Talks to settle dispute with China have ‘zero chance’ — congressman

December 19, 2023 | 8:54 pm

Chinese-ship-20220302-SCREENGRAB FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD VIDEO — PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

THERE is “zero chance” that diplomatic negotiations with China will lead to a peaceful settlement of its maritime dispute with the Philippines, if its vessels continue harassing Filipinos in South China Sea territories within the archipelago’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a Philippine congressman asserted on Tuesday.

“Any diplomatic negotiation has zero chance of reaching a peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute for so long as China keeps its gaslighting ways and insists on its legit claims over maritime zones that clearly belongs to the Philippines,” Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte said in a statement.

Mr. Villafuerte said that Philippine should instead bolster its patrols in its territories in the South China Sea, amid its push to modernize its armed forces.

“The best approach for Manila at this point to better protect our seas is to double down on joint, and possibly multilateral, patrols with the United States and other close country-allies in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Mr. Villafuerte said.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is eyeing a “paradigm shift” in the government’s plan to deal with China amid its vessels’ incursions and swarming of South China Sea features closest to the Philippines, the Presidential Communications Office said.

Citing how Beijing has ignored traditional diplomatic means set forth by the Philippines, Mr. Marcos said the he is now looking to coordinate with international partners and come up with a joint position on what must be done to safeguard the South China Sea from conflicts.

“We have to do something that we have not done before, We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move, as I say, we move the needle the other way,” the President told reporters on Saturday in a briefing on the sidelines of the 50^th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Relations in Tokyo.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said it was the Philippines that is heightening tensions with China in the disputed waterway, adding Manila has not fulfilled its supposed commitment to removing a World War II-era warship intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal 24 years ago.

“The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” Mr. Wenbin said.

Mr. Marcos has said his administration would not ask the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines to be replaced or be recalled since it would not change anything as a new envoy would just echo China’s stance.

The Philippines has filed 130 diplomatic protests against China under his administration, with 63 of them being filed only this year, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel earlier urged the government to go beyond filing diplomatic protests against Chinese incursions in the South China Sea.

She sought “actionable and on-the-ground” steps to stop China’s reclamation and base-building activities in the South China Sea.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said her office, in partnership with Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation (BBIF) and Vivant Foundation, distributed about 1,500 Noche Buena gift packs to fishermen stationed near the South China Sea in Masinloc, Zambales on Sunday.

The senator also turned over solar panels to the Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday following a civilian-led Christmas convoy to the South China Sea.

China has been blocking Philippine resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have worsened after the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons to block Manila’s attempt to deliver food and other supplies to BRP Sierra Madre.

“We have, as I have said, the consensus that we must continue to promote peace, but we have to decide amongst ourselves what part each of us plays and what we can play, what we are willing to play,” said Mr. Marcos.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said multilateral talks could help settle tensions.

“If a more multilateral bloc manages to emerge (ASEAN, the emerging NATO allies participating in Asian waters) in order to counterbalance Chinese aggression, I believe genuine multilateral engagement can happen,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said that the 2024 national budget includes P800 million for the construction of a port for fishermen at the town of Lawak, Palawan, near the Second Thomas Shoal.

He added that P1.5 billion is earmarked for the development and expansion of the Pag-asa Island

“We in Congress are one…in protecting the West Philippine Sea and in calling out China for its aggressive activities there, and its harassment of our Coast Guard, soldiers, fishermen, and civilian vessels,” Mr. Romualdez said in a statement.

“We urge China to accept the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea,” he added. – with a report from John Victor D. Ordonez

Philippines’ bid for 2026 UN Security Council grounded on peace efforts

December 19, 2023 | 8:53 pm

Bonifacio in Monumento-PHL flag — HONOR GUARDS hold the Philippine flag in Caloocan, Nov. 30, 2020. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the 15-member United Nations (UN) Security Council in 2026 rests on the back of the nation’s commitment to global and domestic peace-building, the Filipino ambassador to Vienna said.

