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Members of K-pop group NewJeans say they are leaving agency after dispute

SEOUL — Members of NewJeans, one of the most popular K-pop groups, said on Thursday that they were leaving their agency, a subsidiary of powerhouse label HYBE.

ADOR said however the agreement between it and the band members “remains in full effect.”

“Therefore, we respectfully request that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities, as has been the practice to date,” the firm said in a statement.

NewJeans has been caught up in infighting between executives of the parent HYBE and ADOR’s former chief executive who is the band’s creative director. The latest controversy in the K-pop scene has gripped South Korea this year, with accusations, audits, and an emotional press conference making headlines.

The five NewJeans members held a late-night press conference to announce their departure from the agency and said they would like to work with Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s former chief who left the agency this month.

“Once we leave ADOR, we’ll aim to proceed freely with the activities that we really desire,” said Danielle, one of the band members.

“We really wish to be able to release new music for Bunnies, next year, as soon as possible, whenever,” she said, referring to their fans. “We really hope that we have the opportunity to meet you guys from all around the world.”

The members said they might not be able to use the band’s name once they terminated the contract with ADOR. — Reuters

My Baguio retreat

FREEPIK

I am writing this article in my room at Chalet Baguio while enjoying the cool weather, the scent of pine trees, and the beautiful mountain view. This morning, I took a short cab ride to the revitalized Baguio Botanical Garden for my daily 30-minute morning walk. Tomorrow morning, I will go for a walk at Burnham Park or Camp John Hay, have breakfast at a nearby café, and start reading Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye.

Ordinarily, I would not be able to take a vacation towards the end of the school trimester, during which time the academic and administrative workload is reaching its peak. Over the past few days, I took care of the final set of interviews of applicants to our DBA Program, handled various inquiries about our MBA Program, sat on a doctoral dissertation panel, attended a budget proposal meeting to defend several items we need for our new EMBA Program, and checked some of the final papers of my graduate students. On top of these, I have been working on several manuscripts that my doctoral mentees and I intend to submit to academic journals for publication. In other words, I had been doing work off-campus, five hours away from Manila.

I am fortunate because MBA and DBA classes at De La Salle University (DLSU) are predominantly online, which means that I do not have to be physically present on class days. And because we are operating under a hybrid work ar-rangement, we have a lot of flexibility in terms of whether to do our work at home, in school, or wherever we choose as long as we have a strong internet connection. This does not mean that I am working less. In fact, I had spent more hours on work-related stuff in the past few weeks and had not been able to allocate enough time to learning the Korean language, reading fiction, and upgrading my guitar-playing skills.

What inspired me to write this article is the dissertation of one of my doctoral mentees, Jessica Jaye Ranieses, who earned her doctorate last year. In her dissertation, entitled “Navigating the Work-Nonwork Interface: A Critical Realist Case Study on Female Employee Wellbeing,” she talked about the blurring of boundaries between work and non-work domains in the post-pandemic era.

In particular, Ranieses called for a broader understanding of the dynamics emerging from the interconnection and gendered nature of work and non-work responsibilities. Early research was conducted on the premise that the work and family domains have clear boundaries, and that simultaneous demands from these domains could lead to conflict and stress, especially among women professionals. However, our understanding of the interplay between work and non-work domains has since expanded to include potential complementarities between the two domains. For example, emotional support from the family, especially the spouse, allows women professionals to deal with work-related demands more effectively. Thus, the benefits in one domain can positively influence the other.

One of Ranieses’ findings is that workplace flexibility emerged as a crucial mechanism for ensuring well-being, especially if it is supported by a culture of trust and respect. Flexible work arrangements allow individuals to balance work demands and non-work demands, thus reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction. One of Ranieses’ respondents, “Jennifer,” highlighted how the flexibility provided by her company encouraged loyalty and deterred misuse: “It’s the care for the people, the flexibility [that I appreciate]. I don’t think I’d find another company as flexible. But because I care for the company, I don’t abuse it. Flexibility is the number one factor why I stay.”

In her dissertation, Ranieses came up with the Multidimensional Work-Non-Work Well-Being Model, which extended the classical Job Demands-Resources Model. In this model, she identified six primary mechanisms that influence the in-terplay of entities and structures in both the work and non-work domains, namely: (a) workplace dynamics; (b) workplace flexibility; (c) role complexity; (d) family dynamics; (e) spiritual faith; and (f) individual reflexivity. All of these play a role in shaping well-being outcomes.

I’d like to end this article by highlighting individual reflexivity, which Ranieses defined as the internal dialogue through which individuals interpret and act upon their circumstances. This mechanism allows individuals to appraise and manage demands and resources, and to align their life plans with their actions. In my case, going to Baguio for a “work retreat” is my way of decompressing. Somehow, the pleasant weather and the tranquil atmosphere allow me to release stress, to re-flect upon what truly matters, and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures while I fulfill my professional responsibilities remotely.?

 

Raymund B. Habaradas is a full professor and the Graduate Program coordinator of the Department of Management and Organization at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University.

raymund.habaradas@dlsu.edu.ph

How bamboo meets construction needs

RIZOME PH aims to construct high-rise buildings using bamboo products. -- EDG ADRIAN A. EVA

By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter

RIZOME PH, a sustainable materials company in Cagayan de Oro City, converts bamboo fiber into structural materials for constructing houses and buildings.

“The bamboo grass, with the application of science and technology, is being turned into beams, columns, and panels,” Christopher Ua-o, head of manufacturing at Rizome PH, told reporters during a factory visit in Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 28.

“Basically, you create a building with a wood finish that looks beautiful, but you didn’t cut down any trees,” he added.

Mr. Ua-o also said that the bamboo materials developed by Rizome PH have passed durability and suitability tests conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute and Washington State University.

“Our tagline is strong like steel, tough like concrete, beautiful as wood,” he said.

Rizome PH’s bamboo building materials include slats, veneers, panels, laminated veneer lumber, and strand lumber, designed to meet the structural and aesthetic requirements of house and building projects.

Mr. Ua-o said that bamboo is a sustainable material because it is a fast-growing grass that can be harvested within a year and regrows after being cut, helping to preserve forest trees. In contrast, trees take 10 to 20 years to mature.

The company aims to revive the timber industry without cutting any trees by using bamboo, a sustainable grass, he noted.

Using bamboo in construction helps store carbon, and as bamboo regrows, it absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, he added.

According to the Climate Change Commission, bamboo captures over five tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually, storing more carbon than most tree species and making it an effective tool in combating climate change.

Mr. Ua-o said that Rizome PH, having built a one-story structure so far, also targets to construct high-rise buildings using bamboo products to demonstrate the material’s strength and sustainability.

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 2, 2024

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, December 2, 2024.


Entertainment News (12/03/24)

Coca-Cola holds PHL’s biggest drone show

COCA-COLA Philippines recently hosted the country’s largest drone show in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, home of its largest bottling plant, captivating the audience with a synchronized display of over 1,300 drones. The dazzling spectacle combined technological innovation with the rich traditions of a Filipino Christmas. Through intricate drone formations, iconic holiday symbols such as parol lanterns, Santa Claus, and the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck illuminated the night sky, bringing the festive spirit to life. The Philippines, known for celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world, is one of six locations worldwide chosen to host Coca-Cola’s drone show.


GMA Network shows stream for free on Viu Philippines

GMA Network is bringing its popular programs to Viu Philippines, allowing fans to watch select shows for free starting Monday. This initiative is made possible through a premium catch-up service that lets viewers enjoy some of the network’s most popular shows on the streaming platform. The lineup of GMA’s hit series includes Magkaagaw (Broken Faith), Las Hermanas, Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat (All or Nothing), The Better Woman, Inagaw Na Bituin (Written in the Stars), The Gift, Bihag (The Silent Thief), Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit (Stars of Hope), To Have and To Hold, and the iconic comedy show Bubble Gang. In addition to the newly added titles, viewers can also enjoy a variety of other GMA shows already available on the platform. These include I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, Legal Wives, Artikulo 247, Return to Paradise, Nagbabagang Luha (Flame of Love), The Fake Life, Nakarehas na Puso (Prisoners of the Past), Lolong, Widows’ Web, First Yaya and its sequel First Lady, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday (Hidden Lies), Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko (Obsession), Sahaya, Onanay (The Way to Your Heart), Pamilya Roces (Family Jewels), and Ika-5 Utos (Revenge).


