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Sulaiman leaves with Pinoys in his heart
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman left Manila yesterday to return home to Mexico with fond memories of his five-day visit where he experienced Filipino hospitality, warmth and friendship. He said there will always be a place in his heart for the Philippines......»»
Bacosa headlines Blow-By-Blow boxing card at Okada
Crowd favorite Eman Bacosa headlines a special presentation of Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow on Sunday at the Okada Manila......»»
‘Brave Citizen’ ni Korean superstar Shin Hye-sun pinalakpakan sa sinehan
ANG film adaptation ng sikat na Korean webtoon na “Brave Citizen” ay nasa Pilipinas na at showing na ngayon sa mga sinehan nationwide. Bida rito si Shin Hye-sun (Mr. Queen, My Golden Life, Still 17, See You in My 19th Life) bilang isang vigilante teacher sa action-comedy mula sa award-winning director na si Park Jin-pyo......»»
The faces of the 'SAF44
THE LEGACIES of the 44 brave men who died on Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, go beyond the camouflage they wore, the black berets they earned and the medals they merited as members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. INQUIRER.net remembers each of the #SAF44 through short profiles on their lives not only.....»»
Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS
Senators on Sunday condemned China for 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. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision 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. “Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia,” he added. 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.” “Our freedom of navigation in our own exclusive economic zone within our own continental shelf should be recognized and upheld,” he stressed. The Senate chief also reiterated his support for his colleagues' efforts to beef up the PCG and AFP’s budget for the next fiscal year to “better capacitate them in safeguarding our exclusive economic zones from illegal foreign intrusions.” “As leader of the Senate, I will make sure that our troops will get sufficient funds under the 2024 national budget to bankroll the much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” he said. 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. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” ‘Enough’ Hontiveros echoed Zubiri’s call on China to “stop” its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law. “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” she said in a separate statement. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law,” she added. Hontiveros said the PCG “has every right to be in the West Philippine Sea.” “China has no right to drive our forces into our own seas. Furthermore, they do not have the right to hurt and bump Philippine vessels that are only performing their jobs in our territories,” she stressed. “Chinese vessels have chased, blocked, and harassed our Philippine Coast Guard daily, 24/7 every single time we conduct our resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre,” she added. The opposition lawmaker also called on the international community to join the Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against the Filipino people. “Our nations should not stop fighting for the rule of law. It is the only way to have a chance at true peace and stability across the region and the world,” she said. 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. 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 Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CIT-U snaps three-game losing skid with a win over Verallo
CEBU CITY, Philippines— After three disappointing defeats, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats finally earned their first sweet victory in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball during their game against neophytes, the Felipe Verallo Foundation College (FVFC) Blue Dragons, 83-71, on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Cebu Coliseum. The Wildcats, who became viral for their 74-point loss,75-109, against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters earlier this month, found their winning ways on Sunday with rookie John Rey Guinita leading them with 26 points. Guinita perfectly balanced his scoring after he tallied 13 points in each halves of the game. Edwin Charles Jao contributed 14 points, while Jim Brent Taala added 12 markers, nine of which came from beyond the arc. The victory improved the Wildcats’ record to one win and three losses, while the Blue Dragons of head coach Titing Manalili fell to a 0-4 (win-loss) record putting them at the bottom of the team standings. Francis Earl Solis scored 14 points for Verallo, while John Gellego added nine points in their losing efforts. CIT-U has a chance to grab a back-to-back win as they take on another newcomer, the Benedicto College Cheetahs, on October 21, while Verallo returns into action on the same date against the formidable USJ-R Jaguars. CEC 65, CIT-U WILDKITTENS 44 Contrastingly, CIT-U’s high school squad bowed down to the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 65-44, also on Sunday. Caelan Mack once again topscored the Dragons. This time he tallied 17 points, while Xerxes Duran scored 14 points. Jyle Roa added 13 markers and Lybron James Lamo chipped in 10 markers for CEC. Ezekiel Zamora scored 12 points for CIT-U, while teammate Sam Kyle Aballe had eight points in their defeat. CEC improved to a 4-1 card to stay at the No. 3 spot in the high school team standings, while the Wildkittens dropped to the sixth spot with a 1-2 slate. USC 64, DBTC 57 On the other hand, the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors ended their four-game losing skid by beating the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Greywolves, 64-57, in the other high school game on Sunday. The win improved USC’s record to 1-4 slate, while DBTC’s losing woes continued as they dropped to a 0-5 card. Kent Dave Chavez unloaded 18 points, while Bhenz Daug contributed 10 points for USC. Jefferson Villareal spoiled his 17-point outing.....»»