Addressing representatives from 14 countries in a Dec. 14 meeting in Vienna, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Vienna Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas said the Philippines’ goal in eyeing membership to the UN Security Council is to building partnerships on sustainable development and bolster UN peacekeeping efforts.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website quoted Ms. Bernas as saying that the Philippines is intent on “finding enduring solutions for overcoming common challenges through dialogue, consensus-building, and collaborative problem-solving.”

The ambassador also said that if given the chance, Manila would take on the role of a “partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker,” in dealing with other member states, noting the country’s history of deploying over 14,000 men and women in UN peacekeeping missions in the last 60 years.

The UN will hold an election for new UNSC members in 2026 in New York. Elected members would serve a term lasting from 2027 to 2028.

The Philippines was previously a Security Council member in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004- 2005.

In September last year at the UN General Assembly, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced that the Philippines is eyeing a nonpermanent seat in the 15-member Security Council, saying the country is qualified due to its peace-building efforts.

No vetoes seen as Marcos inks 2024 budget today — senator

December 19, 2023 | 8:52 pm

Ejercito-Bueno — SENATE DEPUTY Majority Leader Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito tells reporters at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Tuesday that he is confident that the President will not veto any items in the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JESSE BUSTOS

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito said on Tuesday that he does not expect President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to veto items in the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024, which he is set to sign into law today, Dec. 20.

“We are confident that there probably won’t be items that will be vetoed since controversial funds, like the confidential and intelligence funds, were solely allotted to national security agencies,” the senator told a news briefing. “We really did our best… on the part of the Senate; and I would say we don’t have controversial issues regarding the budget.”

Earlier, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri expressed confidence that the President would be signing the government’s spending plan for 2024 on Wednesday.

Congress ratified the Bicameral Conference Committee report on the national budget last Dec. 11, with the education, infrastructure, and defense agencies receiving the biggest funding increases.

Lawmakers had stripped confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) from civilian agencies, with only about P9.5 billion of these funds being realigned to security agencies mandated to use them.

But Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Martin “Koko” D. Pimentel, III had questioned a P450-billion increase in unprogrammed appropriations which lawmakers approved — reason why the total allocation in unprogrammed funds ballooned to P731.4 billion from the P281.9 billion recommended by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

These are funds put on standby in case of additional priority programs when revenue collections exceed the targets.

On Monday, Mr. Pimentel told CNN Philippines that Mr. Marcos should veto the increase, saying he would challenge the legality of the boosted unprogrammed appropriations before the Supreme Court.

“Usually, we will only be able to use it (unprogrammed funds) or utilize it once it is available,” Mr. Ejercito said. “I think it will be allotted to projects or programs that would have more impact, which will be classified as a priority.”

Mr. Ejercito said he would leave it up to the President to veto or take away provisions in the budget. It would also be up to the courts to decide if the increase was legal or not, he added.

Under the Constitution, Congress is barred from increasing appropriations recommended by the President “for the operation of the government as specified in the budget.”

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Senate Finance Committee chairman, had said that the increase was to “carve out fiscal space” in programmed appropriations, or items to fund specific state projects. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

P500B earmarked for cash aid, programs for the poor — Speaker

December 19, 2023 | 8:51 pm

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

CONGRESS has allotted P500 billion worth of financial assistance aimed at benefitting at least 12 million poor Filipino families in 2024, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez revealed on Tuesday.

“We are allocating half-a-trillion pesos, or about nine percent of the national budget, as assistance to the poor and households with insufficient income,” Mr. Romualdez said in a statement ahead of the President’s expected signing of the P5.768-trillion national budget for next year.

Under the total allocation, P60 billion is under the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita (AKAP) program, according to the Speaker. Families entitled to this one-time cash assistance of P5,000 in 2024 are those with a total monthly income of not more than P23,000.

Another P23 billion has been earmarked for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while P30 billion will go to the Labor department’s Tulong Pang-Hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

In addition, Mr. Romualdez said P5 billion will be allocated to provide farmers with free irrigation, seeds, fertilizer, and other farm inputs. Another P5 billion is allocated for buying of farmers’ produce.

