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No response from Philippines as Kyiv reaches out to talk about Russian war

REUTERS

UKRAINE had been seeking to arrange a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to discuss the war against Russia.

The European country, which Russia invaded in February 2022, had been seeking the call since Mr. Marcos took office in June, Denys Mykhailiuk, counsellor of the Ukraine Embassy in Malaysia, told reporters on Wednesday via Zoom. “We haven’t gotten a reply from the presidential office yet.”

The embassy first contacted the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on June 1 and it had followed up twice a month since then, he added.

“We do understand that the priority for the Philippine government is to contact neighboring countries, and we’ve seen the very fruitful visit to China,” Mr. Mykhailiuk said. But a dialogue between the two leaders would help boost ties, he added.

DFA did not immediately reply to a WhatsApp message seeking comment.

The envoy said government officials might have been busy with local administration and in trying to connect with China and the United States.

“We quite understand that, but since all contacts have already been made, we expect that the position of the president about our situation, about our war is already settled,” he said. “We hope that anytime soon, they’ll be ready to have a phone call with the president.”

The counsellor thinks the Philippines could support Ukraine in many areas. “We are also running out of our military arsenal and we would be thankful for any ammunition or any military help in this respect,” he said.

“We do understand that the Philippines is quite far from the battlefield,” the envoy said. “But any help with medical equipment and sanitary goods needed for the displaced would be great.”

He also said Ukraine is a good investment destination for Filipino companies, particularly in agriculture and energy.

Mr. Mykhailiuk said Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Marcos could also talk about Ukraine’s peace formula, which the Ukrainian leader had first pitched at the G20 Bali Summit in November as part of a plan to restore peace.

Of the 10 points under the peace plan, Mr. Mykhailiuk said the Philippines might be interested in radiation and nuclear safety, food security, the implementation of United Nations (UN) charter and restoration of justice.

The counselor said the UN General Assembly resolution would have been out by Feb. 23. A conference will be held to present the peace plan to choose countries that will support the agenda.

During his presidential campaign, Mr. Marcos said there was no need to stand in the war between Russia and Ukraine. After becoming president, he said the war between them was unacceptable.

Ukraine is seeking to end its war with Russia next year, Mr. Mykhailiuk said. “According to the general estimates, we’ll be ready to regain control of our territory by the middle of next year,” he added, citing Russia’s supposed dying military strength.

“As of now, Russia has lost 110,000 people, so they have lost a significant quantity of modern warfare,” he said. “They have lost 4,000 modern tanks.”

“What they are using now… are deposits from the Soviet arsenal which were made in the ‘60s. Their only resource… is their manpower. These people are coming to Ukraine to die.”

Moscow has ended a self-declared cease-fire in observance of Russia and Ukraine’s Orthodox Christmas, vowing to continue the war until it wins it. Ukraine and its allies had rejected the truce, saying it was pitched to buy time to bring equipment and ammunition while mobilizing military. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

More senior cops from Visayas heed DILG call to resign

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

TWO generals and 19 colonels from the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas have quit their jobs after a call to cleanse their ranks of “a deep infection” of the illegal drug trade, according to a police director.

Police Regional Office 8 Director Rommel Francisco Marbil told the ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday those who heeded the quit call would probably keep the trust of their people.

“We are glad about what is happening now since everybody is policing our ranks, including our chiefs,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. “This is an opportunity for change.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) expects about a thousand senior police officers to heed Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr.’s quit call last week. A five-man committee will evaluate the records of each top police officer who resigned.

About 60% of these third-level officers have filed their courtesy resignations and more from the provinces are expected to follow, police spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo told a news briefing on Monday.

National police chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr., who quit last week, said the committee should be composed of people outside the police and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure fairness. He said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong would be part of the body that will scrutinize top cops. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has said the quit call was part of his plan to do something about the country’s illegal drug problem.

“We have to identify who’s really involved and who are the cops who cannot render police service because they are associated with drug lords,” he told a press briefing streamed live on Facebook.

He had told police in August to temper their use of force while doing their jobs. Mr. Abalos said in July the anti-illegal drug campaign would be “as intensive as before.”

