We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
MAP wants Metro under ‘state of traffic calamity’
Business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is calling on the government to declare a “state of traffic calamity” in Metro Manila, citing the economic losses from the congestion on roads......»»
Aboitiz Group raises 2024 capex
The Aboitiz Group is poised to expand its various business units this year, supported by a substantial increase in capital expenditures......»»
Half of finance work could be AI by 2030
Dear Editor, The G.M.A. Integrated News unveiling of A.I. sportscasters Maia and Marco last 24 September captivated many people during the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA Season 99. This groundbreaking introduction sparked intense discussions on social media about Artificial Intelligence’s potential implications on journalism’s future. People expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension, highlighting the need for further exploration and understanding of AI’s role in shaping the field of journalism. As Artificial Intelligence advances at an unprecedented rate, it is not only in journalism where AI can automate work. According to McKinsey, by 2030, approximately half of the finance work could be automated. This automation will bring opportunities and challenges, as AI can streamline processes and improve efficiency. The finance areas that have already started to be automated are the banking and financial institutions, risk assessments, credit scoring, customer service, and market sentiment analysis. In banking and financial institutions, an AI called KAI-GPT can auto-detect risks, generate insights, and make financially literate recommendations. Launched on 31 May 2023, KAI-GPT is the world’s first banking-specific large language model designed to address the industry’s unique accuracy, transparency, trustworthiness, and customization needs. The KAI-GPT provides a human-like, financially literate response. Westpac, Australia’s first bank and oldest company serving more than 12 million customers, is in the process of implementing KAI. Meanwhile, in risk assessment, the tool DataRobot AI can simulate potential fraud scenarios and detect credit risks, fraud risks, and market volatility. Using predictive and generative DataRobot AI improves the technical ecosystem in Financial Services. Sanlam, Africa’s largest non-banking financial institution, uses DataRobot AI, resulting in more streamlined and transparent solutions, driving critical business value levers such as sales and client retention. In the finance area of credit scoring, the Personetics and AIO Logic can detect risk, determine rates, and structure customer loans. Personetics serves over 140 banks and financial institutions across 30 global markets, reaching 135 million banking customers. United Overseas Bank, a Singapore-based Banking and Financial Services organization with 24346 employees and revenues of $9790000.00 billion, uses Personetics. AIO Logic is well known as an AI for Automated Payment Management, Automated Balance Management, Automated Accounting, Complex Structures, Automated Invoicing, Automated Reporting and Analytics. These two credit scoring AI can also assess customers’ creditworthiness and set credit limits. In customer service, robo-advisors, chatbots, and virtual assistants provide a conversational system fit for financial planning assistance. Robo-advisors offer financial advice and limited human interaction, which appeal to Generation Z, who have virtual interactions with advisors and are increasing interest in novel assets like cryptocurrency. The AI is now also in market sentiment analysis, and Bloomberg G.P.T. shows how to automatically analyze news, articles, social media and other classified textual data. Launched on 30 March 2023, Bloomberg GPT is a significant language model with 50 billion parameters trained explicitly on a wide range of financial data. It can perform market sentiment analysis and even help manage investment portfolios. These advancements in AI technology have the potential to significantly streamline and automate many tasks in the finance industry, reducing the need for human intervention. The applications of generative AI in Finance will be widely seen in regulatory compliance and reporting, financial forecasting, portfolio optimization, anti-money laundering and algorithmic trading. However, it is essential to note that while AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, it is not a substitute for human expertise and judgment. Human oversight and decision-making will still be crucial in navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring AI technologies’ ethical and responsible use. Still, job displacement in finance may occur, and the need to upskill the workforce is now paramount. Arnel Lopez Cadeliña arnelcadelina@gmail.com The post Half of finance work could be AI by 2030 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Etta Rosales makes an appeal to the young to ‘Never Forget’ Martial Law
On the 51st Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law, Former Member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and Martial Law survivor, Etta Rosales, makes an appeal—especially to the young—to never forget the atrocities of that era in our history. In an interview on ANC's Headstart, she said: "Ako’y nangangampanya, nag-aapila sa mga kabataan natin, dahil mga kabataan nating ang syang mulat…dahil yung mga tatay ninyo, mga nanay ninyo, hindi sila nagsasalita, either takot or hindi naman nila alam kung ano ang katotohanan, pero kayo, mulat na kayo, wag kayong maniniwala dun sa distortions of truth na nangyayari ngayon dahil sa Marcos atrocities, kelangan ilabas natin ang katotohanan." There was a huge outcry when the Department of Education insisted on removing the "Marcos" from the Diktaduryang Marcos in Aralin Panlipunan textbooks, with various historical groups decrying the whitewashing and historical distortion. "DepEd has no business distorting the truth on Martial Law," said Rosales. Rosales was an activist during Martial law and was arrested in 1976. In a news report from AFP in 2022, she recalls "boiling-hot candle wax was poured on her arms and she was waterboarded as well as strangled with a belt. Her abusers delivered electric shocks to her fingertips and toes." According to Amnesty International Philippines Director Aurora Parong, the Dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s security forces "killed, tortured, sexually abused, mutilated or arbitrarily detained about 70,000 opponents". The post Etta Rosales makes an appeal to the young to ‘Never Forget’ Martial Law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President
The most challenging thing is to write an essay about the country’s President who is celebrating his birthday. I should probably go back to the years when he was the “crush ng bayan.” From London, he would come home for vacation and would be met at the airport by his doting parents, with his mother kissing him on the forehead. He was very fashionable, from his haircut to his clothes and, well, he was the epitome of “cuteness” as cute could be. He did not sport long hippie hair but had bangs and his lips were well-pronounced. His mom took pride in his looks. “Kamukha ko (he looks like me),” she would say. Bongbong grew into the Oxford student who would come home and occasionally appear on television. I recall in 1973, he and his friends danced the latest craze on live television. He was, by then, oozing with appeal, his shy and boyish smile adding to the enigma that comes with being the president’s son. Many years later, I saw him when he and his sister Irene graced the opening of a project in Isabela. I am trying to remember if it was for natural gas or the largest dam in Asia. But he was there on the stage set up at the Cauayan airport, looking fresh and friendly, although he was smiling at everyone and no one in particular. I stood alone, away from the other welcomers, and somehow got him to look at me. I looked at him like I was telling him I know you or we know each other, and he stared back, smiling too, looking like he was wondering if he might have seen me before somewhere. It was one of my tricks. [caption id="attachment_183135" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. | Photograph courtesy of BBM FB[/caption] Much would be said of the young gentleman, of his not being who he was supposed to be because he had died somewhere. Also, that he had killed someone who had called his father a dictator. Bongbong Marcos, for better or worse, was the fodder for both favorable and malicious talk. He became governor of Ilocos Norte in the mid-1980s when he took over from his aunt, Elizabeth Keon. At the same time, he wore the military uniform of the officer rank bestowed on him by his father, the President. Moving fast forward, Bongbong Marcos became a congressman and a senator, ran for vice president, and lost. Sometime after he caught Covid-19. After he had lost the vice-presidential contest and was protesting its result, he appeared on Daily Tribune’s online show, Spotlight. I remember only a little, not because he or his remarks were forgettable, but I blame my old age for not remembering. But I recall a pleasant interview, for he was relaxed and calm, and while he seemed occupied by his electoral protest, he was at the same time accepting