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China warns Philippines to exercise caution after maritime confrontations
Chinese media reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo that the relationship between China and Manila “now stands at a crossroads.” .....»»
OnePlus Introduces Groundbreaking Cooling Chamber in New Phone – The Daily Guardian
Title: Unveiling the Impressive OnePlus 12: Teardown Highlights Outstanding Features In an exclusive teardown video released recently, The Daily Guardian offers a sneak peek into.....»»
Next week, Google will have to stop making a specific claim about the Pixel Fold
Title: OnePlus Open: The Newest Competitor to Challenge Google’s Claim of Thinnest Foldable The race to create the thinnest foldable phone is heating up, as.....»»
Winford Café’s winning flavors
Situated in the vibrant capital city, Winford Resort & Casino Manila is known for entertainment and gaming. Now it is set to make a name as a dining destination. Winford Café, on the second floor, is the hotel’s first in-house coffee shop and casual diner. From Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 midnight, the cafe is set to redefine the coffee and culinary ambiance in Manila. In attendance during the grand opening were president and chief operating officer Jeff Evora, Hotel Operations director James Olivar, Food & Beverage manager Edmond de Jesus and Chef de Partie Fatima Libre. Winford Café is the ideal venue for a quick sip, light bite and full meal situated just outside the casino. [caption id="attachment_189644" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Seafood Pasta Negra.[/caption] “Nakuha ko itong concept na’to dahil sa panahon ngayon. Kailangan Instagrammable, maganda sa mata, maganda sa pang-amoy at masarap (I got this idea from the current times. It has to be Instagrammable, pleasing to the eyes, nice-smelling and delicious),” Libre shared to DAILY TRIBUNE. “Pagdating ng 9 o’clock, 50 percent po tayo (Come 9 p.m., everything’s 50 percent off),” Libre added. The cafe’s interior is a combination of modern and contemporary design with a seating capacity of 20. With a variety of dishes, coffee connoisseurs and diners can enjoy a gastronomic journey for breakfast, a leisurely brunch or decadent dinner. On the menu are sandwiches (Winford’s Triple Decker, Ham and Cheese Croque Monsieur with Fries, Grilled Cheese with Fries, French Toast with Honey and Butter), Signature Pasta (Seafood Pasta Negra, Alfredo, Pesto with Chicken, Mac & Cheese and Tuyo Pasta), All-Day Breakfast (Tenderloin Steak with Kimchi Fried Rice, English, Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef, Porksilog Adobo and Tapsilog with Pickled Onion and Fried Chicken and Waffles). The cafe also offers Ice Blended (Triple Dark Chocolate, Butter Cookies and Cream, Coffee Latte, and Caramel), Iced (Iced Cafe, Iced Spanish Bombon and Black Cold Brew), Specialty (Coffee Coretto and Irish Coffee) and delectable desserts and pastries to satisfy your sweet craving. The cafe can also customize cakes for special occasions. Whether you prefer Hot (Spanish Latte, Cappucino, Cafe Latte, Flat White, Macchiato, Americano, and Espresso Lungo or Tea English Breakfast), Green Tea and Chamomile the baristas will deliver the perfect cup of coffee or tea. “We assured that every day the food is fresh and brand new. A variety of comfort food is prepared fresh daily in our kitchen. Our best seller is seafood pasta negra and for the coffee, it’s the Iced Spanish Bombon,” Libre said. To enjoy a cup of coffee and tea and a delicious meal, Winford Cafe at Winford Resort & Casino Manila is a venue worth exploring. The post Winford Café’s winning flavors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P75-M PAGCOR mess: CIDG launches manhunt vs. suspect
The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has launched a nationwide manhunt for the primary suspect in the P75-million controversy in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) after he and four others were able to elude arrest during a recent raid in their lair in Loac, Pangasinan. The PNP-CIDG director, Major General Romeo Caramat, identified the primary suspect as Jewel Castro. He and certain Ethan Eleazar, Norbert Escalante, Enrico San Miguel, and Rebecca Ferolina managed to escape even before the operatives swooped down a secluded illegal online sabong operation in Loac. Castro and his cohorts in PAGCOR are the subject of a top-to-bottom investigation ordered by PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco in connection with the missing P75-million cash performance bond exposed by an investor and officer of a corporation, an erstwhile franchisee of the disbanded e-sabong operation. The raid conducted by CIDG coincided with the lodging of a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman by one Joaquin Sy, against a former and two top officials of PAGCOR and three private individuals headed by Jewel Castro. Sy, who is the treasurer and the chairman of the board of Kamura Highlands Gaming and Holdings Inc., in his complaint said that on 4 April 2022, he personally posted cash for the performance bond at PAGCOR's office in Malate, Manila on behalf of their corporation. He provided two manager’s checks payable to PAGCOR and drawn against his personal bank accounts. In return, PAGCOR issued official receipts and other documents proving the posting of a bond by the corporation. Under PAGCOR’s guidelines, only a corporation can apply to be a franchisee of e-sabong operation. Sy, however, said