Meanwhile, a labor group said the government should still probe law enforcers responsible for wrongful deaths in its deadly drug war.

“The call for courtesy resignations is an opportunity to reform the Philippine National Police,” Jose G. Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers and a human rights lawyer, told a news briefing in Filipino.

He said Philippine labor unions would bring up recent cases of violence and killings against workers with the International Labour Organization (ILO) this month.

At least 25 policemen have been charged with murder in connection with ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla told the United Nations Human Rights Council in November. An inter-agency task force on extralegal killings had investigated at least 17,000 cops.

Data released by the Philippine government in June 2021 showed that at least 6,117 suspected drug dealers had been killed in police operations. Human rights groups estimate that as many as 30,000 suspects died.

“The PNP should not just focus on its officers being involved in illegal drugs, but it should also focus on the image of the Philippine police regarding these extralegal killings,” Mr. Matula said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Senator opposes Manila airport sale plan 

Passengers crowd the departure lobby inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City, Jan. 1. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

SENATOR Joseph Victor G. Ejercito has opposed a plan to privatize the Philippines’ main international airport, saying public utility that is vital to national security should remain in government hands. 

“What happened during the fiasco should be an eye opener for us, but when we talk about utilities concerning national security, I’m still thinking that it should be under government control,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. 

He was referring to the air transport glitch that paralyzed the country’s airports on New Year’s Day. 

Mr. Ejercito said he was open to proposals to put the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under a public-private partnership, but government oversight should be kept. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista on Tuesday said that the agency was working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Public-Private Partnership Center for a possible privatization of Manila’s international airport. 

The terms of reference of the proposal should be ready this quarter, he added, noting that the private sector’s management of the airport would improve its service. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan 

Residents evacuated in Eastern Visayas, parts of Mindanao as new LPA brings more rain 

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

FAMILIES continue to be evacuated in parts of Mindanao and the Eastern Visayas region as another low pressure area (LPA) has been dumping more rain in areas already swamped since late December.   

In Eastern Visayas — composed of the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, West Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar — the regional Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said “a big area… is experiencing flooding.”    

Among the areas where rescue and evacuation operations were conducted on Wednesday were the towns of Catubig in Northern Samar and Palo in Leyte, the OCD said.   

In the island province of Biliran, all eight towns have suspended classes in all levels for both public and private schools on Wednesday.   

In Zamboanga City, the local disaster management office reported that some 700 individuals have been evacuated as of 8:30 a.m.  

The city government also warned residents that the water level at the Pasonanca diversionary dam has reached the critical level of 76.5 meters.  

“People residing along river banks and low-lying areas are advised to take appropriate measures and to heed BDRRMC (Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) advisories to prevent loss of lives and properties,” it said.   

Mayor John M. Dalipe ordered a suspension of classes in all levels for both public and private schools.  

The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative has also switched off supply lines in some 40 areas due to flooding.  

“Our troubleshooters, maintenance team, and backups are already on-site and currently coordinating with the barangay for clearance for the switch-on. This may take some time as other areas are still submerged in high levels of water,” the utility said.   

Tubod in Lanao del Norte has also canceled classes due to threats of flash floods and landslides. 

The low pressure area (LPA), the second this year, was located 575 kilometers east of Surigao City as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to weather bureau PAGASA’s bulletin.  

It was still “less likely” to strengthen into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, but PAGASA weather forecaster Patrick Del Mundo said they “have not dismissed the possibility that it could develop into a typhoon in the coming days.”  

The LPA, the second this year, along with the continuing shear line, or where rain is formed when cold and warm air converge, were expected to bring light to intense rains in most parts of the Visayas and Mindanao as well as Bicol in Luzon.  

AID DISTRIBUTION
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., meanwhile, has ordered the release of more than P3 million for the repair of school buildings damaged by flash floods in Misamis Oriental, according to his office.   

He also directed housing authorities to find a resettlement area for residents whose houses were destroyed by flooding and landslides in late December, it added.   

“If the LGUs (local government units) can take the load, we can send you the three million plus immediately,” Mr. Marcos told a situation briefing in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, based on a press release from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).    

