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Cebu Daily Newscast: 6 Cebu graduates top medical technologists licensure exam 2024
Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu. Here’s what you need to know on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. 6 Cebu graduates top medical technologists licensure exam 2024 Six graduates from Cebu universities recently made it to the top 10 list of the Medical Technologists Licensure Examination for March.....»»
Manila says Chinese vessels ‘intentionally’ hit Philippine boats
Manila said Monday that Chinese vessels "intentionally hit" Philippine boats at the weekend, escalating a diplomatic row over two collisions in the South China Sea. The countries have traded blame over Sunday's incidents near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, with both sides filing diplomatic protests and releasing videos to support their accusations. The two collisions happened during a Philippine resupply mission to troops stationed on a navy vessel that was grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. Philippine officials accused a Chinese coastguard ship and a "militia" vessel of "dangerous maneuvering" that resulted in collisions with a Philippine resupply boat and a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro took it one step further Monday, labelling the Chinese actions near Second Thomas Shoal deliberate. "Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra," Teodoro said. "We are here to really decry in the strongest possible terms this egregious violation and illegal act within the (Philippines') 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and the obfuscation of the truth by China's distorting the story to fit its own ends." His comments came hours after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met with security officials and ordered the coastguard to investigate the incident, which was "being taken seriously at the highest level of government", his communications team said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning on Monday accused the Philippines of "continuing to spread false information and hype things up". Earlier Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry summoned China's ambassador to Manila and lodged a diplomatic protest over the incident. Spokeswoman Teresita Daza said the ambassador was unavailable and was represented by his deputy chief of mission. "Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it," Daza said, using the Philippine name for the shoal. The Chinese foreign ministry and embassy in Manila also issued "stern representations to the Philippines" over its "infringements" at Ren'ai Reef, Mao said, using China's name for Second Thomas Shoal. China has said a "slight collision" happened after the Philippine resupply boat ignored "multiple warnings and deliberately passed through law enforcement in an unprofessional and dangerous manner". In the other incident, China accused the Philippine Coast Guard of reversing in a "premeditated manner" into a Chinese fishing vessel. No Filipino crew member was injured, but the supply boat was damaged and forced to turn back, Philippine officials said. A second supply boat reached the tiny garrison on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre and unloaded its cargo. Manila's longtime ally Washington has led a chorus of international criticism of China's alleged interference in the resupply mission. The US State Department on Sunday reiterated its mutual defence pact with the Philippines "extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft –- including those of its Coast Guard –- anywhere in the South China Sea". 'Arbitral ruling is binding' China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island. Previously warm ties between Manila and Beijing have cooled since Marcos took power in June 2022, as he seeks stronger relations with the United States. The Marcos administration has publicly criticized Chinese actions in the South China Sea, publishing photos and videos to support its claims of Chinese harassment and the blocking of its vessels. Beijing has released its own images of the incidents. Despite the challenges, the Philippines would "continue to do what is necessary" to supply its troops on the BRP Sierra Madre with provisions, said Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council. Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Tensions flared in August when China Coast Guard vessels used water cannon against a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, preventing one of the boats from delivering its cargo. The post Manila says Chinese vessels ‘intentionally’ hit Philippine boats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t
The United States warned on Monday that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces and Philippine Coast Guard civilian vessels could trigger its 72-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. “The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea,” the US Department of State said in a statement. The statement came a day after a China Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine resupply vessel that was conducting a routine resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal. During the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also bumped the BRP Cabra, one of the PCG ships that were escorting the boat contracted by the AFP. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the collisions, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered investigated by the PCG, were “intentional.” For its part, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said further study is needed to invoke the MDT due to the incident. “The matter of filing another case is something that is still being studied by the government. But, of course, all incidents like these will actually bolster the case that it is not the Philippines that is the aggressor but the other party, which is China,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said. “It’s a provocation on the side of China but at this point, whether it will constitute an armed attack that would allow the invoking of the MDT is something that needs to be studied,” she added. The Philippines and the US agreed under the MDT, signed in 1951, that an armed attack on either of the parties would be considered an attack on the other, necessitating common or joint actions. Ambassador summoned The Philippines on Monday summoned China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, to explain the “blocking maneuvers” conducted by its vessels. China has insisted on its territorial rights over the Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Swarms of CCG ships and Chinese maritime militia vessels had been monitored in the WPS, which Philippine officials said was a blatant disrespect of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. In July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitral case it lodged against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The US said it stands with the Philippines in the face of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing” a 22 October resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. “By conducting dangerous maneuvers that caused collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard ships, the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation,” the US State Department said. “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct jeopardized the Filipino crew members’ safety and impeded critically needed supplies from reaching service members stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional stability,” it added. Citing the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, the US noted that China’s territorial claims to Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation outside the territorial sea of another high tide feature, were unfounded. Unsafe moves “The unsafe maneuvers on 22 October and the PRC water cannoning of a Philippine vessel on 5 August are the latest examples of provocative PRC measures in the South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operating in the region,” the State Department stressed. Aside from the US, Japan, France, Canada, Australia and Germany also condemned China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In a separate statement, Canada condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. France, Japan, Germany, too France expressed its “deep concern” over the dangerous maneuvers of the CCG against Philippine vessels “engaged in the Philippine exclusive economic zone.” “France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on 12 July 2016,” the Embassy of France to the Philippines said. Japan, likewise, stressed that it was “seriously concerned” and “alarmed” about the collision of Chinese vessels with Philippine vessels. “Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a tweet. Koshikawa said Japan “strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. The post Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S., Canada lambast PRC