that when then-president Rodrigo Duterte disbanded the e-sabong on May 2022, he requested PAGCOR in writing of the intention of his corporation to withdraw the cash performance bond but to no avail. He added that later on, he was told by PAGCOR's Assistant Vice President for Finance Lolita Gonzales that a P75-million Land Bank check was already issued to one Jewel Castro sometime in July 2022. Meanwhile, in a press statement, the newly-appointed PAGCOR chair said, “We have launched an internal investigation and we are trying to re-create the sequence of events since the department allegedly involved, the E-Sabong Department, has already been disbanded.” Tengco hinted that the release of a check in the name of an individual not to the corporation that posted it, could not be possible without the connivance of personnel within PAGCOR. “We will bring the perpetrators to justice if indeed there was any anomaly,” he stressed. On the other hand, a confidant of Castro in his clandestine e-sabong operation who refused to be identified said that Castro expressed his intention to cooperate with PAGCOR’s ongoing investigation but fears for his safety, considering the persons and the amount of money involved in the anomaly. Castro is considered the key figure to unlock the mystery of the missing P75-million cash performance bond. The post P75-M PAGCOR mess: CIDG launches manhunt vs. suspect appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR changing for better, says solons
A sea change in the gaming industry is coming as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. or PAGCOR, transitions into a “purely regulatory” body. Senator Win Gatchalian said PAGCOR’s move will effectively prevent a “conflict of interest” within the agency’s dual functions as a regulator and operator. “Its decision to transition to becoming a purely regulatory body is commendable, representing a significant stride towards improving the governance of the gaming industry,” Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Mens, told reporters. Senator Grace Poe cited the PAGCOR’s move as a “step in the right direction” as it cannot “wear two hats at a time” at the same time. “It gives the agency a conflicting role that has raised misgivings about its capability to effectively regulate the gaming industry,” she said. Poe stressed the need to regulate the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and other unauthorized gambling operations, which have brought social ills to the country and deprived the government of earnings. Benefits of improved regulation “If PAGCOR can effectively regulate the gaming industry and weed out unscrupulous activities, then it could even generate better revenues to help fund more government projects,” she added. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer, Alejandro Tengco, said the move is part of the agency’s goal to “level the playing field and ensure future growth and viability for all gaming industry players.” “We have started preparing for this transition in earnest, and we are starting where it matters most — within PAGCOR itself,” he said in his remarks during the opening of the IAG Academy Summit at the Hilton Manila last 13 September. Tengco said the transitioning process is expected to be completed by 2025. Gatchalian said he believes that the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and commercial functions “will not only attract more private sector investments but also elevate the country’s stature as a premier gaming destination in the region.” “Consequently, this is poised to significantly boost government revenues derived from the gaming industry,” he added. Gatchalian wants PAGCOR to impose stiffer penalties against illegalities perpetrated by the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country. The post PAGCOR changing for better, says solons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR taps DAP amid reorganization
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR, will let the Development Academy of the Philippines, or DAP, to facilitate its reorganization including coming up with a program for the privatization of its casinos. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said DAP’s technical assistance will allow the gaming agency to comply with the requirements of the Governance Commission for GOCCs, or GCG, in the implementation of its Compensation and Position Classification System or CPCS which is needed prior to privatization. “We thank the Development Academy of the Philippines for being a prime mover of competency building in government,” Tengco said. “We need their help to comply with the (documentary) requirements of the GCG and in our efforts to eventually implement the CPCS that our employees have been eagerly waiting for,” he said. MoA signed Tengco made the remarks after he and DAP president and CEO Engelbert Caronan Jr. signed the memorandum of agreement for PAGCOR’s reorganization at the New Coast Hotel in Manila last 12 September. PAGCOR vice president for Human Resource and Development Group Angelito Domingo and DAP vice president for Mindanao Dr. Mark Lemuel Garcia also signed the agreement. Tengco said he also wants to engage DAP in the facilitation and conduct of trainings for PAGCOR officers and employees to enhance their skills and competencies. Caronan for his part expressed gratitude to PAGCOR for believing in DAP’s capability to help implement organizational changes that would be beneficial to the state gaming firm’s workforce. “We would like to thank PAGCOR for their trust and confidence in this partnership; we are ready to provide the necessary technical services to make the agency GCG-compliant and help it carry out its reorganization efforts,” he said. The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to assist agencies and local government units in their development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and as capacity builder. It helps facilitate the shaping of new government policies, crafting development programs and modernizing the management structure of government agencies and private enterprises alike. The post PAGCOR taps DAP amid reorganization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR taps Development Academy of the Philippines for reorganization push
