House OKs rice law changes

May 21, 2024 | 8:30 pm

NFA-warehouse-worker — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to reinstate the ability of the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice at subsidized prices during emergencies.

The bill will amend the Rice Tariffication Act, which gave private sector traders full control over rice imports and removed the NFA’s regulatory power over the rice sector.

Based on Tuesday’s plenary session, 231 legislators voted for House Bill No. 10381, three said no and one abstained.

“This bill… signifies a crucial milestone in our efforts to enhance the government’s ability to stabilize rice prices during emergencies, such as excessive price increases or acute shortages,” Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, who heads the House agriculture committee on Agriculture, told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

The bill is expected to cut rice prices by much as P15 a kilo. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Pension for elderly approved

May 21, 2024 | 8:29 pm

THE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third reading a bill that seeks to give senior citizens a P1,000-a-month universal pension.

The chamber unanimously passed House Bill (HB) No. 10423 with 232 votes. Almost 4.5 million elderly Filipinos are expected to benefit from the measure.

“This bill is a significant step towards ensuring the health and well-being of not just some, but all of our senior citizens,” Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay said in a statement.

The bill will expand the social pension program to allow all senior citizens to receive a monthly stipend from the government. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Illegal Chinese nabbed at NAIA

May 21, 2024 | 8:29 pm

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese man carrying a fake Mauritius passport and counterfeit documents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

During questioning, the suspect said he paid $200,000 for his fake passport and ID while in Thailand.

The bureau said the suspect had traveled to the Philippines using a Chinese passport. He was now on the country’s blacklist, it added.

“This process is a reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking,” Immigration Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco said in a statement. “Our immigration officers remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of our borders.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

CHR testifies in drug probe

May 21, 2024 | 8:29 pm

police-drug-raid — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE GOVERNMENT of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte promoted a culture of impunity that allowed the brazen killing of suspected drug dealers and users by police, who were shielded from prosecution, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) told congressmen on Tuesday.

“The government has failed in its obligation to respect and protect the human rights of every citizen, in particular victims of drug-related killings,” CHR Chairman Richard P. Palpal-latoc told a House of Representatives hearing.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante, Jr., who chairs the House human rights committee, said the inquiry would assess Philippine human rights laws and if they are consistent with international commitments.

“We must thoroughly investigate whether human rights violations have been committed against civilians,” he told the hearing. “We must assess whether domestic or international human rights laws, instruments and governmental policies have been adequate.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Hearings on DMW chief deferred

May 21, 2024 | 8:28 pm

THE COMMISSION On Appointments (CA) on Tuesday deferred the confirmation of the appointment of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac for lack of time.

At a confirmation hearing, Party-List Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta called for the suspension of the hearing since he still had questions for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) chief on legal assistance given to overseas Filipino workers.

The appointment body will also look at allegations that Mr. Cacdac owns dummy recruitment agencies, which he has denied.

Mr. Cacdac told the body his agency is prioritizing reintegration programs for repatriated migrant workers and in giving them financial and psychological aid. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

LGUs told to flush out POGOs

May 21, 2024 | 8:28 pm

A PHILIPPINE senator on Tuesday urged local government units (LGUs) to flush out illegal businesses and other establishments run by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), which have been linked to criminal syndicates and alleged Chinese espionage.

“POGOs are creating an underground illegal community,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement. “Our mayors should be able to clear out illegal establishments operating in their cities and municipalities.”

Mr. Gatchalian also called on the Department of Interior and Local Government to probe crimes linked to POGOs.

He said mayors have the power to keep track of all businesses operating within their localities. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

DoLE eyes more job fairs

May 21, 2024 | 8:27 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has partnered with Robinsons Malls to hold job fairs nationwide, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

A total of 23 Robinsons malls have been used as venues for the fairs since 2023, it said.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said his agency is open to more collaboration with Robinsons Land Corp. to open up opportunities to young Filipinos. He added that the partnership could be expanded to other DoLE programs.

Job fairs organized by DoLE cater to specific groups and industries, including senior high school students and the semiconductor and tourism industries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Eastern Finals: Shootout between Celtics, Pacers

May 21, 2024 | 8:22 pm

NBA — PACERS GUARD Tyrese Haliburton (left) and Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum. — BRAD PENNER-DAVID BUTLER II/USA TODAY SPORTS/REUTERS

BASED on past performance, it’s unlikely that generating good offense will be a problem for either team when the Indiana Pacers visit the Boston Celtics for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Tuesday night.

Sixth-seeded Indiana led the NBA in scoring during the regular season, when it averaged 123.3 points per game. Top-seeded Boston averaged 120.6 points per contest in the regular season, which ranked No. 2.

The Pacers shot 67.1 percent from the field — an NBA playoff record — when they beat the host New York Knicks 130-109 in Game 7 of the conference semifinals Sunday. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with a 26-point performance.

“I’m just proud of this group,” Indiana’s Myles Turner said. “This is the most special group I’ve been around since I’ve been here. We all play for each other. There’s no ego. When you have guys who can score 15-plus points every single night — seven, eight guys — there can be a lot of ego involved with that, and we were able to nip that in the bud a lot early in the season.