The United States on Sunday denounced China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea that led to the collision of its ships with Philippine boats en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described China Coast Guard’s actions as a “disruption” of a “legal” resupply mission of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre, its permanent military post in the West Philippine Sea. She tweeted on X that the US “condemns” China’s “latest disruption of a legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino service members at risk. One of two boats contracted by the Philippines to bring supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre was bumped by a China Coast Guard Ship before a Chinese militia vessel did the same to a Philippine Coast Guard escort ship. Carlson said Washington “stands” with Manila in “protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.” Over the past months, the US had reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines amid the escalating tension in the WPS, a portion of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and China. In August, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III stressed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila extends to the latter’s public vessels. Unlawful conduct Canada also condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. Canada said it welcomed the news that no injuries resulted from the collisions and commended the “professionalism and restraint exercised” by the Philippine Coast Guard. “Canada affirms its support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties,” it said. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration — a landmark decision that China continues to reject. Germany also expressed concern over the incident in the WPS. Senators enraged “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. Pfaffernoschke called on “all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award. Senators also condemned China’s actions. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Tolentino expressed anger over the collisions that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” Hontiveros said. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law.” For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. The post U.S., Canada lambast PRC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Canada condemn China’s ‘disruption’ of Phl’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal
The United States on Sunday denounced China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea that led to a collision of its vessels with Philippine vessels en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described China Coast Guard’s actions as a “disruption” of a “legal” resupply mission of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre, its permanent military post in the West Philippine Sea. “The United States condemns PRC’s latest disruption of a legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino service members at risk,” Carlson said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Earlier today, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. It also flagged the “bumping” of the Chinese Maritime Militia vessel against the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. Carlson said Washington “stands” with Manila in “protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.” Over the past months, the US reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines, amid the escalating tension in the WPS, a portion of the South China Sea both claimed by the Philippines and China. In August, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III stressed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila is extended to the latter’s public vessels. In a separate statement, Canada also condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People's Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC's actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. Canada said it welcomed the news that no injuries resulted from these collisions and commended the “professionalism and restraint exercised” by the Philippine Coast Guard. “Canada affirms its support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties,” it said. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post US, Canada condemn China’s ‘disruption’ of Phl’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
England, Wales grapple with growing teen knife violence
Elianne Andam was headed to school like any other teenager in London last month when she was stabbed to death, becoming the latest victim of rising knife crime in England and Wales. The 15-year-old suffered a "brutal attack" in Croydon, south London, shortly after she and her friends had stepped off a public bus on a Wednesday morning, prosecutors have said. A 17-year-old boy arrested nearby just over an hour later will stand trial for her murder next April. One of the latest tragic cases of teen-on-teen violence in the British capital, it has become an increasingly common problem nationwide over recent decades. A few days after Andam's death, 16-year-old Taye Faik died in Edmonton, north London, following another knife attack. He was the 14th teenager to be killed with a blade in the city this year. The UK government, and mayors in some of its biggest cities and regions, have repeatedly vowed to tackle the persistent scourge of youth violence, but appear to be failing. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of knife and offensive weapon offences amongst children aged 10-17 increased by 19 percent across England and Wales, according to the Ministry of Justice. That compared with an eight percent increase among adults. 'Social issue' With the sale of guns strictly controlled in Britain, teenagers intent on violence typically turn to blades, including machetes and so-called "zombie" knives. Inspired by horror films, they often have one smooth blade and one serrated edge, and feature graphics or text on the blade or handle glorifying violence. Possessing them has been illegal since 2016, but some manufacturers have managed to evade this quasi-ban by altering their design. The government unveiled plans in August to outlaw them entirely and give police more powers to seize the weapons, which it said "seem to be designed to look menacing with no practical purpose". The new legislation will also increase the maximum penalty for their "importation, manufacturing, possession and sale" from six months to two years. However, machetes and zombie-style knives can be bought with relative ease for less than £50 ($60) on social media platforms like TikTok or Snapchat, circumventing online age restrictions, according to anti-knife crime campaigners. They urge more focus on the roots of the problem. "Knife crime isn't just a law-and-order issue, it's a social issue," Patrick Green, president of the Ben Kinsella Trust, told AFP. The anti-knife crime charity is named after a London teenager murdered in 2008. "When you start to unpick knife crime, you start to look at social deprivation, poverty, the lack of social mobility, mental health probation for young people," Green said. 'Awful weapons' Youth knife violence is more prevalent in Britain than many other European countries, he noted. "It's difficult to determine why exactly," Green added. London mayor Sadiq Khan's office blamed the austerity policies of successive Tory governments in power since 2010, which it argued have "decimated youth services" in the capital and beyond. As many as 130 centers offering sports and arts activities in the city have closed over that period, its statement noted. The pandemic and the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, driven by decades-high inflation, are also seen as contributing to the problem. Following the recent knife crime deaths in the capital, the Labour mayor urged the Conservative government in a letter "to speed up the legislation so we can ban these awful weapons as soon as possible". "The proposals also need to be toughened up to close the loopholes that could still allow the sale of these weapons," Khan added. He also wrote this month to London's 500 secondary schools reiterating that wand metal detectors to screen pupils for weapons were available, as well as police officers to deliver knife crime prevention talks. His opposition Labour party -- well ahead in polls for over a year -- has pledged to spend up to £100 million if it wins power in an election expected next year on a "Young