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UN chief calls blocked aid for Gaza a moral outrage
A majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are sheltering around Rafah. Though conditions are worse in the north of the strip, the plight of civilians across the territory has deteriorated sharply as the conflict has ground on......»»
Rama to Gealon: ‘I’m not accepting your resignation’
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is not dismissing Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon as the Traffic Management Committee (TMC) head. Rama is also not accepting Gealon’s resignation from the position, which the latter filed on December 23, 2023. “Rey Gealon will still be [the traffic chief]. I am not dismissing him.....»»
Pagasa-Mactan warns of intense heat in next five days
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebuanos, especially those with pre-existing conditions, are advised to avoid too much exposure to the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as this may have harmful effects on the body. Al Quiblat, chief of Pagasa-Mactan, said the warm weather with heat index ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius is.....»»
BSP hikes rates6.5%, off-cycle
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday raised its policy rate on an off-cycle period to 6.5 percent from 6.25 percent to manage a likely inflation uptrend this year until July next year. The BSP has, thus far, raised its policy rate by 450 basis points after inflation peaked at 8.7 percent in January and re-accelerated again to 6.1 percent last month from 5.3 percent in August. The BSP move will increase borrowing costs, with new interest rates on the overnight deposit at 6 percent and lending facilities at 7 percent. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the country’s inflation rate might settle at 4.7 percent next year, higher than the central bank’s previous target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for this year and 4.3 percent in the next. He added inflation might quicken further above 4.7 percent from July to March next year. “The balance of risks to the inflation outlook still leans significantly toward the upside, due mainly to the potential impact of higher transport charges, electricity rates, international oil prices, and minimum wage adjustments in areas outside the National Capital Region,” he explained. Limit spending With the higher interest rates, Remolona said consumers will likely limit their spending which will discourage businesses from raising prices. “The BSP’s Monetary Board recognized the need for this urgent monetary action to prevent supply-side price pressures from inducing additional second-round effects and further dislodging inflation expectations,” the BSP chief said. Remolona added the slow global economic recovery and effects of the weather disturbances from El Niño on food supply might also restrain consumption toward a moderated inflation. “Meanwhile, the effect of a weaker-than-expected global recovery as well as government measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño weather conditions could temper inflationary impulses,” he said. The BSP Monetary Board will again announce to the public on 16 November whether to change its policy rate in compliance with its normal cycle period happening every six weeks. However, Remolona already cautioned the public of likely controlled consumer spending in the medium term as the BSP expects to maintain high interest rates in the near future. Tighter settings “Looking ahead, the Monetary Board deems it necessary to keep monetary policy settings tighter for longer until inflationary expectations are better anchored and a sustained downward trend in inflation becomes evident,” he said. “We will consider another rate hike if things are worse than we thought,” Remolona continued. The BSP has raised its policy rate by 425 basis points after inflation peaked at 8.7 percent in January and re-accelerated again to 6.1 percent last month from 5.3 percent in August. The Philippine Statistics Authority attributed this to persisting higher food and fuel prices partly driven by global food trade restrictions and oil trade disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war. Falls a little behind “In my view, I think we fell a little behind that’s the reason for this effort to catch up. We didn’t look closely enough at expectations,” Remolona said as he reflected on the BSP’s unchanged rate at its September 21 meeting. “One of them that was very striking was our consumer expectations survey which said about 92 percent think that in the next 12 months inflation will be above 4 percent, similar to expectations by firms,” the BSP chief continued. The post BSP hikes rates6.5%, off-cycle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday ordered a thorough and deeper probe on a fireman who was accused of being involved in a “lateral promotion for sale” scam at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The suspect, Fire Officer 1 Ramces Paul Benipayo of the Muntinlupa Fire Station, was collared by undercover operatives on Wednesday, 25 October, in an entrapment operation shortly after receiving P200,000 from his alleged victim. Policemen arrested Benipayo after accepting P200,000 in marked money from his classmate, a BFP firefighter from Western Visayas, whom he promised to assist in getting a promotion within the bureau in exchange for money. Benipayo’s modus is to convince his would-be victims to give him money in exchange for non-existent promotion which will allegedly be facilitated by his “contacts” in the BFP, which of course would never materialize. “I have been briefed on the case of FO1 Benipayo and I could say that what