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today, 19 September, announced another major move towards the privatization of its casinos by partnering with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in facilitating its reorganization process. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said they tapped DAP’s technical assistance to comply with the requirements of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in the implementation of its Compensation and Position Classification System or CPCS which is needed prior to privatization. “We thank the Development Academy of the Philippines for being a prime mover of competency building in government,” Mr. Tengco said. “We need their help to comply with the (documentary) requirements of the GCG and in our efforts to eventually implement the CPCS that our employees have been eagerly waiting for,” he said. Tengco made the remarks after he and DAP president and CEO Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr. signed the memorandum of agreement for PAGCOR’s reorganization at the New Coast Hotel in Manila last 12 September. PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Group Angelito Domingo and DAP Vice President for Mindanao Dr. Mark Lemuel Garcia also signed the agreement. Tengco said he also wants to engage DAP in the facilitation and conduct of training for PAGCOR officers and employees to enhance their skills and competencies. Caronan, for his part, expressed gratitude to PAGCOR for believing in DAP’s capability to help implement organizational changes that would be beneficial to the state gaming firm’s workforce. “We would like to thank PAGCOR for their trust and confidence in this partnership; we are ready to provide the necessary technical services to make the agency GCG-compliant and help it carry out its reorganization efforts,” he said. The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to assist agencies and local government units in their development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and capacity builder. It helps facilitate the shaping of new government policies, crafting development programs, and modernizing the management structure of government agencies and private enterprises alike. The post PAGCOR taps Development Academy of the Philippines for reorganization push appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR Photography Contest 2023 winners bared
The results of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s Photography Contest 2023 were revealed today, 13 September, with PAGCOR’s announcement of the 24 grand winners from among 5,400 entries nationwide. The 12 winners in the conventional photography category received P80,000 each in cash prizes, while the 12 winners in the mobile category took home P35,000 each – the biggest prizes so far in the history of PAGCOR’s photo contest. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, who graced the event, said the agency was overwhelmed by the huge turnout of participants for the competition, which made a comeback this year following a six-year hiatus. “We were overwhelmed by the significant number of participants who joined this photo competition. Because of this project’s success, we will make this photography competition an annual event,” Tengco said. “At dahil naging matagumpay ang photo contest na ito, we will refine this para maging isang kilalang photography competition organized by PAGCOR. Umasa din kayo na dadagdagan pa natin ang prizes sa mga susunod na taon,” he said. Tengco said this year’s contest, with the theme “Sa’n Tayo Next?”, showcased relatively unknown but beautiful destinations of the Philippines that hold huge potentials of becoming major tourist spots. “The winning photos showed just how beautiful the Philippines is. So, instead of going abroad, we encourage all Filipinos to explore the beauty of our country and help promote domestic tourism,” he added. There were three winners each from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila in both categories. The non-winning grand finalists for the conventional category also received P25,000 while the mobile category grand finalists received P10,000. “The Golden View of Mt. Utopia”, captured by 32-year-old self-taught photographer Reymund Requina from Cebu City, bagged one of the grand prizes under the conventional category. “Sobrang blessing in disguise ng photography sa akin. Nung panahong walang wala ako, itong photography ang sumalba sa akin kaya sobra-sobra talaga ang pasasalamat ko rito,” Requina said. The other conventional category winners were Aljon P. Tugaoen (Over and Under the Rocks of Pangil); Gerardo S. Pacios, Jr. (Batok); Dionisis Q. Silva (Amazing Cave); Louie Lawrence B. Lacson (Side Trip Tayo sa Kabalin-An Pond); Jumelito S. Capilo (The Elusive View of