“By providing much-needed capital and buying their harvest, we will not only create jobs and assure the income of our farmers — we can ensure supply of affordable and high-quality local rice,” he said.

Also, Congress set aside P80 billion for the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to build more dams, water reservoirs, and solar irrigation systems.

In health assistance, Mr. Romualdez said P1 billion is earmarked for the expansion of the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. A separate P1 billion is allocated for the Philippine Cancer Center, while P1.5 billion will be given to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

The Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Bicol Regional Medical Center will each receive P1 billion, while P500 million will go to the Batangas Regional Medical Center.

Tolentino to relinquish ‘Blue Ribbon’ post

December 19, 2023 | 8:51 pm

SENATOR Francis N. Tolentino confirmed on Tuesday his intent to step down as the head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which looks into cases of corruption among government officials.

“In fulfillment of a sacred commitment to serve as Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman and Member of the Commission on Appointments for a concise term of one and a half years, I find it both a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement,” the senator told a news briefing.

He said the move was in line with a vow he made to only serve as the committee chief for a fixed term.

Mr. Tolentino said that he intends to focus on his duties as the head of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The senator’s resignation as Blue Ribbon chief will be finalized in a plenary session when Congress resumes in January.

Under his chairmanship, the committee was able to file measures proposing to amend the government procurement law, the Office of the Solicitor General’s participation in contract negotiations, and a proposal to abolish the procurement service unit of the Department of Budget and Management, he noted. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Red tide remains in 10 areas

December 19, 2023 | 8:50 pm

THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported on Tuesday that due to toxic red tide, the harvesting of shellfish in 10 coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao remains banned.

The BFAR’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 29 enumerated the red tide areas as: Sapian Bay and the coastal waters of Pontevedra and Roxas City in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci in Batan, Aklan; the Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo; the coastal area of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; the coastal waters of San Benito, Surigao del Norte.

The bureau said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. (alamang) gathered from the said areas are not safe for human consumption. However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that these are washed and gutted before cooking.

Red tide occurs as a result of high concentrations of algae in the water. Human consumption of contaminated shellfish may result in paralytic shellfish poisoning, which affects the nervous system. — Adrian H. Halili

2 SMNI programs suspended

December 19, 2023 | 8:50 pm

THE MOVIE and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued on Tuesday a 14-day preventive suspension order for two Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) programs following the probe of their alleged broadcast violations.

MTRCB said the two programs Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa and Laban Kasama ang Bayan are under preventive suspension effective Dec. 18. During the 2-week suspension, the Board said it is expecting SMNI to address and rectify their alleged breach of broadcasting rules.

Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa faced suspension due to alleged death threats and the use of profane language by guests in two episodes aired in October and November.

On the other hand, Laban Kasama ang Bayan is being penalized over unverified claims by its hosts, Jeffrey L. Celiz and Lorraine Marie T. Badoy-Partosa, that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez spent P1.8 billion on travel expenses.

In Gikan sa Masa’s Oct. 10 episode, former president Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was a guest on the program, reportedly mentioned a threat against the life of Partylist Rep. France L. Castro. The lawmaker has filed a case against Mr. Duterte.

In a statement, Ms. Castro said: “Hopefully this marks the start of SMNI and the people behind it being made accountable. The authorities should look into the pattern and consistent red-tagging, terrorist-labeling for longer and more decisive measures.”

“This suspension is long overdue but at last now something has been done to curtail the constant red-tagging, spreading of disinformation, and threatening of individuals using these two shows as well as the network,” she added.

MTRCB said it unanimously decided to suspend Laban Kasama ang Bayan, while the majority voted for a suspension on Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa in its Dec. 13 Board meeting. — Jomel R. Paguian

SC junks Napoles’ PDAF petitions

December 19, 2023 | 8:50 pm

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) has upheld the Office of the Ombudsman’s determination of probable cause against Janet Lim Napoles, denying her petitions over charges related to the laundering of a P16-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of the late Davao del Sur Rep. Douglas R. Cagas in 2007.

