Forty more Filipinos in Gaza Strip cross to Egypt, to come home soon

November 8, 2023 | 8:16 pm

FORTY MORE Filipinos have been evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Egypt through the Rafah Border Crossing and would come home soon, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said on Wednesday.

“They are on their way to Cairo where they would be coming from on their way home in the coming days,” the President said in a video message in Filipino.

He said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had coordinated with the embassies in Israel, Jordan and Egypt for the Filipinos’ safe passage.

“We also thank the governments of Israel and Egypt for prioritizing our fellow Filipinos so they can get out of their territories,” Mr. Marcos said. “We also recognize the mediation efforts of Qatar that led to the reopening of these nations’ borders.”

DFA on Tuesday said the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs had verbally agreed to let the Filipinos cross with their Palestinian spouses.

The agency on Sunday said attacks along the route to the Rafah Border Crossing had delayed the evacuation of Filipinos to Egypt.

The Philippines earlier placed Gaza under Alert Level 4 for forced repatriation, while Israel is under Alert Level 2.

The fifth batch of 22 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel arrived in the Philippines on Monday, while the sixth batch of 42 Filipinos arrived on Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

A total of 184 OFWs have come home as of Tuesday, it added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Eduardo A. de Vega earlier said all 136 Filipinos in Gaza have been allowed to leave the strip after the Rafah border crossing opened last week.

The DMW on Monday said it expects more OFWs to return in the coming weeks amid the worsening war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Israel launched extensive airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas militants backed by a barrage of rockets stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in a surprise attack on Oct. 7

The country also enforced a blockade and deployed tens of thousands of Israeli troops for a ground assault on the Palestinian enclave.

More than 10,000 Palestinians have died since the war started last month, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. At least four Filipinos have died in the war.

‘SEEDS OF HARDSHIP’
President Marcos, Jr. on Nov. 3 said Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen had committed to ensure the immediate evacuation of Filipinos trapped in the conflict.

“With a military siege in place, people in Gaza are deprived of food, water and medicine,” the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement. “Sparse aid is arriving, leaving communities without the essentials to survive.”

“Massive bombardments are gutting civilian infrastructure across Gaza, sowing seeds of hardship for generations to come,” it said, adding that critical services such as healthcare, water and electricity “must be immediately restored in Gaza as a lifesaving priority.”

The Red Cross cited “damaged hospitals and ambulances,” which it said are “unacceptable.” “Tragically, medics from both the Palestine Red Crescent and Magen David Adom, alongside United Nations and other humanitarian workers, have been killed in the last month while working to help others,” it added.

The Red Cross urged parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and spare civilians.

It expressed willingness to be a “neutral actor” to facilitate the release of hostages under Hamas custody. “Until then, we continue all our efforts to urge Hamas and all those with influence to allow ICRC personnel to visit the hostages.”

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Tuesday pushed a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“That is the most viable solution in order to address the 75-year conflict between Palestine and Israel,” he told the House of Representatives plenary.

He said former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) negotiator Mahmoud Abbas in 1993 signed the Oslo Accords, the first peace agreement between Israel and Palestine that sought to fulfill the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

But the Israeli government had failed to recognize the accord and maintains total control over Palestine, Mr. Adiong said.

“We must resolutely advocate for a return to the negotiating table, a renewed commitment to upholding agreements that pave the way for a just and enduring peace,” he said in a privilege speech. “This means breaking the chains of the blockade, dismantling the structures of apartheid and heralding the birth of a fully recognized Palestinian state.”

Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez said the conflict between Israel and Palestine could widen if countries including the Philippines do not push a ceasefire.

The two-state solution would pave the way for “peaceful coexistence” between Israel and Palestine, he told the plenary. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Political fissures may widen in run-up to 2025 midterm elections

November 8, 2023 | 8:15 pm

GMA-Arroyo — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporters

CRACKS in the political alliance led by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. are expected to widen in the runup to the 2025 midterm elections, political analysts said on Wednesday.

