launches with the vivo Y27’s ample 6GB RAM, further extendable to cater to your demanding needs.
  4. Memory Booster: The Memory Booster feature optimizes your phone’s performance by intelligently managing memory usage.
  5. 128GB ROM: Store all your photos, videos, and apps with ease with the generous 128GB of internal storage.
  6. Expandable Storage: Need more space? The vivo Y27 supports up to 1TB of expandable storage through a micro SD card, ensuring you never run out of room for your data.
  7. 5000mAh Battery: Power through your day with confidence, thanks to the robust 5000mAh battery that keeps you connected and entertained.
  8. IP54 Water and Dust Resistance: Don’t let life’s unexpected moments slow you down. The vivo Y27 is designed to withstand water splashes and dust, adding durability to your device.
  9. Ultra Game Mode Feature: Gamers, rejoice! The Ultra Game Mode feature enhances your gaming experience by optimizing performance and minimizing distractions.
  10. Multi Turbo 5.5: Enjoy blazing fast speeds and superior connectivity with Multi Turbo 5.5, enhancing the overall performance of your device.
  11. Interface Preserver: Keep your interface sleek and smooth with the Interface Preserver feature, which prevents unnecessary UI disruptions.
  12. RAM Booster: The RAM Booster ensures that your device operates at peak performance by intelligently managing RAM usage.
  13. MediaTek Gaming Processor: Get ready for a lag-free gaming experience with the powerful MediaTek gaming processor.

The vivo Y27 is now available for purchase at vivo’s website, e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and TikTok, as well as physical stores nationwide.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your smartphone experience with the vivo Y27.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by enabling them to publish their stories directly on the BusinessWorld website. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

The World Cup big guns are here, heavy favorite Team USA arrives

ERIK SPOELSTRA — USA BASKETBALL

THE BIG guns are here.

Team United States of America (USA), the mighty favorites, arrived in the Philippines yesterday morning with redemption as the only thing in mind for the coming FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Following a rare quarterfinal exit in the 2019 edition held in China, a vengeful USA team that swept all of its tune-ups brims with confidence to get vindication in Manila in spite of a youthful unit without perennial NBA stars.

And the Americans, under the watch of multi-champion coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, will have ample time to furnish their preparations for that goal before the hostilities fire off on Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 here.

Team USA is bunched with Greece, New Zealand and Jordan in Group C that is designated to play at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City along with Group D’s Montenegro, Lithuania, Egypt and Mexico.

Joining Mr. Kerr in the USA delegation were his assistant coaches Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers, Filipino-American pride Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat and Chip Engelland, a former national team member for the Philippines as a naturalized player.

NBA All-Star guard Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis), Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero (Orlando) and Brandon Ingram (New Orleans) banner the young USA team.

Also in the fold are LA Lakers’ Austin Reaves, New York’s Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, Bobby Portis (Milwaukee) and Jordan Clarkson’s teammate Walker Kessler of Utah.

FIBA World Cup deputy event director Erika Dy and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) official Ryan Gregorio personally welcomed Team USA at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Team USA is coming off a productive training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where it drubbed Greece, 108-86, before coming back against Germany, 99-91.

The Americans, who vented their ire in Tokyo Olympics for their fourth straight gold after a dismal seventh-place finish in the last World Cup, also bested Puerto Rico, 117-74, Slovenia, 92-62, and Spain, 98-88, for a 5-0 record in tune-up games.

Team USA’s arrival came on the heels of the earlier landing of the Dominican Republic, Gilas Pilipinas’ first opponent’ in Group A, on Monday night.

Other teams expected to arrive yesterday were Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand and Serbia while Lithuania, China, South Sudan and Jordan are scheduled today to complete the 16 of the 32 World Cup teams assigned in Manila.

Montenegro, Angola, Mexico, Egypt and Greece were the first to arrive in the Philippines, which will serve as the main host of the world basketball showpiece with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts for the group play. — John Bryan Ulanday

Valanciunas of Lithuanian team is the big man to watch

JONAS VALANCIUNAS — NBA

NEW Orleans slotman Jonas Valanciunas headlines a Lithuanian team out for redemption in the FIBA Basketball World Cup (WC) in Manila.

