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Philippines has enough onion supply until yearend

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE BUREAU of Plant Industry (BPI) on Wednesday said the Philippines has enough supply of onions until yearend.

 “[The country’s onion supply is] more than ample,” BPI Director Glenn F. Panganiban told the House of Representatives agriculture and food committee at a hearing.

He ruled out any surge in prices until the end of the year. “We aren’t seeing any sudden surge in prices. The prices are stable.”

Data from the bureau showed that as of July 14, the Philippines had 93,950 metric tons (MT) of red onions, enough until Dec. 23. The country had 3,900 MT of yellow onions, which will only last until Aug. 9.

This was following a daily consumption of 579 MT for red onions and 144.75 MT for yellow onions, the bureau said.

Henrick B. Exconde, assistant division chief of the bureau’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division, said the country is importing buffer stock of yellow onions to ensure supply. 

“Our local [stock] is being depleted… so we are importing a two-month buffer of around 8,000 MT to ensure that we have enough supply every month,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the House hearing.

After a series of hearings, the House body in May said a local association had taken control of the whole onion value chain that resulted in prices surging to as much as P700 a kilo last year.

The committee said 68% of yellow onions and 50% of red onions came from importers linked to the group.

Meanwhile, Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas questioned why most of the country’s imported red and yellow onions earlier this year came from China, citing the bureau’s list of issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from February.

“That’s probably why they have the guts to fire their water cannon at us,” Ms. Brosas said, citing the incident in the South China Sea where China’s coast guard blocked and fired a water cannon at Philippine vessels on a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal.

Mr. Exconde said China was the nearest country that could export onions to the Philippines before the prescribed deadline.

“For our January imports for red onions, we set a deadline for arrival and China was the nearest country that could deliver within five to seven days,” he said. “Majority of the [onions] sourced during that time came from China.” — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Globe deactivates 58,000 SIMs linked to fraud

FREEPIK

GLOBE TELECOM, Inc. on Wednesday said it had blacklisted and deactivated 58,234 subscriber identity modules (SIM) in the first half to counter fraud and malicious texts.

This was more than three times higher than the 17,851 SIMs it deactivated a year earlier, the company said in a statement. It added that 53,533 SIMs were blacklisted, while 4,701 SIMs were deactivated.

“As we stride forward into the digital age, our foremost commitment at Globe remains to ensure the safety and security of our valued customers,” Anton Bonifacio, chief information security officer at Globe, said in the statement.

The network operator said stringent measures in deactivating and blacklisting SIMs are supported by its reporting mechanism for customers.

Through its StopSpam portal, Globe users can upload screenshots of unwarranted text messages and fill in necessary details such as the sender’s number or caller ID, the recipient’s number and any suspicious links received.

“These actions are crucial steps towards building a safer, more trustworthy network and preserving the integrity of our communication channels,” Mr. Bonifacio said.

In the first half, the company also intercepted 2.19 billion scam and spam messages, a more than triple increase from 615.01 million messages it blocked last year.

Globe has invested $20 million in its Security Operations Center, which allows 24/7 screening of undesired messages from international and domestic sources.

“These efforts underscore Globe’s commitment to supporting the government’s fight against scammers and fraudsters, in line with the SIM Registration Act,” the company said. 

The law requires all end-users to register their SIMs and present valid identification to telecommunication operators to keep their services active.

By the end of the registration period, the National Telecommunications Commission recorded 113.97 million SIMs that were registered, or 68% of the total.

Globe had the highest SIM registration at 53.73 million, or 62% of its 86.75 million subscribers. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Airport PPP to start in 2024 

THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DoTr) is looking at implementing the first phase of the Laguindingan International Airport public-private partnership (PPP) project starting next year until 2026. 

“We are hoping that we should be able to implement the first phase of this project starting 2024 to 2026, and the second phase will be from 2026 and beyond,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said at a state economic briefing in Davao on Wednesday. 

Last month, the National Economic and Development Authority approved the P12.75-billion unsolicited proposal for the upgrade, expansion, operation and maintenance of Laguindingan International Airport.  

“This will increase the capacity of the airport, which will allow more passengers to pass through the Laguindingan airport to be able to have more tourists and this will really result in a very good experience for our passengers,” Mr. Bautista said. 