Mark Rivera releases debut single

PRIMARILY known as an actor, Mark Rivera is diverging from the world of movies and TV to explore music. Managed by ALV Talent Circuit and recently welcomed to the Media Quest Artists Agency, Mr. Rivera has released his first single titled “Wag Siya” under Universal Records. The song is about wanting someone who wants someone else. It is available on all streaming platforms.


Higher Brothers member KnowKnow releases first EP

IN collaboration with 88rising and following the success of the singles “Velvet” and “No Pressure,” the member of the group Higher Power, KnowKnow, has released an EP, Mr. Enjoy Da Melody, which is out now. The EP weaves together five distinct tracks into a vibrant musical journey. Its focus track, “No Halo,” has a bonus Chinese version on the record. Mr. Enjoy Da Melody is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.


We Are Imaginary releases new single

 

INDIE rock duo We Are Imaginary is coming from their 15th anniversary and 4th studio album with a brand-new single. Comprised of founding members and brothers Ahmad Tanji (vocals and guitars) and Khalid Tanji (guitars), the band has dropped “Pinkish Hue,” the first single marking a new chapter in their musical journey. The guitar-pop track blends shoegaze and 1990s alt-rock influences. The lyrics explore the slow erosion of a love once vibrant and full of promise. “Pinkish Hue” is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.


Disney+ announces new Tempest cast members

DISNEY+ has unveiled new additions to the cast of its highly anticipated original series, Tempest, a Korean spy thriller. Joining the lineup of US stars, the new cast members include Korean actors Gang Dongwon (Peninsula) and Jun Gianna (My Love from the Star), both of whom have earned critical acclaim for their roles in various successful series. Also joining the cast are John Cho, Michael Gaston, Spencer Garrett, and Christopher Gorham, as well as Joel De La Fuente, Alicia Hannah-Kim, Brooke Smith, Jacob Bertrand, Tom Lenk, among others. Tempest is one of the highly anticipated Korean series featured at the recent Disney Content Showcase, set to premiere for streaming in 2025.

Sighting of Russian submarine within Philippine EEZ ‘worrisome,’ Marcos says

A RUSSIAN SUBMARINE, UFA 490, was detected 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro, on Nov. 28, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. -- ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday confirmed the sighting of a Russian submarine within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and said it’s “worrisome.”

“All of that is very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome. Yes, it’s just another one,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a gift-giving event in Marikina City.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that Russia’s UFA 490, an underwater vessel, was sighted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro on Nov. 28.

It said it had immediately deployed assets to monitor the submarine’s presence, with a Navy vessel establishing radio communications with the submarine, which confirmed its identity, crew complement, and navigational in-tent.

The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia, according to the AFP.

It said the Philippine ship named BRP Jose Rizal and other naval forces monitored the submarine’s operations to ensure “compliance with maritime regulations” within the Philippine EEZ.

The 74-meter submarine is armed with a missile system that has a range of 12,000 kilometers, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.

“Submarines navigating on the surface in the high seas are not common,” said Jay L. Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs & Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines.

The fact that the submarine was on the surface, instead of being submerged, means that “it poses only a minimal threat, if any,” he added in a Viber message.

“Reports indicate it is sailing along a well-used route, proceeding from activities in MY (Malaysia) and ID (Indonesia), and the fact that it has been in communication with Philippine Navy vessels shows the situation is normal.”

The submarine was spotted within the West Philippine Sea, which refers to parts of the South China Sea that fall within Manila’s EEZ.

The South China Sea has been a geopolitical hotspot in recent years, as China claims the waterway almost in its entirety and seeks control of it using gray zone tactics, or actions that fall short of a military confrontation but allows it to intimidate other actors and establish control over a geographical space.

Joshua Bernanrd B. Espeña, who teaches foreign relations at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said the sighting of the Russian submarine within Philippine waters is “but a normal occurrence.”

But it should raise concerns in the region as it shows Russia’s ability to launch cruise missile strikes, which have been the central focus of tensions between Moscow and Washington, he said.

