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Marcos-Duterte tandem to push nuclear power 

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PHILIPPINE presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio have vowed to push nuclear power if they win this year’s elections. 

The pro-administration tandem issued the statement after President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed an executive order allowing the country to tap nuclear power as an alternative energy source. 

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the tandem said incorporating nuclear power in the country’s energy mix would lower electricity rates and help secure a steady power source. 

“Our vision for the country is to have at least one nuclear power plant so we can finally produce cheap energy and for us to lower our electricity rates,” they said. Mr. Duterte’s order is a “good springboard” for the next administration to pursue its nuclear energy objectives. 

Under the executive order, a Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee will study the use and viability of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and the establishment of other nuclear facilities. 

The $2.2-billion BNPP was completed in 1984 but was mothballed in 1986 after the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, Marcos Jr.’s father. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Almost 140M COVID vaccines injected

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE PHILIPPINES had injected 137.35 million coronavirus vaccines as of March 9, according to the Department of Health (DoH). 

The government had fully vaccinated 63.99 million people, while 62.68 million have received their first dose, based on the agency’s vaccination tracker. About 10.68 million booster shots have been injected. 

Earlier this week, the Philippines took delivery of almost 5.2 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer, Inc. 

The government will have a major vaccination drive on March 10 to 12 as it targets to inoculate 1.8 million people. — K.A.T. Atienza 

Senator warns vs fuel hoarding, profiteering

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

A SENATOR on Wednesday warned against hoarding and overpricing of fuel in the absence of a price ceiling imposition amid skyrocketing prices.

“It is illegal to take advantage of the situation when everyone is practically struggling to recoup whatever losses in savings and income they have incurred in the past two years amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic,” Senate Energy Committee Chair Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement on Monday. 

The senator cited reports of retailers already selling gasoline at P90 to P100 per liter (/L), particularly fuel stations in the provinces. 

Mr. Gatchalian stressed that price manipulation of basic commodities is a violation of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, a crime punishable by at least 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of P5,000 to P2 million. 

For the week March 8-14, pump prices are around P64-83/L for gasoline and P58-68/L for diesel, according to the Energy department. Since the start of the year, gasoline, diesel, and kerosene per liter prices have risen by P13.25, P17.50, and P14.40, respectively. 

Energy Secretary Alfredo G. Cusi in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday said fuel should not cost P100/L for now, but it may reach that level depending on world market price.

“It depends on how much it will go up in the world market. Because the Dubai price now is already at $125 dollars per barrel. But the retail and pump price is already breaching P70,” he said.

Meanwhile, consumer group Laban Konsyumer, Inc. President Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba said “the arms of the law should be visible” especially in times of crisis.

“(Authorities) should catch and prosecute profiteers immediately, including petrol service station that close or stop selling ahead of their usual business hours. Catch also hoarders [and even] the oil company brand owner in the case,” he said in a Viber message.

SUBSIDY
Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo on Wednesday recommended the suspension of taxes on petroleum products commonly used by low-income classes like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene and diesel while partially maintaining tax for gasoline, which is used by those who are more affluent. 

“There is a suspension (of tax) on petroleum products, at the same time, we will also provide a subsidy to those affected by the suspension. So, there is a mix of policy tools,” she said in an interview with DZRH.

Ms. Quimbo also welcomed the administration’s plan to increase the fuel subsidy allocation in this year’s budget to about P6 billion from the approved P2.5 billion. 

“The budget as of now, according to the hearing two days ago, is only P2.5 billion. But that’s only enough for around 377,000 PUV (public utility vehicle) drivers,” she said in Filipino. 

“That will only be enough for buses and jeepneys. I think there are more than four million tricycles. So, public motorcycles are not part of that. The budget is insufficient. But as of yesterday, I think they (executive branch) said they’ll increase it, up to P6 billion.” — Marielle C. Lucenio and Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan

Veteran legislator Drilon says next president needs expertise to handle ‘perfect economic storm’

THE NEXT president will need economic expertise to tackle the country’s ballooning debt, a record-high budget deficit, and high fuel prices, said Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, a veteran legislator who is retiring from politics.