Futures" program. It would fund new youth mentors and mental health hubs in every community, youth workers in schools set up for troubled students and hospitals, alongside wide-ranging public sector reforms. The post England, Wales grapple with growing teen knife violence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the public to report agricultural commodity smuggling and hoarding to authorities as his administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage. As the Chief Executive led another round of rice distribution in Capiz, Marcos told the Filipinos not to be afraid of reporting the smugglers to authorities if they had information against those involved in these transactions. "If you know someone involved in these types of transactions, do not be afraid to report them to the authorities," Marcos said. "No matter how big their syndicate is, just like the smuggler we apprehended at the Zamboanga pier last August, they can't even compare to our united strength," he added. Marcos also asked the public to help the government safeguard the local market from smugglers and hoarders, who continue to manipulate the prices of agricultural goods. The chief executive also assured that his administration is already coordinating with legislators to amend the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and impose severe sanctions on these perpetrators and their accomplices. "We are also coordinating with Congress to amend certain laws to officially classify agricultural economic sabotage as a crime and to increase the penalties for it," he said. Marcos meets Mar Roxas Meanwhile, former Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas joined Marcos as they distributed rice in Capiz. Marcos said Roxas, a relative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, is his "long-time friend" despite sharing different ideas of the political spectrum. "Mar Roxas is here. You might not know this, but Mar and I have been friends for a long time, and even though we sometimes don't see eye to eye in politics, we spent a long time together in New York," Marcos said. "I haven't talked to him in a long time... we had the opportunity to speak here in Capiz," the President added. Roxas and Marcos had been at odds with each other in several instances in the past. When Marcos said he was running for President in 2016, he told Roxas – who was the Interior and Local Government secretary at that time – to quit his job. Roxas is the party mate of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running against Marcos for President in 2022, and the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, whose family is in competition with the Marcoses. The post PBBM administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM administration eyes sniffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the public to report agricultural commodity smuggling and hoarding to authorities as his administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage. As the Chief Executive led another round of rice distribution in Capiz, Marcos told the Filipinos not to be afraid of reporting the smugglers to authorities if they had information against those involved in these transactions. "If you know someone involved in these types of transactions, do not be afraid to report them to the authorities," Marcos said. "No matter how big their syndicate is, just like the smuggler we apprehended at the Zamboanga pier last August, they can't even compare to our united strength," he added. Marcos also asked the public to help the government safeguard the local market from smugglers and hoarders, who continue to manipulate the prices of agricultural goods. The chief executive also assured that his administration is already coordinating with legislators to amend the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and impose severe sanctions on these perpetrators and their accomplices. "We are also coordinating with Congress to amend certain laws to officially classify agricultural economic sabotage as a crime and to increase the penalties for it," he said. Marcos meets Mar Roxas Meanwhile, former Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas joined Marcos as they distributed rice in Capiz. Marcos said Roxas, a relative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, is his "long-time friend" despite sharing different ideas of the political spectrum. "Mar Roxas is here. You might not know this, but Mar and I have been friends for a long time, and even though we sometimes don't see eye to eye in politics, we spent a long time together in New York," Marcos said. "I haven't talked to him in a long time... we had the opportunity to speak here in Capiz," the President added. Roxas and Marcos had been at odds with each other in several instances in the past. When Marcos said he was running for President in 2016, he told Roxas – who was the Interior and Local Government secretary at that time – to quit his job. Roxas is the party mate of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running against Marcos for President in 2022, and the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, whose family is in competition with the Marcoses. The post PBBM administration eyes sniffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Use of father’s surname, the child’s decision
The misdeeds or oversights of parents cannot and should not disgrace their children. It is for this basic precept that Philippine laws have granted non-marital children (formerly called “illegitimate” children) a myriad of rights akin to — if not totally similar — those of marital children (formerly called “legitimate” children). Notably, their appellation has been changed to a more appropriate description of their parents’ civil status at the time of their birth rather than the birth’s supposed “legitimacy.” Non-marital children are now permitted to carry their father’s surname upon compliance with requirements set by law and related regulations. While Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides non-marital children’s successional rights, Republic Act 9255, which took effect in 2004, boosted these rights by allowing them to use their father’s surname if their filiation has been recognized by the latter in accordance with some preconditions. The Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, consequently, revised the implementing rules of RA 9255 in 2016 to better effectuate the wisdom of the law, especially considering the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of Grace M. Grande v Patricio T. Antonio (G.R. No. 206248, 18 February 2014), which states that neither the father nor the mother is granted the right to dictate the surname of their non-marital children. Instead, the law gives non-marital children the right to decide whether or not they will use their father’s surname. Just recently, PSA issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-14, which further revised the implementing rules, providing that prevailing rules shall have retroactive effect for all births occurring within or outside the Philippines where a Filipino is concerned. The Office of the Civil Registrar General also amended the same implementing rules through Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2023, so that existing laws and regulations about the use of non-marital children of the surname of their father shall apply to those born during the effectivity of the Family Code of the Philippines or from 3 August 1988 with (a) unregistered births and (b) registered births, where non-marital children use the surname of their mother. Considering these changes, should non-marital children prefer to use the surname of their father, there must exist an express acknowledgment by the latter of the former through any of the following: (a) affidavit of admission of paternity found at the back of the child’s certificate of live birth; (b) affidavit of acknowledgment; or (c) private handwritten instrument signed by the father with his express recognition of the child as his for the rest of his life. These documents shall be filed before the local civil registry where the birth is registered or, in case of unregistered births, where the child is born. Absent the express acknowledgment from the father, the non-martial child cannot use the father’s surname. How, then, is an admission of paternity filed? The father, mother, or non-marital child of legal age may file the affidavit of admission of paternity or affidavit of acknowledgement. In the case of a private handwritten instrument, the same should be personally filed by the father. If the father is deceased, the private handwritten instrument may be filed by the non-marital child, who is of legal age, or the non-marital child’s mother. Should the local civil registry find the requirements complete and without issue after review, the non-marital child’s new surname shall be annotated on the existing certificate of live birth; it shall not be supplied on the portion intended for the last name. The above rules do not include the assignment of a middle name for a non-marital child. An additional Supplemental Report should be filed to supply the child’s middle name on the certificate of live birth. It must be remembered, however, that the non-marital children’s use of the surname of their father does not necessarily make them marital children in legal contemplation — it plainly permits them to publicly use such surname, e.g., in their identity documents like passport, school and employment records, and other documents. There is a separate process for the conversion of a child’s status from non-marital to marital called legitimation. *** For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post Use of father’s surname, the child’s decision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spins, deceptions, barrage