of it. It was the Marcoses’ turn to be cheated, people said. The next presidential election had him and Leni Robredo, along with others, slugging it out. And while everyone had taken to microphones to condemn and attack him and his father, martial law and the dictatorship, he remained silent. He chose not to participate in the debates, leaving it to his supporters and fans to fight back for him. One UP professor who may have been unbiased took a liking to him, like an older woman in love for the first time, gushing over the assets of a fine, young, sexy gentleman. But that was not unexpected. Bongbong Marcos, after all, was the “crush ng bayan” from the time he was a teenager. Today, he is the President of the Philippines. I was talking with one youthful matron who possesses both beauty and wisdom and whose family was best known to be in the opposition against the Marcoses. She said that when President Rodrigo Duterte began his term, she gave him a chance to prove himself because he had been elected. As her gauge for the success of a presidency had much to do with how the stock market fared, she was disappointed because stocks dived very low to the depths. She gave RRD a failing mark. When BBM became President, she also gave him a “chance.” She told me, “I have yet to see what will happen next because he has just finished his first year, and it is too early to know how well or evil he has done. The people elected him, he is now the President, so let’s give him a chance.” The woman’s statement, I believe, more or less sums up the general feeling of the Filipino people. Here is one President perceived to be good and kind, and one who is not to be feared compared to his father or even his daring and feisty elder sister. One would hear, “Matatakot kayo pag si Imee ang presidente (You would be afraid if Imee were president),” which is people’s way of saying what they feel and think about the Marcos siblings. So, we have a kind President who has had to deal with all kinds of issues and problems: Typhoons, the pandemic, and now the rice shortage. I have always been a BBM fan (after all, he was “crush ng bayan” in our youth), and even if he had not become a statesman in the tradition of many of our top legislators, one thinks of him as a pleasant guy who plays it cool and is lovable. Now comes a wife who is perceived to be running the show. All because, like it or not, she has the educational credentials; she proved herself in the Big Apple; and as her husband himself would tell one and all, she has excellent organizational abilities. She ran the campaign, many would assume, although she much preferred to keep to the sidelines. Like it or not, Liza Marcos, the First Lady, is a potent mover in this administration. Her many worthy projects in the creative industry, health care, education, and environment, along with her brand of diplomatic maneuvering using Filipiniana fashion as a vehicle for international friendship, bode well for this administration. We got two leaders for one vote, and we are better off as a nation. To the President’s credit, he recognizes the role his wife plays in his administration, and that speaks of a man secure in his position as the head of his family. Regarding cronyism, BBM has his friends in the business sector, top men and women, titans and tycoons, czars and magnates, who accompany him on his travels abroad. One of them described their roles as similar to those of club guest relations officers — entertaining guests and clients. We are told that they talk with their counterparts on the international scene, wherever the presidential itinerary takes them. Hence, the public does not see the usual kind of cronies who are there for what they could take. These friends want to help because if this administration succeeds and the economy improves, the Filipino people, including the business sector, will live better lives. The greatest challenge to BBM, everyone perceives, is the conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea. In this regard, BBM has proved to be wise, circumspect and decisive. He has the backing of the international community and his people. We hope he will pass the test, because if he passes it we are all together the victors. BBM deserves our prayers and hopes for the best of his administration. If he succeeds, and we hope he does, we will rise as a people. The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. There are some things that people feel he should handle with steel gloves, akin to his father’s style, and that is up for him to decide. A kind and gentle President may be all we need to make this nation great again, and there’s Bongbong Marcos to take on the role and fulfill the promise of a happy, progressive, and peaceful country and people. BBM is not only the best-looking President, but the kindest and, of late, the most eloquent, as he is proving himself to be. He is also the coolest. The post BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI will soon power restaurant operations
Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence or AI-powered in-restaurant solutions. The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership, including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes. In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled “CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences.” At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency. With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload. foodpanda Philippines commercial director Luis Antonio Yanga says, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare’s platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and providing efficient solutions for thousands of partner vendors and merchants.” Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike With foodpanda and TabSquare’s combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention. Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers’ purchasing history,” Yanga said. Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints. According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10 percent higher bill sizes, up to 50 percent reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10 percent uplift in business performance since joining the platform. In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services, which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of its services. The post AI will soon power restaurant operations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rethink tax
How does the Philippines attract more foreign investment? Last week, big business groups, including the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and investors inside Clark and Subic freeports, appeal the review and amendment of pertinent rules issued by the tax bureau to preserve the original intent of the Create Act. According to the group, the IRR and the BIR issuances “effectively stopped” the enjoyment of the tax incentive and other fiscal perks, as some investor firms are now levied with VAT and other taxes. The group cited data from the World Bank, which showed that the Philippines only account for 5 percent of the total average foreign direct investment in the Asean (2011-2021) while neighbors like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam account for 53 percent, 11 percent, 11 percent, 9 percent and 8 percent, respectively. They warned that, if the issue is not resolved, the Philippines’ ranking in global competitiveness might further slide down. In fact, Taiwanese businesses inside Clark and Subic freeports have been appealing to the authorities about these benefits issue for some time. As it is widely known, while Filipinos have high English proficiency, high electricity rates, poor infrastructure, transportation systems inadequacy, supply-chain shortages and lack of tax incentives are among the issues businesses are facing in the Philippines. Vietnam and Singapore have been top investment destinations for Taiwanese companies in the Asean. It is estimated that the overall volume of investment from Taiwan to the Philippines is only 1/16 of overall Taiwanese investment in Vietnam. To create a more amiable environment for FDI, it takes the government to be more determined to invest in infrastructure projects and address these pressing issues with all-out effort. In recent months, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., referred to as “the sacred mountain” that protects Taiwan, has declared several investment plans in the US, Japan and Germany. These projects have raised global attention and it is worth noting that the German government reportedly will contribute up to €5 billion (P306 billion) to the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant in Dresden, Germany, which will be 70-percent owned by TSMC, with German multinational engineering and technology company Bosch, German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon and Dutch semiconductor designer and manufacturer NXP each holding 10 percent equity stake. German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle reports that the reason TSMC chose Dresden to build the factory is most likely because of the cluster effect. Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony where it has been the epicenter of chip production in Europe. It is reported that every third semiconductor made in Europe comes from Saxony. The region also benefits from the presence of prominent research institutes and universities to provide talents, such as Fraunhofer and Technical University Dresden, one of the foremost technical institutions in Germany. Simply put, while investment incentives are not something required for companies when they make decisions to invest in a certain country, it does play a significant role and the authorities have to consider how much they want to attract foreign investment and use these critical tools wisely. The post Rethink tax appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Territorial issues