Panimahawa); Alvin B. Cempron (Malitbog); Oliver M. Atienza (Kalinaw sa Malinao (Tranquility of Malinao)); Earl Ryan G. Janubas (Splendid Impasugong); Klienne M. Eco (Payapang Umaga); Macbeth T. Omega (A Filipino Masterpiece - The Maligcong Rice Terraces); and Christopher G. Andres (Celebrating Centuries of Cultivation). The 12 mobile category winners, meanwhile, were Nicko A. Melendres (The Mighty Casaroro Falls); John Rhoel V. Florentino (The Last of the Last Frontier); Celbert A. Palaganas (Remnants of the Golden Past); Rowell C. Clenuar (The Alicia Panoramic Park); Jack David C. Ponpon (Philippines meets the Pacific); Daryl P. Anahaw (Playground of the Gods); Anthony T. Into (Green Dots of Hope); Jessie James Jalon F. Esteban (The Next Chapter: Discovering New Frontiers of El Nido Beach); Sherbien M. Dacalanio (Warzone to Wow Zone); Alvin Mike M. Mahait (The Gentle Pawikan of Negros); Gerard Jonathan C. Laserna (Gentle Beast); and Ronald P. Portula (Tropical State of Mind). Mindanao regional screening judge and nature and commercial photographer Edwin Martinez commended PAGCOR for reviving the competition, which highlighted the country’s vast tourism potentials. “This is a very good project as it does not only help develop the talent of our photographers but, more importantly, promotes our tourism industry especially the places that are not so famous but can rival the other known spots in the country in terms of beauty,” he said. The other prominent photographers and artists who served as judges were Jijo de Guzman, Bobot Go, Lauren Malcampo, Wig Tysmans, Pepper Teehankee, Edwin Tuyay, Jo Avila, Jilson Tiu, Ernie Sarmiento, Wawi Navarozza, Sherwin Magsino and Noel Guevara. The post PAGCOR Photography Contest 2023 winners bared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7-year-old dies after beaten by father
Operatives of the Manila Police District is conducting a manhunt operation against a 32-year-old man who went into hiding after learning that her seven-year-old daughter died from severe injuries due to the heavy beating she gave her a few days ago in Tondo, Manila. The suspect was identified as Carlo Dianni Lloren, a resident of 140 Sto. Niño Street Tondo, Manila. Before the death of the victim, “Shirley” (not her real name), it was learned that the victim narrated to her grandmother, identified as Margarita Napacia, the incident which she recorded on her mobile phone. According to the grandmother, the incident occurred last 18 August at 9 a.m. when the suspect asked her daughter to buy something at the nearby store. The victim, reportedly, did not return the change that she used to buy bread instead as she was starving. This angered her father, and led to his beating her. At 6 p.m., the victim complained of severe pain in the head and other parts of her body that it could not move but the suspect reportedly ignored it until the situation got worse. On 22 August, the girl’s grandmother brought the victim to the Tondo Medical Center where she was admitted and later died 26 August. Napacia failed to report the incident to the police as she was busy tending to the funeral of the victim. The mother of the victim was not around when the incident happened. The post 7-year-old dies after beaten by father appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR delivers aid to flood-affected Marikina City residents
Amid days of incessant rains in Metro Manila due to the southwest monsoon (habagat), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation recently delivered aid to flood-prone Marikina City. On 2 September 2023, the agency turned over to Marikina City’s Administrator Janeth Obispo 5,000 relief packs consisting of 3,000 food packs and 2,000 non-food packs. The food packs contained rice, canned goods, coffee and chocolate drinks, while the non-food packs included blankets, mosquito nets, bath towels, slippers and hygiene kits. The relief items were distributed to families from low-lying areas in the city that are easily submerged in flood water. According to PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the agency decided to send aid to Marikina residents after the city was recently submerged in flood due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoons “Goring” and “Hanna.” “A few days ago, Marikina River’s water level reached 15.7 meters, prompting the city government to prepare for evacuation of residents. Because of this, I immediately ordered our Corporate Social Responsibility Group to deliver aid to affected families,” said Tengco. About a month ago, PAGCOR also delivered food and non-food packs to more than 31,000 families in various parts of Central and Northern Luzon who were affected by the onslaught of typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon.” The post PAGCOR delivers aid to flood-affected Marikina City residents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Monkey’ ID photo exposes loophole in Phl SIM card law