he did was unacceptable,” said Abalos. The BFP together with the Philippine National Police is an attached agency of the DILG. This, as Abalos also ordered a thorough probe on the case and background of Benipayo to determine if he has cohorts at the BFP who could be working with him. Abalos’ order came after BFP intelligence and investigation division director Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot reported that three more complainants came forward and accused the suspect of also duping them using the same modus operandi. “We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity. That’s why I’ve already ordered the PNP to work closely with the BFP to get to the bottom of this issue and prosecute everyone involved,” Abalos pointed out. “Walang puwang sa gobyerno natin at sa DILG or sa BFP for that matter ang mga katulad niya,” he continued. Benipayo had undergone inquest proceedings before the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office and was slapped with complaints for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and estafa in relation to RA 10175, also known as the cybercrime prevention law. He is currently detained at the CIDG detention facility. The head of the CIDG’s anti-organized crime unit, Col. Reynaldo Lizardo, said Benipayo initially told them his cohort is with the BFP. . The post Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PH Inflation Likely to Slow Down Says Economist
Inflation in the country is seen to slow down to 5.6% this month, according to Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort. In a Viber message sent to PNA, Ricafort said better weather conditions helped stabilize food prices, which covers one-third of the inflation basket in the country. October’s weather has been relatively […].....»»
Israel to step up Gaza strikes: military spokesman
Israel is to step up its punishing strikes in Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas, a military spokesman told a press conference on Saturday. Since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which left 1,400 dead, Israel has launched devastating air and ground bombardments of Gaza. The Hamas authorities say 4,385 people have died. Israel has also massed tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of tanks along the Gaza border for a widely anticipated ground invasion. "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us. From today, we are increasing the strikes and minimising the danger," military spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari told a press conference. His comments came hours after the first international aid to reach Gaza since October 7 crossed the border from Egypt into the besieged Palestinian territory. In Israel, military commanders visited frontline units on Saturday. "Gaza is densely populated, the enemy is preparing a lot of things there -- but we are also preparing for them," chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told one infantry brigade on a visit. The post Israel to step up Gaza strikes: military spokesman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war
The first aid trucks arrived in war-torn Gaza from Egypt on Saturday, bringing urgent humanitarian relief to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave suffering what the UN chief labelled a "godawful nightmare". Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza that has killed more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. An Israeli siege has cut food, water, electricity and fuel supplies to the densely populated and long-blockaded territory of 2.4 million people, sparking fears of a humanitarian catastrophe. AFP journalists on Saturday saw 20 trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent, which is responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza. The crossing -- the only one into Gaza not controlled by Israel -- closed again after the trucks passed. The lorries had been waiting for days on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to a request from its main ally the United States to allow aid to enter. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the relief supplies were "the difference between life and death" for many Gazans, more than one million of whom have been displaced. "Much more" aid needs to be sent, he told a peace summit in Egypt on Saturday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the aid and urged "all parties" to keep the Rafah crossing open. But a Hamas spokesman said "even dozens" of such convoys could not meet Gaza's needs, especially as no fuel was being allowed in to help distribute the supplies to those in need. 'Reeling in pain' Tens of thousands of Israeli troops have deployed to the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground offensive that officials have pledged will begin "soon". As international tensions soar, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was hosting a peace summit in Cairo on Saturday attended by regional and some Western leaders. "The time has come for action to end this godawful nightmare," Guterres told the summit, calling for a "humanitarian ceasefire". The region "is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice", he said. Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight". But he stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". "Those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he added. Egypt, historically a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has urged "restraint" and the relaunch of the long-frozen peace process. But diplomatic efforts to end the violence have made little headway, without the participation of Israel and its enemy Iran, a supporter of Hamas and other armed groups. 