A total of 63 classrooms were reported to have been damaged by heavy rains caused by the shear line, the PCO said, citing Mr. Marcos.  

“The President has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite the repair of damaged infrastructure once the flooding has subsided,” it said.   

During the briefing, the local government of Gingoog reported that the number of affected families has risen to 18,452. Forty-five out of 59 barangays have been affected, it added.  

People residing in the coastal areas incurred the most damage, the Palace said.   

The President also ordered housing authorities to identify a housing relocation for affected residents, the PCO said in a separate statement.  

Once a relocation area is identified, the government will send building materials so people can start constructing new homes, Mr. Marcos said separately during the distribution of government assistance in Tudela town.  

“The President also sought to improve flood-control structures, which serve as the first line of defense against floods and overflowing rivers,” the PCO added. — Marifi S. Jara and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza 

Bangsamoro region gets World Bank, UNDP help on beefing up disaster management 

BANGSAMORO GOVT MILG

THE BANGSAMORO region in southern Philippines is getting support from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as it beefs up its disaster management capacity following the impact of a tropical storm in October where 62 people died and thousands were displaced.   

A program called PlanSmart Ready-to-Rebuild (R2R) kicked off last week, where the World Bank held a series of in-person and teleconference orientations in coordination with the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.  

“R2R Program provides the ‘how’ — how to prepare people, communities, and local governments to be more resilient and ready to respond and recover from disasters better and faster,” Norhana Kamid, World Bank coordinator for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said in a statement released by the regional government.   

The program is jointly undertaken with national agencies, including the National Risk Reduction and Management Council and Department of Science and Technology, among others.   

The R2R will include capacity-building activities designed for local government leaders, disaster risk officers, planners, and budget officers to speed up preparations and implementation of respective recovery programs.  

The UNDP, meanwhile, has announced that it has tapped Filipino environment and climate expert Glenn S. Banaguas to lead a project on climate security risk and vulnerability assessment in the BARMM.   

“This initiative is unique in that it also takes into account key social factors in addition to the usual metrics. We are aiming for a more holistic and customized approach to the BARMM,” Mr. Banaguas said in a statement from the Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN.  

The UNDP Philippines’ Climate Security Project within the region aims to strengthen local capacity in dealing with climate-related security risks, and ensure that local governments are able to fund disaster management programs within their socio-economic and political vulnerabilities. 

“This project will help every stakeholder understand how climate change, security and peacebuilding interact while highlighting the peace dividends offered by climate adaptation and mitigation efforts and disaster resilience mechanisms,” Mr. Banaguas said. — Marifi S. Jara 

Senate agri panel chair tells DA: Set sights on self-sufficiency, not importation 

BW FILE PHOTO

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar on Wednesday called out the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its continuing reliance on importation instead of focusing on building up self-sufficiency through programs that will help farmers improve their yield.   

In a hearing on Senate Bill 120 or the Corn Industry Development bill, the chair of the agriculture and food committee, said: “Our aim is to produce corn, so we don’t have to import, and then produce it at a price where it is competitive.”   

“Hopefully, the Department of Agriculture will keep in mind that we should always, towards the long-term, produce what we need,” she added. “Supply should equal demand. In the meantime, while we are unable to do so, we will import, but that is a temporary solution.”  

Ms. Villar presented data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that yellow corn production in the Philippines has been in an uptrend.   

However, “production cannot keep up with the demand of 8.9 million metric tons (MT) in the country for 2022,” she said.  

The total production for corn last year reached only 6.1 million MT, which led to the importation of 537,568 MT of yellow corn and 2.9 million MT of feed wheat, which is used as a substitute for yellow corn.  

Ms. Villar said the DA seems to be adopting importation as a permanent solution by failing to help develop the industry.   

“Is your job to give livelihood to the importers, not to give livelihood to the farmers? We should be clear on that,” she said. “Your job is to give livelihood to the local farmers, not the importers.”  

“Your mandate is to have a developmental program that will produce enough supply for the Philippines at a competitive price. That is your mandate,” she added.  