The 31-year-old Mr. Valanciunas, who averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Pelicans, provides the experience and strong inside presence as the Baltic Giants bid to bounce back from missed quarter final stints in the last WC and EuroBasket.

The 6-foot-11 is the only NBA talent in the squad with Sacramento’s All-Star center Domantas Sabonis skipping the campaign due to thumb injury and Azuolas Tubelis, who signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia, cut from the final roster.

Mr. Valanciunas, the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, accounted for 14 markers and 8.8 boards per game in 2019 when Lithuania wound up ninth overall in the previous WC in China.

Aside from his basketball career, Mr. Valanciunas has film credits under his belt. He acted in the 2016 Lithuanian black comedy Received Call 3 as a village thief and appeared earlier in the 2012 documentary The Other Dream Team, which chronicled the inspirational journey of the 1992 Olympics team that became symbols of Lithuania’s independence movement from Soviet rule and won bronze in Barcelona.

Seven-footer Donatas Motiejunas, who had past NBA stints with Houston, New Orleans and San Antonio, is expected to form a lethal twin tower combo with Mr. Valanciunas.

FC Barcelona 22-year-old point guard Rokas Jokubaitis, fresh from winning the Spanish Cup and the EuroLeague Rising Star award, is also tipped to get his time to shine in the tournament.

Lithuania is up against Montenegro, Mexico and Egypt in Group D of the world meet at the MOA Arena. — Olmin Leyba

Gilas playing without Clarkson absorb a 77-84 loss to Mexico

JORDAN CLARKSON — FIBA

GILAS Pilipinas took a litmus test playing Mexico minus Jordan Clarkson and fell short.

On their own with the Fil-Am NBA star getting a breather, the Nationals gamely fought Mexico but ended up absorbing a 77-84 loss in Monday night’s closed-door tuneup at the PhilSports Arena.

The result gave the Filipinos a 1-2 card in their three-game series ahead of Friday’s FIBA Basketball World Cup opening. They previously scored an  85-62 rout of Ivory Coast then sustained a 85-102 defeat to Montenegro.

“We would have wanted to win this last game in particular but (overall) a lot of positives (were gained),” coach Chot Reyes said after bowing to the 31st-ranked Guerreros.

The troika of matches, which mimicked the styles of Gilas’ Group A rivals the Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy, allowed late arrivals Mr. Clarkson and Kai Sotto and comebacking playmaker Scottie Thompson to get precious playtime with the pool.

“We were able to get Jordan, Kai and Scottie to play with the rest of the guys (in the pre-WC series). I think that’s the most important thing come World Cup. We’re not going to come in cold,” said Mr. Reyes.

The 16-strong pool, which is expected to be trimmed down to the Final 12 anytime, intends to make the most of the next three days to further prepare for the Day 1 matchup with the Dominicans at the Philippine Arena.

“We’re now going to condense everything that we learned in the last two months and all the tuneup games in these next few days of practice — a  combination of video and court work to make sure we’d be at our highest form for Aug. 25,” said Mr. Reyes.

“That’s what we have to do right now, the best we can do. So these days are going to be very, very important.”

In the absence of Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Thompson took the cudgels with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in the duel with Mexico. He was backed up by Dwight Ramos and RR Pogoy, who shot nine apiece, and Jamie Malonzo and Mr. Sotto, who had eight each.

Pako Cruz topscored with 18 while Paul Stoll erupted for the Guerreros with 17 markers on a five-of-eight clip from deep that went with five boards and four dimes.

It was also Mr. Stoll’s three-pointer at the start of the fourth that handed Mexico its biggest lead, 72-63. — Olmin Leyba

The Scores:

Mexico 84 — Cruz 18, Stoll 17, Jaimes 15, Ibarra 12, Bonilla 6, Giron 6, I. Gutierrez 4, Camacho 3, Andriasi 3, J. Gutierrez 0, Amigo 0.

The Philippines 77 — Thompson 14, Pogoy 9, Ramos 9, Sotto 8, Malonzo 8, K. Ravena 7, Newsome 6, Fajardo 6, Perez 4, Edu 3, Aguilar 3, Abando 0.

Quarterscores: 31-27, 51-51, 69-63, 84-77.

1...2,7962,7972,798...12,605Page 2,797 of 12,605
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube