DepEd to hire 5,000 non-teachers

August 30, 2023 | 8:08 pm

A TOTAL of 5,000 non-teaching positions in the Department of Education (DepEd) has been approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in a bid to “relieve teachers of administrative tasks.”

Approved were 3,500 Administrative Officer (AO) II positions and 1,500 Project Development Officer (PDO) I positions that are entitled to a basic monthly salary of P27,000.

The PDOs will complement the AO II and other non-teaching personnel in “facilitating the implementation of various programs, projects, and activities” in schools.

“The appropriate funding requirements for the filled positions out of said created positions shall be charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) in the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the Retirement and Life Insurance Premium is chargeable against Automatic Appropriations,” the DBM statement said. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Senate: Halt new travel rules

August 30, 2023 | 8:07 pm

SENATORS approved on Wednesday a resolution urging the country’s task force against human trafficking to suspend its implementation of the revised guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad, citing privacy concerns.

“We have to find better, more efficient immigration strategies going forward — strategies that protect our people, but don’t curtail their constitutional right to travel,” Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said in a privilege speech.

Last week, the task force released new guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad, requiring a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure, a valid visa, a boarding pass and a confirmed return ticket. Also, tourists must show proof of employment and financial capacity, while sponsored travels should be backed by affidavits of support.

Earlier, Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares said authorities should revisit the guidelines, particularly on examining a traveler’s financial capacity, which could violate one’s right to travel and privacy. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Moro slay sparks rido fears

August 30, 2023 | 8:07 pm

COTABATO CITY — Fears of a new rido or clan war surfaced following Tuesday’s murder of an aspiring barangay chairman in Malingao, a village under the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area (SGA) in Midsayap town.

Police and military officials told BusinessWorld on Wednesday that solving the fatal shooting of Haron S. Dimalanis will not be easy since the area might be located in Region 12, but is under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). They have received reports that there are families in Barangay Malingao against his candidacy.

Authorities, worried that Mr. Dimalanis’ killing would set off a series of violent attacks, urged relatives of the aspiring Moro leader to help put closure to his death and avoid a bloody clan war.
In another development still in Midsayap, another aspiring barangay chairman, along with his three companions, was arrested by police for alleged illegal possession of firearms. The guns found in their vehicle on Tuesday night were in violation of the election gun ban. — John Felix M. Unson

Bill bears down on money mules

August 30, 2023 | 8:07 pm

A BILL seeking to impose tougher punishment on people who act as money mules in fraudulent financial schemes has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian on Aug. 23 filed Senate Bill No. 2407, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, which imposes a six-year jail term and fines of up to P500,000 on money mules.

Money mules refer to persons who obtain, receive or transfer money derived from crimes and other illegal activities, including cyber-crimes that take advantage of the unemployed.

“For the past three years, the unsuspecting public lost millions of their hard-earned money to these cyber-criminals,” Mr. Gatchalian said. The Bankers Association of the Philippines said unauthorized withdrawals and transfers reached more than P1 billion in 2021 due to higher cyber-crime incidents and digital transactions amid a coronavirus pandemic. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

House to probe road rage

August 30, 2023 | 8:06 pm

House of Representatives-congress — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

CONGRESS is launching separate probes into recent gun-toting incidents on the road involving people in government service as the aggressors, aiming to arrest what seems to be a growing culture of impunity.

In the lower chamber, House Resolution No. 1231 was filed by party-list Representatives Bonifacio L. Bosita and Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez, citing the gun-toting of a cyclist in Quezon City by a former police officer now reported to be employed in government.

“It is important to keep the roads, specifically riders and cyclists safe from these abuses,” the congressmen said, noting that they will also look into the gun-toting of a motorcycle rider by a government prosecutor that happened earlier.

In the Senate, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Senator Pia S. Cayetano filed Senate Resolution No. 763 last Tuesday to investigate the incident in Quezon City, which they called “a serious case involving public order and safety.”