Imagine a world where the 16 cities and the single remaining municipality of Metro Manila are under one unified control, under a single governor, and government administrative services are shared. Imagine having zero territorial disputes between and among cities, and there would be little or no need for expansion via reclamation. Imagine public schools and hospitals being shared by all inhabitants of Metro Manila, regardless of which area or jurisdiction you reside in. This was the situation decades ago, but it seems certain that we will never go back to this, unless a nuclear bomb is dropped on Manila and resets everything back to zero. Right now, we have two public issues affecting land in Metro Manila — one pertains to the creation of new land, and the other is a dispute over a large tract of land involving two big business districts. With the way things are going, it is becoming apparent that the national government must step in and intervene in these issues. Last weekend, my family stayed in the renowned Sofitel in Pasay City, and what was once a pristine and relaxing view of Manila Bay had turned into a dusty wasteland of a reclamation site. Good thing the President ordered the stoppage of reclamation activities just days before, otherwise we would have been inhaling dust particles while my kids were enjoying the swimming pool. Prior to this visit, I attended a wedding in the same area back in October and you could still appreciate the vast sea. Now, we saw trucks and vans in the reclaimed area, which is almost ready for the laying of a road network and, later, buildings. Reclamations done in the sea — a natural resource — face legal issues that may be threshed out in court. But with the speed the reclamations are being done, not just in Metro Manila but in the entire country, using Chinese construction companies adept at doing this, i.e., the artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea in a few months, new parcels of land will soon be ready for sale at premium prices. The increase in land area guarantees revenue for the city it shall be adjacent to. Case in point: the reclaimed area where the SM Mall of Asia and Pagcor City are situated are guaranteed income earners for the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, respectively. Due to the lack of space in Metro Manila, cities resort to reclamation to build new revenue streams. In the case of Makati and Taguig, we have a territorial dispute brought about by a Supreme Court decision. The “Embo” (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) portion of Makati was declared a part of Taguig because of what I understand was an appeal gone awry. Since the appeal of Makati to the Supreme Court caused the latter to open the facts for review, the disputed portion was suddenly found to be part of Taguig. Now that schools are about to open, the question is whether these “Embo” schools and their teachers should be part of Taguig. The ‘“embo” barangays comprise over 200,000 inhabitants, many of whom will become instant voters of Taguig. Although these are residential areas, they stand to benefit from the vibrant business community of BGC, and no longer would they be divided by Kalayaan Avenue. One may argue that they may actually be an expense for Taguig since these are not commercial areas, but the vote-rich barangays make it a political prize for whichever city or district they will land. Alas, we are left to imagine what if Metro Manila was a single mega-city. It may never happen again, unless we turn government around and revise the Constitution. Then again, who knows what the next president may bring to our colorful government? For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Territorial issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UnionBank taps tools for quick loans
Union Bank of the Philippines, or UnionBank, expects revenues to surge by 132 percent this year as it further streamlines digital and in-branch processes through communication solutions from global provider Infobip. Marc Angeles, UnionBank’s head for low-code development and automation, on Wednesday said the bank has been able to increase messages to clients from 20,000 per hour to 100,000 per hour using Infobip’s technology, leading to more applications for quick loans and a 12-percent growth in income. Infobip’s service called Moments helps the bank engage clients using artificial intelligence or AI to collect data from customers about the types of messaging tools they use often and the specific times in a day they open these communication tools. Different channels accessed “Before we were just sending via texts or SMS. With Infobip, we can deliver messages via different channels like Viber and email,” Angeles said. He said UnionBank started using Infobip’s Moments three or four months ago. With the automation features of Moments, UnionBank can talk to clients for updates on quick loan applications and marketing campaigns more effectively Quick loans provide clients cash for small and medium purchases of certain products and services, such as gadgets, home appliances and travel. “We know if they are booking the loan and engaging with us. Moment is an automated platform. If the clients are not active on SMS, communication automatically switches to Viber or email,” Angeles said. In this way, Infobip said UnionBank can maximize internet-based messaging apps amid the intermittent or low-signal connection in some areas, especially in the provinces. “We have time optimization which analyzes when the users access their messages and the time when they have the internet if they are using Whatsapp or Viber,” Andrew Egan, Infobip’s vice president of sales, said. To add new clients and introduce its digital services, UnionBank said it will continue to deploy physical tools and activities. “We have transformed physical branches into being more personal than simply transactional. We rolled out bank on wheels, for example, to reach clients including those in business process outsourcing during their payday, as well as visit remittance centers, especially in the provinces,” Angeles said. Infobip, on its part, stressed it will continue to tap messaging tools that appeal most to the consumers as UnionBank aims to provide financial services to all Filipinos. “The goal will always dictate the channel of choice. Infobip provides business opportunities not to use proprietary tools invented by Infobip. We don’t want to dictate another communication channel. This is ease of access,” Cecile Tizon, Infobip’s sales director for Asia Pacific, said. The post UnionBank taps tools for quick loans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Short-circuited reforms
Judicial intervention in business transactions never had a stronger impact on Filipinos than the effect of the Court of Appeals stopping the Energy Regulatory Commission, or ERC, from compelling San Miguel Corp. power units to honor their contracts with Manila Electric Co. About a month ago, the CA handed down a permanent injunction on the consolidated cases of SMC units South Premiere Power Corp. and San Miguel Energy Corp. to overturn the ERC’s rejection of petitions to suspend their straight-price contracts. Energy Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla said in a recent interview with Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk the Solicitor General will continue to challenge the injunction order up to the Supreme Court. “We don’t want the courts to be second-guessing the decisions of administrative bodies like the Energy Regulatory Commission,” according to Lotilla. The straight pricing regime in the power sector should have complemented the policy of the Department of Energy to move away from subsidies in the cost of electricity. Consumer groups had also filed a motion for reconsideration before the CA against the injunction. In July, the CA overturned the ERC to honor the SMC units’ straight-priced power contracts. The decision, consumer groups fear will open the floodgates to higher electricity costs, as SMC and other fossil fuel power generators will be emboldened to ask for more rate increases as they can apply for and possibly secure price adjustments during their contracts’ lifetime through the courts. The consumer groups consider the CA’s move a big blow to consumers since it negates the straight-pricing contracts. All straight-price contracts, 23 based on ERC records, are now at risk of price adjustments. In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated the goal of achieving competitive pricing for electricity, which will be negated by the CA’s injunction order. Consumer groups said the injunction order allowed SMC to ultimately hijack bidding systems for power supply agreements that are in place to protect consumers. SolGen Menardo Guevarra will submit the challenge based on the position that the injunction order interferes with administrative functions. “We will not see an immediate impact of the decision but it will affect prices because they involve fix-rate contacts between SMC and Meralco,” according to the energy chief. “The Solicitor General’s Office has made clear that the government opposed the issuance of injunction orders and therefore would be ready to appeal, I’m sure,” he indicated. Lotilla said the list of rules that the DoE issued was meant to address the problems in the industry and bring down rates to reasonable levels. “We have made the policy decision not to subsidize electricity, so we cannot think of telling the distributor or telling our people that prices are going to be drastically reduced,” Lotilla said. The initiative of the electricity distributor to bid out fixed price contracts would have offset the DoE plan to remove all forms of subsidies on electricity prices and thus make the monthly bills truly equitable. The market reforms have been thrown off course by the court injunction which has had the effect of usurping the authority of a quasi-judicial body while clearly favoring SMC. The post Short-circuited reforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tacloban intensifies plastic ordinance info drive