'Sliver of hope' A full-blown Israeli ground offensive carries many risks, including to the hostages Hamas took and whose fate is shrouded in uncertainty. So the release of two Americans among the hostages -- mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan -- offered a rare "sliver of hope", said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. US President Joe Biden thanked Qatar, which hosts Hamas's political bureau, for its mediation in securing the release. He said he was working "around the clock" to win the return of other Americans being held. Natalie Raanan's half-brother Ben told the BBC he felt an "overwhelming sense of joy" at the release after "the most horrible of ordeals". Hamas said Egypt and Qatar had negotiated the release and that it was "working with all mediators to implement the movement's decision to close the civilian (hostage) file if appropriate security conditions allow". Traumatised families with loved ones missing in Gaza demanded more action. "We ask humanity to interfere and bring back all those young boys, young girls, mothers, babies," Assaf Shem Tov, whose nephew was abducted from a music festival where Hamas killed hundreds, said Friday. Devastation Almost half of Gaza's residents have been displaced, and at least 30 percent of all housing in the territory has been destroyed or damaged, the United Nations says. Thousands have taken refuge in a camp set up in the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Fadwa al-Najjar said she and her seven children walked for 10 hours to reach the camp, at some points breaking into a run as missiles struck around them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she told AFP. In Al-Zahra in central Gaza, Rami Abu Wazna was struggling to take in the destruction wreaked by Israeli missile strikes. "Even in my worst nightmares, I never thought this could be possible," he said. Israel's operation will take not "a day, nor a week, nor a month" and will result in "the end of Israel's responsibilities in the Gaza Strip", Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Friday. Regional tensions flare In Gaza, retired general Omar Ashour said the destruction was "part of a clear plan for people to have no place left to live". "This will cause a second Nakba," he added, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who were expelled from or fled their homes when Israel was created in 1948. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, amid fears of a wider conflagration. Fire across Israel's border with Lebanon continued overnight, with one Israeli soldier killed, Israeli public radio said. The military said it hit Hezbollah targets after rocket and missile fire. Violence has also flared in the West Bank, where 84 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The post First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Investors’ confidence to Phl intact — Pascual
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Monday belied news reports that the investors' confidence in the Philippines has gone down, emphasizing that it remains solid as evidenced by high reinvested earnings and rising foreign investment approvals even if there was a slight decline in the foreign direct investment inflows in the first semester of 2023. Pascual issued the statement in response to a news report saying FDI declined by 20 percent to $3.9 billion in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. “In summary, although FDI in the Philippines declined in the first semester of 2023, there remains solid foreign investor confidence in the country, as demonstrated by the high reinvested earnings and the rising foreign investment approval by BOI and other IPAs (Investment Promotion Agencies),” Pascual said. The Trade chief noted that it is essential to recognize that FDI numbers reflect decisions investors made well before the actual funds’ inflow recorded by BSP. Further, he said global financial conditions, especially the high inflation and interest rates during the first half of 2023, contributed to the FDI decline but such decline is not a phenomenon unique to the Philippines. Other ASEAN countries also experienced drops in their FDI, he said. “Factors such as inflation rates and investment rates substantially influence FDI decisions. Stable inflation and competitive interest rates generally attract FDI, whereas high inflation and unfavorable rates can repel foreign investors,” Pascual noted. “Under the Marcos Jr. administration, a representative metric of investment performance is the foreign investment approvals by the DTI’s IPAs.” He emphasized that there are also foreign investments in the Philippines that are not registered with the IPAs and they happen without going for incentives. Pascual pointed out that since 2022, there has been a consistent increase in these approvals by the DTI-Board of Investments and other investment promotion agencies. Data from the DTI said from January to June 2022, total IPA approvals were at $1.06 billion; from July to December 2022, US$3.28 billion; and, from January to June 2023, US$8.45 billion. He said FDI in a particular year does not solely arise from recent investment leads. FDI inflows could be based on decisions made years prior and might be realized in stages over time. The gestation period, or the time from initiation to realization, varies considerably depending on factors like the project’s nature, the involved sector, and the host country’s regulatory environment. "However, it is crucial to understand the realization of timelines of these investments. FDI in a particular year does not solely arise from recent investment leads. FDI inflows could be based on decisions made years prior and might be realized in stages over considerably depending on actors like the