Philippine lawmakers have been left red-faced after an ID card bearing a photo of a "monkey" was used to breach new SIM card registration rules aimed at combatting rampant text messaging scams. Under the law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos in October 2022, mobile phone users are required to provide a photo and other personal details when buying a new SIM card. The rules also applied to tens of millions of existing users, who risked being disconnected if they did not register by the July 25 deadline. But, rather than stop spam and scam text messages, the telecom regulator told a Senate hearing this week that there had been a "sharp increase". To demonstrate how easy it was to get past telecom providers' automated vetting systems, a video showing a police officer using an ID card with a picture of a grinning "monkey" to successfully activate various SIM cards was played to exasperated senators. "You have a terrible system if you can see a monkey and yet you approve" the application, Senator Joel Villanueva told the hearing on Tuesday. Senator Grace Poe, one of the SIM card law's principal authors, lamented how text scams continued to defraud unsuspecting mobile phone users by offering fake jobs, lottery winnings, loans, and "even fake love at times". National Telecommunications Commission chief Ella Lopez said there were more than 118 million registered post-paid and pre-paid SIM cards in the Philippines. After the July deadline there was a brief drop in complaints filed to the regulator by scammed mobile users, Lopez said. Since then, however, there had been a "sharp increase", with more than 45,000 reports lodged, she said. To buy a SIM card in the Philippines, people are allowed to use one of several government-issued ID cards that do not have their biometrics. Jeremy Lotoc, cybercrime division chief of the National Bureau of Investigation, told senators that fraudsters, including online gaming operators, were hoovering up cheap SIM cards bought from unofficial sellers at 40 pesos (71 cents) each. But he said it was difficult for law enforcement to catch them. "The issue is, once you use the SIM (for a crime) and get your objective, it is discarded. So it is very difficult to find it," Lotoc said. The post ‘Monkey’ ID photo exposes loophole in Phl SIM card law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NewJeans x LINE FRIENDS pop-up store opens in Manila this September
After its successful launch in Hongdae and Gangnam in South Korea, the LINE FRIENDS store will bring its collaboration with K-pop’s hottest girl group NewJeans to other parts of Southeast Asia. The pop-up store will run in Thailand from 2 September to 1 October, Singapore from 15 September to 23 November and Malaysia from 21 September to 15 December. The Philippines will be the pop-up store’s last Southeast Asia location, from 23 September to 23 December. Based on what the Hongdae and Gangnam pop-up stores offered, fans may finally get their hands on a massive selection of delightful merchandise, from the NewJeans and Powerpuff Girls collaboration to bunny or bunini plushies that come in all sizes, forms and versions, as well as phone cases, stickers, accessories and more. Fans can also expect large LED screens that capture the group’s visuals, and Instagram-worthy corners that will make each visit memorable. Originally started as digital stickers, LINE FRIENDS are featured characters that are known for their charming designs and concepts. In 2017, LINE FRIENDS launched BTS’ BT21 to represent BTS’ brand to a global audience. Meanwhile, NewJeans is a five-piece girl group based in South Korea. Since the group’s successful debut in July 2022, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein have taken the world by storm with songs like “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” “OMG” and “Super Shy.” The NewJeans x LINE FRIENDS pop-up store will be at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The collection is also available online through KPOPMERCH on Shopee starting 25 August. The post NewJeans x LINE FRIENDS pop-up store opens in Manila this September appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Political will test
The rice cartel causing the price problems will fall only one way, which is by applying political will, since it has been proven, not once, that the manipulators are well known to the authorities. In the previous administration, former President Rodrigo Duterte even had the phone numbers of the scalawags to periodically warn them. In a National Security Council meeting, for instance, Duterte called up someone who received the worst scolding ever heard from the president. The person on the other end was the supposed head of the Manila rice cartel who dictated the prices and supply of the staple grain. Duterte then directed the National Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to go after the members of the syndicate, but until today neither agency has produced a single arrest. In one of his State of the Nation Addresses, Duterte indicated that it was not a secret who the members of the rice mafia were. “I now ask all the rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors, you know that I know who you are: stop messing with the people,” Duterte said. Other instances that proved the government knew the identities of their supposed prey were the several congressional probes where specific mention was made of the names of the rice gang. The Senate committee on agriculture had established the existence of the cartel and its intrusion into the National Food Authority but nothing happened after the inquiry. Some 13 trading firms were identified as dominating the rice business in Metro Manila. The panel said the firms hoarded rice from the NFA and mixed it with other rice varieties before these were resold. An instance that indicted the government as being in collusion with the cartel was during the tenure of the detained Leila de Lima as justice secretary, in the investigation of ringleader David Tan alias Davidson Bangayan. Bangayan and his cohorts were accused of establishing a scheme to recruit rice farmers