The SC’s Second Division ruling on Dec. 7, but made public only recently, affirmed the Ombudsman’s findings that confirmed probable cause in Ms. Napoles’ participation in the PDAF scam.

In a statement on Tuesday, the SC said the petitions filed by Ms. Napoles and involved officers of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) were deemed moot due to the Sandiganbayan’s finding of probable cause and issuance of arrest warrants.

The High Court affirmed that even if not moot, the Ombudsman did not commit grave abuse of discretion as its “executive determination of probable cause is a highly factual matter which the Court cannot ordinarily review.”

“It is only when there is a clear showing of grave abuse of discretion in the Ombudsman’s conduct of preliminary investigation ‘amounting to a virtual refusal to perform a duty under the law’ that the Court decides to exercise its power of judicial review,” read part of the ruling penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen.

The High Tribunal clarified that the Ombudsman’s assessment of probable cause does not pass judgment on the guilt or innocence of Ms. Napoles and other accused.

The Ombudsman filed charges against Ms. Napoles and DBM officials regarding the 2007 PDAF of Mr. Cagas which were reportedly diverted through non-government organizations (NGOs) Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc., eventually reaching the Technology Resource Center, the implementing agency for ghost projects.

The Ombudsman found evidence of a pork barrel scheme orchestrated by legislators, government agencies, and NGOs under Ms. Napoles’ control as cited in the Commission on Audit (CoA) 2012 report, exposing the failure of implementing agencies to execute the PDAF projects. — Jomel R. Paguian

Halal food standards sought

December 19, 2023 | 8:49 pm

COTABATO CITY — An official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament and 26 others have filed a bill aiming to set comprehensive regional halal food standards in all provinces and cities in the autonomous region.

Romeo K. Sema, principal author Bill 268, the proposed Bangsamoro Halal Consumers Act, said the measure seeks to protect Muslims from non-permissible food and merchandise.

Halal, meaning permissible in Arabic, follows Islamic norms for food selection, preparation, and livestock slaughter. The measure would address issues such as misleading labeling and sets high-quality standards for agricultural products and slaughterhouses.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Public Information, Publication and Media Relations Division (PIPMRD) also underscored the “scientific wisdom” and health benefits of enforcing halal standards.

Mr. Sema clarified that the bill does not impose restrictions on non-Muslim food consumption but safeguards Muslims’ rights to permissible goods.

The legislation also proposes a strict halal certification procedure for business establishments, eateries, and food producers.

Notably, nine senior Christian members of the Bangsamoro Business Council support the bill, anticipating enhanced trade relations with Muslim consumers. — John Felix M. Unson

Customs seizes P30-M luxury cars

December 19, 2023 | 8:49 pm

A TOTAL P30 million worth of smuggled luxury vehicles allegedly misdeclared as used truck replacement parts were seized by customs officers at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental, authorities reported on Tuesday.

“The shipment, arriving from Korea on Dec. 12, 2023, consigned to M. Aguila Car Trading, declared 1,045 pieces of truck replacement parts but was found to contain two units of Porsche with an estimated value of P30 million,” the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said in a statement.

In a separate press release, the BoC also said it seized P17 million worth of illicit cigarettes from Sultan Kudarat province, also in Mindanao.

“This operation led to the apprehension of 454 master cases containing 22,700 reams of assorted brands of cigarettes,” it said. “The motorized banca used to transport the smuggled cigarettes was likewise seized during the operation,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Dam water deemed sufficient until May or June

December 19, 2023 | 8:25 pm

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expects the water supply at Angat Dam and other reservoirs to be sufficient until May or June.

“From our calculations the amount of water that we have from Angat and from sources would be good for all our supply until around May or June of 2024,” Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David said at a briefing late Monday.

Angat Dam supplies about 90% of Metro Manila’s potable water. On Friday, the dam filled to its maximum level, triggering the opening of its spill gates.