“The Russian Navy’s compliance and coordination with the Philippine Navy showcases the ability of Manila and Moscow to show common courtesy in following the standard operating procedures of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at sea,” Mr. Espeña said.

“It can mean Manila’s rising importance in the region.”

He said Russia has the ability to launch cruise missile strikes against American allies in the event of a wider war scenario involving China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific.

This highlights the “pressing need” for the AFP to “competently increase detection and interdiction capabilities from the coast, at sea, and under the sea,” Mr. Espeña said.

FF-150’s ability to detect and escort the submarine is a welcome development, highlighting “the Philippine Navy’s growing ability to cover the archipelagic sea lanes as any proper navy should have,” he added.

The longstanding conflict between the United States and Russia has reached new heights after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which received an additional $100 million in military financing from the US earlier this year.

With just two months left in his term, US President Joseph R. Biden pivoted from a policy barring Ukraine from using US-provided long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) inside Russian territory.

In mid-November, Moscow confirmed that the ATACMS weapons had been fired at its Bryansk region, calling the action a “new phase” in the war.

As in the case of Ukraine, the US is also the Philippines’ No. 1 security ally, with the American government reiterating its Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila amid China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

China’s expansionist agenda has pushed the Philippine government under the Marcos administration to boost ties with the US and other Indo-Pacific powers such as Japan and Australia.

Japan and Australia are among countries that have been joining the US in its condemnation of Russia’s missile attacks in Ukraine.

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at the School of Diplomacy and Governance of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said the Russian submarine’s entry into the Philippine EEZ should be a concern for the Philippines given the growing Russian-Sino ties.

“If one delves into the realm of cybersecurity ops, for example, these two countries work together and share best practices,” he said via Messenger chat.

“Therefore, in cognizance with their alliance and the fact that our geopolitical tensions with China continue to worsen, then it is no surprise that the public sector is alarmed by this sighting.”

Mr. Cortez cited the possibility of Russia testing Western reaction to its action, “which in turn could serve as an impetus to an armed tension.”

“Because at the end of the day, we have to acknowledge the fact that whoever gains dominance over these bodies of water can also serve as shapers of trade-related norms in the region,” he said, noting that the South China Sea is likely to remain as one of the world’s flashpoints in the near future.

Mr. Espeña said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations should remain vigilant, especially if such an occurrence becomes regular.

The incident provides “opportunities for agenda-shaping the ASEAN-Russia relations at a more compliant level,” he added, noting that the 10-member grouping should be able to manage similar incidents at the strategic level.

“Still, it remains to be seen whether Russia will sustain its operations in the South China Sea to foster a credible Sino-Russian alignment in this part of the world given how stretched the Russian Pacific Fleet is,” Mr. Espeña said.

He noted that Russia is focused on enhancing its Arctic and Black Sea Fleets to boost its efforts against Ukraine and the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

It also remains to be seen whether China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater has the capability to host these submarines in its berthing areas in the South China Sea, he added.

“It is here that the Philippines’ detection and interdiction capabilities should be at the top of the line to verify the regularity of these occurrences.”

This followed the China Coast Guard’s confirmation that it conducted patrols around the Scarborough Shoal, Reuters reported last week.

Reports of an alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen by a Chinese Navy helicopter have also prompted the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deploy two of its vessels to Rozul Reef, it said on Monday.

“This deployment also aims to provide evidence of the active presence of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea,” its spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tristan Tarriela said in a statement.

He said the PCG had received video footage and photographs from a fishing boat that returned to Quezon, Palawan, “which captured the harassment of Filipino fishing vessels by a PLA Navy helicopter in Rozul Reef.”

“Despite the potential harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard, their confidence in fishing in the West Philippine Sea has significantly increased due to the firm stance and commitment of the President not to surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power, “ Mr. Tarriela said.

Groups seek impeachment of VP Sara for grave misconduct, constitutional violations

HOUSE SECRETARY-GENERAL Reginald S. Velasco receives the impeachment complaint against Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Percival C. Cendaña and filed by former Senator Leila De Lima with representatives from various groups in the House of Representatives compound in Quezon City on Monday. -- PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

AN ALLIANCE of civil society groups on Monday filed an impeachment complaint against Vice-President (VP) Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio at the House of Representatives, prompted by allegations of grave misconduct and constitutional violations.