The irreparable fissure would probably spur two contending senatorial slates from emerging factions, they said.

The sacking of ex-President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as deputy speaker on Tuesday showed a clear chasm within the ruling alliance, Ronald Llamas, chairman of Galahad Consulting Agency, told OneNews channel.

Lines have been drawn and it’s almost impossible for the division to be resolved, said Mr. Llamas, a political adviser of the late Benigno S.C. Aquino III. “This is all about 2025.”

Philippine midterm elections in May 2025 will be a crucial referendum on the Marcos government’s policies, with 12 of the 24 Seante seats up for grabs. Filipinos will also elect leaders at the local level, including congressmen, governor, mayors, and village captains, among other officials.

Ms. Arroyo and Davao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab were stripped off their deputy speaker posts after refusing to sign a resolution upholding the “Integrity and honor” of the House of Representatives amid ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s scathing remarks against the institution.

Mr. Duterte has described the House as the country’s “most rotten institution” after congressmen on Oct. 10 stripped several agencies including the Office of the Vice President and the Education department of their confidential funds.

Lawmakers transferred P1.23 billion worth of these budgets to security agencies amid worsening tensions with China.

Mr. Duterte is the father of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is also Education secretary.

This was all expected since Ms. Arroyo is identified with the Duterte camp, Francisco A. Magno, who teaches politics and development studies at De La Salle University in Manila, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Recent changes in key leadership positions in the legislative and possibly executive branches of government to some degree reflect the preparations made by political personalities for the upcoming midterm elections,” Randy P. Tuaño, dean of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government, said in a Messenger chat.

Tensions between Speaker and presidential cousin Martin G. Romualdez and the Dutertes have spurred several members of the former ruling party PDP-Laban to resign, and Mr. Duterte on Tuesday said he’s prepared to be the last man standing.

“I would encourage those who are not in tune with us, you can leave,” he told SMNI News. “What’s important are party principles.”

“I doubt it’s about principles,” Mr. Llamas said. “It’s more about politics as usual — alignment and realignment, and political loyalties.”

The crack in the UniTeam alliance started when Ms. Carpio resigned from Mr. Romualdez’s party, Lakas-CMD, Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro told reporters at the sidelines of a House hearing. It would only worsen as politicians vouch for their interests and higher government posts, she added.

Ms. Carpio, a staunch ally of Ms. Arroyo, left Lakas-CMD a few days after the ex-President was demoted from senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker.

But Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda said tensions in the House of Representatives are not a distraction to the chamber’s duty in passing proposed laws.

“Recent events have not affected the pace of our legislative performance,” Mr. Salceda said in a statement. “Political matters are properly the concern of the House leadership and the party leaders of the supermajority coalition. Committee chairmen like me are tasked with policy.”

Mr. Salceda, a former chief of staff of Ms. Arroyo, said her removal from the post would not hinder them from fulfilling her duties.

“It seems that the status quo is robust, solid and vigorous with respect to doing the job [as lawmakers,]” he told reporters.

Also on Wednesday, House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio D. Gonzales, Jr. joined Lakas-CMD after resigning from Mr. Duterte’s PDP-Laban.

Political realignments are nothing new, said Edmund S. Tayao, who teaches at the San Beda Graduate School of Law, said by telephone.

OPPOSITION SLATE
“Because a new election is coming up, there will always be a reconfiguration,” he said. The ruling political groups want to make sure that its members toe the line, he added.

Mr. Tayao said the camp of Mr. Romualdez was likely expecting Ms. Arroyo to “toe the line” or “show that she’s one with their political direction.”

Mr. Duterte in September said the Speaker was gunning for the presidency, citing previous conversations between them.

“If it’s true, then there’s every reason for the Speaker to really organize and prepare for it,” Mr. Tayao said. “He sees former President Arroyo remaining in the group as something important.”

He said Ms. Arroyo remains influential, noting that she’s a stalwart of the administration alliance. “Whether we like it or not, she’s a former President.”