Chinese propaganda was in full force yesterday as the country’s state media again referred to the Philippines’ removal of the floating barrier as done to further the interest of the Americans. The narrative that China wants the world to follow is that the actions of the Philippines are all being dictated by the United States, to which the country has a long history of subservience. Thus, the Philippines’ sovereign interests are really at stake in the challenges to China’s aggressive assertions. Beijing’s propaganda mill has been busy since the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement increased from five to nine the number of Philippine military bases US forces have access to. It initially raised the bogey of the broader military pact being the launch pad for an American defense of Taiwan if China attacked, which is farthest from the truth since it presumes that Filipinos would be stupid enough to risk their country for another’s interest. The latest volley from China was related to removing the floating barrier that cordoned off Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc to Filipino fishermen. The Philippine Coast Guard should check the contraption to determine where it was manufactured. Recall the suspicion that the rocks and other materials used for China’s reclamation of Philippine islands had come from Zambales with the collusion of local government officials. Wang Wenbin, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said the Philippine statement was just what it wanted to believe itself. “China’s resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) is unwavering. We call on the Philippines not to make provocations or stir up trouble,” Wang said. Moreover, China parrots the line that opening four additional military bases was a move “to win US support for its claims in the South China Sea.” The US then wants to exploit the Philippines so that “it can intervene in the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue from a closer range.” The US is using the Philippines as a pawn in its campaign to “contain China,” according to the propaganda minions. EDCA was an offshoot of the Mutual Defense Treaty, a post-World War II pact in which the Philippines and the United States committed to come to each other’s aid in case of attack. Based on the hype generated in Beijing, the Philippines has made several “failed” attempts to deliver building materials to reinforce the “grounded warship” on China’s Ren’ai Jiao, also known as Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal, since August. Indeed, attempts to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre ended in a cat-and-mouse chase that succeeded, revealing that China is out of touch with reality. Also, the Sierra Madre is not a warship but a landing craft. It is an LST 542-class tank landing ship, previously known as the USS Harnett County, built for the United States Navy during World War II. The paid hacks and lapdogs of the Chinese government want to create an image that the venture between the Philippines and the US is meant to contain Beijing. The fundamental issue, however, remains the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, that has under it the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, or ITLOS. The Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, issued the 2016 ruling favoring the Philippines was formed under ITLOS. Thus, UNCLOS invalidated China’s historical claims and upheld the exclusive economic zone from which the Philippines can derive economic benefits. Any argument that strays from the guiding principle must be treated with a grain of salt, if not doused with cold water. The post Spins, deceptions, barrage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Osiris returning with asteroid sample
WASHINGTON (AFP) — NASA’s first mission to retrieve an asteroid sample and return it to US soil is expected to reach a perilous finale on Sunday with a descent into the Utah desert. Scientists hope the material — possibly the most ever retrieved by such a mission — will provide humanity with a better understanding on the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable. The US space probe OSIRIS-REx, launched in 2016, scooped up the sample from an asteroid called Bennu almost three years ago. Touchdown is scheduled for Sunday at around 9:00 am local time (1500 GMT), at a military testing site in the western state. Some four hours earlier, at about 67,000 miles (108,000 kilometers) away from Earth, the Osiris-Rex probe will release the capsule containing the sample. The final descent lasts 13 minutes: The capsule enters the atmosphere at a speed of around 27,000 miles (43,000 kilometers) per hour and reaches a maximum temperature of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,800 degrees Celsius), NASA said. If all goes well, two successive parachutes will bring the capsule to a soft landing on the desert floor, where it will be retrieved by prepositioned staff. Hitting the target area of 250 square miles is like “throwing a dart across the length of a basketball court and hitting the bullseye,” Rich Burns, OSIRIS-REx project manager at NASA, told a press conference last month. The night before landing, controllers will have a final opportunity to abort if conditions are not correct. If so, the probe would then circle the Sun before its next attempt — in 2025. “Sample return missions are hard. There’s a number of things that can go wrong,” said Sandra Freund, Lockheed Martin’s OSIRIS-REx program manager. Teams have meticulously prepared for the capsule’s return — even a “hard landing scenario” according to Freund — in order to preserve the asteroid material in its pristine form. A final dress rehearsal took place in August, with a replica capsule dropped from a helicopter. Once the capsule is on the ground, a team will check its condition before placing it in a net, which will be lifted by helicopter and taken to a temporary “clean room.” The next day, the sample will be flown to a highly specialized laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Scientists will open the capsule and separate pieces of the rock and dust over a period of days. Some of the sample will be for studies now, with the rest stored away for future generations equipped with better technology — a practice first started during the Apollo missions to the Moon. NASA is expected to unveil its first results during a press conference on 11 October. Obtaining the sample involved a high-risk operation in October 2020: The probe came into contact with the asteroid for a few seconds, and a blast of compressed nitrogen was emitted to raise the dust sample which was then captured. Bennu had surprised scientists during sample collection: During the few seconds of contact with the surface, the probe’s arm had sunk into the soil, revealing a much lower density than expected. However it allowed NASA to take far more than the initial target of 60 grams — the agency thinks the sample could be up to some 250 grams of material. That mass would be the “largest from beyond the orbit of the moon,” NASA program executive Melissa Morris said. The post Osiris returning with asteroid sample appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red Velvet’s third full-length album out in November