The complaint alleged that Ms. Carpio committed graft and corruption, bribery and illegal wealth accumulation, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes, such as direct involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao when she sat as its mayor.

The 1987 Constitution stated that the grounds for impeachment include “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.”

Among the complainants include civil society and religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and former government officials critical of Ms. Carpio. Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña endorsed the impeachment rap in the House.

“Let’s clarify that the loyalty of our civil society leaders is to the people. The progressive forces that want to hold Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio accountable cannot be dictated to,” he told reporters in Filipino, referring to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s statement last week discouraging Congress from pursuing impeachment raps against her.

“This impeachment complaint is important to start the process of holding Ms. Carpio accountable,” he added.

The filing of an impeachment complaint against Ms. Carpio is the latest development in the political row among the Philippines’ top officials, a fallout that resulted in the fracturing of what was once a formidable electoral alliance that delivered them landslide wins in the 2022 elections.

Rumblings of discontent have swirled within the Duterte camp since the early days of Mr. Marcos’ administration before turning openly hostile in June, when Ms. Carpio resigned from the Cabinet.

The Marcos administration has since launched congressional investigations against the Dutertes, looking into Ms. Carpio’s alleged misuse of P612.5 million worth of confidential and intelligence funds in 2022 and 2023, and her father, firebrand leader and ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s deadly drug war.

The groups also included Ms. Carpio’s failure to account for her secret fund spending in the complaint, while also alleging that she betrayed public trust by failing to condemn “Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea,” referring to areas of the disputed South China Sea that falls within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

They also alleged that Ms. Carpio engaged in bribery with “known drug personalities” and failed to report her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

The Office of the Vice-President did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The House will hear the complaint, requiring one-third of its members, or at least 102 congressmen, to agree with the impeachment rap before the case is elevated to the Senate for trial. The chamber is headed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, a cousin of the president.

House Secretary-General Reginald S. Velasco said that they would strictly adhere to the principles of “due process” in deliberating the complaint.

“Impeachment proceedings are vital to preserve the integrity of the institution and affirming the principle that public officials are accountable to the people they serve,” he said during the impeachment complaint’s filing.

The Dutertes have a few allies in the Senate, whose members include Mr. Duterte’s ex-police chief and former chief presidential aide. At least 16 senators need to find Ms. Carpio culpable of the alleged violations to be convict-ed.

“The current composition of the House and Senate pit everything against the Dutertes,” Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Meanwhile, Arjan P. Aguirre, who also teaches political science at the Ateneo, said that Ms. Carpio would likely use the complaint to support her claim that the Marcoses are “ganging up on her.”

“The proponents of the impeachment case should be careful especially in initiating the process especially as we approach the midterm elections,” he said in a Facebook chat. “If they overdo this, the intention of the Duterte camp to treat this political repression and make Ms. Carpio appear as an underdog might succeed.”

The impeachment process could take weeks or months, casting doubt on the viability of the complaint as Congress is set to take almost a month-long break on Dec. 20.

Congressmen will reconvene on Jan. 13, 2025 for a few weeks before adjourning for four months to start their election campaign before the May 12 midterm polls.

If this is mishandled by the proponents and if it appears that they went overboard in impeaching Ms. Carpio, then an impeachment before midterms might help the Duterte allies win more seats,” he added.

The filing of civil society organizations could be seen as an attempt to establish themselves as a “third camp” between the deepening rift of the Marcoses and Dutertes, Anthony Lawrence A. Borja, an associate political science professor at the De La Salle University, said in a Facebook chat.

Labor department completes profiling of almost 28,000 POGO workers

Police raided a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in a building in Parañaque City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Monday said it has completed profiling of almost 28,000 direct workers of Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operators (POGO), in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order of total ban.

It, however, struggles to find employment for the displaced workers despite intensified job fair initiatives.

In a news briefing in Manila City, the Labor department said the total number of POGO workers, now called Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), is at 27,790 across Metro Manila, Region IV-A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon and Region VII (Central Visayas).

This only accounted for direct IGL workers, excluding indirect workers, which DoLE earlier said, could reach over 30,567 individuals.