Ms. Arroyo, a known power broker in Philippine politics, was a key backer of the political alliance between Mr. Marcos and Ms. Carpio during the 2022 campaign.

WR Numero Research President and CEO Cleve V. Arguelles said unless a credible threat from the opposition emerges, the ruling alliance in the 2022 elections “won’t be able to keep a united front until the next election cycle.”

Mr. Llamas said the Dutertes might form an opposition slate in the 2025 midterm elections.

But Mr. Magno said the camp of Ms. Carpio might not take an opposition role since her camp still relies on “administration resources.”

However, the Vice President and her camp might form a senatorial slate that is allied with the Marcos administration, he said. A scenario of two administration slates is “a possibility only if the rift widens.”

Jean Encinas-Franco, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines, said there’s “all the more reason that the real opposition should get their act together to provide a genuine alternative to the public.”

The latest crack within the ruling alliance happened just days after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. warned troops against participating in any efforts to destabilize the government.

National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año, clarifying confusions surrounding Mr. Brawner’s remarks, said there were “healthy and passionate exchanges/debates among some retired military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration” but that these were “within the bounds of our democratic space.”

“Only one president can be elected in 2028. Every day that the VP is humiliated publicly by supposed allies is also a daily reminder that there is really not much point in fighting for the powerless role of spare tire,” Mr. Arguelles said.

“Beware, the Speaker may have the upper hand today, but it would be foolish to underestimate the alliance of the three iron ladies of the North and the South,” he added, referring to Ms. Arroyo, Ms. Carpio and Senator Maria Jose Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos.

The presidential sister in a statement said she would rally behind Mr. Duterte, whom she called a friend, even if she becomes the last person to do so.

Filipinos want Marcos to boost US ties — Pulse Asia

November 8, 2023 | 8:13 pm

SEVEN of 10 Filipinos want the government of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to boost economic ties with the United States (US), according to a Pulse Asia Research Group poll.

In the Sept. 10-14 poll commissioned by Stratbase ADR, 74% of Filipinos wanted the Philippines to have stronger economic ties with the US, while 55% chose Japan.

It added that 46% of Filipinos wanted stronger economic ties with Australia, 40% with Canada and 26% with the European Union, according to the poll of 1,200 people.

The poll was conducted amid increasing tensions at sea between the Philippines and China, Manila’s largest trade partner.

The US, Japan and Australia have condemned alleged Chinese intrusions into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

The largest buyer of Philippine exports in May was China, accounting for 16.6% of total exports during the month. It was followed by the US at 15.7% and Japan at 14.4%.

China accounted for 24% of Philippine imports during the month, the largest among the Southeast Asian nation’s import sources. It was followed by Indonesia, Japan, the US and South Korea.

Mr. Marcos earlier said “national security is no longer simply about territorial defense,” noting that “economic security is national security.”

“Investments are crucial to unlocking the Philippines’ economic potential,” Stratbase ADR President Victor Andres C. Manhit said in a statement on Wednesday. “Pursuing a more investment-led growth with these traditional partners will help in generating better quality jobs and employment opportunities.”

In the poll, 70% of Filipinos said the private sector plays an instrumental role in ensuring economic security, Stratbase said.

“Furthermore, when asked to identify three ways the private sector can help in the attainment of economic security, majority of Filipinos said that it can make goods that are more affordable and accessible to Filipino consumers (64%), create jobs (60%) and expand livelihood opportunities (58%).” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Marcos endorses ILO anti-discrimination policy

November 8, 2023 | 8:13 pm

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has asked the Senate to ratify a 2019 International Labour Organization (ILO) convention that seeks to address workplace violence and harassment.

Malacañang sought the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, the Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, in a letter to the Senate last month, the Presidential Communications Office said on Wednesday.

In that letter, dated Oct. 13 and addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and other senators, Mr. Marcos said: “The ratification of the ILO C190 will fortify the Philippine government’s mandate and policy in promoting and protecting the rights of Filipino workers, locally and overseas, by pushing for a work environment with zero tolerance for violence and harassment.”