project’s nature, the involved sector, and the host’s country regulatory environment," he said. Pascual said for instance BPO centers, if expanding or within established spaces, might only take months. Yet, if constructing a new facility, the timeline extends. Manufacturing projects, especially if new, can take 4 to 5 years. Renewable energy projects have varying timelines, with large-scale projects needing several years. “The future looks promising, given the rising trend in foreign investment approvals by BOI and our other IPAs and the continued efforts to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination,” Pascual added. The post Investors’ confidence to Phl intact — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said Monday that nations need to set aside "geopolitical tensions" and fight for greater international cooperation in order to advance the struggle against climate change. "The 1.5C target" agreed in Paris in 2015 is "still within reach" but it faces "many challenges" the energy watchdog's boss Fatih Birol told an international climate and energy gathering in Madrid ahead of COP28. Among the challenges, "the geopolitical fragmentation of the world" was "creating a key impediment for some of the steps we are hoping to take", he told the gathering of some 40 ministers and top global energy and environment leaders. Although levels of investment in "the technology area and in clean energy technologies" were "very strong", it is not enough, he said. "The lack of international cooperation is a major, major problem. We have to find a way to isolate these geopolitical tensions ... to focus on this issue of countries coming together," he said. The world's energy future will be at the heart of debates at the UN's COP28 climate summit in Dubai, a major oil producer, between November 30 and December 12. Spain's Ecology Minister Teresa Ribera admitted that talks at COP28 were likely to be "challenging" but said "multilateralism is the way to respond to the current challenges". "A global problem deserves a global response," she told delegates. 'Race against time' Global tensions have mounted in recent years notably due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing rivalry between the United States and China, hiking fears the climate crisis will be pushed down the geopolitical agenda. The crunch Dubai talks should enable the international community to make progress on the reduction of greenhouse gases and the clean energy transition. It will also be a chance to take stock of national commitments to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 2C and if possible to 1.5C compared with pre-industrial levels -- a difficult task in light of current conditions. "The green transition process must pick up speed, we're in a race against time to tackle climate change," Ribera told a press conference, while adding there is "room for optimism" about COP28. The IEA says several conditions must be met for the Dubai conference to be considered a success. Key issues will be a tripling of investment in renewables and a funding mechanism for clean energy in developing countries. In November 2022, the COP27 summit hosted by Egypt wrapped up with a landmark deal on funding to help vulnerable countries but it made no progress on phasing out fossil fuels, which the IEA sees as urgent. "July and August" have been "perhaps the hottest in history, and it looks like 2023 will be the hottest year ever," Birol said with heatwaves, floods and wildfires soaring on all continents. The post ‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICTSI’s Mexico unit shows capability
International Container Terminal Services Inc. in Mexico and Columbia have recently received two large box ships of shipping giant CMA-CGM. The vessel calls underscored the capabilities of the two container terminals to efficiently handle larger ships and stimulate economies of scale. In a statement, ICTSI said it marked a new operational milestone in Latin America with the arrival of CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt at Contecon Manzanillo S.A., or CMSA, in Mexico and Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce, or SPIA, in Colombia. The 396-meter-long vessel is the first of its size to operate a regular service in Latin America. CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt operates the Asia Central South America 1 service, which connects Asia and Latin America. “With the historic arrival of the CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt, Mexico is at the gates of a new era in maritime transport, increasingly larger ships that enhance economies of scale and cost optimization. We have prepared for this moment in recent years, designing and sizing our terminal to be able to serve these ships. It is our obligation to ensure that Mexican foreign trade has competitive and efficient maritime logistics,” José Antonio Contreras, CMSA chief executive officer, said. Significant impact The vessel’s arrival at the Port of Manzanillo highlights Mexico’s position and impact on global trade and reflects CMSA’s commitment to contribute significantly to the national economy. “As a strategic partner in the history of growth in Mexico, Contecon Manzanillo recognized the importance of its role as an engine of economic progress,” Contreras added. On the other hand, the vessel’s arrival in SPIA reaffirms the terminal’s position as the preferred terminal in the Colombian Pacific. SPIA’s capacity and the confidence of shipping lines in its infrastructure and service has made the terminal the primary destination for the most important ships that arrive in Colombia. “The arrival of this vessel represents an important step forward for SPIA in Buenaventura, Colombia, and in general, for