Ms. Villar underscored that the development of the yellow corn industry, which is used as a major ingredient for feeds, goes hand-in-hand with the growth of the livestock and poultry industries.  

The senator also presented corn price data on selected Asian countries, which showed that the Philippines “produce the most expensive corn” in the region.   

Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, meanwhile, added her voice to calls for the government to put on hold a plan to import 21,060 metric tons (MT) of onion, saying there would be enough supply with the approaching local harvest season.  

“It’s best to wait and see,” she said in a statement on Wednesday. “If the harvest is good like last year, maybe there is no need for 22,000 metric tons of onions to be imported.” 

Farmers’ groups and other legislators have opposed a Department of Agriculture clearance issued on Tuesday allowing onion importers to bring in their goods until Jan. 27. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Marcos orders faster distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries 

DAR.GOV.PH

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered authorities to fast-track the distribution of land titles to beneficiaries of agrarian reform, according to Malacañang.  

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos tasked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to “step up efforts to distribute the certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to beneficiaries,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement later in the day. 

“The chief executive further vowed to provide the much-needed support to help agrarian reform beneficiaries improve their living conditions,” it added.  

The department targets to complete the “subdivision” of around 34,500 collective CLOAs covering 345,089 hectares of land and issue 134,000 individual titles to farmer-beneficiaries, the Palace said.   

DAR, for its part, called on the Senate to prioritize the passage of a bill that will condone unpaid loan amortizations and interests of agrarian reform beneficiaries. The House version was approved on final reading in December.   

The measure also seeks to exempt the payment of real estate tax on agricultural lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which was signed into law by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in 1988. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Solon renews push for bill recognizing Martial Law survivors

PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

A LAWMAKER on Wednesday pushed the passage of a bill that seeks to pay back martial law victims who were denied benefits under an old law for lack of evidence.   

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, who led the filing of House Bill 3505 or the New Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2022 in August, reiterated his call for the passage of the measure following reported death threats received by Martial Law survivor and playwright Bonifacio P. Ilagan.  

“Martial Law survivors serve as living proof of our country’s dark history under the Marcos Sr. dictatorship. Because they cannot kill the truth, they target its survivors as well as those who are telling their stories to the next generation,” Mr. Manuel said in a statement.   

The proposed law seeks to recognize victims of human rights violations under the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., father and namesake of the current Philippine president.   

“Disinformation and redtagging caused the recent death threats against Ka Boni,” Mr. Manuel said in Filipino.  

The bill was filed to fill in the limitations of Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.  

Under that law, “75,000 applicants filed their claims, but only 11,103 were approved and duly recognized by the Human Rights Victims Claims Board until the board became functus officio on May 12, 2018,” the bill’s explanatory note said. 

The bill proposes the creation of a Human Rights Violation Victims’ Recognition and Reparation Board, which will assess and approve applications to be legally recognized as a human rights violations victim.  

The bill is pending at the House committee on human rights. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz 

BoI targeting more investments in Ilocos Norte

INVEST.ILOCOSNORTE.GOV.PH

THE BOARD of Investments (BoI) is eyeing more investments in Ilocos Norte, a province in the northwestern tip of the country, citing its geographical location and renewable energy sector.    

In a statement on Wednesday, the BoI said it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Ilocos Norte local government in November to help the province attract more investments in agriculture, tourism, renewables, infrastructure, and services.     

According to the BoI, its partnership with the Ilocos Norte provincial government would position the province as a gateway and a major commercial hub in northern Philippines.   

It added that the partnership would help link the north and central Luzon areas to neighboring countries such as Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.    

BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the province’s strengths “could also position Ilocos Norte as a top destination for high-value manufacturing and agriculture, powered by renewable energy.”  

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said the province offers incentives under its local investment code, such as tax holiday on real property.  

Under the partnership, the Ilocos Norte provincial government will provide information to the BoI such as its investment profile and opportunities. It will also establish a green lane for BoI-registered firms to accelerate the processing of projects.   

The BoI, for its part, will provide the provincial government with technical support on investment-related matters and connect the province with prospective local and foreign investors. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave  

SC adds GCash, GrabPay to e-payment system for legal fees

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

ELECTRONIC wallet platforms GCash and GrabPay are now included in the judiciary’s e-payment system for court and other legal fees, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday.    