The airport will have a capacity of 1.6 million passengers a year, which will increase to 3.9 million by the end of the first phase and to 6.1 million by the end of the second phase. — Justine Irish D. Tabile 

SC annuls Jalosjos election 

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) has annulled Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo M. Jalosjos, Jr.’s election last year, as it ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to proclaim Robert T. Uy instead. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the tribunal said Comelec had abused his discretion after it suspended Mr. Uy’s confirmation as congressman due to an appeal filed by Mr. Jalosjos. 

“The court said the suspension of proclamation of a winning candidate is not a matter which the Comelec can dispose of motu proprio or on its own without a formal request from another party,” it said. 

“In granting the petitions, the Supreme Court held that public policy dictates that candidates receiving the highest votes should be proclaimed without unnecessary delay.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

P2-B water project eyed in Cebu 

TUBIG PILIPINAS Group, Inc., a unit of Pure Energy Holdings Corp., is set to develop a P2-billion bulk water supply project in Cebu after signing a 25-year contract with the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), the company said on Wednesday.  

Tubig Pilipinas would expand the group’s reach in Cebu for underserved communities in the area, said Eric Y. Roxas, co-founder of Pure Energy and president and chief executive officer of Repower Energy Development Corp.  

“The creation of a water treatment plant and bulk supply pipeline also represents an opportunity to create synergies in the area of hydropower inline pipe turbine technology,” he added. 

Repower Energy, an affiliate of Tubig Pilipinas, is the renewable energy arm of Pure Energy. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

BCDA starts bidding for campus 

THE BASES Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has started the bidding process for the second phase of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) campus in New Clark City, Tarlac province.   

In a statement on Wednesday, BCDA said it had issued separate bid bulletins for the project. 

“BCDA is inviting interested companies to participate in the bidding for the construction of the second phase of the National Academy Sport,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said in the statement. 

“We enjoin you to be part of the efforts to build the facilities for our next generation of sports champions.”  

The first procurement, with a P273.74-million approved budget, consists of the development of a 10,000 square-meter area on the design, construction of three more buildings in the campus. 

Interested bidders may submit their bids until Sept. 5. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Upbeat J. Clarkson works with teammates in close-door training

JORDAN CLARKSON — FIBA

THE CLOCK is ticking for the newly-arrived Jordan Clarkson and Gilas Pilipinas to work on their esprit de corps for the FIBA World Cup (WC) campaign that starts in 16 days.

Assistant coach Tim Cone isn’t sweating on such concern, though.

He is banking on coach Chot Reyes’ “chemistry-building” skills and the Fil-Am NBA star’s high IQ and natural openness.

“Coach Chot (Reyes) is really a tremendous chemistry-building coach. He really knows how to build chemistry and he knows how to do it quickly. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen do it,” Mr. Cone said in an interview on News5.

“I’m not too worried about that. Jordan (Clarkson), in the past times he’s been here, he’s been open to coaching and he’s been open with his teammates,” he added.

Mr. Clarkson, who previously suited up in the fourth window of the WC Qualifiers last year, got into town last Tuesday. His arrival was delayed initially by contract negotiations with the Utah Jazz and later by difficulties securing a Chinese visa in time for the pool’s pocket tournament in Guangdong.

The 31-year-old guard visited Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas C Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and President Al Panlilio at their office Tuesday and reiterated his readiness to lead Gilas.

Last night, Mr. Clarkson bucked down to work with his teammates at a closed-door training session.

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year will have the opportunity to warm up in Gilas uniform in tuneup games against Ivory Coast, Montenegro and Mexico before the Nationals hit the Philippine Arena for their Aug. 25 opener against the Dominican Republic.

Aside from the Karl Anthony Towns-headlined Dominicans, Gilas will also duel with Angola and Italy in their Group A slates on home ground.

The goal is to finish as the top Asian team in the tournament to claim a coveted ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. — Olmin Leyba

Marcos doubles the incentives of Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games medalists

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. yesterday showed appreciation to Filipino medalists’ in last May’s Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and last June’s ASEAN Para Games both in Phnom Penh, Cambodia by doubling the incentives they received in Malacañang yesterday.

