Philippine military ready to help civilian mission to Thitu Island in SCS

May 27, 2025 | 7:52 pm

Atin Ito coalition — THE Atin Ito (This is Ours) coalition on Monday started its sail to Philippine-occupied Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), where it plans to hold a concert. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is prepared to respond and help a civilian-led sail in the South China Sea (SCS) after Chinese Coast Guard vessels shadowed and challenged the mission 100 kilometers off the coast of El Nido, Palawan.

“There are appropriate contingencies in place in the event that the AFP’s response is needed,” Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

The Atin Ito (This is Ours) coalition on Monday started its sail to Philippine-occupied Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), where it plans to hold a concert.

While aboard the 115-meter M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, the coalition said two Chinese Coast Guard vessels started shadowing and challenging the ship via radio on Tuesday morning.

The Chinese ships were spotted tailing the Philippine vessel as close as 7.4km, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in a separate statement.

“In response to the unauthorized patrol by the China Coast Guard (CCG), the PCG vessels have initiated radio communications to challenge CCG 3306’s claim of operating under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China,” it added., referring to one of the Chinese ships that followed the Philippine vessel.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

Mr. Trinidad said the military had not received any request for support from the civilian ship, but maintained that they are in “close coordination” should the need arise.

China would likely deploy numerous vessels near Thitu in the Spratly Islands during the civilian sail, he added, noting its closeness to heavily militarized and Chinese-occupied Subi Reef.

The reef has a runway, hangars, radar domes and served as a port for Chinese ships deployed in the region.

The Philippines keeps a military outpost on Thitu island — the second-largest island in the disputed Spratly Islands, a region that lies at the center of long-standing maritime tensions in the South China Sea involving China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Competing claims in the South China Sea have led to frequent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese forces, and both nations have tried to assert their sovereignty through their naval presence and infrastructure build-up.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing flared again last week after a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon on a Philippine civilian ship and bumped against it at Sandy Cay, which is near Thitu Island.

Mr. Trinidad urged other civil society groups to organize similar activities in the South China Sea to help shore up support for the Philippine government’s claim over the waterway.

“We would also like to encourage other civic society groups to show their support to the government’s stand in the West Philippine Sea by conducting similar activities that would send such message,” he said.

China claims nearly all of the potentially mineral- and oil-rich South China Sea based on a 1940s nine-dash line map that overlaps with the exclusive waters of the Philippines and neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 voided China’s sweeping claims for being illegal, a ruling that Beijing does not recognize. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

More CCTVs eyed for no-contact apprehension policy

May 27, 2025 | 7:51 pm

By Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporters

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said it would install more surveillance cameras to properly enforce its no-contact apprehension program (NCAP).

“We are in the process of putting up more CCTVs (closed-circuit television systems) with artificial intelligence capabilities to expand the range, because there are still some areas without CCTVs,” MMDA Traffic Enforcement Director Victor Maria D. Nuñez told a Senate committee hearing. “That’s where we will augment our traffic enforcers.”

The NCAP is among the government’s traffic enforcement solutions as it plans to rehabilitate the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the capital’s major highway, by mid-June.

“We believe that the NCAP will help greatly in reducing (traffic) on the road during the EDSA rehab,” he said.

The agency started enforcing the policy again on Monday after the Supreme Court partially lifted its 2022 order that stopped its implementation.

Mr. Nuñez said they logged more than 1,000 violations on Monday. This was lower than the more than 3,000 violations last week.

“Even though we have a temporary restraining order, we still monitor the violators on our CCTVs,” he said.

At the hearing, Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo urged the MMDA to improve stoplights and road signs along Manila’s major roads.

“Also, fix the potholes because they are still one of the causes of traffic, and some of the road signs are confusing so they should also be fixed,” he said.

Mr. Nuñez said the MMDA would coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways on these issues.

The NCAP covers EDSA, C5, Buendia, Roxas Boulevard, Marcos Highway, Katipunan, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue and West Avenue.