The local government of Tacloban City disclosed on Sunday that it has embarked on a massive education drive to inform the residents on an ordinance regulating the use of plastics and styrofoam on packaging that will take effect next year. Tacloban’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Jonathan Hijada stressed that the information and education campaign has already started with establishments in the downtown area and will soon commence outside of the commercial center. He added that the CENRO and the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Division are set to conduct a joint seminar that will target large establishments such as malls and hardware stores to ensure their compliance of the ordinance. “As early as now, people should already start reducing their garbage to increase the lifespan of our sanitary landfill,” Hijada said. The CENRO chief revealed that at least 120 tons of garbage is generated in the city every day of which over 13 tons is composed of single-use plastics. “If this continues, the holding capacity of our sanitary landfill will soon be on a critical level and may only be able to accommodate until next year,” Hijada said. To recall, Tacloban’s sanitary landfill in Barangay San Roque opened in 2019 and there are already plans to expand it by 20 to 30 meters to increase its lifespan by two to three years. “We appeal for the cooperation of everybody to be responsible with their garbage. Households can start with waste segregation and not throw away those that can still be recycled and use eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable bags when they do their grocery or go to market,” Hijada said. The city ordinance bans the use of single-use plastics, plastic bags and styrofoam in groceries, fast food chains, food kiosks, sari-sari stores, markets and among ambulant vendors. The post Tacloban intensifies plastic ordinance info drive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cheers as FIBA nears
As the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 opening day nears, PLDT and Smart gathered dignitaries and heads of embassies and consulates in the Philippines to promote camaraderie among nations in the most anticipated global sports event this year. “We are grateful to be able to come together to celebrate the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we can host the world’s biggest stage in basketball alongside Japan and Indonesia,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO, who also heads the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 local organizing committee. “The FIBA World Cup goes beyond basketball: it is about the heart and capabilities of all participating countries, and our ability to bring honor to our nations. We are eager to showcase our countrymen’s love for the sport and promote Filipino hospitality, while promoting the sportsmanship and culture of the countries that will play here in the Philippines,” he added. Dignitaries and special guests representing 25 countries attended the event hosted by PLDT Enterprise in Makati City. The event also served as an opportunity for the Philippine government, represented by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Foreign Affairs Senior Special Assistant Alex Lamadrid, to present the plans of the government to support this global event. “The FIBA World Cup gives opportunities for Filipinos themselves to show their love for country, because what we will see is a great sense of nationalism in cheering for the Philippine team. This nationalism which will be replicated throughout the citizens of the world whom we are very eager to welcome to the country as we host the World Cup,” said Frasco. “The Department of Foreign Affairs, for its part, will continue to pursue and take advantage of the universal appeal of sports in bringing people together, to bridge cultural or social differences, and bring more cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit and development,” said senior special assistant Lamadrid. The role of PLDT Chairman and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan is central to the story of how the Philippines came to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup. After losing the bid against China in 2015, Pangilinan, who was then chair of SBP, started to form a multi-country consortium to win against competitor countries. And the rest is history. “The FIBA World Cup is an apex event in basketball, and it’s good for Filipinos to see how Gilas can compete with the rest of the world. It is the sporting event of the year, and we’ve gotten the full support of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and various government agencies as well as the private business sector. We are very thankful for them; we couldn’t have done this without their help. This is truly a national effort,” said Pangilinan. The post Cheers as FIBA nears appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again
Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades. The falling Disney+ subscriber numbers -- for the third consecutive quarter -- came as a crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, threatening the company's ability to produce content key to the streaming service's appeal. "It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months," chief executive Bob Iger, whose contract has been extended through 2026, said of negotiations with striking actors and writers. "I am personally committed to working to achieve this result." Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years in May, only to be joined in mid-July by actors. The last time Hollywood writers laid down their pens and keyboards, in 2007, the strike lasted 100 days and cost Los Angeles's entertainment economy around $2 billion. This time, the two sides are clashing as writers demand higher pay, minimum guarantees of stable employment and a greater share of profits from the boom in streaming, while studios say they must cut costs due to economic pressures. The current double whammy of actors and writers is the first since the 1960s. At issue for both labor groups in the age of streaming is better pay and residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence, which they fear the studios would like to use to replace them. As things stand, neither the unions nor the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios, seems prepared to give ground. Password sharing a 'priority' Disney+ finished the quarter with 146.1 million subscribers, compared with just shy of 158 million in the first three months of this year, the group said. All but a sliver of the loss in Disney+ subscribers took place in India, where the entertainment titan early this year lost rights to stream popular Premier League cricket matches. Rival Netflix recently reported that its subscriptions climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing. Iger told financial analysts that Disney+ password sharing is "significant" and that the company plans to start tackling the situation. "We already have the technical capability to monitor much of this," Iger said. "We're going to get at this issue; we certainly have established this as a real priority." Disney announced it will raise its streaming service subscription price in the United States to $14 monthly starting October 12, an increase of $3. The company also expanded availability of an ad-supported Disney+ tier to Canada and parts of Europe. Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley believes Disney+ has "a long road ahead" to becoming profitable. "Our experts expect that 2025 is a more realistic timeline to achieve profitability than next year," Lumley said. "Especially considering factors like the dual strike in Hollywood and relatively weak reception of Disney's content by audiences." Disney shares were up more than 2 percent to $90 in after market trades despite the drop in streaming service subscriber numbers and a posted loss of $460 million in the quarter. The unusual quarterly loss for the company was due to charges related to ending licensing agreements and yanking content from its streaming platforms. Disney reported that its theme parks and cruise business continued to rebound from the pandemic, even while its traditional television offerings face a trend of ad dollars shifting to online viewing alternatives. Iger said in the earnings call that streaming, film studios and theme parks will drive its growth in the coming five years. "On the traditional TV side, losses continue to mount as CEO Bob Iger looks to offload what he now considers non-core assets, including the ABC Network," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Paul Verna. "These adverse trends are compounded by economic uncertainty, a soft ad market, increased competition in streaming media, labor disputes with screenwriters and actors, and lackluster box office numbers for Disney's films." The post Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myrna Segismundo: Chef to ABS-CBN stars, bigwigs