Red Velvet is set to release its highly anticipated third full-length album in November, as confirmed by the group’s agency SM Entertainment on 18 September. “Red Velvet is preparing a full-length studio album with the goal of [releasing the album in] November,” the agency said. The album would mark the group’s first full-length album in six years following the release of the critically acclaimed and chart-topping Perfect Velvet in November 2016. Red Velvet was consistent last year in releasing hit after hit. The phenomenal South Korean girl group previously released two mini albums with The ReVe Festival 2022 — Feel My Rhythm in March 2022 and The ReVe Festival 2022 — Birthday in November 2022. The group also released its first Japanese studio album, Bloom, in April 2022. Recently, Irene, the group’s leader and main rapper, was rumored to be not renewing her contract with SM Entertainment. However, no official confirmation followed the rumor. Another member, Yeri, had previously hinted that they were preparing to release a new album during the group’s anniversary live broadcast in August. Red Velvet is a wildly popular South Korean girl group composed of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri. The quintet is recognized for unique, distinctive concepts and enchanting music that has captured the attention of a global audience and a massive fandom called ReVeluv. Debuting in 2014, the group has given birth to such hits as “Happiness,” “Bad Boy,” “Psycho,” “Feel My Rhythm” and more. The post Red Velvet’s third full-length album out in November appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM, DSWD chief lead distribution of confiscated Jasmine rice in Zamboanga
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of confiscated rice to some 5,000 poor beneficiaries in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region on Tuesday, 19 September. Gatchalian said the rice distribution in Zamboanga served as a kick-off since the more than 42,000 bags of Jasmine rice seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have been donated to the DSWD. “We expect more than 42,000 poorest Filipinos to benefit from the seized rice by the BOC, which is in line with the President’s directive to crack down on rice smugglers and hoarders,” the DSWD chief said. The DSWD Field Office 9 (ZamboPen Region) prepared the list of the 5,000 “poorest of the poor” who were the first batch of recipients of 25 kilos of the high-grade Jasmine fragrant white rice, according to DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Josefina Romualdez. “There will be simultaneous distribution of 25 kilos of Jasmine rice to 5,000 poorest of the poor beneficiaries in the municipalities of Tungawan and Sibuco and the City of Zamboanga,” Romualdez said. She added that the 5,000 bags of Jasmine rice for distribution on Tuesday was part of the 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million confiscated by the BOC Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) following a raid on a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu in Zamboanga City last 19 May 2023. During the investigation, BOC authorities discovered disparities between the actual seized goods and the descriptions provided in the submitted documents. The payment records submitted referred to a shipment of “White Rice 15% Broken,” while the physical examination confirmed that the confiscated rice was Jasmine Fragrant Rice. The warehouse also lacked the necessary Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), according to the BOC. On 1 September, the BOC-POZ issued an Order of Forfeiture for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Rice Tariffication Law, and Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. According to BOC-POZ chief Benny Lontok, they are following the express directive of the President under Executive Order 39, which put a price cap on rice and which authorized intensified efforts to combat smugglers and price manipulators. “Iyon po ay bilang pagtugon sa directiba ng ating Pangulo at para matugunan po iyong presyo ng bigas kung saan pag-issue ng executive order para magkaroon ng price cap sa pamilihan sa halaga ng presyo ng bigas,” Lontok said, referring to the seizure of the smuggled rice in Zamboanga City. The BOC said they will conduct more inspections of warehouses following the directive of President Marcos to immediately address the issues of hoarding and rice smuggling. In late August, the BOC raided three warehouses in Bulacan allegedly storing smuggled rice reportedly worth over P500 million. The post PBBM, DSWD chief lead distribution of confiscated Jasmine rice in Zamboanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders
Senator Francis Escudero challenged the Bureau of Customs to immediately file charges against traders susceptibly involved in smuggling and hoarding rice. Escudero said such illegal activities have caused an artificial shortage of food staples and rice price spikes in recent months. The senator then slammed the BOC for its failure to disclose to the public the “names of traders and operators whose warehouses were raided by government authorities for tons of suspected smuggled rice.” “Ang dami nang raids na ginawa nitong mga nakaraang linggo, bakit hanggang ngayon, wala pang kasong isinasampa sa mga taong sangkot? (You have done so many raid activities this past weeks, why is it until now you haven’t filed cases to anyone involved?),” he said. Escudero stressed the need to file charges and ‘bring these economic saboteurs to court” so it could “serve as a warning” that the Marcos administration is indeed serious in its campaign against smugglers and hoarders. He said the authorities should not stop by just conducting a series of raids, instead, the efforts should showcase strong results. The Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 considers large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as economic sabotage, with "at least P1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in their raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation and preservation for the market, or a minimum of P10 million worth of rice, as valued by Bureau of Customs." “Why haven't I heard anyone sued for economic sabotage or something? Who owns these warehouses? Who are the people involved?" Escudero asked, citing that the BoC-Port of Zamboanga seized some 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million in Barangay San Jose Gusu on 15 September. The local bureau inspected the warehouse on 19 May after receiving information that smuggled rice was being stored in the area. Two weeks prior, the BOC inspected three warehouses in Bulacan and found these stocked with suspected smuggled imported rice worth P505 million. It temporarily sealed and guarded these warehouses located inside the Intercity Industrial Complex in Balagtas, Bulacan. Aside from filing charges, Escudero said the government should also update the public on the development of these cases “in the spirit of transparency.” "Ito ang mga dapat nilang masagot ngayon (this what they should answer now): who oversees the disposition and how will it be disposed? Ano ang gagawin nila sa mga bigas na nakumpiska? (What will happen to confiscated rice?),“ Escudero said. In a news forum last Saturday, BOC Port of Zamboanga chief, Benito Lontok, said the agency is planning to donate the smuggled rice for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance programs. However, Lontok said the plan is still “subject to approval” of BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. 'DA should step up' Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged DA to take more proactive measures to address the price hike in rice. Cayetano lamented the prices of rice remain high despite the government’s implementation of a price cap on the product. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier blamed smugglers and hoarders for causing the increasing prices of rice in the country. Hence, issuing the executive Order No. 39 on 31 August, mandated price ceilings for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. The EO 39 will be implemented nationwide beginning 5 September. Marcos vowed the government would continue going after the rice smugglers and hoarders, including the imposition of penalties for those found guilty of violating the mandated price cap for rice. Cayetano lauded Marcos for this effort and for being a “sincere Agriculture Secretary” with a primary intent on the country’s food situation. However, he stressed that other DA officials should not rely on the Chief Executive for solutions. “The DA to seek long-term solutions to stabilize food prices, emphasizing that temporary measures may not address the root causes of the problem,” he said. The post Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
When prior decree is not necessary (2)