Suspected pushers yield P102K shabu, firearms
Quezon City Police have arrested two drug pushers who yielded P102,000 worth of shabu and firearms in a buy-bust operations early morning yesterday. Quezon City Police District Director P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the suspects were collared by operatives of Novaliches Police Station 4 led by P/Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo, who identified the suspects as Reymarc Calceta, 27 years old and Maria Nicole Repollo, 24 years old, both residents of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. According to Castillo, PS 4 operatives, in coordination with PDEA-QC, conducted a buy-bust operation at 5 a.m. and arrested the duo in front of Novavets Animal Clinic and Grooming Center along Susano Road, Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City. The police officer said the arrest came after a concerned citizen reported the illegal drug activities of the suspects. A police officer acted as a poseur buyer and bought P7,500 worth of shabu from the suspects, and at the given pre-arranged signal, they were arrested. Seized from the suspects’ possessions were 15 grams of shabu worth P102,000; a black pouch; one identification card; a unit of motorcycle; a cellular phone; and the buy-bust money. Likewise, one caliber.38 revolver and four pieces of .38 full metal ammunition were confiscated from suspect Calceta. The suspects will be charged with violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charge for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violation of Omnibus Election Code in relation to Comelec gun ban will be filed against suspect Calceta before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Maranan commended the operatives for their prompt action which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of the pieces of evidence. The post Suspected pushers yield P102K shabu, firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 arrested drug pushers yield P102K worth of shabu, firearms
Quezon City police have arrested two drug pushers who yielded P102,000 worth of shabu and firearms in a buy-bust operation early morning yesterday. Quezon City Police District director, P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan, said the suspects were collared by operatives of Novaliches Police Station (PS 4), led by P/Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo, who identified the suspects as Reymarc Calceta, 27 years old, and Maria Nicole Repollo, 24 years old, both residents of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. According to Castillo, the PS 4 operatives, in coordination with PDEA-QC, conducted a buy-bust operation at 5:00 a.m. and arrested the duo in front of Novavets Animal Clinic and Grooming Center along Susano Road in Brgy. San Agustin, Novaliches. The police officer said the arrest came after a concerned citizen reported the illegal drug activities of the suspects. A police officer acted as a poseur buyer and bought P7,500 worth of shabu from the suspects, and at the given pre-arranged signal, they were arrested. Seized from the suspects’ possessions were 15 grams of shabu worth P102,000; a black pouch; an identification card; a motorcycle; a cellular phone; and the buy-bust money. Likewise, one caliber .38 revolver and four pieces of .38 full metal ammunition were confiscated from suspect Calceta. The suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charges for violation of RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violation of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the COMELEC Gun Ban will be filed against suspect Calceta before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Maranan commended the operatives for their prompt action which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of the pieces of evidence. "I commend the PS-4 personnel, headed by P/Lt. Col.Jerry Castillo, for their dedication and commitment to rid the streets from these illegal drugs menace. Gusto ko ding pasalamatan ang mga kababayan natin sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng impormasyon at pakikipagtulungan sa kapulisan, malaking tulong po ito para sa tagumpay ng bawat operasyon at sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa ating mga nasasakupan," Maranan said. The post 2 arrested drug pushers yield P102K worth of shabu, firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay
The biggest Asian Games in history, boasting about 12,000 competitors -- more than the Olympics -- will open on Saturday in the Chinese city of Hangzhou after a year's delay because of Covid. Athletes including world and Olympic champions will fight for medals in 40 sports from athletics, swimming and football to eSports and bridge. Nine sports, among them boxing, break dancing and tennis, will serve as qualifiers for next year's Paris Olympics. The Games were supposed to take place last September but were postponed because of China's strict zero-Covid rules, before China's ruling Communist Party abruptly abandoned the policy. The 19th edition of the Games, which were first held in New Delhi in 1951, throws together competitors from 45 countries and territories across Asia and the Middle East. For China, which hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics in a Covid-secure "bubble" in Beijing, it is a chance to show off its organizational, sporting and technological prowess after the pandemic years cut the country off from the sporting world. "We have overcome a lot of challenges but we are now fully conditioned to hold a successful Games," Chen Weiqiang, chief spokesperson for the Games, said on Wednesday. Sport meets politics The Games will be staged at 54 venues -- 14 newly constructed -- mostly in Hangzhou but also extending to cities as far afield as Wenzhou, 300 kilometres (180 miles) south. The centerpiece is the "Big Lotus" Olympic stadium with a capacity of up to 80,000 where athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies will be staged. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and meet Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad there, along with other visiting leaders, Chinese state media says. Assad is making his first visit to ally China since the war erupted in Syria in 2011. Russian President Vladimir Putin likewise attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, along with Xi, and weeks later launched the invasion of Ukraine. Hangzhou, a city of 12 million people an hour's bullet train from Shanghai, is famed in China for its ancient temples, gardens and its beloved West Lake. It is also the unofficial home of China's tech industry, notably the birth place of Jack Ma's Alibaba. The Games will showcase some of the latest tech to come out of the city, including driverless buses, robot dogs and facial recognition. China medal dash Hosts China have topped the medals table at every Asian Games since 1982 and are expected to do so again by the time the curtain comes down on October 8. They should reign in swimming, with Qin Haiyang fresh from his heroics at the world championships, where he announced himself as the new undisputed breaststroke king. The 24-year-old swept all three men's events and set a new world record in the 200m. In athletics, another of the most closely watched sports, India's Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra will defend his Asian Games javelin crown. His nearest competitor should be world silver medalist Arshad Nadeem from arch-rivals Pakistan and the countries are also on a collision course in cricket and hockey. ESports, in what is seen as a step toward Olympic inclusion one day, will make its full Asian Games debut having been a demonstration sport five years ago. Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as "Faker", has god-like status in League of Legends and will lead the South Korean charge at the futuristic-looking China Hangzhou Esports Centre. There is an added incentive which has caused controversy in South Korea -- winning gold will exempt them from having to do military service. A feature of the Asian Games is that it includes sports that are a little more quirky than the Olympics. Xiangqi -- also known as "Chinese chess" -- the card game bridge and the ancient wrestling discipline of kurash are all on the menu. Although the Games officially open on Saturday, the sporting action began on Tuesday, when North Korea returned to major international competition for the first time since the pandemic with a 2-0 win over Taiwan in men's football. The post Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES — Mananquil emerges as Phl boxing’s top power broker
When boxing promoter-manager Jim Claude Mananquil is not attending to his stable of fighters, he can be seen just before daybreak minding his family’s tuna export business in General Santos City. “This is what keeps my boxing promotion going,” said the 29-year-old Mananquil, who started promoting at the tender age of 15. Of course, Mananquil didn’t have the proper license to put up fights owing to his being a minor and somebody with a license had to pose as the promoter-on-record. But it was he who assembled all the fighters and took care of the finances, quite a feat for someone whose main weapon for staging a card was his unparalleled love for the fight game. Instead of celebrating, Mananquil had to endure 16 straight losses as most of his boxers — though solidly built — were all as raw and green as a harvested broccoli. “We got kids who had muscular bodies thinking that they would do well in the ring. But everyone lost and I was devastated,” recalled Mananquil, who manages two-belt world super-bantamweight Marlon Tapales. Born and bred in General Santos City, Mananquil fell in love with the fight game at an early age. “I looked up to, of course, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Zab Judah,” he said. Mananquil didn’t just like boxing. He was so obsessed with the sport that he even wanted to proceed with a professional career after a triumphant debut in 2018. “But my mom objected and told me to just get involved in boxing as long as I don’t fight.” Mananquil was already busy promoting even before he turned 20 and in just a few years he was crisscrossing the United States accompanying his boxers signed up to see action under different promoters. At one time, his boxers set up camp in Miami under a Florida-based Cuban trainer but soon found himself relocating to southern California and Las Vegas with influential American fight guy Sean Gibbons lending a hand. Just a few months ago, Mananquil had two reigning world champions: Tapales and Melvin Jerusalem. But Jerusalem’s reign as World Boxing Organization minimumweight titlist was short-lived. After winning the World Boxing Organization 105-lb title in Tokyo in January, he surrendered the championship in Indio, California, several months later. Following Jerusalem’s loss, Mananquil is now left with Tapales, who is being groomed to figure in a megabuck matchup with Japanese Naoya “Monster” Inoue sometime in December. “My responsibility is to give Marlon the very best preparation so he can win this very important fight,” Mananquil said. The odds are stacked against the southpaw but Mananquil swears nothing is impossible. ‘It’s a tough decision but I really love boxing.’ Whether that multi-million dollar showdown happens or not will be known in the coming days and weeks as both camps are going to hold another round of talks very soon in the hopes of putting a deal in place. The youngest of three kids, Mananquil admits he is torn between the family business and boxing. And if somebody’s going to put a gun to his head, Mananquil would not hesitate to make his choice. “It’s a tough decision but I really love boxing.” Coming from a well-to-do family, Mananquil went to five schools during college. Once, he tried studying in America but went home after just a few weeks, saying his heart was not there. Back in the Philippines, Mananquil enrolled at Ateneo de Davao University, Enderun College and even tried schooling in a small college in General Santos City. Likewise, he went to school at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig but wound up backing out for the nth time and returned to General Santos City. He was always on-the-go. But one thing’s clear, though. Mananquil insists his first and only love is boxing. And if that big fight down the road happens in Tokyo before the end of the year, Mananquil says that would end up becoming the highlight of his young career provided his fighter emerges victorious. But in the meantime, Mananquil will continue to look after the tuna business in the morning to assure that boxing gets the sustenance it badly needs. Right now, Mananquil is rolling with the punches as the family business and boxing seem to be blending well. And if things fall into place, there could come a time when Mananquil won’t even have to be forced to sacrifice one but winds up mastering both. The post ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES — Mananquil emerges as Phl boxing’s top power broker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. talk stays cheap
China’s release of a new map expanding its maritime area within a “10-dash line” that includes the West Philippine Sea has been condemned by the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and Vietnam. Conspicuously absent from the first responders was the United States which had earlier issued a brave warning that it would protect the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US had said it would protect international ship passage in one of the world’s most contested waterways, where more than $3 trillion in trade passes each year. China on Monday released a new version of its infamous U-shaped dashed line that now covers about 90 percent of the South China Sea, including Taiwan which it regards as a renegade province. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated the so-called historic “nine-dash line” claim of China, but Beijing made it clear that it did not recognize the decision and insisted on bilateral agreements with other claimants to settle territorial conflicts. China holds to its position that its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were established throughout the long course of history, claiming that this was “duly recognized by international treaties and accords which are not to be infringed upon by any illegal awards.” China instead accused the Philippines of taking unilateral action to initiate the arbitration that “breached its bilateral agreement with China to settle relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation.” It claimed that this commitment was also contained in the non-binding Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, in 2002. Beijing, however, has continuously put a damper on concluding the Code of Conduct that ASEAN has been pushing to finally settle the conflicting claims. The presence of American forces appeared to have deterred China from making good on its “historical” claims that are continuously expanding. A delayed reaction by the US to the new Chinese propaganda offensive may prove fatal to the region. Dean Cheng, a senior advisor to the China program in the government-backed US Institute of Peace, observed that Beijing has been gambling on American willingness or lack of it to confront China’s “salami-slicing tactics against its neighbors.” Cheng recalled that in 2012, the United States persuaded the Philippines to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal “while making no effort to compel the People’s Republic of China to do the same. In effect, Washington forced Manila to cede that set of features to the PRC.” Cheng recounted how this was followed by a three-year hiatus in US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, which he noted was an absence “that coincided with massive Chinese construction on features it controlled.” For the United States to once again fail to counter the latest Chinese efforts “would reinforce a perception of American withdrawal,” Cheng pointed out. He warned of the possible consequences if the US continues to waffle on its position regarding China’s increasing aggressiveness. “If the United States were to not respond, its credibility as an ally would be called into question, certainly by Manila. The various efforts to renew US access to Philippine facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, especially in the event of a Taiwan contingency, will certainly falter. Why should the Philippines support American efforts to support Taiwan if the United States won’t support the Philippines?” Cheng said. If recent events were the basis, the Philippines has always been made to suffer the backlash of Washington policies in the region, such as the Asian pivot of former President Barack Obama. The Philippine government was made to support the American program but was left in the lurch when the going got tough. The US still has to prove that it walks the talk on its supposed protection of the region from predatory actions. The post U.S. talk stays cheap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Irony of corruption
Corruption has become so pervasive and brazen. Masusuka ka na (you would puke),” moaned the mayor of Dumaguete City, Felipe Remollo, at the convening Thursday of a coalition of over a hundred chiefs of local government units calling for good governance and an end to corruption at all levels of government starting within their own turfs. The coalition was sparked by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former Philippine National Police official who, in a virtual speech delivered during a PNP flag-raising ceremony last July, said he was “shocked” by the gargantuan increase in the country’s national debt to nearly P14 trillion. Said Magalong: “When President Duterte started his administration, our national debt was at P5.7 trillion, accumulated over the past decades. In just seven years, our national debt increased by 142 percent; we’re now at P13.86 trillion (actually P14.10 trillion, as reported by the Bureau of the Treasury in May 2023).” He quoted then-NEDA Secretary Karl Chua as saying that the country’s ability to pay the national debt is dependent on “‘our ability to manage financial leakages.’ And so I ask, ano ba yung financial leakages (what are financial leakages)? And Sec. Chua replied, ‘ang financial leakage na sinasabi ko (that I’m telling you), a big chunk of that is attributed to corruption.’” Beyond shock, he said he was also alarmed that none of the members of Congress then and now seemed to be concerned enough to “raise hell” about the country’s tremendously rising national debt. Interviewed over local television, he said he had spoken with contractors whom he asked, “Assuming I take cuts from infrastructure projects, how much will my take be? Their answer? From 10 percent to as much as 20, 25 percent — it’s up to the mayors and lawmakers to decide how much.” Bids and awards committee members, among others, also receive commissions, thus only about 45-50 percent is left for the contractor to do the project, he learned. If the project is worth, say P100, they’ll settle for from P42.50 to P55, including their profit, so they’ll have no choice but to make sub-standard projects. Having spent 38 years of exemplary service in the Philippine National Police, retired in 2016 as Deputy Chief of Operations with a total of 166 medals to his name, including the Distinguished Conduct Star, Distinguished Service Star, and PNP Gold Cross for combat and law enforcement achievements, he said: “We in the uniformed service are willing to give up a reasonable percentage of our pension to help the national government address this huge deficit, to address this big national debt; but we have yet to hear from our legislators that they too are willing to give up their pork barrel. Let’s wait and see what our brave legislators have to say.” In the interest of objectivity, it should be said here that Baguio, in two instances, was the subject of a Commission on Audit flag-down. One instance involved Magalong’s admission that rules were eased by City Hall in the purchase of food for city residents and disinfectant at the height of the Luzon lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. He said, however, that all the lockdown expenses were properly accounted for. CoA likewise flagged the city government on allegations that it had diversified funds to complete an infrastructure project. City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña maintained that the local government used the DPWH fund for its intended purpose, explaining that city hall only had a P341-million budget for a Convergence Center and it needed P50 million more to complete the project. “The word ‘misuse’ is not true. The fund was well-audited and it went to where it was allotted,” said Dela Peña. It is heartening to see that a cry in the wilderness sparks action among mayors. Theirs is a cause worthy of support by all sectors, including business and the citizenry, and we wish them all the luck in what is certain to be “an uphill climb” of sincerity and political will. The post Irony of corruption appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU moves closer to launching digital euro