“This is a perfect economic storm that we could face in the second half of this year,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. 

“The next president must have the credibility, political will, and competence to address the economic situations that we are confronted with. It is a very difficult situation.” 

The Philippine government’s outstanding debt has reached P11.7 trillion at end-December, up by a fifth from a year ago, according to the Bureau of the Treasury, breaching the ideal 60% debt-to-gross domestic product ratio. 

The country’s budget deficit has expanded by 22% to P1.67 trillion in 2021 from P1.37 trillion in 2020 as 8.6% of the country’s economic output suffered from the pandemic.

These considerations, Mr. Drilon said, are the reasons why incumbent economic managers are opposing the suspension of excise taxes on fuel products. 

However, he said, they should “take the bull by its horns” as more adverse effects may come should there be a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine. 

The Filipino people should consider these serious economic problems in casting their votes come May 9, said Mr. Drilon. 

‘BUSINESS-FRIENDLY’
On the campaign trail of presidential candidates, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso said Wednesday that if elected, his government will be business-friendly and support the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. 

“As an ally in creating jobs for more Filipinos and in nation-building, I assure you that my administration’s policies will be business friendly and consistent to induce foreign investors and enable sustained growth for the IT-BPM industry,” Mr. Domagoso said in a meeting with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines. 

The standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko also said that he will continue to provide food boxes containing local farm products.

“If I become president, like I said before, the food pack relief under the Food Security Program by the city government will be implemented in the whole country so that the people will be assured,” he said in Filipino in a statement.

Aksyon Demokratiko held a proclamation rally in Tarlac late Tuesday, where Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap endorsed the Manila mayor and his senatorial candidates.

SENIOR CITIZENS
Another presidential bet, Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, Sr. pushed for the speedy passage of a bill that seeks to increase cash incentives for senior citizens, including a P1-million grant for Filipinos who reach the age of 101.

“I hope Senate will have time to either fast-track final reading approval of the bill or simply adopt the House version when session resumes in May,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1270 seeks to amend Section 2 of Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016. The bill has passed first reading. 

The counterpart bill in the House of Representatives, which has been approved on third reading, provides the release of P25,000 to a senior citizen upon reaching the age of 80, 85, 90, and 95. 

Mr. Pacquiao also called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to review applications on the availment of P100,000 cash benefit for centenarians, as mandated by law. 

“I beg the DSWD to ease the assessment of the cases of our centenarians who want to receive government assistance. Many of our grandfathers and grandmothers experience double the suffering because they have no means to buy medicines for their diseases,” he said. 

Philippine Statistics Authority data show there were 12.3 million Filipinos aged 60 years old and above as of May 2020. Senior citizens comprise 11% of the 109 million total Philippine population. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan and Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan

Comelec backs bills amending laws on candidate substitution

PHILIPPINE STAR/ BOY SANTOS

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday expressed support to proposed measures seeking to modify rules on the substitution of candidates, which are currently vague, complicated or geared towards political dynasties. 

“The commission fully supports the passage of said bills. This will effectively improve our electoral system,” Comelec Law Department Head Albert Rodriguez said during a committee hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 2439 and SB 2461, which will amend the Omnibus Election Code.

Mr. Rodriguez, however, noted the need to clarify terminologies used under SB 2439 such as “incapacity” of a candidate.

Under the bill, grounds for substitution include death, incapacity, or disqualification of a candidate. Withdrawal of one’s certificate of candidacy will no longer be included.  

SB 2461, on the other hand, will require that the substitute candidate be a member of the same political party at the time of filing of the certificate of candidacy. Any misrepresentation as to party membership can be a ground for cancellation.

Mr. Rodriguez also noted a problem with a provision that states the substitute candidate’s position can be voided if the original candidate is declared as a nuisance candidate despite the withdrawal. This, he said, cannot be done as the latter is technically no longer a candidate. 

“Election law should not be this complicated so if we are going to amend Section C, we take into account even jurisprudence, and if we disagree with the ruling, we can also change it by clarifying provisions of law,” said Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III during the hearing.

He also argued against the provision that the substitute candidate must be of the same family name as the original candidate. 