To recall, the ILO C190 was adopted during the general conference in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2019.

“In this regard, the country’s commitments relative to the ILO C190 contribute to the performance of key targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with respect to Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth,” Mr. Marcos continued in his letter to the Senate.

Agencies that have concurred with the proposed Senate ratification include the Departments of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat.

Labor groups welcomed the President’s endorsement of ILO C190, with labor coalition Nagkaisa saying it is “a breath of fresh air for labor” since it is the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based discrimination.

In a statement, Nagkaisa said the sentiment is “shared broadly across the workforce, highlighting the significance of this momentous occasion.”

Philippine affiliates of the Global Union Federations, in a separate statement, said ratifying ILO C190 is very much urgent and a big step forward towards ensuring decent work for all workers “at a time when our workers continue to be subjected to different forms of violence and harassment including physical violence, psychological violence, sexual abuse and economic violence committed by various state and non-state offenders.” – with a report from Jomel R. Paguian

Negros Oriental polls canceled

November 8, 2023 | 8:13 pm

SPECIAL elections scheduled in December for the congressional post of ousted Negros Oriental 3^rd District Rep. Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr. has been canceled and may likely be reset for the 2025 midterm elections, according to House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco.

“Remember that next year will be the start of the ‘political season’ and the filing of the certificate of candidacy will be around October 2024. So, the term of whoever will be elected in a special election is so short,” he told a news briefing on Wednesday.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) postponed the Dec. 9 special elections “given all the existing circumstances and present predicament affecting the province” of Negros Oriental. Last Tuesday, the House adopted a resolution urging the Comelec to suspend the special polls.

The resolution was filed by Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel T. Sagarbarria, whose son is the provincial governor, Manuel L. Sagarbarria, Jr.

“They have the knowledge of the situation in Negros Oriental that’s why he filed this important resolution,” Mr. Velasco said. “The political climate there is still very hot, so to avoid all these problems, he just said the proposed special election should not be held at this time.”

Last August, Mr. Teves, Jr. was expelled from the House for “disorderly behavior” and is wanted as a suspect in the murder of Gov. Ruel R. Degamo last march. He has repeatedly asserted his innocence.

His brother, Pryde Henry A. Teves, filed a certificate of candidacy before the announcement of the poll suspension. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Labor group seeks P150 pay hike

November 8, 2023 | 8:12 pm

LABOR group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) urged Congress on Wednesday to enact a P150 increase in the daily wage before the end of the year.

“If the Senate and the House can act on the P150 pesos across-the-board wage increase, it would be a significant help for ordinary workers, as it will boost the economy, particularly in rural areas,” FFW vice president Nelfa Bermudez said in a statement.

The FFW made the call after National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said on Tuesday that the income of Filipinos must match the inflation rate, noting that last month’s easing of the inflation rate to 4.9% does not reflect the continuous rise in prices of goods.

Recently, the Zamboanga Region wage board approved the P30 minimum wage increase for private sector workers and the P600 monthly pay hike for domestic workers, which the FFW said is “insufficient, [but] will augment the take home pay of workers in said region.”

The labor group said a nationwide wage hike, instead of orders from regional wage boards, is needed.

Four regions in Mindanao (Northern Mindanao, Davao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro) have not yet implemented wage increase this year that could “address the inherent regional inequality in minimum wage fixing,” said Joel Tongco, union president of Cagayan de Oro City labor group Macajalar Labor Union.

“We need a strong influx of economic stimulus for the economy to grow through a nationwide wage hike of P150 per day,” he added. — Jomel R. Paguian

Clear rules on intel funds sought

November 8, 2023 | 8:11 pm

A PHILIPPINE senator on Wednesday proposed barring civilian agencies from using their contingency funds to increase their confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).

“Again, as a matter of fiscal prudence, we would like to include the augmentation of the CIF as a prohibition under the Contingent Fund along with the prohibition to tap the said fund for the purchase of, say, motor vehicles,” Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said at a plenary session tackling next year’s proposed P5.768-trillion national budget.