It monitors and penalizes traffic violations with surveillance cameras and other digital monitoring systems to encourage driver discipline, reduce traffic congestion and minimize corruption.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis N. Tolentino is pushing a phased rehabilitation of EDSA and a night-only construction from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“I strongly recommend phased implementation and night-only construction to avoid severe disruption to motorists, businesses and the economy,” Mr. Tolentino, a former MMDA head, said in a statement.

He added that road works for the EDSA rehabilitation should be divided into five sections — EDSA Pasay, EDSA Makati-Guadalupe, EDSA Ortigas, EDSA Cubao and EDSA Caloocan.

The government is set to conduct its P8.1-billion rehabilitation project of the highway, where 437,000 vehicles pass by daily, starting June 13. It is expected to run for two years and will be the road’s first major revamp since the 1980s.

“EDSA is an important part of our daily lives,” Mr. Tolentino said. “It needs to be fixed. However, it must be done with careful planning and sensitive consideration of the flow of traffic and its effect on people.”

Among other traffic enforcement measures the MMDA will implement is the odd-even scheme for private cars.

The MMDA said it would conduct a dry run of its enforcement for a month starting on June 16, during which violators will only be given warnings and sent notices.

“This is part of an information drive to give motorists time to learn and get used to the new policy for the EDSA Rebuild project,” the agency said in a Facebook post.

Cars with license plates ending in odd numbers are barred from the highway on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while those with even-numbered plate numbers cannot use EDSA on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Electric and hybrid cars, emergency vehicles, motorcycles and nonmotorized vehicles, public utility vehicles, ride-hailing vehicles and authorized, marked government vehicles will be exempted from the ban.

Also on Tuesday, Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy, citing complaints from motorists over what they described as unclear guidelines.

The House transportation panel should launch an inquiry over the “reimplementation of NCAP without addressing unresolved issues that could result in public confusion,” according to House Resolution No. 2293.

“Our concerns are more on the unclear lane markings, conflicting road signs and the delays in the transmission of violation notices,” he told reporters in Filipino after filing the resolution.

The government should delay the implementation by at least six months to give authorities the leeway to address long-standing concerns, Mr. Gutierrez said.

DepEd, HOPE tap big brands to address Philippines’ 165,000 classroom backlog

May 27, 2025 | 7:50 pm

THE Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with HOPE and leading local brands, launched Generation Hope on Monday to help address classroom shortages of more than 165,000 in the country. The public-private partnership aims to build more public-school classrooms throughout the country by channeling a portion of profits and donations from consumers of the country’s leading brands. This includes companies like BDO, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, The Aivee Clinic, SM Supermalls, and Sunnies.

DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara welcomed the partnership, especially as the agency works with a budget insufficient to address an increasing classroom backlog.

“The budget really is insufficient every year. The deficit has been growing. Twelve years ago, maybe the deficit was 55,000 classrooms — now it’s 165,000,” Mr. Angara said during the launch.

“There’s a million of us, but sometimes it feels lonely — especially when our budget was cut by 12 million.”

HOPE founder Nanette Gwen Medved said the initiative marks an expansion of the organization’s efforts, which began in 2012. While they have already built 144 classrooms since then, she said that this is still a “drop in the bucket” compared to the overall classroom shortage.

“If we want to inspire the nation to nation-build through education, we have to do it with the big brands. It’s not going to happen with small brands,” Ms. Medved said.

HOPE classrooms cost only between P1.2 million and P1.4 million to build, compared to their DepEd counterparts, which average P2.5 million.

Funding for these classrooms will come from a portion of the profits or rewards generated by consumers of partnered brands.

BDO has pledged to donate P5 for every P1,000 spent using the “HOPE in Every Spend” credit card. Cardholders also have the option to convert their reward points into donations. A portion of the annual membership fee will also be allocated to the initiative.

Meanwhile, ride-hailing app Grab will allow its users to convert their rewards points into donations to support the construction of HOPE classrooms.

SM Supermalls will also contribute a portion of proceeds from SM-branded water bottles sold through partner food merchants.