“Angat… is fairly full. We’re trying to keep it that way so that once we enter 2024, it’s at maximum volume,” Mr. David added.

He said that if the El Niño phenomenon intensifies or extends beyond June, “then it will be a major problem for Metro Manila; that’s why conservation is important.”

The government weather service, known as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), has forecast an El Niño lasting until the second quarter with about 65 provinces facing “severe” drought and six provinces potentially experiencing dry spells during the period.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., last week, ordered the restructuring of the El Niño task force which has been assigned to create programs to mitigate the impact of El Niño, with the DENR placed in charge of water resources.

“Conservation will be an important strategy in the first and second quarter of 2024,” he added.

Mr. David said that if El Niño intensifies next year, then the Metro Manila water crisis might be as bad as 2019’s.

“We should be better in terms of forecasting, better in terms of managing our resources,” he added.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said water concessionaires Manila Water Co., Inc. (Manila Water) and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) have been seeking to tap more sources of water.

“Companies in Metro Manila… have really stepped-up efforts in terms of what they are able to provide by way of clean and accessible potable water,” Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga added.

Asked to comment, both Manila Water and Maynilad said that they have implemented programs to ensure sufficient water for the capital region.

“With these projects and the support of the public in the advocacy on responsible use of water, we hope that we will be able to weather the challenges of El Niño next year to continue to provide 24/7 supply to our customers in the East Zone and reduce the dependency on Angat,” Manila Water Corporate Communications Affairs Group Director Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla, Jr. said in a Viber message.

Maynilad Corporate Communications Head Jennifer C. Rufo said in a Viber message that the company has carried out a supply augmentation program which includes the tapping of alternate sources and the minimization of water losses.

“The effort to increase stored water in Angat Dam before the year ends is also an added measure being pursued by (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System) with support from (National Water Resources Board),” Ms. Rufo added.

The DENR has offered 135 water projects for private sector investment to raise the supply of potable water. — Adrian H. Halili

Luzon planters join call for gov’t action on sugar farmgate, retail price disparity

December 19, 2023 | 8:25 pm

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

LUZON sugar planters have weighed in with their own appeal for government intervention to narrow the gap between sugar farmgate and retail prices.

The Luzon Federation of Sugar Producers, Inc. said on Tuesday that high retail prices coupled with the low prices obtained by farmers for their harvest “gives rise to concern (about) our farmers’ ability to sustain themselves in this perilous time and their capacity to maintain their farm’s productivity in the coming crop year.”

The remarks were made by LUZONFED President Cornelio V. Toreja in a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Mr. Toreja said the market prices for raw and refined sugar remains unaffected by the decline in farmgate prices.

“We urge the government to take a direct hand in ensuring that our farmers get fair, reasonable and sustainable returns on their hard work and provide enough incentives to continue sugar production in the interest of food security,” he added.

He said government intervention should be “considered seriously” to keep farming viable during the current crop year.

Earlier, the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines urged the government to intervene due to the continued decline of raw sugar prices compared to retail prices, according to its President Manuel R. Lamata.

Mr. Lamata added that sugar prices have declined to P2,300-P2,500 per 50-kilogram bag, which is below production cost levels.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) had projected that trading prices for raw sugar would stay at P3,000 per 50 kilo bag.

Separately, planters from the Sugar Council also urged the government to adopt measures to arrest the drop in sugar farmgate prices and “bring retail prices to more reasonable levels.”

It added that traders have been preferring to withdraw imported sugar from warehouses rather than deal in domestically refined sugar.

According to the SRA, out of the 209,408 metric tons (MT) of sugar withdrawn from stocks, 32% (66,608 MT) consisted of domestically refined sugar and 68% (142,800 MT) imported.

“When there is weak demand for local refined sugar brought about by the abundance of cheaper imported sugar… it leads to weakened demand for raw sugar, which ultimately results in low sugar prices (obtained by farmers),” the group said.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona has said that the regulator is seeking to impose a suggested retail price for refined sugar of P85 per kilo.

The council is composed of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations, Inc., the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, Inc., and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, Inc.