“The supposed direction of our election rules and laws should be to strengthen political parties, not families,” Mr. Pimentel said.

“So what if the name of the candidate has been printed on the ballot… The right to substitute belongs not to the family, not to the candidate, but to the political party,” he added.

The responsibility of informing the public about the new candidate should be on the political party, he said.

“This really should be made simpler, because this issue of substitution has become very confusing. While on the other hand, we know that it’s been exploited and abused by too many of us politicians,” said Senator María Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, chair of the Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation committee. 

BUDGET PARTICIPATION
During the same hearing, the committee also discussed SB 24 and House Bill 7407 on the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the preparation and authorization process of the annual national budget. 

“The documents prepared by DBM (Department of Budget and Management)… are mountains upon mountains of paper, and the bill requires that documents prepared by the DBM for submission to Congress should also be provided to all these NGOs (non-government organizations),” said Ms. Marcos, calling the provisions “burdensome.” 

DBM Liaison Office Chief Budget and Management Specialist Mark James S. Evangelista said they also have reservations on the provision mandating all CSOs to send their reports to the DBM. 

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon suggested that NGOs be accredited by topic or subject, and their participation be limited to their area of expertise. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

New Cabinet members, ombudsmen, other appointments announced

TRANSCO.PH

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has appointed his partymate Melvin A. Matibag as acting Cabinet Secretary, according to his office.

Mr. Matibag, secretary general of the PDP-Laban faction chaired by Mr. Duterte, assumed the post vacated by Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, who was recently appointed as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. 

“His experiences and competence will be vital to the remaining three months of the Duterte administration, such as in ensuring that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s policies and programs are efficiently managed,” acting presidential spokesman José Ruperto Martín M. Andanar said in a statement. 

Mr. Matibag previously headed the National Transmission Corporation.

Mr. Duterte also named his adviser Abdullah D. Mama-o as secretary of the newly created Department of Migrant Workers. 

“His experience and qualifications in labor and diplomatic negotiations, among others, as the presidential adviser on OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) concerns will be invaluable to his new position and to our migrant workers,” Mr. Andanar said in a separate statement. 

OMBUDSMAN
Also on Wednesday, the appointment of three new members of the Office of the Ombudsman — for Visayas, Mindanao, and the Military and Other Law Offices (MOLEO) — was announced.  

Jose M. Balmeo, Jr. will replace Cyril E. Ramos as deputy ombudsman for MOLEO, the Supreme Court Public Information Office announced Wednesday.

The appointment paper was dated Aug. 27 of last year but was only marked as received by the High Court on Tuesday.

Mr. Balmeo, previously an assistant ombudsman, will serve a term not exceeding seven years, according to the letter received by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo. 

The MOLEO handles complaints against law enforcement, military, and police agencies.

Dante F. Vargas and Anderson A. Lo are the new deputy ombudsman for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. 

BUCOR
The Palace also confirmed the appointment of Gerald Q. Bantag as Director-General of the Justice department’s Bureau of Corrections. 

“Prior to Mr. Bantag’s recent appointment as Director General of the BUCOR, he was only on secondment from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to the BUCOR,” Mr. Andanar said. “He was previously designated as Director General, but he kept his item/position with the BJMP.” 

“Now Mr. Bantag has been appointed directly as the Director-General of BUCOR, with a tour of duty not exceeding six years,” he added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Gov’t frontline services remain slow — CSC 

THE CIVIL Service Commission (CSC) on Wednesday called on government offices to review and improve their procedures, citing persistent reports of slow service delivery despite a 2018 law on ease of doing business.

Based on reports by the commission’s Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), majority of complaints related to the quality of government frontline services were about “slow service,” which consistently ranked as the topmost concern since 2013. 

CSC Commissioner Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada, in a statement, said agency heads should ensure the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which prescribes processing times.

“We should always remember the 3-7-20 rule. Whether it is during the pandemic or not, our processing times should be in accordance with the law, that’s why we should review our systems and procedures,” Ms. Lizada said in Filipino in a statement.

“The parts which are slow, the parts which are sources of complaints, we should fix all of these. We as part of the government should be the ones to adjust, not the public.”