Latin America. It demonstrates that SPIA has the experience, talent and optimal conditions that allow it to adapt to a new port and maritime dynamics of the world, making our terminal visible for the arrival of future larger vessels,” Álvaro Otero, SPIA general manager, explained. In June 2010, ICTSI signed a 34-year concession for developing and operating the Second Specialized Container Terminal at the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico. ICTSI established a subsidiary, Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV to operate the Port of Manzanillo. Ideally located to serve the growing Asian trade, CMSA is Mexico’s gateway to the Pacific coast and is close to major consumer markets, such as Mexico City and the country’s largest industrial areas. The post ICTSI’s Mexico unit shows capability appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fools in suits
When a ranking Department of Agriculture official was asked in a recent Congress hearing what steps the agency had taken to break the rice cartel, he replied that he did not believe that a “mafia” existed. Coming from a high DA official, the statement revealed that nothing was being done to stop the syndicate that everyone in the industry knows about since, to the authorities, it does not exist. In the reenacted Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and forming cartels for agricultural and fishery products are considered economic sabotage and are non-bailable offenses for which a long jail term could be meted out. The strengthened law, however, lacks strong teeth against government officials who are in cahoots or protect the syndicates. Contained in the proposed bill is a provision indicating that any government officer or employee found to be an accomplice in the commission of the crime will “suffer the additional penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, exercising the right to vote, from participating in any public election, and forfeiture of employment monetary and financial benefits.” The bill is pending in both houses of Congress. With the slow grind of justice in the country, a public official looking for a fast buck will not hesitate to risk his job in exchange for a huge payback. The recent series of events showed the markets are being manipulated by the big players in the sugar, vegetable and rice businesses. These syndicates are known to be deeply entrenched due to their connections with government bigwigs who facilitate their domination of the markets either through edicts or the use of public resources. In the most ridiculous situation, the recent spike in onion prices was found to be artificial since farmers were even throwing away their harvests because of low farmgate prices, thus there was no reason for prices to surge. Later, it was exposed in a congressional hearing that a cartel had succeeded in manipulating the onion market to create a condition that would require its importation, from which its members would make a killing. The warehouse and storage facilities are controlled by the mafia which makes it easy to create artificial conditions to which the market reacts by raising retail prices. The ultimate goal is to coax the government to allow importation from suppliers in overseas markets that are also flooded with the commodity, The cartel rakes in profits from both the high markup and the kickbacks from the overseas suppliers desperate to sell their surplus. The woeful victims are the Filipino farmers whom the cartel boxes out of the market. In extreme cases, these farmers just throw away their harvest since they cannot afford to transport their products without the middlemen who are also in the pocket of the cartel. The same goes for the rice industry, where the market was manipulated for a different reason, which was to kill the rice tariffication law that kicked the National Food Authority out of the import business. Rice prices then surged to as high as P56 a kilo, which pushed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose price ceilings. The NFA used to have a monopoly on importation, but that resulted in acrimonious confrontations at the apex of government. The tariffication law, in turn, opened importation to all grain traders and relegated the NFA to buying rice from local farmers. Under the new anti-smuggling bill which has the endorsement of Mr. Marcos, an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council headed by the President or his designated permanent representative will be formed. The proposed body will have the power to investigate and file charges, as well as freeze violators’ funds, properties, bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records. The creation of the body looks good on paper but in the real world, it might just add another layer of bureaucracy and source of corruption unless the cartel, which DA officials claim does not exist, is dismantled. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has a simple solution for breaking the cartel, which is for the government to confiscate all the rice overstock and let the owners of the warehouses prove that their huge inventory is legitimate. Such a move would prompt the traders to release more rice into the market to avoid confiscation. The imposition of the price cap on rice indicated that the prices are artificial since the markets are now selling at lower than the manipulated prices despite conditions being constant. An expected bumper harvest is also prompting the prices to go back to normal, after the attempt of the cartel to create a price shock to support their effort to return to the old ways. To know the real situation, President Marcos goes out of his way to see what is on the ground. His underlings, particularly at the Department of Agriculture, should do better. The post Fools in suits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trafficking victim pays P200K for freedom