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday took its first significant step towards launching a digital version of the euro, a controversial project that has been questioned by politicians and banks. From China to the United States, Jamaica to Japan, more than 100 central banks worldwide are exploring or preparing to put in place digital currencies as electronic payments grow, changing the way people spend their money. The move to create a digital version of the single currency began in 2020 when European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde suggested the idea and her Frankfurt-based body launched a public consultation. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, published a proposal on Wednesday that will be the legal foundation on which the ECB could launch a digital euro. The currency would be available to individuals living in the euro area and for visitors. It would offer an additional payment option for citizens to use online and offline with their digital wallets, thus ensuring as much anonymity as coins and banknotes. The final law must be backed by the EU's 27 member states and the European Parliament. Digital euro enthusiasts say it will complement cash and ensure the ECB does not leave a gap later filled by private -- usually non-EU -- players and other central banks. "Given that the euro is already the world's second most-traded currency, it is not an area where can afford to stay behind the curve. We need to move ahead with a digital currency," commission vice president Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters. Critics question the need for a digital euro and banks warn of major risks, while the ECB's own study found the public was concerned over payment privacy. The ECB and the commission "have yet to make a compelling case of why we need the digital euro and what added value it will deliver," German MEP Markus Ferber said. Benefits 'outweigh' costs The commission's proposal argued that the digital euro's "long-term benefits... outweigh its costs" and warned, "the costs of no action can potentially be very large". Lagarde said in March that the digital currency was important for resilience and to "safeguard European payment autonomy". Many means of payment are "not necessarily European", she noted, adding it was "very unhealthy to rely on one single source of payment". US giants Visa and Mastercard currently dominate the global card payment market. Others argue, however, that the bloc's plans spell trouble unless the EU takes necessary other steps. Banks have warned of the risk of bank runs as customers could hold their funds in digital euro accounts and wallets, moving them away from the banks' balance sheets. "To shield banks from the risk of deposit flight and to limit the negative impact on banks' ability to finance the economy, it is important to set appropriate and firm limits in holdings and transactions," the European Banking Federation said on Wednesday. The proposal indicates there will be a limit to how much money people can keep in digital euros. ECB officials have suggested a cap of 3,000 euros ($3,300). The digital currency will be granted "legal tender" status, meaning it must be accepted as payment. But there would be exceptions, including for small businesses that do not accept any form of digital payment. The ECB is set to give the formal green light to a digital euro in October and the expectation is it would be available from 2027 onwards. The ECB welcomed the commission's proposal, which it said offered "private intermediaries appropriate economic incentives to distribute the digital euro as they do other digital means of payment while preventing excessive fees for merchants". Privacy concerns The ECB has a difficult battle to win over Europeans. A public consultation showed that the number one priority when it comes to the digital euro is privacy. To calm people's fears, the ECB has stressed it would not attempt to control how people can spend digital currency or use it for surveillance, as critics claim is the case in China. "This is not a Big Brother project for online payments," the EU's financial services commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, said during a press conference in Brussels. "With the digital euro, the data privacy will be the same as for existing private digital means of payment. For offline payments, the data privacy will be even higher." The commission's proposal said the digital euro "will be designed so as to minimize the processing of personal data by payment services providers" and the ECB. The post EU moves closer to launching digital euro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quezon City launches landmark initiative to acknowledge rights for LGBTQIA+ couples
Queer life partners or same-sex couples in the city will soon be able to legally decide for each other with regard to healthcare matters. This was after the Quezon City Government launched the Right to Care Card that will empower resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners. The Right to Care Card will be made operational through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and will recognize the decision of the cardholders to agree, refuse, or withdraw consent to any type of medical care for their partners including treatment, procedures, tests, and prescriptions. Mayor Joy Belmonte, a vocal ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and equality champion, expresses the importance of this initiative in recognizing the life-long commitment and right to care of LGBTQIA+ members to their partners. “There have been reports of LGBTQIA+ community members who were prohibited from making crucial decisions when their partners were admitted to intensive care units of hospitals,” Belmonte said. “We want all of our residents, regardless of sexual orientation, to be with their partners in critical moments, and we are taking this important step to assure the rainbow community that they are cared for, recognized, and valued in Quezon City,” Belmonte explained. Currently, hospitals and medical facilities nationwide only recognize decisions from legal spouses or next of kin, further excluding same-sex couples from making important medical decisions for their respective partners. The Quezon City Government will implement the Right to Care program initially at city government hospitals such as the Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital. Soon after, the city government will conduct orientations and seal partnerships with public or private Quezon City-based hospitals. The card includes a QR code that will direct the user to an actual and notarized digital version of the SPA document. The provisions of the SPA will indicate the privileges authorized by the cardholders for their respective partners such as choosing a particular physician or health care provider, including admission or discharge from any hospital, nursing home, or residential care facility; receiving, processing, and/or disclose their partner’s personal information including medical records; allow or deny medical treatments, procedures, or any other medical concerns related to their partner’s medical condition; as well as take any other action pertaining to the authority granted by the Right to Care Card such as processing documents and waivers and pursuing dispute resolution processes. This initiative was conceived by the creative