It must be emphasized that the enactment of the Family Code rendered the rulings in Odayat, Mendoza, and Aragon inapplicable to marriages celebrated after 3 August 1988. A judicial declaration of absolute nullity of marriage is now expressly required where the nullity of a previous marriage is invoked to contract a second marriage. A second marriage contracted prior to the issuance of this declaration of nullity is thus considered bigamous and void. In Domingo v Court of Appeals, we explained the policy behind the institution of this requirement: Emphasizing the fifth difference, this Court has held in the cases of People v Mendoza, People v Aragon, and Odayat v Amante, that the Civil Code contains no express provision on the necessity of a judicial declaration of nullity of a void marriage. In Mendoza (1954), the appellant contracted three marriages in 1936, 1941 and 1949. The second marriage was contracted in the belief that the first wife was already dead, while the third marriage was contracted after the second wife’s death. The Court ruled that the first marriage was deemed valid until annulled, which made the second marriage null and void for being bigamous. Thus, the third marriage was valid, as the second marriage was void from its performance and, hence, nonexistent without a judicial decree declaring it so. This doctrine was reiterated in Aragon (1957), which involved substantially the same factual antecedents. In Odayat (1977), citing Mendoza and Aragon, the Court likewise ruled that no judicial decree was necessary to establish the invalidity of void marriages under Article 80 of the Civil Code. Marriage, a sacrosanct institution, declared by the Constitution as an ‘inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family”; as such, it “shall be protected by the State.” In more explicit terms, the Family Code characterizes it as “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.” So crucial are marriage and the family to the stability and peace of the nation that their “nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation.” As a matter of policy, therefore, the nullification of a marriage to contract another cannot be accomplished merely based on the perception of both parties or of one that their union is so defective with respect to the essential requisites of a contract of marriage as to render it void ipso jure and with no legal effect — and nothing more. Were this so, this inviolable social institution would be reduced to mockery and rest on very shaky foundations. And the grounds for nullifying marriage would be as diverse and far-ranging as human ingenuity and fancy could conceive. For such a socially significant institution, an official state pronouncement through the courts, and nothing less, will satisfy the exacting norms of society. Not only would such an open and public declaration by the courts definitively confirm the nullity of the contract of marriage, but the same would be easily verifiable through records accessible to everyone. What, then, is the important reckoning date? 3 August 1988. If the marriage was before then, no judicial declaration is needed. If after, then one is necessary. Now you know. Marriage, a sacrosanct institution declared by the Constitution as an ‘inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family’; as such, the State shall protect it. Sources: Article 349, Revised Penal Code Article 40, Family Code Renato A. Castillo vs Lea De Leon P. Castillo (G.R. No. 189607, 18 April 2016) The post When prior decree is not necessary (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BOC to donate seized P42-m smuggled rice for gov’t programs
The Bureau of Customs is considering donating the confiscated 42,180 bags of imported rice to some departments implementing government assistance programs. In a news forum, BOC-Port of Zamboanga chief Benito Lontok said the plan to donate the smuggled rice for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance programs is still “subject to approval” of BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “Idu-donate po yata sa (It might be donated for the implementation of a) government program, I don’t know po kung Kadiwa or sa DSWD (if it would be donated for Kadiwa or DSWD’s programs). Pero ‘yun po ay pinag-uusapan pa (It is still being discussed),” Lontok said. The smuggled rice, amounting to P42 million, was seized during a raid at a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu in Zamboanga City. The local bureau inspected the warehouse on 19 May after receiving information that smuggled rice was being stored in the area. Lontok said authorities found irregularities, although the warehouse owner, BLY Agri-Venture Trading, was able to submit import documents. There were disparities between the actual seized goods and the descriptions provided in the submitted documents, he added. “The payment records submitted referred to a shipment of White Rice 15 percent Broken, while the physical examination confirmed that the confiscated rice was Jasmine Fragrant Rice,” he said. Lontok added the warehouse also lacked the necessary Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry. “That’s why we issued a warrant of seizure and detention, and eventually na-forfeit po iyong goods (the goods were forfeited) in favor of the government,” he said. On 1 September, the BOC-POZ issued an Order of Forfeiture for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Rice Tariffication Law, and Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. The BOC said they will conduct more inspections of warehouses following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “to address hoarding and illegal rice importation” in the country. In late August, the BOC raided three warehouses in Bulacan allegedly storing smuggled rice reportedly worth over P500 million. The post BOC to donate seized P42-m smuggled rice for gov’t programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Masinloc fishers left to their own devices amid Chinese harassment in Scarborough Shoal
Despite the increasing presence of Chinese vessels in the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), the New Masinloc Fisherman's Association on Wednesday said the Philippine Coast Guard does not escort Filipino folks fishing in the area. Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fisherman’s Association, said the PCG is nowhere to be found when they are fishing in the shoal. “Ang ginagawa lang po namin kapag pumupunta po kami ng Scarborough Shoal naglo-log out lang po kami doon sa tanggapan po ng PCG dito sa Masinloc station pero ang totoo po niyan wala naman pong ume-escort sa amin para mangisda po kami doon sa lugar (What we are doing is that we are just logging out at the PCG office here in Masinloc station when we are going to the Scarborough Shoal but the truth is nobody is escorting us to fish in that area),” Cuaresma said in an interview over the Super Radyo dzBB. Cuaresma stressed the PCG had previously committed to escort fishermen in the area. “Actually, noong panahon na kasagsagan nitong 2016 ay sinasabi nga po noon na talagang i-escort-an po 'yung ating mangingisda para malayang makapangisda doon sa shoal pero wala naman pong nag-eescort sa amin (at the height of the tension in the area in 2016, we were told that they will escort fishermen so we can fish in the shoal freely but no one escorted us),” he said. However, the PCG earlier explained that the presence of Filipino Coast Guard personnel in the area could further trigger tension with Chinese ships, according to Cuaresma. The last time that the group fished in the area was in May, he added. Cuaresma said Chinese vessels were supposedly “bullying and blocking” the way of some 40 fishermen going the Bajo de Masinloc. During his visit to Palawan last August, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are planning to increase the number of defenders by tapping fisherfolk to become military reservists amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. “We want to use our fisherfolk as reservists. We are going to teach them how to help us defend our country,” Brawner said. Cuaresma, meanwhile, expressed support for the AFP’s plan, noting that their group will actively cooperate with the government forces. “Kung 'yan po ang panukala ng ating pamahalaan ngayon ay handa po kaming sumunod kung sakali sapagkat alam namin na itong yamang-dagat po natin ay malaking kawalan din po natin para sa ating ekonomiya (If that’s the proposal of our government now, we are ready to follow because we are aware of the need to protect our water resources for our economy),” he said. “Bakit hindi po namin gagawin? Sapagkat mula po noong una ay diyan po kami nabuhay at diyan din po kami nagkamalay kaya naman po ay napakahalaga sa amin ang karagatan (Why not? That's our source of livelihood from the very start, the sea is very important to us),” Cuaresma pointed out. Sought for comments, the PCG is yet to respond on the matter. The Scarborough Shoal is only 120 nautical miles from Masinloc and within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The post Masinloc fishers left to their own devices amid Chinese harassment in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UBS’s Credit Suisse takeover, ‘deal of the century’?