On Wednesday, Police Brigader Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III resigned as Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director to give way to any further investigation of the incident after he drew criticism for the way police handled the incident involving a former fellow QCPD member who is now facing an alarm and scandal charge. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Audit all water agencies — analyst

August 30, 2023 | 8:06 pm

JOINT panels of the House of Representatives approved on Wednesday a measure seeking to create a Department of Water Resources.

Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda, who headed the technical working group that fine-tuned the bill, said the measure “unifies policy-making, planning, and management for water and septage under a single department called the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The DWR Secretary is given functions of presidential adviser on all water-related issues.”

“The measure also unifies regulatory, rate-setting, and licensing functions under the Water Regulatory Commission, a quasi-judicial body similar to the ERC; It also fills in policy gaps including water regulation in provincial areas,” he added.

The measure was approved by the House committees on government reorganization and on public works and highways.

Earlier, InfraWatch PH convenor Terry L. Ridon urged Congress to conduct an audit performance of existing water agencies to assess how they work to achieve water security and ensure there are now overlapping functions as legislators shape the proposed DMW.

“As the deliberations on creating a novel water department begin, it becomes incumbent upon legislators to pause and conduct a comprehensive performance assessment of the existing water agencies,” said the public investment analyst.

“Some proponents tout the creation of DWR as a catch-all solution to the water crisis. However, its potential to safeguard consumer interests, achieve cost-effectiveness, and elevate service standards, especially in water districts entangled in private joint ventures, should be grounded on how existing water agencies are now functioning,” said Mr. Ridon. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz and Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Japan backs key infra projects

August 30, 2023 | 8:05 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is in discussions with the Japanese government for several key infrastructure projects in the Philippines covered by the Official Development Assistance (ODA).

“Both the Philippine and Japanese governments are prompted to deliver on commitments and are encouraged to think of more innovative measures to improve cooperation and facilitate project implementation,” DPWH said in a statement released on Wednesday.

In a recent high-level meeting between the parties, the DPWH said among the feasibility studies assessed were for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road and Central Mindanao Highway Construction Project; the 2nd San Juanico Bridge Construction Project; the EDSA Transport Road Network Rehabilitation Project; the Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project; and the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, all of which are flagship infrastructure projects. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

LGU income classes set

August 30, 2023 | 8:05 pm

HOUSE lawmakers on Wednesday ratified a bicameral conference committee report on the priority measure institutionalizing the income classification of local government units (LGUs).

Congressmen voted through voice voting at the plenary to ratify the bicameral report that reconciled Senate Bill 2165 and House Bill No. 7006, a priority measure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The bicameral committee adopted the Senate version as the working draft during discussions. The Senate ratified the bicameral report on Tuesday.

Under the proposed law, provinces, cities and municipalities will each be classified into six classes according to their income. The reconciled version of the measure also adjusted income thresholds for provinces.

Second-class provinces are those with a yearly income of between P900 million and P1.5 billion. For third-class provinces, the range is between P700 million and less than P900 million, while for fourth-class provinces, between P500 million and P700 million. Fifth-class provinces are those with less than P500 million annual income.

The classification would help in the identification aids, grants and other forms of assistance to the LGU; determine the financial capability of LGUs to undertake developmental programs and priority projects, as well as compensation to LGU personnel pursuant to the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, among others. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Gilas PHL braces for classification phase for number 17^th-32^nd place

August 30, 2023 | 7:03 pm

LOOKING at the losing margins against Italy in the 2019 faceoff and the most recent duel, one may say Gilas Pilipinas handled the “Italian job” better this time.

For Kiefer Ravena, who was both there in the Nationals’ 62-108 beating four years ago in China and in Friday’s fighting 83-90 loss at home, there’s hardly any difference.

“(It’s) still a loss,” Mr. Ravena said after the match against the world No. 10, where they even held the lead in the early stages and threatened in the endgame after bravely clawing back from 18 down.