All showbiz stars and talents, as well as journos and v/bloggers, who have attended a media conference at the ABS-CBS compound in South Triangle, QC, most likely may have done so at the cozy and classy restaurant on the 14th floor of the building there. But were they ever aware that the building is called the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communication Center and the restaurant goes by the mysterious name 9501? If they knew those two names, would they also know the name Myrna Segismundo? Most likely, no unless the journos and v/bloggers who cover showbiz also go to lifestyle media events. Segismundo is one of the country’s foremost chefs of international renown. She was managing director of 9501 for almost 20 years,with the rank of vice president. Security Bank, the Zonta Club of Makati and a group known as Environs recently cited her among their Bravo Empowered Women Awards recipients. [caption id="attachment_166629" align="aligncenter" width="666"] CHEF Myrna Segismundo | Photograph Courtesy Of Relaxlangmom.com[/caption] First project The private 9501 restaurant was conceived in 1995 as the first project of the year, which is why it was given that name by then ABS-CBN head Gabby Lopez, a son of “Kapitan Geny,” who sat on top of the broadcast empire almost up to the time it lost its franchise (Gabby is legally Eugenio Lopez III and is now the chairman emeritus of ABS CBN). The 9501 corporate dining facility produced everything from weekday lunch buffets, formal haute cuisine dinners and board meeting meals to celebrity-studded press conferences. It was never opened to the public, only to ABS-CBN employees and their guests. In August this year, the restaurant ceased operations but went on to be a venue for media conferences with goods catered by other suppliers. That was where Hori7ons (the number stands for “s”) was launched as a K-pop-inspired boy group managed by ABS-CBN with a Korean company. The contract signing of transwoman talent KaladKaren was also held at 9501 weeks ago. Frequent diner Monchet Olives, Gabby Lopez’ s former chief executive, said in an interview that he has never forgotten the very first meal served at 9501 in 2001, with just Gabby Lopez and himself seated at table 001 in the corner: rack of lamb, potato purée reminiscent of Alain Ducasse, gazpacho and the famous quezo de bola cheesecake — prepared by Chef Miguel Yadao who was one of the chefs Segismundo took along with her to 9501 from another private restaurant, PCI Bank’s the Sign of the Anvil. “Sitting there in the corner, window glass on both sides, overlooking Quezon City… It was a sunny day, you could see Manila Bay. I said, wow, this is ABS-CBN,” Olives said. Gabby Lopez was a frequent diner at 9501, usually entertaining guests or meeting with company executives in the wine room. Segismundo, in another interview, remembered Lopez as a “flexible” diner who loved good wine and enjoyed Japanese, Italian, French and especially Mediterranean fare, and occasionally Filipino. The 9501 chefs could prepare any kind of cuisine, but Segismundo was most proud of the prominence of Filipino food there. Many of its most famous dishes came from the Sign of the Anvil, including the bestselling Turon, Quezo de Bola Cheesecake, Potato Bread and Adobo Paté. In fact, 9501’s bestsellers were almost all Filipino, including its Chicken and Pork adobo and Beef Tapa — “in the service of Filipino food,” she recalled in one interview. Segismundo started “dissecting and deconstructing” traditional Filipino dishes with her chefs during her Anvil days, creating her iconic Lechon Roulade (using suckling pig, not liempo) in 1995, years before the lechon roll trend came about. Lecturer on Filipino cuisine The Christmas parties of ABS-CBN executives and employees were held at the restaurant, all the parties of the bigwigs like the birthdays of Gabby Lopez and ABS-CBN top executive Freddie Garcia, and “birthdays ng lahat ng mga sikat,” as Olives once put it. A graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management of the University of the Philippines, Segismundo began her professional career at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, USA. After several years, she went back to Manila and headed Sign of the Anvil. Under the sponsorship of the Department of Foreign Affairs, she has held demonstrations and lectures abroad to promote Filipino cuisine in countries like Spain, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Japan and more. She became the first ever Filipino lecturer on Filipino cuisine at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and Filipino presenter in the prestigious Madrid Fusion in Spain. She has written several books such as the The Party Cookbook and Philippine Cuisine – Home-cooked Recipes Wherever You May Be and co-authored Kulinarya (A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine). She is known for promoting heritage recipes while also transforming them into contemporary interpretations without losing their authentic taste. She was editor of Food Magazine of ABS-CBN and the founder of the Doreen Fernandez Food Writing Awards, an annual food writing competition which aims to encourage food writing and research in the country. Most importantly, she developed the Kulinarya Program of the Department of Tourism to teach the rural folk basic cooking, service and accounting concepts to help uplift their lives and their families. Tastes and flavors Instead of saying certain Filipino dishes are “like” a particular dish from a different country, Segismundo encourages Filipinos to describe them through tastes and flavors. “Talk about our vinegars, our citruses — ingredients that are indigenous to us. Dishes that are truly Filipino that will have a universal appeal.” Meanwhile, the other awardees of Security Bank and Zonta are Celia Baltazar-Elumba for Arts, Culture and Heritage; Lourdes Delos Reyes for Business and Entrepreneurship; Jennie Jocson for Education; Cheryll Ruth Soriano for Media and Public Affairs; Rebecca Angeles for Social Services; Maria Caterina Cristina Lopa for Sports; and Rose Maria Mendoza for STEM. Segismundo received her award for Tourism and Hospitality. A special recognition was also given to the Philippine women’s football team during the awards ceremonies held 27 July at the Security Bank Center in Ayala Avenue, Makati. The post Myrna Segismundo: Chef to ABS-CBN stars, bigwigs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-ally sues Monaco’s ruler in ‘Rock Files’ scandal
A former confidant of Monaco's ruler Prince Albert II is suing the monarch in an unprecedented and potentially damaging court case triggered by the release of leaks that have rocked the usually placid Mediterranean playground for the rich and famous. Claude Palmero was for over two decades in charge of managing the palace's assets, first for Albert's father Rainier III, the husband of the US actress Grace Kelly, and then their son Prince Albert when he became ruler in 2005. But now Palmero is asking for around one million euros ($1.1 million) in damages from the palace, according to a complaint seen by AFP, over losing his job after becoming embroiled along with other former senior palace officials in unverified allegations posted in the "Dossiers du Rocher" ("Rock Files", referring to Monaco by its nickname) website from 2021. The website hosted videos, confidential email conversations and hostile articles dealing with property development in the principality. The controversy has roughed up the usually calm waters around Monaco, a tiny principality surrounded by French territory which attracts ultra-rich residents –- like tennis star Novak Djokovic and formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton -- due to its favourable tax regime. With a population of barely 40,000, Monaco neither imposes income nor wealth taxes. Among the material published by Dossiers du Rocher were email exchanges between four people close to Albert, including Palmero, accusing them of collusion in an alleged financial scam. As well as Palmero, Albert's chief of staff Laurent Anselmi also lost his job in June. 