Did banking giant UBS make "the deal of the century" when it bought one of the world's biggest banks for a pittance as it teetered on the edge of the abyss? Switzerland's largest bank was in March strong-armed by Swiss authorities into a $3.25-billion takeover of Credit Suisse, to keep its closest domestic rival from going under. At the time, investors gasped at the risks UBS was taking on with the purchase. But by August, the bank said it would not need the billions in support offered by the Swiss government and central bank to offset any surprises that might pop up in its stricken rival's accounts. That must mean that Credit Suisse's situation was "much better than described in March", Thomas Aeschi, a member of parliament with the populist rightwing Swiss People's Party (SVP), wrote on X, formerly Twitter. UBS seemed to prove him right when it unveiled its second-quarter results on August 31. The bank posted a towering net profit of $29.2 billion for the three-month period, thanks to an exceptional gain due to the gulf between the amount paid for Credit Suisse and its book value. 'Godsend' "UBS has pulled off the deal of the century," Switzerland's Socialist Party said, maintaining the "rescue" was more of a "godsend", allowing it to snatch up a bank at a dramatically reduced rate. "If we had chosen another path, (like) a temporary or partial nationalization," said Samuel Bendahan, a Socialist MP and economics professor at the University of Lausanne, the Swiss state "would have taken on the risk, but those $29 billion would have gone to the population". Instead, the takeover has created "a monopolistic situation", he told AFP, warning that while this might strengthen UBS, it puts Switzerland in an extremely risky position if the new mega-bank were to one day face a crisis. Politicians are not the only ones taking issue with the takeover. Gisele Vlietstra, founder of the Swiss Investor Protection Association, told public broadcaster RTS that UBS's towering quarterly profit confirms that the "intrinsic value" of Credit Suisse was "far higher" than the purchase price. She said she hoped that the lawsuits brought by her association and others on behalf of thousands of Credit Suisse shareholders will help determine "the correct value" that they should be compensated. 'Nickel and dime' "UBS paid a nickel and dime" and "got rid of its main competitor" in one fell swoop, Carlo Lombardini, a lawyer and banking law professor at Lausanne University, told AFP. The coming restructuring will clearly carry risks, "but having paid just three billion, it can't go wrong", he said, slamming the option chosen by the Swiss authorities. Like UBS, Credit Suisse was listed among 30 international banks deemed too big to fail because of their importance in the global banking architecture. But the collapse of three US regional lenders in March left the firm looking like the next weakest link in the chain. The Swiss government feared Credit Suisse would have quickly defaulted and triggered a global crisis, shredding Switzerland's reputation for sound banking. But its chosen option for dealing with the issue was certainly a boon to UBS, which will now swell to manage $5 trillion of invested assets. Confidence 'evaporated' UBS chief Sergio Ermotti acknowledged in a recent interview with the SonntagsZeitung weekly that the bank had been "worried" about its competitor since 2016, and had among other things looked into the possibilities of buying it, for fear a foreign lender might snap it up. He acknowledged that Credit Suisse may have survived for a time if the central bank had injected more cash, "but it would not have been enough, since confidence had evaporated". Since the takeover announcement in March, UBS has seen its share price soar 31 percent. But the bank still faces significant challenges, Vontobel analyst Andreas Venditti told AFP. The $29 billion "is a huge one-off gain, but this is just accounting", he said, stressing that "the losses and costs will come later". The analyst, who a few months ago wondered in a note whether UBS had secured "the deal of the decade or a decade of headaches", stressed that "it's going to be a huge task". He said it would only become clear "whether it was worth it" after most of the restructuring is done three years down the line. Parts of the business are continuing to "produce huge losses", he said, warning "many things can still go wrong". Swissquote analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya agreed, recalling that "UBS was forced" into the merger. Now it is up to the bank to "transform an 'obligation' to its advantage". The post UBS’s Credit Suisse takeover, ‘deal of the century’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New Cebu International Container Port seen
The Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced that the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port is expected to start within the third quarter of the year. According to DoTr Undersecretary Elmer Sarmiento, the project’s funder — Export-Import Bank of Korea — has granted the renewal of the loan of P10.45 billion, adding that the procurement for the project has been delayed by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Sarmiento said that the agency is hoping to award the civil works contract within the third quarter. The groundwork should have originally started in August 2022. The civil works was bid out in 2022 and won by a Korean firm. He added that the KEXIM has approved the proposed changes and DoTr is now awaiting the special allotment release order. Sarmiento explained that the project has two approaches — civil works which will be funded by official development assistance from KEXIM — and the purchase of quay cranes will be under public-private partnership. The NCICP will be built on a 25-hectare reclaimed area in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu and will be connected to the mainland by a 300-meter offshore bridge. It will have a berthing facility with a 500-meter-long quay wall that can simultaneously accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equipment unit vessels, operating facilities and structures for containers such as a freight station and an inspection shed, an access road and bridge, and a dredged waterway and turning basin. It will be equipped with four quay cranes. A counterpart funding will be financed by Philippine government of P1.28 billion. In 2016, the NCICP was approved by NEDA Board and the signed loan agreement then with KEXIM pegged at $172.64 million. NCICP is seen as the long-term solution to growing volumes handled by the Cebu International Port in Cebu City. The post New Cebu International Container Port seen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mindanao flamboyance