“I don’t know if it’s redemption or nakabawi, or something like that. But I’m not that type of player who would consider something like that as an improvement,” he stressed.

The setback left the Filipinos winless in the three-game Group A hostilities at home, missing their small window of opportunity to crash the second round.

But the fight’s not over for Gilas with the classification phase still up ahead, offering fresh chances to post that elusive W in front of loyal supporters.

“You all know how competitive I am,” said Mr. Ravena, anticipating the clash with the two eliminated squads from Group B in the battles for 17^th to 32^nd places. — Olmin Leyba

Walter Sam, Jr. and Mary Fe Bagawisan rule PHL Army’s arnis anyo non-traditional event

August 30, 2023 | 7:03 pm

ROTC-PR-PHOTO---Walter-Sam-Jr._GOLD---Men-Single-Weapon-Non-Traditional — WALTER SAM JR. of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

1 of 2

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Walter Sam, Jr. of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology and Mary Fe Bagawisan of Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Dipolog garnered similar 8.833 total points to rule Philippine Army’s arnis anyo (form) single weapon non-traditional event yesterday in the 2023 ROTC Games Mindanao Leg at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Gym here.

Mr. Sam Jr., a second year BS Physical Education and veteran WEKAF campaigner, gained the nod of all five judges to win the gold and relegated Francisco Carballo of Initao College in Misamis Oriental to the silver medal with 8.767 points. Kent Declaro Lagoy of JH Cerilles College in Zamboanga del Sur was third with 8.700 points.

“It is my desire to become a member of the national team. If given the chance, I’ll do my best,” said the 20-year-old Ms. Bagawisan, a silver medalist in the WEKAF world championship held in Cebu City last year.

The 20-year-old Ms. Bagawisan displayed enough precision to convince the five judges for the top reward. Ivy Jane Hernandez also of Initao College, Misamis Oriental, settled for the silver with 8.733 points and Maricel Campos of JRMSU was third with 8.633.

“I really wanted to become a policeman investigator. That’s really my ambition. But if given the opportunity to be a member of the national team, I will be thankful for it,” said Ms. Bagawisan, a second year BS Criminology student.

Clarence Ronolo of WMSU was the only entry for the Air Force, thus he will still advance in the men’s arnis anyo single weapon non-traditional event in the forthcoming national finals tentatively set in October in Manila and Pasig City.

Teammates Sara Graciano and Chely Canibog, both of WMSU claimed the gold and silver medals in the Air Force’ women’s contest. They were the only duo who participated in the anyo non-traditional event.

Jade Flores of Davao del Norte College in Panabo, Daval del Norte and Elijah Yuan Sanchez of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology were also the lone participants in the Navy’s men’s anyo non-traditional event.

Ms. Flores took the gold and the silver medal for Ms. Sanchez as both will still see action in the national finals. Alexandra Secang of Davao del Norte State College-Panabo was the only entry in the Navy’s women’s anyo non-traditional event, giving her the opportunity to see action in the finals in Manila.

Exciting actions will continue today with the staging of boxing’s finals event at the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University gym while other finals events in arnis will continue at the WMSU court and basketball 3×3 on Saturday before the closing ceremonies at the Southern City Colleges West.

Italian mentor Pozzecco was left searching for boxing legend Pacquiao

August 30, 2023 | 7:03 pm

MEETING his idol Manny Pacquiao will have to wait a little longer for Italy mentor Gianmarco Pozzecco.

The animated Azzurri mentor was left searching for the Filipino boxing legend anew as the Italians carved out a 90-83 win to eliminate the home team Gilas Pilipinas and book its ticket to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“Where is Pacquiao? Why didn’t he come? Is he afraid?” Mr. Pozzecco chuckled to open the press conference on Tuesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

It wasn’t the first time Mr. Pozzecco looked for the only eight-division world boxing champion.

Upon Italy’s arrival in the Philippines last week, the Italian coach asked for Mr. Pacquiao right away as he shared being one of the Filipino fighter’s biggest fans in Italy.