'From another age' In charge of the crown assets, Palmero was known as a Monegasque eminence grise, who was tasked with strategic issues including taking a stake in Nice's airport and buying property, as well as being a keeper of palace secrets. He lodged an appeal against his dismissal in the case before Monaco's constitutional court, known as the Supreme Tribunal, that his lawyer filed on 13 July. "No reason has ever been given to justify these decisions that come from another age and manifestly violate the principle of legality," said the complaint filed by one of his lawyers Pierre-Olivier Sur and seen by AFP. "Prince Albert II during his reign has congratulated himself in front of his subjects and the whole world that Monaco is a state of law. "Alas, there are circumstances where this principle is sadly forgotten by him and favour the violence of arbitrariness," it added. Palmero is seeking the condemnation of the prince to repair "the immense moral damage, injury and disruption to living conditions", claiming the one million euros and his reinstatement. Albert's lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois said in response: "This is a discretionary decision by the royal house as is the case with several other monarchies." But the controversy is deeply unwelcome for Albert, who has already been under intense scrutiny over his marriage to Princess Charlene, the former South African Olympic swimmer in 2011, in French and international media in recent months. Charlene only returned to Monaco in March 2022 after a months-long absence for medical treatment. Raids and infighting The case, which is set to be heard in the coming weeks, comes as judicial authorities launched a series of searches in mid-July at the four former confidants of the prince accused in the Dossiers du Rocher. All those involved deny the allegations put forward by the Dossiers du Rocher, which published their private correspondence and whose origins remain a mystery despite investigations by the French and Monaco authorities. Patrice Pastor, a Monegasque construction entrepreneur, has filed a complaint over alleged influence peddling against them. But while they suspect him of being behind the website the businessman strongly denies this. The purported motive of Pastor, whose group is worth up to 30 billion euros, is alleged by his enemies to have wanted to maintain control over lucrative real estate transactions in the principality, which Palmero and his allies sought to limit. According to official figures, 88 new apartments were sold in 2022 in Monaco, for a stratospheric total amount of 1.2 billion euros. The Pastor group is particularly involved in the Mareterra project, six hectares of luxurious buildings looking out to the Mediterranean. First reported by France's Le Monde daily, the searches targeted, in France and Monaco, the homes and offices of Claude Palmero, the law firm of Thierry Lacoste, childhood friend of the prince, Laurent Anselmi, and Didier Linotte, president of the Supreme Tribunal, who is about to leave office. Monaco's prosecutor general refused any comment. The four men do not deny being in touch with each other but insist it was to deal with regular business of Monaco. Two other men are also reported to be part of the group: former Monaco government chief Michel Roger, who is said to have formed it, was left a paraplegic after an accident in 2015. The sixth man was Jean-Francois Renucci, former head of the court of cassation in Monaco, who died in a car accident between Monaco and Nice in 2021 just as the Dossiers du Rocher scandal was erupting. The four allege that Pastor has now won the favor of the prince but this was denied by a palace aide. "This prince does not take sides," the aide, who was not named, told Le Figaro daily. The post Ex-ally sues Monaco’s ruler in ‘Rock Files’ scandal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Step in the right direction
Resuming free trade talks with the European Union or EU holds immense importance for the Philippines in the pursuit of economic prosperity and sustainability. This is because, in an interconnected world, international trade serves as a catalyst for economic growth and development. As a rapidly emerging market in Southeast Asia, the country, therefore, stands to gain substantial economic benefits, the EU being one of the world’s largest economies. A renewed trade agreement, as initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the latter’s recent visit, would foster increased bilateral trade and investment that could lead to a diversified market for Philippine products, enabling us to access over 450 million consumers in Europe. Moreover, such collaboration could pave the way for enhanced foreign direct investment, further bolstering the country’s economic growth prospects. By re-establishing trade talks, the Philippines gains the opportunity to access the vast EU market without significant trade barriers. This would promote exports of various Philippine goods and services, including agricultural products, electronics, textiles and services like business process outsourcing. The removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers would make Philippine goods more competitive in the European market, increasing the country’s export potential and contributing to a more balanced trade relationship. Engaging in free trade talks with the EU can also foster technology transfer and innovation. The EU is a global leader in research and development, especially in sectors like renewable energy, information technology and biotechnology. Collaborating with the EU would enable the Philippines to access advanced technologies and expertise, thus catalyzing industrial growth and modernization. Moreover, the infusion of modern technologies would lead to increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive on the global stage. The resumption of free trade talks with the EU offers an opportunity to address environmental and social concerns and promote sustainable development. This is because the EU places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and has stringent environmental and labor standards. By aligning with EU regulations, the Philippines can improve its environmental practices, ensure fair labor conditions, and boost the country’s image as a responsible trading partner. Sustainable development not only benefits the environment and society but also enhances the country’s appeal to international investors and consumers who prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly products. Beyond the economic advantages, renewing trade talks with the EU has significant geopolitical implications for the Philippines. It reinforces the country’s commitment to open trade and multilateralism amid growing protectionist sentiments in various parts of the world. Moreover, strengthening ties with the EU can lead to deeper diplomatic cooperation, providing the Philippines with greater geopolitical leverage in regional and international forums. Such alliances can help the Philippines address geopolitical challenges and work towards shared goals, including climate change, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. It is therefore of paramount importance for the Philippines to resume such free trade talks with one of the world’s biggest economies. The potential economic benefits, enhanced market access, technological advancements, sustainable development prospects, and geopolitical implications make it a strategic move. By fostering a closer economic relationship with the EU, the Philippines can diversify its markets, attract more investments, access advanced technologies, and promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, it signals the country’s commitment to open trade and collaboration in an interconnected global economy. The post Step in the right direction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Subic tourism’s full recovery eyed
Subic Bay Freeport — Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairperson and administrator Jonathan Tan revealed on Friday that he is confident that this premier Freeport’s tourism industry will have full recovery. This, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lifted the public health emergency in the country through Presidential Proclamation 297 effective 21 July 2023, citing that this is an encouraging development and provides the agency an optimistic outlook of the travel and tourism industry in the country. Tan’s statements were made during the Tourism Congress of the Philippines 2023 Luzon Cluster Regional Consultative Forum held at the Diamond Hotel on Wednesday where Chairman Tan addressed some 200 members, tourism stakeholders and guests. Dubbed as “Sustainable Tourism: Leading the Recovery and Profitability of Business Operation in the Post-Pandemic Era,” the said regional consultative meeting, which aims to bring together the government and industry stakeholders to hear concerns and protect stakeholders. During the meeting, participants and panelists discussed issues, concerns and plans to formulate joint programs ensuing that the interests of the stakeholders will be heard and protected. The SBMA official cited that the Subic Bay Freeport has reached 99 percent tourist arrivals last year, higher than in 2019 where the Freeport only reached 89 percent. “As of June 2023, 5.15 million visitor arrivals and 436,000 tourist arrivals have been recorded cumulatively,” Tan said. “While increasing job generation and tourism patronage has always been our goal for our tourism sector, however, my leadership now is gearing towards holistic development of the Subic Bay, making it a highly competitive and sustainable business and investment hub.” “This is captured in our new vision for SBMA, which is Subic Bay Freeport is