communications agency MullenLowe TREYNA. Abi Aquino, Chief Creative Officer of MullenLowe TREYNA hopes that this collaboration with the Quezon City Government can help push the conversation for equal rights for the local LGBTQIA+ community. “Our agency has always supported equality for all, which is why we hope this initiative will inspire more creatives to give back to the community and make a difference. We stand stronger when we can uphold one another’s rights,” Aquino said. Interested LGBTQIA+ couples can register with the Quezon City Gender and Developmentmnrvcmgbpoi8ii Office where they will be asked to fill up forms including the SPA contract, which they need to have notarized as well. Upon submission of duly notarized forms, the Quezon City Legal Team will validate the data provided. Once validated, the QC GAD Office shall distribute physical cards with unique QR codes to access the digital copy of their validated SPA contract. Registered individuals will also be required to attend seminars that will discuss in detail all the rights and benefits that come with the card, further empowering them with the information and legal aspects of the SPA. Belmonte hopes this movement will inspire other cities to pursue LGBTQIA+ rights so that more queer Filipino couples and life partners can enjoy the same benefits as those living in Quezon City. The Quezon City Government will also spearhead succeeding seminars and training for RTC card holders and recipients, as well as conduct promotional campaigns in barangays. The post Quezon City launches landmark initiative to acknowledge rights for LGBTQIA+ couples appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Delivery rider sees better future with help from Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation
At 27, delivery rider Angemar Abot has big responsibilities. He and his wife are raising a six-year-old, and another is on the way. Three of his siblings are also still in school in need of support. That’s why despite qualms about shuffling all his tasks, Abot signed up for a technical-vocational training offered by Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines through its partnership with Globe. [caption id="attachment_137852" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Angemar Abot[/caption] The Hapag Movement is Globe’s banner program that aims to help address involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and sustainable livelihood programs that provide education, training and mentorship. By partnering with various organizations, Globe creates opportunities for marginalized members of society to upskill and uplift their lives. Under the training program of Tzu Chi Foundation, a Hapag Movement implementing partner, Abot completed a two-month Refrigerator and Air-conditioning Course that provides hands-on training under a scholarship, covering tuition, school supplies, transportation allowance and an assessment fee with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Abot initially hesitated to enroll, as it may take away from his main source of livelihood — his delivery job. But he challenged himself as he saw the training as an opportunity to earn better. “But I also saw it as a good opportunity because everything is free. All I had to do was show up. If I finish the course at Tzu Chi, I would have more and better work options. So I focused on my family’s future rather than the hardships I was facing,” said Abot, who learned about the scholarship through his aunt, a Tzu Chi volunteer active in the foundation’s upcycling initiative. It was a difficult road for Abot, who had to immediately go to work once classes ended at 5 p.m. But his perseverance paid off when he completed the program, and he is now equipped with skills and knowledge that put him at an advantage in the workforce. Thanks to Tzu Chi and its involvement in the Hapag Movement, Abot is now looking forward to a brighter future, one where he will be able to better provide for his family. There are plenty more people like Abot who need help, and the Hapag Movement is determined to make sure they are provided with the same opportunities. Being a leading digital solutions platform, Globe is leveraging technology to provide a way to drive collective action toward achieving sustainable and inclusive development for families experiencing involuntary hunger. Aside from providing supplemental feeding, the Hapag Movement, through its partners, also provides micro-entrepreneurship training and support for community-based cooperatives, and assistance with job placements. Those who want to send support to the Hapag Movement may donate via the GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. Donations may also be made using GCash or via credit card on the Globe of Good website. The post Delivery rider sees better future with help from Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR cancels accreditation of offshore gaming services provider
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has cancelled the accreditation of offshore gaming customer relations service provider CGC Technologies Inc. The cancellation of CGC’s accreditation came barely a week after PAGCOR issued a stern warning to its offshore gaming licensees and its accredited service providers who are involved in illegal activities. Investigations confirm that CGC, an accredited service provider operating under offshore gaming licensee Oriental Game Limited, was involved in criminal activities, thus warranting the cancellation of its accreditation. It was also found that CGC violated some of the conditions attached to its accreditation. Alongside the cancellation order is the “forfeiture of CGC’s Performance Bond effective immediately.” Likewise, PAGCOR imposed a fine of $350,000 to its offshore gaming licensee Oriental Game Limited “for its failure to ensure the legitimate conduct of CGC’s business.” PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco again reminded all offshore gaming licensees and service providers to abide by the Philippine laws to avoid severe consequences. He also noted that those with cancelled accreditations and licenses must immediately cease their operations. “Continued operations despite the cancellation of their accreditation or licenses shall be considered illegal. Immediate action will be taken against those who are engaging in such.” “PAGCOR strongly advocates responsible gaming to curb all forms of social ills being linked to gaming. This is the reason why we continue to forge close partnership with other government agencies. Through proper regulation and cooperation with our law enforcement agencies, we will continue to ensure that revenues from regulated gaming will be used for more worthy causes, especially nation-building,” Tengco added. Prior to the cancellation of its accreditation, CGC was issued a suspension order after being subjected to an inter-agency search operation on 4 May 2023. The company was embroiled in various allegations including credit card fraud, serious illegal detention, and human trafficking activities. During the inter-agency special operation, CGC was found to be operating six buildings inside the Sun Valley Business Hub in Mabalacat, Pampanga, but only two were accredited by PAGCOR. Personnel working in the hub are of mixed nationalities including Indonesians, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Bhutanese and Chinese. The post PAGCOR cancels accreditation of offshore gaming services provider appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR warns offshore gaming licensees, service providers against illegal acts