And as Italy drubbed Angola, 81-67, in its opening match last weekend, Mr. Pozzecco was once again in search for the Pambansang Kamao.

Most people were actually expecting Messrs. Pozzecco and Pacquiao to meet at last in the Gilas-Italy game but to no avail, Mr. Pacman wasn’t in attendance as host stumbled out of World Cup contention.

“Tell him, I’ll go to his house,” joked Mr. Pozzecco.

Dominican Republic’s NBA center Karl-Anthony Towns beat him to the draw by paying a visit to Mr. Pacquiao’s Makati mansion earlier this week and so, Mr. Pozzecco’s waiting game for his turn continues.

Good thing for him, Italy will stay in the country in an extended time with a stint in the second round of the prestigious 32-team World Cup — leaving a glimmer of hope for his much-coveted encounter with Mr. Pacquiao. — John Bryan Ulanday

Alcaraz gets easy start to US Open title defense

August 30, 2023 | 7:03 pm

NEW YORK — Carlos Alcaraz has surrendered the number one world ranking but got his US Open title defense off to an easy start as injured German Dominik Koepfer retired against the 20-year-old top seed on Tuesday.

The season’s final Grand Slam began on Monday with a change at the top after Novak Djokovic demolished Frenchman Alexandre Muller to ease into the second round — a result that meant the Serb will replace Mr. Alcaraz as world number one when the rankings are updated on Sept. 11.

But Mr. Alcaraz will have the number one attached to his name for the duration of the Flushing Meadows fortnight and advanced to the second round after Mr. Koepfer twisted his ankle minutes into the match and later retired with the Spaniard up 6-2 3-2.

Mr. Alcaraz, bidding to become the first man to retain his US Open crown since Roger Federer won five straight from 2004 to 2008, appeared unsteady at times on the North American hardcourts ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam but kept his composure on Tuesday with few errors.

“I’m not thinking about defending the title. I was not thinking about I was the champion last year,” he told reporters.

“I just focus on play my best level, to recover the level that I played last year, try to do same things that I did last year. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking right now.”

With Mr. Alcaraz and Mr. Djokovic hogging the spotlight, Daniil Medvedev had been the forgotten man but the third seeded Russian remains a threat to claim his second US Open title in three years.

He got everyone’s attention when he dispatched Hungarian Attila Balazs 6-1 6-1 6-0 in a speedy affair to kick off the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium, firing off 41 winners to set up a second round meeting with Australian Christopher O’Connell.

Andy Murray, the 2012 US Open champion, recorded a landmark 200^th Grand Slam match win as he turned back the clock to beat young Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-2 7-5 6-3.

The 36-year-old Scotsman said he was playing some of the best tennis on a consistent level since 2017. He faces Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the second round.

Italian sixth seed Jannik Sinner handily beat German Yannick Hanfmann 6-3 6-1 6-1 and will play compatriot Lorenzo Sonego next.

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka sent off Belgian Maryna Zanevska 6-3 6-2, closing out the action on Louis Armstrong Stadium with 27 winners to set up a meeting with Britain’s Jodie Burrage.

“I think she played an unbelievable match — she fought until the end,” the Australian Open champion said in on-court remarks. “I think I’m most pleased with my focus… Hopefully I’ll do better with every game.”

American Jessica Pegula took her place in the US charge into the second round as she fired off eight aces to swat aside Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-2.

The third seed has taken a backseat to compatriot Coco Gauff in the headlines, as local fans hope to see an American hoist the trophy for the first time since 2017, but said she has no problem ceding the spotlight.

“Coco can take it, that pressure, not me,” said Pegula, who will play Romanian Patricia Maria Tig next. “It’s nice that there is a lot of us that are doing well and that have chances to go deep here.”

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams came up short of her goal to make it past the opening round for the first time since 2019, losing 6-1 6-1 to Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in her 100th US Open match. — Reuters