Other brands, such as Penshoppe, Carmen’s Best, Aivee Clinic, and Sunnies, will be launching exclusive product lines dedicated to supporting HOPE classrooms.

The exact number of classrooms planned for construction under the Generation HOPE program has yet to be announced. More classrooms are expected to be built due to expanded support from the private sector and consumers. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

4.6-magnitude quake hits Quezon

May 27, 2025 | 7:49 pm

Earthquake-052725 — EARTHQUAKE.PHIVOLCS.DOST.GOV.PH

A MAGNITUDE 4.6 earthquake had hit Quezon province on Tuesday, rocking Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

In an earthquake bulletin, the local seismology agency said that a tectonic tremor had struck 24 kilometers (km) northwest of General Nakar, Quezon at 12:17 p.m.

The quake was at a depth of 10km.

Phivolcs reported that intensity IV, or the strength perceived by people, was logged in the cities of Makati, Manila, Marikina, San Pedro in Laguna, and Tanay in Rizal.

Intensity III, on the other hand, was reported in Navotas, Quezon City, Pasay, San Juan, Taguig, Guiguinto and Malolos in Bulacan, Palayan in Nieva Ecija, Mabalacan and Angeles City in Pampanga, and Biñan in Laguna.

The cities of Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Obando in Bulacan, and Cabiao in Nueza Ecija felt Intensity II.

The agency warned of potential damage and aftershocks following the earthquake.

The Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit line 3 had temporarily ceased operations to inspect possible damages following the quake. It resumed service moments later, according to the Department of Transportation.

“All train lines have successfully conducted safety checks to ensure safety of passengers,” the agency added.

The Philippines lies in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes strike. — Adrian H. Halili

New House spox to fight fake news

May 27, 2025 | 7:48 pm

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday named a spokesperson to counter disinformation targeting the chamber, which has faced accusations of politicking amid a deepening political feud between two of the country’s most influential political families.

The House leadership tapped Priscilla Marie “Princess” T. Abante as spokesperson to help counter fake news and strengthen transparency efforts between lawmakers and the public, the chamber said in a statement.

“There is a need to strengthen the communication from the House to ensure that accurate and truthful information reaches the people,” she told reporters.

“We are firmly against fake news, so it’s important to improve the way we explain the policies that Congress is currently formulating.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

High literacy seen among HS grads

May 27, 2025 | 7:48 pm

Students-school — Students walk inside the campus of a high school in Quezon City, April 18, 2024. — REUTERS

FILIPINOS who are at least high school (HS) level showed a high literacy rate of 95%, above the national rate of 90%, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported, citing data from its latest survey.

In its third report on the 2024 results of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), the PSA found that about 93.1 million Filipinos out of 103.5 million of the total population are literate on a basic level.

It noted that the literacy rate of Filipinos increases as the highest grade completed becomes higher.

Filipinos who had reached or completed college and post baccalaureate studies recorded basic literacy rates of 97.3% and 98%, respectively.

Those who reached elementary level had a literacy rate of 82.8%, while Filipinos who have no grade completed recorded the lowest basic literacy rate of 25.6%.

The PSA defines “basic literacy” as the ability of a person to read and write a simple message in any language or dialect with understanding, and to compute or perform basic mathematical operations; while functional literacy is classified as the ability of a person to read, write, compute and comprehend.

Functional literacy rate was at 70.8%, or about 60.2 million Filipinos out of 85 million aged 10 to 64, the PSA said.

Filipinos who reached or completed post baccalaureate studies recorded the highest functional literacy of 93.2%, while Filipinos who have no grade completed recorded the lowest functional literacy rate of 10.8%.

Seven out of 18 regions posted higher basic literacy rates than the national average.

Central Luzon led with a basic literacy rate of 92.8%. It was followed by Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR, 92.7%), Calabarzon (92.6%), Central Visayas (92.2%), National Capital Region (NCR, 92%), Northern Mindanao (90.8%), and Davao Region (90.3%).