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation issued a stern warning to its offshore gaming licensees and accredited service providers to abide by Philippine laws and strictly comply with PAGCOR’s rules and regulations. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco enjoined all licensees and service providers to operate only within the bounds of their licenses or accreditations. They were likewise warned that involvement in any criminal activity shall be dealt with severely, including the possible suspension and eventual cancellation of their licenses or accreditation. PAGCOR’s warning came alongside the suspension order issued to CGC Technologies, an accredited offshore gaming customer relations service provider, which was subjected to an inter-agency search operation on 4 May 2023. The operations of CGC, whose accreditation was granted on 2 September 2021, came after the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Special Action Forces, the Intelligence Group of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking conducted a special operation inside the Sun Valley Business Hub in Mabalacat, Pampanga for alleged credit card fraud, serious illegal detention and human trafficking activities. CGC Technologies was found to be operating six buildings in the site, but only two were accredited by PAGCOR. Personnel working in the hub are of mixed nationalities including Indonesians, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Bhutanese and Chinese. The raiding authorities were able to confiscate over 1,000 computers and devices from the site, which were subjected to forensic investigation. PAGCOR said that once the establishments were proven to be involved in illegal activities, the state-run gaming firm will immediately cancel the company’s accreditation. According to Tengco, the crackdown on CGC was a result of the agency’s intensified coordination with the Office of the President, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, National bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration to combat illegal activities in offshore gaming operations. “Marami pang susunod. We will continuously subject our offshore gaming licensees and service providers to stricter monitoring.” he said. Meanwhile, PAGCOR also expressed full support to the decision of the DOJ and the BI to order the immediate repatriation of the foreign nationals rescued during the incident. This is a strong showing of PAGCOR’s firm stance against offshore gaming licensees and service providers participating in illegal activities. “PAGCOR will continue to work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment not only for Filipinos but also for other nationalities. Only through regulated and responsible gaming can we minimize, if not totally eradicate all crimes that are being linked to gaming activities,” Tengco said. The post PAGCOR warns offshore gaming licensees, service providers against illegal acts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHINESE ACTION STAR WU JING BACK IN ‘THE WANDERING EARTH II’
This month, prolific Chinese actor, director and martial artist (“Wolf Warrior” films, “Shaolin”) Wu Jin will be seen in “The Wandering Earth II,” prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth.” In “The Wandering Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in Philippine cinemas on 31 May, also stars international star Andy Lau. Besides the highly anticipated futuristic prequel, Jing will star in another fan-favorite follow-up, “Meg 2: The Trench,” in cinemas on 2 August. Directed by Frant Gwo, with a screenplay by Frant Gwo and Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” (a prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth”) is based on the book by Liu Cixin. Aside from Wu Jing and Andy Lau, it stars Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi and Zhu Yanmanzi. In cinemas 31 May, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. The post CHINESE ACTION STAR WU JING BACK IN ‘THE WANDERING EARTH II’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP: Corporate, household debt levels need closer monitoring
A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas official on Tuesday underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in monitoring corporate and household debt in light of the increasing usage of credit cards, as it poses risks to banks and the broader financial system. The comments came in response to concerns raised by analysts, including the International Monetary Fund, regarding the increasing use of credit cards among households. The Credit Card Association of the Philippines said on Monday that post-lockdown revenge spending among Filipinos continued to fuel the domestic economy, as seen in the surge in credit card use in the first quarter of 2023. Data from the CCAP showed a 47-percent gross billings surge that totaled P410 billion during the first three months of the year, the highest since the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. In the same period in 2022, billings reached P279 billion. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2023 BSP-IMF Conference on Financial Stability, BSP Senior Assistant Governor Johnny Noe Ravalo clarified that the market is "at risk" due to the corporate and household debt and emphasized the importance of monitoring and assessing potential jeopardy. Regarding household debt, Ravalo explained that current data available to the BSP is limited to surveys conducted by the government and that household debt requires "a granular and regular survey by the national government." He noted that "it is part of the surveillance process that you try to look at every possible detail," and that his role as a senior assistant governor is to "connect dots that don't necessarily look obvious." Systemic risk is about interconnectedness" and that "possible ang risk will come from a very small trigger," he added. Ravalo emphasized the importance of assessing and managing risks, saying that "the judgment call about whether we should take action, whether intervention is necessary and who should intervene" is crucial in preventing potential risks from materializing. On Monday, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said the central bank could press the corporate sector to provide more data about their finances. "Under the law, we can actually ask them how much they have borrowed from abroad and in what currency and what are the maturities," Medalla said. For its part, the IMF said the Philippine corporate sector warranted "close monitoring" amid tighter financial conditions and despite a healthy banking sector and reduced risks from the global banking turmoil. It said regulators needed to "strengthen the resolution framework for financial institutions and the insolvency regime for corporates." The post BSP: Corporate, household debt levels need closer monitoring appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Inaugural AI summit sets stage for Phl future redefined by AI