“What I am thinking is to propose the amendment (to the 2024 budget bill) at the proper time and will not pertain to security agencies that have clear national defense and public safety mandates… but civilian agencies that don’t have these directives,” the senator added.

She was citing the P125 million transfer of confidential funds to Office of the Vice President (OVP) last year.

On Tuesday, a group of lawyers asked the Supreme Court to void the transfer of CIF to the OVP for being illegal.

Marikina Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, citing a state audit report, said the OVP spent the P125 million in confidential funds in 11 days last year.

Philippine congressman last month stripped several agencies including the OVP of their confidential funds, transferring P1.23 billion of these funds to security agencies amid worsening tensions with China.

At the same hearing, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” F. Angara, citing Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, clarified the Vice President’s confidential funds had not been transferred but released by the Budget department.

Mr. Angara noted that the Senate’s budget bill adopted the realigned P9.82 billion in total confidential and intelligence funds of the lower chamber’s bill. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Japan eyed to fund bullet train

November 8, 2023 | 8:11 pm

A CONGRESSMAN called on the government on Wednesday to seek Japanese loans to fund a bullet train from Manila to Bicol.

“It would be ideal for Tokyo to build a bullet train in lieu of a regular railway system, as envisioned in the original financial negotiations with Beijing during the previous Duterte administration, given Japan’s expertise in this state-of-the-art rail technology,” Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte said in a statement.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the government is considering official development assistance (ODA) from Japan, South Korea, and India to fund three major railway projects — Bicol’s South Long-Haul, Mindanao Railway, and Subic-Clark Railway — to replace China as a funding source.

Mr. Bautista said the Philippine government plans to terminate its deal with a Chinese consortium to construct the P141.79-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul project.

The initial phase of the project would involve a 380-kilometer railway connecting Banlic and Calamba, Laguna in central Luzon, to Daraga, Albay in southern Luzon.

Mr. Villafuerte said that Tokyo loans would be an ideal source to fund the project, citing its role in the country’s transportation projects.

He cited Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, which run at 320 km per hour.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed its support to the administration’s Build, Better, More program at Congress’ special joint session last week.

“This planned railway project will certainly give a big boost to the economy and tourism in our region, create more jobs and encourage more Bicolanos to stay put in Bicol instead of migrating,” Mr. Villafuerte also said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Clark targets Italian investors

November 8, 2023 | 8:11 pm

TWO of Italy’s reputable business associations are being courted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to invest in New Clark City and other Clark area developments, according to a BCDA statement released Wednesday.

It said BCDA officials conducted business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Confindustria and The European House Ambrosetti during their outbound investment promotion mission in Italy last month.

Among the BCDA’s projects primed up for foreign investments are the 100-hectare mixed-use Clark Central Business District at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, the 35-ha affordable residential complex in New Clark City in Tarlac, the 22-ha Clark International Convention and Exhibition Complex, the New Clark City Common ICT Infrastructure, and the data center colocation facility in New Clark City.

“BCDA’s flagship project, New Clark City, offers investment opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, agri-industrial, property development, and renewable energy, among others,” said BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet.

Their group also met with Philippine Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial, who committed to make a pitch for BCDA ventures and hubs as part of his promotion of the Philippines before the Italian business community. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

MIF: No staggered contributions

November 8, 2023 | 8:10 pm

STATE Banks will not be allowed to contribute to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) on a staggered or installment basis, a Philippine senator on Wednesday said.

“The P75 billion [contribution of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines] is the initial funding,” Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said at a plenary session tackling the proposed the 2024 national budget, citing Monetary Board member and former National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon.

Under the law establishing the MIF, the DBP and LANDBANK are required to contribute P25 billion and P50 billion, respectively, for initial funding of the MIF.

Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel asked if these banks could remit to the MIF on a staggered basis, to which Mr. Angara replied: “The law provides that it [contribution] must be provided immediately… I’m told it’s (installment) not possible.”