In his third State of the Nation Address in July, Mr. Marcos ordered to ban all forms of IGLs by Dec. 31 due to growing concerns about illegal activities, such as human trafficking and scamming.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma told reporters on Monday the department is intensifying job fairs to find employment for affected workers, noting they are set to host another job fair in Biñan, Laguna on Friday.

Despite this, Mr. Laguesma admitted the turnout for job fairs is still low, which could be linked to workers who remain skeptical that a total ban would materialize by year-end as well as the lack of guarantee that workers will secure the jobs they prefer.

“Maybe they want to look for a job similar to what they are currently doing that offers the same or even better benefits, most of the job vacancies offered in job fairs are mostly entry-level positions,” he added in mixed English and Filipino.

This has prompted the DoLE National Capital Region to adjust to attract employers by offering high-level positions to encourage IGL workers’ participation.

Despite the deadline for the total ban being at year-end, the labor chief said they would not stop helping affected workers even after the deadline.

DoLE said in a statement, 202 IGL workers were hired on the spot in the past four job fairs; 435 workers secured Unemployment Insurance Benefit from the Social Security System; 708 IGL employees enlisted for employment facilitation; and 2 IGL workers referred for skills or technical training.

DoLE Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover said livelihood intervention through self-employment is also a strategy of the department in helping affected laborers.

Over 118 former IGL workers have availed such assistance, he said.

To further encourage affected IGL workers, jobseekers are encouraged to browse through PhilJobNet, which offers about 2 million vacancies.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reiterated anew its call for foreign workers employed by IGLs to adhere to the government-mandated deadline to leave the country by Dec. 31.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said that as of Nov. 7, a total of 21,757 foreign nationals associated with IGL operations voluntarily downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas.

Out of the approved applications for downgrading, 10,821 foreign nationals have so far left the country already, he said.

In October, the Bureau issued visa cancellation orders to 12,106 foreign nationals who had yet to downgrade their visas. These individuals are required to leave the country before the year-end deadline.

The BI warned that those who fail to comply will face deportation proceedings and a permanent ban from reentering the Philippines.

It anticipates the departure of approximately 20,000 more foreign IGL workers in the coming weeks.

Affected individuals are strongly advised to act promptly to meet the deadline and avoid potential legal consequences. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Sandiganbayan upholds Estrada’s acquittal

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE PHILIPPINES’ anti-graft court has rejected a plea filed by state prosecutors to reconsider its earlier decision reversing bribery charges against Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada in connection with a multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

In an eight-page resolution dated Nov. 27, the Sandiganbayan Special Fifth Division said that prosecutors failed to present new arguments against the court’s earlier ruling overturning Mr. Estrada’s bribery cases.

The court added they could not appeal the acquittal as it is against the rule of double jeopardy, which prevents someone who has been acquitted of being charged with the same crime.

“At the outset, the issues raised by the prosecution were already discussed rigorously in the assailed resolution and there is no need to belabor the same. It would be a useless ritual for the Court to reiterate itself,” the resolution, penned by Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega, read in part.

“Besides, the instant motion seeks to revisit the factual findings of Mr. Estrada’s acquittal that would place the latter in double jeopardy,” it added. “His acquittal cannot be assailed under the guise of a motion for reconsideration.”

In a resolution, dated Aug. 22, the anti-graft court reversed an earlier decision convicting Mr. Estrada of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery as the prosecution failed to prove that the senator had received alleged kickback from businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

The pork barrel allowed legislators to fund small-scale projects in their districts that fell outside the national infrastructure program. The Supreme Court voided the practice in 2013 for being illegal. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DoJ OKs 5-year development plan

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) approved the Development Plan 2023-2028 as part of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The plan aims to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to advance the DoJ’s role in the Marcos administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda, focusing on public order, safety, peace and security, the DoJ added.

It particularly outlines the DoJ’s role in three major areas: enhancing the administration of justice, promoting competition and regulatory efficiency, and practicing good governance to improve bureaucratic efficiency.

“[The DoJ Development Plan] will serve as a critical framework for our organizational planning, reforms, innovations, and priorities,” Undersecretary-in-Charge for Planning and Management Service Margarita N. Gutierrez said in a statement.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the master plan will build a solid foundation of justice to benefit every Filipino even after the current administration.