Aboitiz Data Innovation, the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence arm of the Aboitiz Group, successfully held the inaugural AI Summit in the Philippines from 10 to 11 May 2023 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay, Philippines. In partnership with Union Bank of the Philippines, Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Google Cloud, the groundbreaking event broke open the discussion and incited action on shaping the future of the country with AI. The summit brought together over 1,000 industry professionals from various sectors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s technological landscape. The Aboitiz Group is currently undergoing a "Great Transformation" to become the Philippines’ first "techglomerate" with ADI at its forefront, operationalizing DSAI to transform data into business and sustainability outcomes to better serve the needs of its customers and stakeholders. The "AI Summit PH 2023: Redefining the Future with AI" forum featured real-world use cases of data being turned into actionable insights and deep-dived into discussions on the challenges, opportunities and advancements within the AI and tech space. The AI Summit PH 2023 was opened with a captivating keynote speech titled “Reimagining a Sustainable and Equitable Philippines with AI” delivered by Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development Chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez. In his address, Benitez highlighted the pivotal role of technological innovation in promoting national development, as heralded by the Philippine constitution. He emphasized the need for collective action in equipping the people with the necessary skills and fostering innovation to adapt, compete and flourish in a brave new world. “A digital future is our national destiny. Let us work together to harness its benefits for all,” Benitez said. [caption id="attachment_132920" align="aligncenter" width="1501"] Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez inspired the crowd at the AI Summit PH 2023 with his message on the power of AI and innovation in promoting national development. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ABOITIZ)[/caption] Through a series of engaging events, including talks, fireside chats, panel discussions, knowledge sessions and networking opportunities, the AI Summit PH 2023 provided a platform for industry leaders, tech innovators and game-changers to share valuable insights and actionable use cases of AI implementation. Attendees were exposed to a diverse range of topics, exploring the immense potential of AI in revolutionizing various sectors, driving sustainable urban development, transforming financial services, powering sustainable smart cities and operationalizing DSAI. Google Cloud Southeast Asia’s Regional Customer Solutions Manager Richard Coombes delivered a presentation on how Google is bringing AI to users, business and society. He also participated in a panel discussion on Generative AI with leaders from ADI and Amazon Web Services. Tiffany Adriana, Google Data Analytics - Southeast Asia Customer Solution Consultant joined experts from Connected Women and KPMG Philippines to discuss data-driven foundations with a focus on data literacy and inclusion. The AI Summit PH 2023 also served as an exceptional platform for networking and collaboration, fostering connections among industry professionals, entrepreneurs and visionaries. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with tech innovators and game-changers, expanding their professional networks and exploring potential partnerships. During the two-day summit, ADI and Connected Women launched its partnership on empowering the latter’s members to take on advanced services such as data handling, language annotation and image annotation for ADI’s Data Science and Artificial intelligence projects. ADI and Mila’s partnership on building responsible AI solutions for the power sector was also announced during the Summit through a ceremonial signing. Mila, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, focuses its mission on core research areas such as health, environment and climate change, and AI ethics. Mila extends its expertise and leadership in AI to deliver advances that will benefit all of society. On the financial services front, LBC Express, Inc., ADI and UnionBank signed a tripartite agreement to champion financial sustainability at the inaugural AI Summit. Through this initiative, LBC clients will have access to small business financing from UnionBank to help finance their expansion plans. The SeekCap Embedded Scoring Agreement was also signed by UBX and ADI during the event. “Let me congratulate Aboitiz Data Innovation on spearheading the first Artificial Intelligence Summit. We laud your efforts in forging our path to national advancement through technological research and innovation as you forge strong partnerships in the field of technology,” shared Vice President of the Philippines Sara Z. Duterte in an official statement. “This active pursuit to explore artificial intelligence and find ways to use it positively for progress facilitates a culture of futures-thinking and preparedness in society,” she added. On the second day of the summit, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy presented an overview of the DSAI landscape in the Philippines and future prospects of these technologies within the country. Uy said, “Digital transformation is about constantly adapting and optimizing new solutions to the ever-changing needs of society, and it starts with deeper and more meaningful partnerships between the government and the private sector. And we all share a common goal of transforming the country and accelerating its progress through the use of all these emerging technologies.” Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer of ADI, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the first-ever AI Summit in the country and the active participation of industry and government leaders and diverse professionals. “We are thrilled with the success of the AI Summit, which surpassed our expectations in terms of attendance and engagement. This event truly showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and drive sustainable development in the Philippines. We are proud to have provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of AI in the Philippines,” stated Hardoon. ADI plans to build on the success of the AI Summit PH 2023 and continue driving AI innovation to transform businesses and government and advance communities in the Philippines and beyond. They remain committed to advancing AI technologies, fostering industry partnerships and empowering businesses to harness the transformative power of AI for sustainable growth and development. ### The post Inaugural AI summit sets stage for Phl future redefined by AI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»