The Bureau of Immigration reported that a male trafficking victim was repatriated on 22 September after being forced to work as a scammer for a Chinese company in Myanmar. The authorities identified the victim as "Gio", 33 years old. He left the country in September last year with two other friends, claiming that they were merely traveling to Thailand for a vacation. However, the victim admitted after his repatriation that he was recruited by a certain "Liza" whom he met on Facebook. Liza offered him a customer service representative job with a monthly salary of up to P100,000. The victim admitted to accepting the offer. Gio said that his recruiter asked him to pay P20,000 for his travel expenses, which were deducted from his salary. He added that after arriving in Thailand, he was transferred to Myawaddy, Myanmar, which is close to the border of Thailand. According to Gio, he was forced to work as an online love scammer by attracting foreign victims to invest in pseudo-cryptocurrency accounts. He received a salary of P60,000 a month for six months, far from what was promised to him by his recruiter. He was only able to go back home after collecting P200,000 from his friends and family to pay his company for his release. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the same modus has been observed since last year, and victims are often promised with high salaries but end up in debt. As early as October 2022, the BI chief had already sounded the alarm on the modus targeting Filipinos to work for companies that operate online scams, such as catfishing. Tansingco added that this is a case of double trafficking, wherein the victims are trafficked by making them agree through false promises, and then they will be forced to be part of a scamming syndicate, making it hard for them to seek help and repatriation. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance to the victim. The post Trafficking victim pays P200K for freedom appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trafficking victim pay P200K for freedom
The Bureau of Immigration reported that a male trafficking victim was repatriated on 22 September after being forced to work as a scammer for a Chinese company in Myanmar. The authorities identified the victim as "Gio", 33 years old. He left the country in September last year with two other friends, claiming that they were merely traveling to Thailand for a vacation. However, the victim admitted after his repatriation that he was recruited by a certain "Liza" whom he met on Facebook. Liza offered him a customer service representative job with a monthly salary of up to P100,000. The victim admitted to accepting the offer. Gio said that his recruiter asked him to pay P20,000 for his travel expenses, which were deducted from his salary. He added that after arriving in Thailand, he was transferred to Myawaddy, Myanmar, which is close to the border of Thailand. According to Gio, he was forced to work as an online love scammer by attracting foreign victims to invest in pseudo-cryptocurrency accounts. He received a salary of P60,000 a month for six months, far from what was promised to him by his recruiter. He was only able to go back home after collecting P200,000 from his friends and family to pay his company for his release. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the same modus has been observed since last year, and victims are often promised with high salaries but end up in debt. As early as October 2022, the BI chief had already sounded the alarm on the modus targeting Filipinos to work for companies that operate online scams, such as catfishing. Tansingco added that this is a case of double trafficking, wherein the victims are trafficked by making them agree through false promises, and then they will be forced to be part of a scamming syndicate, making it hard for them to seek help and repatriation. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance to the victim. The post Trafficking victim pay P200K for freedom appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN chief thanks Philippines for accepting 2026 chairmanship
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for accepting the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, a yearbefore actual duty in 2027 by regular rotation......»»
DITO passed 4th technical audit
DITO Telecommunity, a China-backed company that broke the industry duopoly of Globe and PLDT, has passed its fourth government-mandated technical audit that measures its compliance with network coverage and internet speed commitments. In a letter sent to DITO Telecommunity chief administrative officer Adel Tamano, the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC confirmed that it passed its fourth yearly technical audit. The independent audit is part of the conditions outlined in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or CPCN given to the company. The Independent Auditor’s Report of Factual Findings from the Conduct of Specified Procedures — Year 4 Committed Levels of Service dated 29 August submitted by R.G. Manabat & Co. to the NTC stated that DITO surpassed its target. As part of the issuance of its CPCN in July 2019, DITO Telecommunity needs to record 70.01 percent network reach with a minimum speed of 55 Mbps in the third year of its commitment period. Notably, the audit showed that DITO now covers 80.65 percent of national population coverage. Affordable Internet fulfilled Its minimum average broadband speed or MABS, meanwhile, clocked in at 74.97 Mbps for 4G and 639.32 Mbps for 5G for all sites with a combined MABS of 357.14 Mbps. “Despite