The DoJ Development Plan aligns with Executive Order No. 14, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., which mandates the implementation of the PDP for 2023-2028. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Probe into ERC’s regulation sought

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a resolution to look into the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) performance-based regulation system of assessing power generation costs only when a project is completed, which is seen to delay cost recovery amid the country’s power issues.

Senate Resolution No. 1238, which Senate President Francis G. Escudero filed on Nov. 21, pushes for an “as spent” method of assessing regulatory costs to ensure a quicker recovery of investments.

The as spent method adds costs as they occur while as the ERC’s existing “as commissioned” regulatory assesses costs only when a project is completed, according to a copy of the resolution.

“The adoption of ‘As Commissioned’ method will entail significant adverse consequences on investment risk, return on capital, regulatory compliance and electricity cost given its uncertainty and the need to cover financial cost,” based on measure.

Energy Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin earlier urged senators to amend the ERC charter to allow price increases without regulatory approval as long as these fall within a set benchmark or bracket.

This would allow the ERC to do away with the cumbersome approval process that power distributors have complained about, she told a Senate energy committee hearing that is looking at changes to the 23-year-old Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

In his third address to Congress, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sought a review of EPIRA to address issues hounding the energy sector, particularly high energy prices.

Mr. Escudero said the “as spent” method would be a more balanced and sustainable cost recovery framework and would help the government avoid financial strain or delayed cost recovery.

“The ‘as spent’ method also ensures continuous funding for ongoing projects, stabilizes electricity rates over time, and enhances regulatory transparency, ultimately providing a more predictable and equitable system for the regulated entities and consumers,” the Senate president said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Palace order implementing S. Korea FTA expected soon

REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

EXPORTERS shipping to South Korea could avail of new tariff arrangements as early as this month following the expected completion of the entry into force requirements of the Philippine-Korean free trade agreement (FTA), the Department of Trade and Industry said.

On the sidelines of the National Exporters Week, Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said that the next step following the ratification of the FTA in both counties is the issuance of an executive order.

“The President will (have to) approve it. The executive order is scheduled to be issued in December,” he told reporters on Monday.

According to Mr. Gepty, the DTI received a letter dated Nov. 18 from South Korea declaring the completion of the legal procedures on Seoul’s end. The FTA had been ratified by the Philippine Senate on Sept. 23.

He said Philippine negotiators are targeting for the deal to come into force within the year to maximize the benefits of the new tariff regime.

“It will be a big help because there will be tariff cuts. Once it enters into force, there will be reductions already… in January there will be another cut,” he said.

“Actually, we already have agreed on the date, but I don’t want to preempt it,” he added.

Mr. Gepty has said that the FTA will enter into force on the first day of the second month, or on such other date as the parties may agree, following the date when the parties inform each other that all necessary domestic legal procedures have been completed.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said that besides the executive order, there is also a need for the Bureau of Customs to issue a customs memorandum order to implement the FTA tariff commitments.

After which, the two parties will have to send a formal notification to each other on the entry into force of the FTA, Mr. Rodolfo added.

Asked to comment, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said the main beneficiaries of the FTA include banana exporters.

“Our bananas suffer from a higher tariff compared with Central American exports into the South Korean market,” Mr. Chikiamco said.

South Korea was the third-biggest export market for Philippine bananas last year, accounting for $164.54 million, or 13% of fresh banana exports.

In the first half, banana exports to South Korea hit $102.58 million, well ahead of the year-earlier pace.

Aside from maintaining banana market share, Mr. Chikiamco said that the FTA may lead to more factories being set up in the Philippines to access the South Korean market.

“Therefore, it may cause an increase in FDI to utilize the country’s plentiful labor force to export to Korea,” he said.

“However, we also have to fix our infrastructure issues like ports and energy in order to attract investors to manufacture here,” he added.

Signed in September last year, the FTA eliminated 1,531 tariff lines on agricultural goods, of which 1,417 would be removed after the FTA enters into force.

It will also remove 9,909 tariff lines of industrial goods, 9,747 of which would be removed after the deal enters into force.

In total, the FTA will remove Philippine tariffs on 96.5% of goods from South Korea and Korean tariffs on 94.8% of Philippine products.