Under the ease of doing business law, applications or requests should be acted upon within three days for simple transactions, seven days for more complex transactions, and 20 days for highly technical transactions. 

Failure to comply with these prescribed periods can result in six months of suspension from service for the first offense and dismissal from service on the second offense. 

The CCB is a feedback platform where the public can ask for information and help with government frontline processes. It can be accessed through the CSC’s landline, mobile phone, email, Facebook page, and website. — Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan 

PHL gov’t welcomes new domestic worker protection laws in New York

THE PHILIPPINE Consulate General in New York welcomed the passage of two new laws that expand the protection of domestic workers in New York City, which will benefit Filipinos in that sector. 

“The Philippine Consulate General welcomes these positive developments that will improve employment security and enhance work benefits of kababayans (countrymen) employed in the household service industry,” Consul General Elmer G. Cato said in a statement on Tuesday released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The law signed by New York Governor Kathleen Hochul in December legally considers domestic workers as employees under the state’s human rights laws, while the legislation signed by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio in August extends anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. 

Domestic workers, who may or may not live with their employer, are individuals employed at a residence as housekeepers, nannies, home healthcare aides, or other similar positions.

“As domestic workers have historically been laboring in a shadow economy, they become particularly vulnerable to abuse and all kinds of harassment,” Mr. Cato said. “Codifying protections for domestic workers will significantly empower them and hopefully pave the way for more legal measures to improve the lives of domestic workers.” — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Liverpool into Champions League quarters despite loss to Inter Milan

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool stuttered into the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate win over Inter Milan after suffering a 1-0 loss to the Italian side, who was reduced to 10 men, at Anfield on Tuesday.

After a cagey first half, a superb drive into the top corner from Lautaro Martinez in the 62nd minute put Inter ahead on the night.

But just when they looked capable of springing a surprise, the visitors found themselves down a man after Alexis Sanchez was dismissed for a second yellow card after catching Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.

It was a harsh decision against Sanchez, who had won the ball but caught the Brazilian with his follow through and Inter’s bench furiously protested.

The dismissal killed Inter’s momentum with Liverpool never looking in danger of conceding again.

“Lautaro’s goal had hit Liverpool, but Sanchez’s expulsion influenced the last half hour of play,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi ruefully.

“A victory at Anfield it’s nice, but it’s useless for the qualification,” he added.

After their 2-0 loss at the San Siro, Inzaghi’s Inter came to Anfield knowing that they needed to find the perfect balance of defensive security and clinical finishing and they began in confident fashion.

Inter’s shape was compact and their movement clever while Liverpool struggled to get into their normal rhythm, perhaps wary of over-committing.

Still, it was the home side who came nearest to taking a first-half lead with Joel Matip heading against the bar and then Virgil van Dijk heading wide from a Trent Alexander Arnold corner.

Hakan Calhanoglu forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 42nd minute and on the stroke of half time Trent Alexander-Arnold, finding space on the right, flashed a shot just wide. — Reuters

Bayern crushes Salzburg 7-1 with Lewandowski hat trick

MUNICH, Germany — Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski grabbed the earliest hat trick in Champions League history with three goals by the 23rd minute as the Germans steamrollered Salzburg 7-1 on Tuesday to book a place in the quarterfinals with an 8-2 aggregate score.

The 33-year-old Poland striker scored three times in an 11-minute spell as he opened his account with two almost identical penalties in the 12th and 21st before netting on the break two minutes later for his fifth hat trick ever in the competition.

The last-16 tie was all but over by the half-hour mark when Serge Gnabry beat beleaguered Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Koehn with a low shot to make it 4-0 before a Thomas Mueller double and Leroy Sane strike in the second half wrapped up the win.

“This was a statement, an exclamation mark,” said Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer.

Bayern, who has been unpredictable in the Bundesliga this year, have now scored seven or more goals in a Champions League game for a record seventh time.

“We started well and presented ourselves differently from recent weeks. That gives you hope that this will go on. You could see from the start that we had a good attitude,” said Neuer.

The Bayern goalkeeper also set a record with his 104th appearance in the competition, overtaking current German club CEO Oliver Kahn as the Bayern goalkeeper with the most games in the Champions League.