all the challenges that we have faced, we continue to achieve our commitments to government and the Filipino people, to provide affordable world-class service and to serve the underserved. This is in support of the Marcos administration’s drive towards digitalization and Nation-building,” Tamano said. If DITO fails to fulfill its commitments on time, the government forfeits, in its favor, the P25.7 billion performance bond that DITO paid before construction activities. DITO has promised to cover 84 percent of the Philippines and offer a minimum average speed of at least 55 Mbps by the end of its commitment. DITO recently conveyed that unresolved interconnection issues with its rivals have been affecting its subscriber base expansion as well as its development of new products for users. The PCC affirmed DITO’s complaints last year over the alleged anti-competitive behavior of its rivals regarding their interconnection deals. PCC said it found “reasonable grounds to open a preliminary inquiry into the complaints filed by Dito Telecommunity against Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.” Under Executive Order 59 issued by late President Fidel V. Ramos in 1993, interconnection is a mandated and important component of the telco industry as it allows interoperability and exchange of calls, SMS, and other information from one network to another. The post DITO passed 4th technical audit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign shame
The government should recognize the possibility that Chinese workers in the country are committing espionage amid the escalating territorial friction in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro raised the alarm, saying employees of mainly Chinese state firms may be engaged in potential “covert economic and information activities,” including propaganda operations, to sway public opinion in favor of the mainland. Among the workers on the watchlist are “the ones hired by Beijing’s state-run enterprises involved in public infrastructure projects,” according to Teodoro. The Department of National Defense said it is looking into clandestine dealings “happening in the background.” “It’s the activities that we cannot see… that’s what alarms us,” the defense chief said. “The best way to weaken a country, rather than by an overt warlike function or disruption of [its] facilities, is really to take control of [its] internal economy, internal processes, and the like,” Teodoro pointed out. The records of Chinese migrants in the country are inadequate based on previous Senate hearings. No government agency was able to provide the Senate, for instance, with an accurate number of illegal Chinese workers, indicating that they are not being monitored. Labor agencies have also failed to keep track of how many foreign workers are in jobs that, by mandate of the Constitution, should be for Filipinos only. Under the law, foreigners are only allowed to work in jobs that require highly specialized skills and where no Filipinos are deemed competent to do them. During the Senate probe, it was also discovered that as many as 119,000 Chinese nationals who came to the country as tourists are now residents and have jobs in violation of labor regulations. Chinese tourists, through some “gainful” means, were able to obtain special work permits from the Bureau of Immigration. They now work in very diverse areas such as Metro Manila, Clark, Subic, Cagayan and Cagayan de Oro. In one of the inquiries, a Department of Labor and Employment official explained that the special permits were issued without the need for an Alien Employment Permit, or AEP, because the nature of the employment was temporary, lasting from three to six months. The loose process, thus, has allowed foreign workers to enter the country practically unbridled. Senators questioned the discrepancy between the AEPs issued and the number of Chinese workers in the country. Independent sources said that as many as 200,000 to 400,000 Chinese workers are in the country. Four different agencies issue different permits that make the situation worse. The biggest insult by China is that its propaganda work against the Philippines and other opponents in the territorial conflicts is done in this country. Facebook recently removed two networks of fake accounts that were spreading government propaganda, one originating in China and the other in the Philippines. Taken down were 155 Facebook accounts, 11 pages, nine groups and seven Instagram accounts traced to China, and 57 accounts, 31 pages and 20 Instagram accounts based in the Philippines. Such operations breach Facebook’s rules against “coordinated inauthentic behavior on behalf of a foreign or government entity.” The Chinese network used faces created through an AI technique known as GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks). Facebook was able to trace the origins of the accounts because of their visual signatures. “This form of AI is readily available online, and its use (or abuse) by covert operations has exploded in the last year,” according to a report on the social media platform. Identified were a dozen GAN-generated images from the Chinese propaganda operation. Teodoro, who has access to a wealth of information, in revealing the supposed operations being conducted by the Chinese in the country’s backyard, virtually confirmed the problem has reached alarming proportions. It would be easy for the government to keep track of foreign workers if only the appropriate agencies would resist the seduction of human smuggling. In accepting bribes to let the aliens skirt the law, these officials and functionaries have placed our national security at risk. The post Sovereign shame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 ex-NPA rebels surrender to Phl Army in Talaingod, Davao Norte