and organize them “to acquire substantial importation allocations.” In 2014, the Senate initiated a probe into rice smuggling and the existence of a grains cartel that focused on Bangayan whose operations were based in Mindanao. Before the 2016 polls, De Lima, who was gunning for a Senate seat, returned the smuggling case against Bangayan to the NBI for further case buildup. De Lima’s excuse was that the NBI needed to gather more evidence against Bangayan. “We have to make sure it meets the probable cause threshold. When we evaluated Bangayan’s case, it was still not enough,” she said when asked about her actions. Most officials, businessmen and even rice retailers in Mindanao knew who the rice smuggling king was, yet De Lima said the NBI needed to prove his identity. Bangayan then was very confident about not being charged as he appeared at the Senate hearing, which even resulted in an overnight detention as he was being elusive in responding to the senators’ questions. The National Bureau of Investigation, an agency under the Department of Justice, ordered Bangayan’s arrest only after evidence in a libel case obtained by then Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile was presented before the Senate committee on agriculture. The case was against businessman Jess Arranza in which Bangayan admitted that he was David Tan. Before Bangayan’s appearance in the Senate, he had met with De Lima to deny that he was Tan. His first NBI arrest papers even bore the clarification, “Davidson Bangayan who is not David Tan,” even though many in the business community were willing to testify that Bangayan was David Tan. Duterte, then Davao City mayor, was among those who vouched that Bangayan and Tan were the same person. Still, the NBI released Bangayan on the absurd reason that it could not establish his identity. An infuriated Duterte then demanded the resignation of De Lima as justice secretary for releasing Bangayan. The charade continued as Bangayan was rearrested on the ridiculous charge of electricity pilferage. It was the height of absurdity since it meant that Meralco was able to positively identify Bangayan which the NBI failed to do. The perpetual zarzuela of government vowing to run after the rice cartel when prices kick up will have to stop — which will happen only when the members of the rice mafia are prosecuted. The post Political will test appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR delivers swift aid to Marikina
Amid days of incessant rains in Metro Manila due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation wasted no time in delivering immediate relief to the flood-prone Marikina City. On 2 September 2023, the agency turned over to Marikina City’s Administrator Janeth Obispo a total of 5,000 relief packs, consisting of 3,000 food packs and 2,000 non-food packs. The food packs contained rice, canned goods, coffee, and chocolate drinks, while the non-food packs included blankets, mosquito nets, bath towels, slippers, and hygiene kits. The relief items will be distributed to families from low-lying areas in the city that are easily submerged in flood water. According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the agency took the initiative to promptly send much-needed aid to the locals of Marikina, after the city was recently submerged in flood due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons "Goring" and "Hanna". “We learned a few days ago, Marikina River’s water level reached 15.7 meters, prompting the city government to prepare for evacuation of residents. Because of this, I immediately ordered our Corporate Social Responsibility Group to deliver aid for affected families,” Tengco explained. About a month ago, PAGCOR also delivered food and non-food packs to more than 31,000 families in various parts of Central and Northern Luzon, who were affected by the onslaught of Typhoons "Egay" and "Falcon". See more photos here: The post PAGCOR delivers swift aid to Marikina appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage trending
With horrendous traffic comes pent-up anger, manifesting in violent outbursts also known as “road rage,” something we are seeing more often now. The FIBA basketball tournament caused several road closures, expanded bus lanes on EDSA, and instituted stop-and-go schemes to give way to team buses and coasters. Inconvenienced motorists must adjust to this global tournament, which has led to irate and impatient heads. We are only aware of what is captured by CCTVs and mobile phone cameras, but we can be certain that this is just a thin slice of a larger pie. Luckily, no lives have been lost, and neither has anybody been injured, with all the road rage occurring daily. We have several factors to blame, such as the poor transport infrastructure, the high number of vehicles on the road, incompetent driving skills, and selective traffic enforcement. In the end, it is the motorist who must bear the stress of driving. I spent the last (long) weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the traffic there can be likened to Manila. The stark distinction lies in the discipline of the riders. In that city, you will see more motorcycles than four-wheel vehicles. That is why the buildings there are very narrow and functional, without garages for four-wheelers. There are wide sidewalks where people can walk safely. A horde of motorcycle riders does not feel like a threat in Vietnam — they move around like a school of fish, in rhythm and sync with each other. Of course, there will always be a few rowdy