“And obviously having Pascal (Siakam) coming here midway through the season, adding his leadership and everything he’s able to provide for us offensively and defensively has been huge. … We’re not done yet.”

Mr. Haliburton averaged a team-high 20.1 points per game during the regular season, but Mr. Siakam is the team’s leading scorer in the playoffs (21.2). The Pacers have scored at least 140 points 11 times this season.

“I think it’s just the old-school way of thinking that you can’t play this fast in the playoffs, but I think opportunistically you can do it,” Mr. Haliburton said. “I think if we’re able to get stops, of course we can.”

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown do most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end for the Celtics. Through 10 playoff games Mr. Tatum is averaging 24.3 points and 10.4 rebounds. Mr. Brown is averaging 23.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the postseason. “We understand what we can do individually,” Mr. Tatum said. “Each night just kind of presents different challenges and being ready and up for the task to do whatever is needed because both of us are capable on the basketball court to do literally everything.”

Indiana dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round before it eliminated New York. Boston advanced by defeating the Miami Heat in the first round and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference semifinals. Each series went five games.

The Celtics will be without center Kristaps Porzingis, who will reportedly also miss the second game of the series with a calf injury. Mr. Porzingis was injured during Game 4 of Boston’s series against Miami. The Celtics have a 5-1 record in the playoffs when Mr. Porzingis hasn’t played.

“You know that he wants to play,” Boston’s Jrue Holiday said. “You know that he wants to get out there and play with his teammates, but then seeing him out there and seeing him working has been good. And honestly just hope that he recovers fast so that we can get him back out there.”

Boston won three of five meetings against Indiana during the regular season.

“Really excited to get back out there and play,” Mr. Holiday said. “Seems like we’ve been off for a while, so excited to get out there Game 1, kind of get it started.” — Field Level Media

AWV Challenge Cup off the wraps

May 21, 2024 | 8:21 pm

VANIE GANDLER — PREMIER VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Games Today
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
10 a.m. — Singapore vs Kazakhstan
1 p.m. — India vs Iran
4 p.m. — Hong Kong vs Vietnam
7 p.m. — Australia vs Chinese Taipei

VIETNAM opens its title defense as it clashes with Hong Kong in the featured match of a heavy four-game bill ushering in the Asian Women’s Volleyball (AWV) Challenge Cup today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Vietnamese will try to replicate their feat a year ago when they swept all their games to rule the event held in Gresik in East Java, Indonesia as they launch their campaign against the Hong Kong spikers set at 4 p.m.

Opening up hostilities in the eight-day meet is the 10 a.m. showdown between Singapore and Kazakhstan followed by the 1 p.m. duel between India and Iran, which finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in Indonesia last year.

Capping the day will be Australia against Chinese Taipei, who took the bronze last year.

Host Alas Pilipinas, coached by Jorge Souza de Brito of Brazil, will plunge into action tomorrow versus the Aussies at 7 p.m. with hopes of jumpstarting their campaign.

The Filipinas are bracketed in Pool A that includes Chinese Taipei, India and Iran while Pool B is composed of Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The winner of this event will earn a spot to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup that the country will also host from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

As host, Alas Pilipinas has earned a slot in the Women’s Challenger Cup, which will stake seats to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League.

Despite the limited time to prepare, the country has formed the best team as it mixed battle-scarred vets like Jia de Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Cherry Nunag, Dawn Catindig and Dell Palomata with emerging stars Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma Jen Nierva and collegiate stalwarts Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel and Ara Panique. — Joey Villar

San Miguel seeks 3-0 lead versus Rain or Shine

May 21, 2024 | 8:20 pm

Games today
(Dasmariñas Arena)
4:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs San Miguel (SMB leads series, 2-0)
7:30 p.m. — Meralco vs Ginebra (Series tied, 1-1)

SAN Miguel Beer (SMB) is poised to put Rain or Shine (ROS) in a choke hold before its youthful but tenacious opponents find an opening to strike back.

The top-seeded Beermen warded off the Elasto Painters’ challenge at the start of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series, 101-98, then repeated with a dominant 106-89 rout to seize control in the best-of-seven contest.

As they shoot for a commanding 3-0 lead in a road entanglement at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite today, SMB coach Jorge Gallent reminded his powerhouse charges to stay the course.

“As of now, two wins are nothing. We have to get four so there’s nothing to celebrate about,” said Mr. Gallent, reiterating the one-step-at-a-time approach of their grand plans to retain the league’s crown jewel.

“This is our third step. First was the eliminations, second was the quarterfinals. We’re on our third and this isn’t over yet. We need four (wins) to finish this step.”

The Beermen, with PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week June Mar Fajardo as anchor, seek No. 3 in the 4:30 p.m. curtain-raiser after which Meralco and Ginebra break their 1-1 standoff at 7:30 p.m.

The Gin Kings and the Bolts continue what’s tipped to be a slugfest between old playoff rivals out to settle the score.