Seven former members of the New People’s Army operating at the borders of Bukidnon and Talaingod, Davao del Norte surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Central Baugan, Brgy. Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte over the weekend. In a statement on Monday, 10ID Public Affairs Division chief Maj. Mark Anthony Tito said the surrenderees were all members of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad PEDDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. The former rebels were identified as alias Fernando Poe, alias Rustom, alias Sarmontano, alias Adolfo, alias Agata, alias Rica and alias Andrew E. “The joint effort of the 56IB and the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade made the surrender possible,” said Tito. In a statement released by the Philippine Army, the group’s team leader, alias Fernando Poe, narrated the “hardships” they went through during their stay with the NPA revolution. _"Kapoy kaayo ang pagtago sa gobyerno, ang gilay-on nga among gibaktas ug walay igong pagkaon. Wala man ko kabalo unsaon pagtapos sa among kalisod, mao nga nakahukom mi nga mo-surrender na lang kay walay silbi ang among gubat_ (Hiding from the government was exhausting, we walked long distances without enough food. I didn't know how to overcome the hardships, so we decided to just give up because there was no meaning in what we were fighting for),” he said. BGen. Allan Hambala, acting commander of 10ID, welcomed the surrenderees and thanked them for accepting the government’s offer to give them a fresh start as normal citizens. "Our soldiers will continue to exert efforts to entice the remaining CNTs to surrender and prevent the reentry of armed groups in the Davao Region. We call on the remaining members of the CTG in the 10ID area of responsibility to embrace the peaceful path to peace,” Hambala said. The rebel returnees are now in the custody of 56IB for custodial debriefing and medical intervention, according to Tito. He added that former NPA combatants will be endorsed to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, a government assistance program for former rebels. The post 7 ex-NPA rebels surrender to Phl Army in Talaingod, Davao Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malacañang reviewing proposed rice tariff reduction
The Executive Department is currently discussing the proposal to reduce import tariffs on rice as part of a comprehensive strategy to decrease prices and mitigate a potential shortage of the staple, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Monday. This is after several farmers from different provinces protested in front of the Department of Finance (DOF) to denounce Diokno's proposal to cut import tariffs on rice and demand the removal of the Finance secretary from his post. In a Viber message to reporters, Diokno said the review is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce prices for consumers and mitigate a potential shortage of the staple due to the impact of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. "As discussions are underway, the DOF maintains its support for an appropriate policy response that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of Filipinos," Diokno said. "Rest assured that the DOF, in coordination with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall pursue programs and support measures to balance the interests of domestic rice farmers while keeping rice affordable for consumers — especially the poorest households," he added. In a separate statement, the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., set a new price range for palay buying price on Monday in response to the changing production and market conditions to improve farmers' income and ensure sufficient supply of the staple. "I called for a meeting of the NFA Council to discuss how we can adjust the purchasing price of NFA for rice, both wet and dry because we need to reevaluate the situation," Marcos said following a meeting by the NFA Council. "That's exactly what we discussed, and we decided that the buying price of NFA from now on will be 19 to 23 for dry and 16 to 19 for wet. That was the decision of the NFA Council," he added. The council came up with the new palay buying price range to provide Filipino farmers with a better income, the President said, considering today's reasonable palay production cost. "So, they will now have a profitable venture. And aside from that, we have the price cap in place to stabilize the rice prices," Marcos said. The originally proposed P20 and P25 per kilo buying prices are just too high and will spike retail prices, according to the NFA, noting that the new decided price range balances the profit of farmers and will not affect the retail prices as much. The agency said that if the new buying price of dry palay is at P23, the procurement fund needed will be P15 billion at the maximum; while if it is pegged at P25, P16 billion will be needed for palay procurement. For its part, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would support the NFA proposal but at a level of P23 a kilo. The agency added that at P22 or P23, farmers are satisfied with it since they are now being paid P16 to P19. DA noted that P25 is just too high. Asked by the President on the influence of NFA’s buying price as well as the public reaction, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that at the farm gate level, NFA procurement will be concentrated in areas where there is excess supply relative to local demand. “In that case, it can help elevate farm gate price,” Balisacan said. The post Malacañang reviewing proposed rice tariff reduction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»