the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030,” he added. Tan stressed that the goal is to improve the investment climate to attract more investors, increase revenue and general more resilient jobs for the residents. Among the major development plans that will complement and drive the growth of the local tourism are the establishment of public e-vehicle transportations, construction of the corporate center, adoption of a smart city, and sustainability guidelines for the agency and the business locators. Meanwhile, he also said bared other plans to revitalize the recovery and profitability of business operations in the Freeport such as holding of the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit on September 2023; the revival of cruise tourism by the first quarter of 2024 with the maiden arrival of Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas, as well as the maiden arrival the MSC’s Splendida; the economic cooperation on Halal industry to make Subic Bay a Muslim-friendly destination and rebranding of Subic Bay to align with goals and appeal to new customer segments. During the same meeting themed “Hopping on Towards Sustainability,” TCP president Roberto Zozobrado acknowledged the SBMA’s continuous support as an associate member and a partner in implementing TCP programs. Luzon-based travel and tourism stakeholders who participated in the forum were comprised of representatives from the following industry: accommodation; travel and tour services; land, air and sea tourist transport services; conventions and exhibition services and suppliers; tourism estate development; and other accredited tourism enterprises coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The post Subic tourism’s full recovery eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dyed-in-wool hypocrites
Taking the position of ignoring the International Criminal Court is the proper move of the government to counter a proceeding oozing with prejudice and hypocrisy. In “Observations on behalf of Victims on the Philippines Government Appeal against the Decision Authorizing the Resumption of the Investigation,” Prosecutor Karim Khan had practically prejudged the domestic justice system. The ICC official stated, “In relation to the proceedings conducted by the PNP-IAS (Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service, as well as the DoJ (Department of Justice) Panel and its case referral to the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and NPS (National Prosecution Service), the Philippines attempted to justify its assertations by evoking an overall case analysis through a three-phase procedure.” Khan added: “In its assessment of internal disciplinary proceedings conducted by the PNP-IAS, the Chamber emphasized that the information provided suggests that such procedure does not have the (primary) aim to further criminal proceedings and it is not known whether it leads to criminal investigations.” It was not stated how Khan concluded that the agencies had not initiated serious investigations into the deaths related to the war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Khan claimed the Chamber “properly concluded that said proceedings do not meet the threshold for a deferral.” “Regarding the mandate of the DoJ Panel and its case referral to the NBI and NPS, the second and third stages of the process, according to the Philippines, the Chamber concluded that: (i) ‘nanlaban’ cases referred to the NBI concerned administrative liability; (ii) the charts submitted by the Philippines of 250 NPS cases not only contained limited information but also had no information on the initiation of criminal investigations and prosecutions against those involved; (iii) there is lack of information on how the DoJ Panel conducts its review and if it investigates by itself; and (iv) the DoJ Panel reviewed a low number of cases. In sum, Khan said the Chamber reasonably found that it “appears that the DoJ Panel review does not amount to relevant investigations within the meaning of Articles 17 and 18 of the Statute.” He then assessed that the three-phase procedural cycle claimed by the Philippines as demonstrating the overall “investigative processes connected to the anti-illegal drug operations” was flawed. The cycle that Khan referred to is how the litigation system works, however slow, in the country in which foreign entities, even the ICC, have no business passing judgment. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who represented the country in engaging the ICC, called the impending probe an indictment against the entire legal and judicial system and encroaching on Philippine sovereignty as an independent and law-abiding nation. “The Philippines is not legally and morally bound to cooperate with the ICC,” he said. Guevarra pointed out that while it remains unclear when the Philippine government’s appeal will be resolved, the ICC ruled to proceed with the investigation in the meantime. According to the top state lawyer, the ICC pre-trial chamber authorized the resumption of the drug war probe in January but the Office of the Solicitor General filed an appeal brief on 13 March that sought the reversal of the tribunal’s decision. The decision on the Philippine petition “may come in a few months, maybe it will take years, yet the ICC appeals chamber has denied our reasonable request to suspend the investigation until the issues of jurisdiction and admissibility of the Philippine situation have been resolved to our satisfaction,” Guevarra said. The implication was that there was a deeper agenda in the ICC’s rush to conduct the probe on the Philippines. “It places us in the same class of rogue nations where the rule of law is not respected. It tends to humiliate us in the eyes of the international community, and this affront is irreversible and uncorrectable even if we eventually win on the merits of our appeal,” Guevarra said. From the start, the ICC aimed to make the Philippines a showcase of a developing nation bowing to Western impositions. It just happened that the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, refused to bow down. The post Dyed-in-wool hypocrites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later
The Philippines may just let the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the bloody drug war of the previous administration roll in the meantime and then challenge its jurisdiction later, according to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Thursday. The government, whose plea to block the probe fell on deaf ears, has high hopes the international tribunal would eventually grant its appeal to lay off the country. “The proper and only course of action for the Republic of the Philippines is to raise the issue of jurisdiction when the case is eventually filed in the ICC. Jurisdiction can be questioned at any stage of the proceedings,” said Rodriguez, a lawyer. “When the case is brought to the ICC, we raise the issue of jurisdiction, and the Philippines will surely secure its dismissal for lack of jurisdiction,” he added. Calls have been made to end the ICC’s probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that claimed thousands of lives during his six years in office that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly maintained that the country would not engage with the ICC, insisting the government would not let the court interfere in the country’s business. ‘Oplan Tokhang’ Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who during the Duterte administration led the anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” had previously said he was ready in case a warrant of arrest was served on him, but only if by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. But for Rodriguez, the government officials concerned should compose themselves and study the ICC decision well. “There is no need for our government officials to make many extraneous comments on the decision,” he said. Some 6,000 persons were reportedly killed in Duterte’s drug war, according to government data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimated the number of victims at more than 30,000. Meanwhile, senators expressed dismay at the ICC decision that turned down the Philippine appeal, saying there was no need for it since the Philippines has a “working justice system.” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the ICC should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs. “We do not need to remind them that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws,” he said. Revilla said that since Philippine government officials will be held liable for violations, the laws of the country should prevail and not of foreign prosecutors. “I am befuddled by the ICC’s pursuit of this obvious baseless persecution while legitimate concerns and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in other parts of the world as we speak. It is obvious the ICC’s interest here is not justice but something else entirely,” he said. Operating very well Senator Mark Villar said there was no need for any international body to intervene in the country’s justice system, stressing that Philippine democracy is fully functioning. He said the Philippine justice system is “operating very well” and it could address its own human rights concerns. “Our government has a very strong justice system that is working so I don’t think we need international interference. We have our courts, we have a strong justice system, that’s what I believe,” Villar said in a recent interview. Aside from Duterte and Dela Rosa, the ICC report included Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte in the probe. Unfazed Dela Rosa has remained unfazed by the ICC ruling and is even mulling another Senate term, although he said the ICC probe will affect a reelection bid. “Since I am identified with the former president, I may not get the votes. The votes I will get will be those in support of [former] president Duterte. But the support may even grow since many Filipinos are also angered by [the ICC’s] interference in our sovereignty, so its impact on my reelection bid may even be positive,” he said. Dela Rosa reiterated that the drug war was launched by the Duterte administration not for any personal gain but “to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace, especially our youth.” The post ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’