Salzburg had two golden chances early in the game and came agonisingly close to an equalizer in the 15th minute when Neuer, back from a knee injury, pulled off the save of the game to tip Nicolas Seiwald’s missile over the bar.

But even though Salzburg had not conceded more than two goals in a competitive match this season, they could do nothing to stop in-form Lewandowski.

The Pole twice forced defender Maximilian Woeber to fell him for a penalty before beating him again on the rebound for his third goal.

Worse was to come after the break when Mueller turned beautifully in the box to drill in the fifth goal in the 54th.

“The game was of huge importance for us,” Mueller said. “Had we been eliminated today, we would have faced three sad months and people would be rightly questioning things.”

“We had some chances but if you don’t make them count, it’s difficult. It had nothing to do with attitude, focus or the match plan. They simply were better in all aspects — that’s it.” — Reuters

Four players can overtake world no. 1 Jon Rahm at The Players

FIVE different golfers have a chance to sit on the proverbial throne as world No. 1 at the conclusion of The Players Championship this weekend in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland of Norway, Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler are all within striking distance. Or Spaniard Jon Rahm could retain the title for the 42nd week of his career.

When Scheffler moved into fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking following Sunday’s victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it made this the first week in the history of the ranking system that each of the top five players are all younger than 30 years old.

The Players champion earns 80 OWGR points, whereas standard tournaments dole out a much smaller number of points that varies by the strength of field. That big prize creates scenarios where Morikawa, Hovland, Cantlay or Scheffler could overtake Rahm, who’s held onto No. 1 since the 2021 Open Championship.

Morikawa and Hovland became Tour rookies at the same time in 2019 and have not needed much time to make their mark, particularly Morikawa, who has won two majors.

“We just truly believed in ourselves, and that’s the number one thing is that you absolutely have to trust yourself that you can do it,” Morikawa said on Tuesday. “Not just make it to the PGA Tour, not just make it to the top 100, top 50 in the world but to be No. 1.”

It would be a particularly unparalleled rise for Scheffler, who has contended on tour and helped the victorious US Ryder Cup team last fall but finally broke through with his first two PGA Tour wins over his past three starts.

“I wouldn’t say I really pay too much close attention to stuff like that,” Scheffler said. “For me, I’m just really focused on this event and this tournament and kind of getting ready.”

For his part, Rahm said he had no idea so many players were on his tail.

“You should ask if I want to know those things or not,” Rahm joked. “No. No. Even if you’re No. 1, you’ve still got to perform every week. I’m chasing people myself, as well, so no, I don’t feel like I’m being chased.” — Reuters

Djokovic added to Indian Wells draw, unclear he can enter US — tournament organizers

INDIAN Wells organizers said on Tuesday that world number two Novak Djokovic had been placed in the tournament’s draw but it was unclear if the Serbian would be permitted to enter the United States.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner has refused to obtain a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and previously said he was prepared to miss tournaments as a consequence.

“Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team,” Indian Wells organisers wrote on Twitter.

“However, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country.”

The Indian Wells men’s draw on Tuesday showed he had a first-round bye.

The CDC website as of March 3 indicated non-US citizens who are not immigrants must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to travel by air to the United States.

Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open after immigration authorities detained him on Jan. 6, prompting a legal rollercoaster ride over the country’s COVID-19 entry rules that led to the cancellation of his visa later that month.

The California tournament, often referred to as tennis’ “fifth major,” is expected to welcome a full house after it was canceled in 2020 and moved to October last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The women’s first round begins on Wednesday while the men’s starts on Thursday.

With former world number one Roger Federer out of the tournament as he recovers from knee surgery and Djokovic previously presumed absent, Spaniard Rafa Nadal was widely favoured to pick up his fourth Indian Wells title and a men’s record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open after winning the Australian Open in January.

Djokovic most recently competed in Dubai in February, where Czech Jiri Vesely stunned him in the quarterfinals.

The loss meant that he would lose his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his maiden major title in Flushing Meadows in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells.

France loosened COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month, with vaccine passports no longer mandatory as of March 14, opening the door for the 34-year-old to mount a title defense at Roland Garros beginning in May. — Reuters

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