The DBP has said it wants to recover its P25-billion contribution to the sovereign wealth fund until the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) is lifted. The bank also proposed it should be allowed to provide funds to the MIF on a staggered basis. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Creamline faces off Petro Gazz for solo lead in PVL All-Filipino

November 8, 2023 | 7:23 pm

PVL_AFC_Creamline_vs._Farm_Fresh-2831 — PVL.PH

Games Thursday
(PhilSports Arena)
12 p.m. — Gerflor vs F2
2 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs PLDT
4 p.m. — Nxled vs Chery Tiggo
6 p.m. — Creamline vs Petro Gazz

CREAMLINE goes into its much-awaited rematch with an old, familiar rival in Petro Gazz mindful of one thing — minimize errors.

Cool Smashers battle the Angels for the solo Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference lead today at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Jema Galanza said, Creamline’s 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22 victory over Farm Fresh last Oct. 31 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan, they committed an alarming 30 errors.

Michele Gumabao, one of the proud franchise’s leaders who led all spikers in their last game with 20 points, remained optimistic the Cool Smashers will mend their ways in time for their 6 p.m. duel with the Angels.

“Go back to our system, basics and keep on trying,” said Ms. Gumabao.

Creamline is eyeing to remain unscathed after four straight wins while Petro Gazz, currently in a four-team logjam at second with Choco Mucho, PLDT and Chery Tiggo with 4-1 slates, seeks to snatch it from the former.

The Angels will be hardpressed though as they were coming off a stinging 25-15, 27-25, 18-25, 25-23 defeat to the Chery Tiggo Crossovers Saturday at the Pasig venue for the former’s first defeat of the conference.

In contrast, Chery Tiggo should enter its 4 p.m. encounter with Nxled (1-4) with momentum on its side.

Also on tap in the heavy four-game offering were Gerflor (0-5) versus F2 Logistics (3-2) at 12 p.m. and Galeries Tower (0-5) against PLDT (4-1) at 2 p.m. — Joey Villar

Azkals take on Vietnam and Indonesia at Rizal Memorial Stadium in FIBA World Cup, AFC Asia Cup Qualifiers

November 8, 2023 | 7:22 pm

THE PHILIPPINE Azkals have assembled a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters for the next week’s joint FIFA World Cup-AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Ace goalkeeper Neil Etheridge leads the 26 footballers tapped by coach Michael Weiss for the first two games of the home-and-away qualifiers. The Pinoy booters have the luxury of opening their campaign at the familiar grounds of Rizal Memorial Stadium against Vietnam (Nov. 16) and Indonesia (Nov. 21).

Other battle-scarred stalwarts joining Etheridge are Simone Rota, Carly de Murga, Daisuke Sato, Dennis Villanueva, OJ Porteria, Manny and Mike Ott, Kevin Ingreso, Patrick Reichelt, Bienve Maranon, Marwin Angeles, Kenshiro Daniels, Patrick Deyto, and Stephan Schrock.

Young guns Santiago Rublico, Christian Rontini, Simen Lyngbo, Pocholo Bugas, Oskari Kekkonen and Jefferson Tabinas also got their calls as did Jesse Curran, Mikel Baas, Audie Menzi, Kevin Ray Hansen and Jesus Melliza.

“It’s a good mixture of experienced mainstays for a long time and young well-developing talents brought on by the recent performances of Philippine clubs in AFC competitions,” said Mr. Weiss. “It gives us reason to be optimistic for our first World Cup qualifier matches against Vietnam and Indonesia.”

The Azkals are banking on the supporters to come to Rizal (Memorial Stadium) in droves and respond to the “Stand Your Ground: 10K Strong” campaign of the Philippine Football Federation as they pursue this ambitious World Cup dream.

“A very important factor is the enthusiasm and support of the 12^th man,” said Mr. Weiss. “We hope the fans come in numbers to the stadium, and be part of history.” — Olmin Leyba