“We have so much respect for them and I’m sure they have the same respect for us. It’s gut it out, it’s hard (fought). I’m sure the fans enjoy that, we enjoy it, we love that type of atmosphere,” said Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo.

The Gin Kings drew first blood, 92-88, but the Bolts quickly countered, 103-91. “It’s just one game (won). We just made it a (virtual) best-of-five. We know they’re going to come back so we’ve got to be ready,” said Mr. Trillo.

The Bolts spoiled the 41-point explosion of Ginebra workhorse Christian Standhardinger in Game 2. This one-man-army concept is a major talking point for coach Tim Cone after the loss.

“The game plan was obvious, put the ball on Christian’s hands and make them beat us from the line. And he was almost up to the task. He kept his goings, he kept his hands. But they (Meralco) did a good job of shutting everybody else down.” said Mr. Cone.

“We need to get contributions from everybody and we didn’t get that (in Game 2),” he added. — Olmin Leyba

Sam Catantan vows to give best in Paris

May 21, 2024 | 8:19 pm

FILIPINO fencer Sam Catantan’s road to Paris Olympic glory is full of thorns and spikes.

Ms. Catantan said there is a chance she would meet either one of the top two fencers in the world as early as the round-of-32 in women’s foil in Paris for her failure to join international meets and accumulate ranking points due to a left ACL injury last year that sidelined her for eight months.

“I was out the whole year because of the injury and started fencing by the end of February, eight months without fencing, all rehab, physical training and strength and conditioning,” said Ms. Catantan, who sustained the injury during last year’s Phnom Penh Southeast Asian Games, in yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Up to now naka-knee braise pa ako for safety.”

“But like I always say, ibibigay ko best ko and perform at the highest level,” she added.

National team coach Roland Amat said the road for Ms. Catantan starts outside the round-of-32 where she would face the qualifiers who will be ranked outside the top 32 in a knockout format.

If she survives it, she’ll barge straight to the next phase where she would face either World No. 1 Lee Kiefer of the United States or No. 2 Martina Favaretto of Italy.

“Importante nabuksan na pinto. Parang si Hidilyn (Diaz), iyun din susundan namin,” said Mr. Amat.

The tricky part though is that there is a chance Ms. Catantan could run into former national teammate Maxine Esteban, now representing Ivory Coast, in that round.

“First of all, mas gusto namin makalaban ibang country. Si Sam and Maxine matagal na mag teammate, sila naman talaga lagi naglalaban even sa Philippines,” said Amat. “Pero kung magkatapat sila, paghahandaan namin iyun.” — Joey Villar

Gilas women’s team faces acid test in Thailand

May 21, 2024 | 8:18 pm

THE GILAS PILIPINAS Under 18 (U18) women’s team will be tested right away as it faces host Thailand in a must-win opener of the SEABA U18 women’s tournament which kicks off Friday in the province of Ratchaburi.

The 6 p.m. game (Manila time) against the Thais serves as the outright gold medal play as the two other participating teams in Malaysia and Indonesia have already qualified to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division A.

Winner between the Filipinas and the host country will qualify to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B next month in China. The team will be leaving for Thailand today.

“Playing against the host country and against Thailand pa, talagang gulatan iyan. Ang usapan namin lahat hindi namin sila padidikitin. As much as possible, we’ll dictate the tempo of the game from the first quarter until the fourth quarter,” said head coach Julie Amos of Gilas’ all-important game against the Thais on opening day.

Added Gilas Pilipinas women’s team coach Pat Aquino, “I’ve seen some of the names (Thai players), and iyung iba sa kanila played previously sa (women’s) U16. That’s the only thing we’ve known about them. They’ve been very secretive.”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy accompanied Mr. Aquino and Ms. Amos in the weekly PSA Forum yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

together with the entire team led by captain Ava Fajardo.

Other members of the squad are Gabby Ramos, Naomi Panganiban, Alyssa Rodriguez, Jolzyne Impresso, Margaret Villanueva, Aubrey Lapasaran, Sophia Canindo, Ashley Abong, Tiffany Reyes, Venice Quinte, and Margarette Duenas.

“As a team, we’re going to play to the best of our ability, play with our hearts, and hopefully, we can come up with the gold,” said Fajardo, younger sister of national team member Ella Fajardo, in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT, and the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines ArenaPlus.

The team has been practicing twice a day as the tournament approaches, and played tune-up matches against the Gilas women’s national team, Adamson, Far Eastern University, National University, and the boys team of UP Integrated School.

After Thailand, the Pinay cagebelles will play Malaysia on the 25^th and Indonesia on the 26^th.

“We hope they will play well in Thailand. The federation is here to support them with what they need, and we would love for them to come back with the gold medal. But more importantly, I’m excited for them because I know they will come back as better Filipino citizens,” said Dy of the team, which Amos describes as very coachable, has a high basketball IQ, and is very committed.

“In terms of support, we would like to thank our usual supporters Smart, the MVP Foundation, and for this particular tournament, yung office po ni Sen. Pia Cayetano was a big help to the girls.”