Besides being a beacon of camaraderie among the native creative talents, the Mindanao Fashion Summit is also a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. It can’t be denied that members of this dynamic community comprise the dominant force in fashion and pageantry. So, it was quite fitting that a special segment dedicated to the flamboyant LGBTQ+ members continued at the 12th MFS. The Oro Fashion Designers Guild, headed by its president, Mark Christopher Yaranon, and MFS chairman, Dr. Mavy de Leon Ladlad, are grateful for the multi-sectoral support that they received. “Our special thanks go to the marketing team of Ayala Malls Centrio, our venue, and to MFS co-chairman, Atty. Jose Pepe ‘Joey’ Abbu Jr.; to the LGU of Cagayan de Oro headed by Mayor Rolando A. Uy and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, the City Tourism Office, and the Department of Tourism-Northern Mindanao Office headed by regional director May Salvaña-Unchuan,” Yaranon said. The show, held on 24 August, was directed by Robbie Fortich Pamisa, an HIV screening motivator at Oro Pia Community Center, which is named after and heavily supported by homegrown beauty, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Pamisa is also the executive director at Kagay-an PLUS — Preserving Life, Uniting Society Inc. Here, the designers shed light on their ostentatious creations: [caption id="attachment_182184" align="aligncenter" width="1587"] MARK CHRISTOPHER YARANON (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] MARK CHRISTOPHER YARANON “For the third time, Christer Kim is my muse. She’s the most competent and articulate host in our city, and I’ve been her designer since she started her hosting gigs. She’s known as the ‘Carry On Queen’ for her ‘the show must go on’ stance. She is also this year’s backstage correspondent for the MFS. “Christer is wearing a long and slinky drop neckline, long-sleeved evening gown in gold lace embedded with crystals and beads with a front high slit.” [caption id="attachment_182186" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] SHINE J CASINO (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] SHINE J CASIÑO “My creation for the MFS LGBT segment is inspired by the Parisian male workers during the 1960s. The Mikado silk jumpsuit, instead of using solid colors, I chose pastel to highlight the lives of LGBTQ+ men. “My model is Peter Leary Brown, known as Pedro or Sycris Brown. Half-Spanish and half-Bisaya, he was a Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 finalist who represented General Santos City. He also placed third in the grand finals of It’s Showtime’s “I Am Pogay” contest.” [caption id="attachment_182185" align="aligncenter" width="1743"] RUVIL NERI (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] RUVIL NERI “My model is Marvie Salvania, a bisexual student. I chose her because she is one of my models at Models & Queens, which I manage. I also love her confidence, X Factor and character onstage. “Marvie is wearing a purple coatdress that resembles an overcoat with collar, lapels and front ribbon made of honeycomb silk. It is matched with a spaghetti-strapped, dope-dyed chiffon, straight-cut knee-level dress. I picked the color purple for the cocktail dress for it represents the LGBTQ+ [people] being creative, original and passionate.” [caption id="attachment_182181" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] BOOGIE MUSNI RIVERA (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] BOOGIE MUSNI RIVERA “My muse Steffy Marie Sy epitomizes two of my most wonderful childhood experiences — playing with Barbie dolls while watching beauty pageants. These are memories that I would always stamp on my heart and mind. “Steffy was a runner-up at Queen of CDO 2022. She is wearing a fully beaded and sequined gown with one-shoulder oyster neckline. The silhouette is A line cut with a slit at the left side. The color is hot pink, which is inspired by Barbie.” [caption id="attachment_182182" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] KIKO DOMO (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] KIKO DOMO “Channeling the mythical power of the Oro Fish and the strength of a Japanese warrior, my creation embodies the fusion of art and inspiration. Crafted from 3/4 inch-squared synthetic gold tiles, it forms a captivating silhouette representing, charisma and power. Just like my LGBT muse Frank Tongco, a renowned makeup artist, my design celebrates the beauty of diversity and the resonance of mythical legends.” JOSHUA N. GUIBONE “My fully sequined creation, called ‘Strong in Gold,’ is a mesmerizing piece that exudes glamour and sophistication. Its exquisite design combines a thigh-high slit and a daring deep neckline, making it the perfect choice for those who want to make a bold fashion statement. The waist is artfully slimmed using a darker shade of gold, creating a visually striking contrast that accentuates the wearer’s curves. The show, held on 24 August, was directed by Robbie Fortich Pamisa, an HIV screening motivator at Oro Pia Community Center, which is named after and heavily supported by homegrown beauty, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. “This thoughtful design element not only adds depth to the gown but also highlights the wearer’s natural beauty. With its luxurious sequined fabric and impeccable tailoring, it’s the embodiment of elegance and allure. Whether you’re attending a glamorous event or simply looking to make a stunning entrance, this fully sequined gold gown is sure to leave a lasting impression. “My muse is one of my great friends and a batchmate at Xavier University High School, Barbie Lindelle Neri. She is the current president of the LGBTQ Federation of CDO and the chairman of the Queen of CDO pageant. “She dons a resplendent gold gown symbolizing her role as a warrior queen. Leading the LGBTQIA community in Cagayan de Oro, she stands at the forefront of the battle for our rights, amplifying our voices to reach higher officials. Her ability to exude beauty, power and glamour while advocating for our marginalized community sets an inspiring example.” The post Mindanao flamboyance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»