In a statement, the High Court said more electronic modes of payment would help streamline and improve transparency in the payment process. 

“The Judiciary ePayment System provides the Supreme Court with efficient accounting and auditing mechanisms in processes of assessment and payment of court fees,” it said. 

The tribunal noted that an official receipt would be immediately generated after each payment. 

The electronic payment system is currently deployed in all first-level courts and 44 second-level courts. 

In March, the Supreme Court started pilot-testing its digital payment system with Aboitz-led UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. as partner. 

It signed an agreement with the bank last year to develop the electronic payment system, initially covering small claims cases. 

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said last year that the judiciary should adopt technological innovations to improve the Philippine legal system. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Cambodia to limit participants at SEA Games in Phnom Penh

POC President Abraham Tolentino — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE PHILIPPINES is already losing the Southeast Asian Games battle even if the biennial event scheduled May 5 to 17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this year hasn’t even started.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino yesterday said bodybuilding has been dropped from the Phnom Penh Games calendar while muay thai has been merged with Kun Khmer, a Cambodian national martial arts event.

The country has a chance to strike gold in both events especially with the latter where the Filipinos have consistently struck gold — three in 2019 in Subic and two last year in Hanoi.

The country, however, could be in danger of not sending its national muay team because of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) warning late last year that it will stop teams from joining the biennial event since Cambodian organizers are using a different governing body not recognized by both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Council Asia (OCA) due to the merger.

“Bodybuildiung has been dropped. Muay, anyone can join, legit or not, as long as it is endorsed by the NOC (POC),” the Tagaytay City mayor yesterday told The STAR. “Dapat national team.”

That is not counting Cambodia’s earlier decision capping participation by visiting countries in martial arts and other sports.

One example is karate where only a maximum of 10 of the 15 events can be participated on by all nations except the host, who can join all.

In canoe-kayak and esports, only seven can play out of the 10 events except the host.

But Mr. Tolentino is still clinging to hope that the Filipinos could replicate, if not eclipse, their fourth-place effort in last year’s Hanoi Games where they raked in 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals.

“Based on their formula, di kayang mag-first ng Cambodia pero sasaksak sa itaas whether second, third, fourth,” he said. “Battle for fourth, pero tingnan natin with the promises of other sports.”

(Cambodia cannot be first but they will fight for the top 4, will see.) — Joey Villar

Collegiate stars beef up strong Group for Dubai tournament

ADAMSON’S Jerom Lastimosa — PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALMA

PHILIPPINE contingent Strong Group further beefed up its already stacked line-up for its upcoming Dubai tilt, adding a bevy of collegiate stalwarts led by Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa.

Mr. Lastimosa is joined by University of the Philippines’ JD Cagulangan, College of St. Benilde’s (CSB) Miguel Oczon and former Ateneo high school standout Lebron Lopez as the latest additions to the squad owned by Jacob Lao.

Mr. Lao, a former Ateneo player himself and incoming Converge assistant manager in the PBA, played with Messrs. Cagulangan and Lopez for La Salle Greenhills in the NCAA juniors — making it a sweet reunion in the Dubai International Basketball Championship on Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.

“It’s a mini reunion of some sorts for the LSGH boys,” said Mr. Lao, the country’s youngest basketball executive at only 22 years old.

His latest recruits shored up an already formidable squad led by imports Nick Young, Shabazz Muhammad and Renaldo Balkman, who were all former NBA players.

Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame, BJ Andrade and Inand Fornillos of Ateneo, former La Salle ace Justine Baltazar, Fil-American prospect Sedrick Barefield and NCAA MVP Will Gozum of CSB are also in the fray of Strong Group.

Blazers mentor Charles Tiu will call the shots for Strong Group in a bid to replicate the championship of Mighty Sports, also under his watch, in the 2020 Dubai tourney.

Mighty Sports before the pandemic completed a 7-0 sweep to become the first non-Middle Eastern team to win in Dubai with Balkman and former Gilas cager Andray Blatche then leading the way. — John Bryan Ulanday

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