The Chief Executive announced the good news moments after handing out the P74 million rewards given to all medal winners of both the biennial regional meets.

The simple program was also graced by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chair and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco, Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Paralympic Committee President Mike Barredo.

Interestingly, the country finished fifth in both the SEA Games where the country hauled 58 gold, 86 silver and 116 bronze medals and the ASEAN Para Games where the nation raked in 34 gold, 33 silver and 49 bronzes.

The President said he is proud that the Filipino athletes performed despite the “limited resources” given them.

“Today, we are fortunate to witness the latest of the long list of triumphant heroes in Philippine sports who have become exemplars of sporting prowess who showed the strength of Filipino spirit, grace of Filipino character and the passion of a Filipino heart and that is what comes out with the results with what you have been able to do,” said Mr. Marcos Jr.

Mr. Marcos said he is proud that the Filipino athletes made the country proud despite the “limited resources” given them.

“I always felt a little embarrassed because we’re not supporting our athletes and trainers and all the support group even the families…,” he said.

“It seems that we in government, considering the honor and pride you’re bringing to the Philippines is not commensurate with the great service that you do for our country and people.” — Joey Villar

Cavitex Braves and TNT Triple Giga top seeds in PBA Season 3 First Conference Grand Finals

PBA.PH

CAVITEX and TNT took the Top 2 seeding in the coming PBA 3×3 Season 3 First Conference Grand Finals following their strong performances in the culminating sixth leg of the preliminaries.

The Cavitex Braves took the No. 1 spot with 490 tour points overall despite failing to complete a conference hat-trick and losing to the TNT Triple Giga, 17-21.

The Triple Giga’s latest triumph enabled them to grab second at 390 points, dropping Barangay Ginebra to No. 3 at 378.

Meralco, with 345 points, joined the Leg 4 and 5-winning Braves, the Leg 3 and 6-conquering Triple Giga and the Leg 1 and 2-ruling Gin Kings in the so-called “Magic 4.”

The Top 4 teams at the end of the six stops will gain outright seeding to the quarterfinal round of the conference championship set Sunday at the Ayala Malls Market Market.

The fifth to 10th-ranked squads, meanwhile, will go through group play to contest the four remaining quarters tickets.

San Miguel Beer, which wound up fifth with 298, Wilcon Depot (281), Pioneer Elastoseal (276), Blackwater Smooth Razor (208), NorthPort (188) and Terrafima (176), clinched the other spots.

The Dyip beat Purefoods (174) by a mere two points for the last ticket to the 10-team finale. — Olmin Leyba

Usme leads Colombia to first World Cup quarterfinals

EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

MELBOURNE — A second-half goal by Catalina Usme fired Colombia to a 1-0 win over Jamaica on Tuesday and carried the South Americans to their first Women’s World Cup quarterfinal.

The captain’s 51st-minute strike sent Colombian fans into delirium at a packed Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and ensured the last American team in the tournament will battle England for a place in the last four.

“We are representing the whole continent of South America,” Colombia coach Nelson Abadia told reporters.

“This (result) has a very special meaning. When we qualified for the World Cup the first thing I said to my team was, ‘We’re not just here to spend time, we want to make history’.”

What had been a testy and physical clash up to halftime exploded into life after Ms. Usme’s breakthrough, with both teams attacking furiously in a match-up of two of the tournament’s underdogs.

Jamaica’s ‘Reggae Girlz’ had chances to level the match but bowed out swinging in front of a crowd of 27,706, having reached the knockout phase for the first time in their second World Cup.

Four years after Jamaica were eliminated from their group in France with three heavy defeats, coach Lorne Donaldson was proud of the Caribbeans’ progress.

His players competed while locked in a pay dispute with their national federation, and had resorted to crowd funding in the lead up to help cover costs.

“I feel very happy for the players that they could perform at this level without adequate games to play (before),” he said.

“I just think (Colombia) played a better game. I think technically they were just better than us.

“We made some bad mistakes. I give credit to them, they were ready to play.”

Having not conceded a goal all tournament, Jamaica stifled Colombia early, often leaving their players grimacing on the turf after heavy tackles.

Colombia wunderkind Linda Caicedo was kept quiet on the left flank, and the South Americans’ first decent scoring chance had to wait until a corner in the 38th minute.