Meanwhile, four regions surpassed the average functional literacy rate at the national level. These were CAR (81.2%), NCR (79.9%), Calabarzon (77.3%), and Central Luzon (73%).

The 2024 edition of the report is the seventh in the FLEMMS series, the country’s literacy survey conducted every five years starting in 1989. The 2024 survey was conducted between September to October 2024. — John Phoebus G. Villanueva

Simplified hiring requirements eyed

May 27, 2025 | 7:48 pm

A WINNING congressional candidate on Tuesday said he wants to simplify the hiring process by prohibting employers from requesting multiple criminal clearances, aiming to spare Filipinos of additional expenses in their job hunt.

“Once hired, an employer may require only one such clearance — not multiple documents like police, NBI, barangay, and court certificates, which are commonly required today,” Raymond Adrian E. Salceda, Albay congressman-elect, said in a statement.

“Requiring NBI or police clearance before any offer is even made forces the poor to pay suspicion,” he added.

The proposed measure would seek to bar employers from requesting multiple criminal background clearances from the police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), among others, to unburden Filipinos searching for jobs.

He said the proposal could encourage around 185,000 to 220,000 Filipinos to join the workforce annually, including rural job applicants and first-time job seekers, often discouraged by clearance fees that range from P100 to P500. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

NEA files case vs 2 power co-ops

May 27, 2025 | 7:47 pm

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) on Tuesday led a series of criminal filings before the Department of Justice (DoJ) targeting officials accused of mismanagement and other anomalies.

The DoJ confirmed receipt of criminal complaints filed against former and current officials of two electric cooperatives — Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO).

The filing was led by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, accompanied by agency lawyers and Deputy Administrators Omar M. Mayo and Vic P. Alvaro.

In a press statement, the DoJ said INEC, through Acting General Cipriano Martinez, filed a complaint for syndicated estafa over the alleged misuse of P118 million of its Employees Retirement Fund.

NEA, which helped prepare the complaint, said in a separate statement former and current cooperative executives conspired to siphon funds for personal gain.

A former general manager of FIBECO is also facing complaints for qualified theft for alleged conspiracy to purchase a parcel of land worth P11.55 million, which never materialized. He is also accused of diverting P6 million to his personal account.

Meanwhile, the NEA will also file a case against current and former officials of the Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. — Area 2 (NEECO 2-Area 2), similarly accused of conspiring to divert funds.

Preliminary findings of the DoJ and NEA indicated a breakdown in internal protocols that enabled some officials to divert about P250 million in retirement and internal cooperative funds.

The companies did not immediately respond to separate emails seeking comment.

“Other cases will be filed by the ECs to be led by NEA, in coordination with the DoJ and National Bureau of Investigation, as part of NEA’s mandate to improve their services.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoE: Fuel supply to Samar to continue

May 27, 2025 | 7:46 pm

THE Department of Energy (DoE) on Tuesday has assured the Island of Samar of continuous supply of petroleum products amid the rehabilitation of the 51-year-old San Juanico bridge.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DoE said it has coordinated with government agencies and industry stakeholders to address logistical concerns in deliveries of petroleum products to the province.

The 2.16-kilometer bridge connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte is currently off-limits to heavy vehicles, following a May 8 directive from the Department of Public Works and Highways. Under the new guidelines, only vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3 tons are allowed to pass.

However, the new weight restriction effectively prohibits the passage of standard fuel tankers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load. All petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport.

According to the DoE, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved prioritizing oil tankers in the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel loading queues.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon assured the DoE that the RORO port in Basey, Samar will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments

Meanwhile, Insular Oil Corp., a local petroleum player which operates a fuel storage depot in northern Samar, agreed to accommodate petroleum deliveries from both major oil companies and independent players.

“The DoE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency, and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Over P1-B drugs seized in Pampanga raid

May 27, 2025 | 7:42 pm

shabu-illegal-drugs-meth — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities seized ₱1-billion worth of crystal meth (shabu) during a raid at a house in Barangay Pampang in Angeles City, Pampanga on Sunday.