ones, but most of them are disciplined in their speed and maneuvering. In the Philippines, we have motorcycle riders going in all directions at the fastest speeds possible. Our motorcycle riders deliberately try to sneak into every nook and cranny between cars and trucks. There is no sense of spatial distancing for our motorists when it comes to driving on the road, especially during rush hour. This leads to accidents and road rage. Nowadays, you cannot afford to lose your cool in public, thanks to mobile phones and social media. If humiliating footage of you is taken, in minutes it will be uploaded on Facebook, and within hours you will be in the news and vloggers will be giving their two centavos on the issue. With the recent footage of the retired cop in Quezon City, we saw how the public can crucify these individuals even before the benefit of a fair trial, although we can argue that there was nothing the retired cop could do or say in his own defense. The handling of the issue was pathetic on the part of the PNP. Why would you grant the retired cop an audience via a press conference, when other similarly situated suspects are placed in a jail cell? The cop, it turned out, had even been dismissed earlier for dubious reasons, but despite this, he was armed with a handgun and was even employed in the Supreme Court. Kudos to the public officers who spoke up on the issue, especially Senator JV Ejercito and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. I am also most thankful for public interest lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, immediately came forward to lead the prosecution of the retired cop, despite the victim cyclist’s refusal to file a case against the retired cop. This is the sad reality of our societal system — victims choose not to come out due to fear for their own and their families’ safety. We hope and pray to see progress in this case so that it can be prevented from happening again. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Road rage trending appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The best tech finds to cop from this year’s Cyber Month at SM Supermalls
August is officially Cyber Month at SM Supermalls, and there are many huge tech deals in store to ramp up the festivities. Stay tuned for Cyber Month’s three main offerings: the Great Gadget Sale, Cyberzone Exclusives, and SMO Exclusives. From product bundles and discounts of up to 60% off on the latest gadgets, these offerings bring you money-saving Cyberzone promos for your tech needs. Just check SM Deals to see the different deals offered at SM Supermalls nationwide. So what are you waiting for? Get your game on and check out great tech deals at SM Supermalls this Cyber Month. Here are some of our top picks: Cyberzone Exclusives SM Supermalls offer deals exclusively available at Cyberzone. This includes big discounts on the hottest Samsung smartphones from BSD International, as well as promos on tech accessories and smart home finds from Anker to enhance your gadget experience. The latest smartphone Do you want to get your hands on one of 2023’s hottest Android smartphones? The recently released Samsung Galaxy S23 series presents three of the most coveted phone models in the market—the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, and Samsung Galaxy Ultra. This Cyber Month, you can bring home any of these three Samsung Galaxy S23 models and take home FREE Galaxy Buds 2 worth P6,990 and Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm) worth P12,990 with the exclusive SM Deals voucher. Just purchase them via cash, debit, and straight payment at any BSD International stores in SM Supermalls from 1 to 31 August. Great Gadget Sale Cyber Month’s Great Gadget Sale brings you a wide selection of gadgets and gizmos from your favorite tech brands, which are all discounted for up to 60% off until 31 August! Stay tuned for more deals throughout the month, including these four great finds. High-powered gaming gears Cyber Month’s Great Gadget Sale brings you a wide selection of gadgets and gizmos from your favorite tech brands, which are all discounted for up to 60% off until August 31! Stay tuned for more deals throughout the month, including these four great finds. SMO Exclusives Do you want to shop for the latest gadgets without stepping out of your home? SM Supermalls also extends the Cyber Month promos to the SM Malls Online app, where you can also find exclusive deals such as discounted laptops with the lowest price guaranteed at Villman and Gigahertz and powerful desktop PCs just in time for the new school year. For your desktop PC upgrade Get the Acer Desktop Aspire TC-1750 Core I7 12th Gen DT.BHVSP.009 Black for only P57,999 at Silicon Valley via the SM Malls Online app. That’s P7,000 off its original price of P64,999—so hurry and score this promo while it’s available at SM City Bacoor, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Fairview, SM City North Edsa, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sucat, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Southmall until 31 August! Get the best deals on the hottest gadgets with the Cyber Month celebration at SM Supermalls. For more exciting deals and discounts, visit SM Deals or download the SM Malls Online app! The post The best tech finds to cop from this year’s Cyber Month at SM Supermalls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lone bettor wins P101.3-M Mega Lotto jackpot