It was wasted, though, with Jorelyn Carabali sending a wild volley from the edge of the area sailing over the bar.

Referee Kate Jacewicz lost patience with the Jamaicans’ physicality, handing out two yellow cards in five minutes to defender Chantelle Swaby and midfielder Drew Spence near halftime.

It was Colombia’s new girl Ana Maria Guzman breaking the game open after the break, the 18-year-old full back finding Ms. Usme in space on the right with a long cross.

Ms. Usme showed a deft touch to slip past Jamaica defender Deneisha Blackwood and fire a low, left-foot strike inside the far post.

Jamaica had a golden chance to level three minutes later when Ms. Blackwood’s corner picked out Jody Brown in front of goal but the midfielder’s header pinged off the base of the left post.

Jamaica pushed forward in desperation as regulation time dwindled but target-woman Khadija Shaw was well-handled by the Colombians.

Jamaica’s Drew Spence rose to meet a Tiffany Cameron cross but thumped her header just wide of the left post in the 82nd minute, allowing Colombia to hold firm to the finish. — Reuters

Moonton Games unveils M4 Champion Skin Chou

MOONTON Games, in partnership with M4 World Champions ECHO, has finally unveiled the M4 Champion Skin Chou today! In a splash art released on official channels, Chou was seen donning the team’s iconic jersey and riding the wave with their iconic purple orca.

Specially crafted in collaboration with ECHO, the M4 Champion Skin Chou aims to symbolize the internationally-acclaimed mobile esports team’s strength. Orcas as apex predators represent ECHO as the top contender in the world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports. Orcas hunt in packs, which accurately describes the team’s winning playstyle and strategy.

“We are grateful to MOONTON Games for working closely with us. We enjoyed the process of creating this with them, and the final output definitely represents our vision as a team. We hope our fans, the orcas support us and get their own M4 Champion skin,” said Mitch Liwanag, ECHO Country Manager.

“The skin design is great and extraordinary, it’s really something that we like. Even the ECHO jacket I said I wanted to be included is seen. We had fun designing this skin and we hope our fans like it,” said ECHO superstar roamer Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera.

Chou will be the very first fighter hero to have a customized skin designed by an M World Champion. To give back to the MLBB community, MOONTON Games will launch a series of in-game activities to provide them with discounts when they purchase the skin starting from Aug. 14 to 20, 2023.

The skin officially launches on 21 August 2023. ECHO will go live on their official Facebook page to play MLBB, showcase the skin’s in-game effects, interact with fans, and give away prizes.

Le Sommer scores brace in France’s 4-0 last-16 win over WC debutants Morocco

ADELAIDE — Eugenie Le Sommer netted a brace to lead France to a 4-0 victory over debutants Morocco in their last-16 match at the Women’s World Cup (WC), and into the quarterfinals for the third consecutive time.

Kadidiatou Diani’s fourth goal of the tournament, a header in the 15th minute, sparked an eight-minute three-goal Les Bleues blitz, with Kenza Dali and Ms. Le Sommer also scoring at Hindmarsh Stadium, ending the North African side’s fairytale run.

France next face hosts Australia in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Brisbane.

Morocco became the lowest-ranked team (72) to play in the last 16, bouncing back from a 6-0 rout by Germany to beat South Korea and Colombia. But they were no match for fifth-ranked France who went unbeaten in the group stage, capped by a dramatic 6-3 win over Panama.

Mr. Le Sommer increased her all-time leading goal scoring record for France to 92, while the game marked the first time Les Bleues had scored four goals in a World Cup knockout game.

Ms. Diani, who netted a hat-trick against Panama, was unmarked in the box for an easy header from Sakina Karchaoui’s cross that kicked off the scoring and had Moroccan keeper Khadija Er-Rmichi smacking her fists on the pitch in frustration.

There was more frustration to come. Ms. Dali connected five minutes later when she struck Ms. Diani’s cross, her long shot ricocheting off the inside of the far post and in.

Ms. Le Sommer was able to get a boot on the ball for her first goal in the 23rd minute after Ms. Diani pressured a Moroccan defender.

This World Cup marked the first time three African nations made the last 16 in Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria.. — Reuters

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