According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the illegal drugs were placed inside 155 transparent plastic bags, weighing approximately one kilogram each.

It turned out to that a Chinese national, subject of the search warrant, has abandoned the house. Mr. Nerez said the Chinese national will still be facing charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Less than two weeks ago, PDEA agents again seized more than 35 kilos of crystal meth in a sting operation also in Angeles City where a Chinese national and his Filipina cohort were caught.

“The two drug operations are linked to each other. What you see is the outcome of persistent tracking of previous operations targeting individuals connected to syndicated drug trafficking to include their sources,” Mr. Nerez noted.

The raid was conducted with military counter-intelligence agents, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency operatives and policemen. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Capital1 Solar building a future with NU star Belen rookie draft

May 27, 2025 | 6:48 pm

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY superstar Bella Belen — UAAP

A HOPE of a thousand dreams.

This was what Capital1 Solar co-owner Milka Romero called their recent good fortune of drawing the No. 1 pick of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League rookie draft set June 8.

“This is the heart and soul Capital1 has been waiting for. With this franchise player, we’re not just building a team, we’re building a future our fans can believe in,” said Ms. Romero, who co-owns the franchise with sister Mandy.

Ms. Romero was, of course, referring to National University (NU) superstar Mhicaela “Bella” Belen, who is the unquestioned projected top pick in the annual draft selection.

But although the three-time UAAP champion and Alas Pilipinas standout had enlisted herself in the draft, there is the possibility that she may end up withdrawing from it in the end should an offer abroad comes out.

And Ms. Romero and the Solar Spikers are hoping and praying that the 21-year-old Ms. Belen stays.

“I take it day by day. Of course, she is shortlisted. That’s what I can say,” said Ms. Romero of Ms. Belen. “But what the team needs is more important and what we see in our long-term plan with the management and the coaches… we don’t want to just think of the moment.”

As it is, getting No. 1 was a victory in itself as it sent waves of excitement through the Romero household as family patriarch Mikee Romero along with Mandy, erupted in celebration upon hearing the good news.

With only a 30% chance of landing the top spot, fate smiled on Capital1 — setting the stage for what could be the franchise’s biggest move yet.

The lucky draw is also a symbol of progress for the fledgling club.

Everything from this pick could turn out bigger from a year ago when the Solar Spikers tabbed Leila Cruz as the draft class’ No. 2 pick overall.

It also acquired a key piece in that draft — talented libero Roma Mae Doromal as its No. 14 pick.

Both Mmess. Cruz and Doromal have improved significantly after the team’s 11^th place effort early last year and the latest All-Filipino Conference this year and a seventh-place performance in the Reinforced Conference a year ago.

Whether it’s Ms. Belen or another rising star, the Solar Spikers are set to welcome a player who could define their destiny.

“This is a good turning point for us,” said Ms. Romero.

But everybody knows, deep inside her, she and the team are salivating for nothing less than Ms. Belen. — Joey Villar

Magnolia Hotshots acquire Navarro from Batang Pier

May 27, 2025 | 6:48 pm

IN A MOVE intended to make them more competitive moving forward, the pacesetting Magnolia Hotshots fortified their roster with the addition of versatile forward William Navarro from NorthPort.

The Hotshots sealed a trade with the Batang Pier to acquire the 6-foot-6 Mr. Navarro in exchange for forward Calvin Abueva, guard Jerrick Balanza and their Season 51 second round draft pick.

The deal was approved by the PBA on Tuesday.

Mr. Navarro, who averaged 20.57 points, 10.57 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.14 steals in the Philippine Cup, injects fresh legs, height and all-around skills to Magnolia’s veteran-youth combo Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, Jerom Lastimosa and Zav Lucero.

The Hotshots (7-1) are aiming to end a seven-year drought and go all the way to the crown after a strong start in the season-ending conference.

Mr. Abueva left Magnolia after four years and joined his fourth PBA team in NorthPort (1-6). For Mr. Balanza, it will be a homecoming as he previously played for the Batang Pier in 2022. — Olmin Leyba