A lone bettor in Metro Manila became an instant millionaire after hitting the P101.3 million jackpot of the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw on Monday night. In an advisory Tuesday, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Melquiades Robles said the bettor's winning combination 09-30-28-45-31-05 of the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw carried a total jackpot prize of P101,344,365.20. The ticket was purchased in San Miguel, Pasig City. Winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169, the law on PCSO lotteries. All jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO main office in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Lotto winnings of more than P10,000 are subject to 20 percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. Meanwhile, 78 others won P32,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits, while 3,547 will get P1,000 each for four correct digits, and 54,654 will settle for P30 each for three correct digits. The 6/45 Mega Lotto is drawn every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Robles urged the public to support the agency’s gaming products to raise additional revenue for health initiatives, medical services and other national charities. Through its mandatory contributions, the PCSO not only helps individuals in need of medical assistance but also provides funds to government institutions. The post Lone bettor wins P101.3-M Mega Lotto jackpot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe seeks probe vs. spread of text scams despite SIM Registration Act implementation
Senator Grace Poe has filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the continued proliferation of text scams despite the implementation of the SIM Registration Act. In filing Senate Resolution No. 745, Poe is seeking to learn if Republic Act No. 111934 or the SIM Registration Act has been fully implemented more than a year since it was enacted. "The law aims to protect users from scams and hasten law enforcement in investigating phone-related scams," she said in the resolution. "The registration of SIM should help unmask fraudsters and deny them sanctuary to hide. But, are these being achieved?" she added. Poe, principal author and sponsor of the law also expressed her intent to know the reported use of SIMs in the operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. The senator said a recent raid on POGO establishments revealed that thousands of SIMs are being used for illegal operations. "The law mandates that SIM should not be used for unlawful purposes and that owners have verified identity," she said. "However, reports that thousands of registered SIMs seized are being used as a tool for scamming and other cyber fraud raise questions about the effective implementation of the law," she added. The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services also said that the implementing agencies, telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies “should explain how thousands of SIMs used in fraudulent operations were able to register, and if they were signed up using fictitious individuals or by willing victims who sold their identity.” She reminded the National Telecommunications Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other relevant agencies to submit to Congress a report and update on the law's implementation. The deadline for SIM registration expired on 25 July after being extended for 90 days. The original deadline for SIM registration was on 26 April. Signed into law in October 2022, Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, seeks to stop the rampant scams through text messages, which have become more prevalent over the past years. The post Poe seeks probe vs. spread of text scams despite SIM Registration Act implementation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cops rescue Taiwanese kidnap victim
Police officers rescued a Taiwanese woman who was kidnapped by seven Chinese nationals, the National Capital Region Police Office said Monday. Based on the report sent to NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the victim Wang, Hui-Xin, 35, was kidnapped and brought by the Chinese nationals to a house along Victoneta North, Barangay Potrero, Malabon City. The victim was invited by her friend named “Axin” to meet at Malate, Manila last 14 August but she never saw her friend. Instead, was abducted by the suspects, blindfolded and brought to Oak Street, Victoneta North, Barangay Potrero, Malabon City onboard a private vehicle. Nartatez said the Malabon City Police received information on 18 August from a concerned male Taiwanese National who refused to be identified regarding the abduction of the victim. According to the concerned Taiwanese informant, the victim is presently detained at the aforementioned place as viewed through the location of the Global Positioning System of the victim’s phone. Acting on the information, the Malabon police proceeded to the place that resulted in the rescue of the victim and arrested two of the seven suspects on Sunday at the location. Nartatez identified the suspects as Zheng Xi Lin, 34 and Ma Pun Xin, 36, both Chinese nationals. The victim claimed she was raped twice by the suspects’ leader on 18 August. She was also forced to transfer thousands of US dollars to the suspect’s account in a series of transactions: $71,428 (P4,010,825); $21,805 (P1,224,394); $20,000 (P1,123,040); $1,000 (P56,152); and $10,000 (P561,520). The suspects are now under police custody. The post Cops rescue Taiwanese kidnap victim appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»