By: Ann JEnireene Gomez and Alvin Murcia With GLEN JACOB JOSE, Tiziana Celine Piatos AND JOM GARNER, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned of “big trouble” if the International Criminal Court comes to the Philippines to arrest him or anyone else. “I already expected that, their insistence on meddling in our domestic affairs. Let them, let them do what they want,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an interview with Frontline Tonight. “I’ll be here, I am not hiding. If they have a warrant of arrest, let them serve the warrant,” Dela Rosa said, with one caveat — that he’ll only allow himself to be arrested by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner ordered to do so by the ICC. Dela Rosa was responding to a statement of Senate President Miguel Zubiri that the government will have no choice but to turn over anyone to the ICC if the arrest warrant will be coursed through local courts and will be served by local authorities. “We are still a sovereign country, and they (accused) are still citizens of this country. They do that with many other countries. However, the danger there is if Senator Bato dela Rosa goes to a country that is friendly to the ICC, then they will arrest him. Here in the Philippines, the process is they must coordinate with the local courts,” Zubiri said. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber voted 3-2 on Tuesday to deny the Philippines’ appeal to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from resuming its investigation. “There’s no problem if the Philippine government would be the one to arrest me, but not the foreigners,” he said. “If it’s the government of the Philippines that would decide to arrest me, what can I do? But if they (ICC) would come here to take me, our government would have none of that.” “There’s going to be big trouble if they would insist on coming here against our government’s expressed will. That would be too blatant an interference and they would be treating us like fools,” he added. Chill Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who offered to stand as legal counsel for a fellow lawmaker in the ICC probe, advised Dela Rosa to “Just chill”. “I accept the proposal of Sen. Dela Rosa to a lawyer for him. I am now speaking as the counsel for Senator Dela Rosa,” said Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in an online press conference yesterday. He said nothing has changed in the Philippines’ position on the dismissal of the ICC Pre-Chamber in the country’s appeal regarding the probe of the “war on drugs.” The ICC, he added, has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday advised former president Rodrigo Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay away from countries where the ICC has influence. Dela Rosa is accused of implementing the alleged iron-fist policy of Duterte as a Davao regional police official and later as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief in 2016. “They are citizens of the republic who also need our protection,” Remulla said, adding that Duterte and Dela Rosa should refrain from going to countries in Europe. Why Sara? But even before Remulla came out with his advice, Dela Rosa had already said he would not deliver himself to the ICC. “I will make sure not to go to those countries that are friendly with the ICC,” he said. He also brushed aside efforts to involve Vice President Sara Duterte in the ICC probe, calling the move politically motivated against one who could become the country’s next president. He reiterated that the Vice President’s name was never mentioned in proceedings that looked into the alleged activities of the so-called Davao Death Squad. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs. The DoJ expressed deep disappointment and strong disagreement with the denial by the ICC of the Office of the Solicitor General’s appeal to stop the probe on account of the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC, and its having a fully functioning justice system. It said the rejection of the appeal was based on the ICC’s flawed interpretation of its jurisdiction as a court of last resort — that it could only assume jurisdiction when a member country showed it was not capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes within its borders. The DoJ pointed out that the principle of complementarity, enshrined in the Rome Statute that created the ICC, recognizes the jurisdiction of local courts to try crimes within their respective countries. “The dissenting opinions of two esteemed justices out of the five-judge panel highlight the grave errors in the majority decision,” the DoJ said in a statement. “These dissenting justices rightly recognized the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent and effective legal system.” “Their dissenting opinions underscore the existence of a legitimate difference of legal interpretation, casting doubt on the majority’s ruling,” it added. Remulla had lambasted the ICC for meddling in Philippine affairs and said the government would not honor any arrest warrant issued by the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Duterte, had been firm in saying the ICC had no jurisdiction over events that transpired in the Philippines. PNP no ICC lackey Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would not be dictated to by the ICC as it recognizes the stance of the government that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the drug war probe. “The PNP is under the executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” PNP spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo said. Duterte, as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016 and as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022, is seen as the ICC prosecutor’s primary target, along with his former police chief, Dela Rosa. Government data showed that about 6,200 people died in “legitimate” anti-drug operations during the Duterte presidency, including law enforcement officers killed in action. Government critics claim as many as 15,000 to 30,000 were killed. Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte appeared to have been included in the complaints filed with the ICC prosecutor, along with her father’s long-time aide, the now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. “No comment,” was the terse reply of the Vice President’s camp on her alleged inclusion in the ICC complaints. Go, on the other hand, said the ICC had no “business meddling in our internal affairs, where our courts remain fully functional and free from political interference.” “Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by the competent authorities. Filipinos should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws,” Go said. With the ICC ruling, the DoJ vowed to continue to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the nation’s legal system and strongly urged the ICC to reconsider its decision and recognize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the well-being and support of all victims affected by the drug war,” Remulla’s department said. “The DoJ, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is willing and able to assist those who had suffered harm or loss during this challenging period. We encourage all individuals with evidence and witnesses to come forward and share their testimonies with us,” it added. Former president Duterte, through his former spokesperson Harry Roque, shrugged off the ICC decision. In a Facebook post, Roque said Duterte has always maintained that as an independent and sovereign state, only Philippine courts can try any crime committed in Philippine territory. “He has time and again said that because of this, he will face all his accusers anytime but before Philippine courts and before Filipino judges only,” Roque said. In a television interview, Zubiri said the upper chamber would “not give up” Dela Rosa should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the latter. “Without the local warrant of arrest issued by the courts, then as far as I’m concerned, he is still a working member of the Senate and accorded of course that respect, similar to Senator De Lima and Senator [Antonio] Trillanes,” he said. “Only when the warrant of arrest was issued, then we allowed or we agreed that he may be taken in custody,” he added. The post BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»