2020 NBA Champion doesn t deserve dreaded 'asterisk'
Take your asterisk and file it somewhere else. For former NBA champion Glen Rice, the winner of the 2020 NBA title will be a deserving one. It certainly shouldn't be subject to to any asterisks even as the NBA season was postponed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If anything, the season delay and the fact that NBA teams had to be subjected inside the bubble for the duration of the playoffs plus an additional eight seeding games makes this year's champion all the more celebrated. "When you have what's going on around everyone, trying to maintain a safe lifestyle in the bubble, at the same time staying aware of what's going on outside the bubble and the nuances that can go as far as COVID creeping in there, if you can get champion out everything that's going on that's really easy to distract you from basketball, I think that's a huge plus for these guys," Rice said in an interview set up by NBA Philippines. "That just goes to show you how determined and focused they were," he added. The 2020 NBA Champion will be one of the few crowned during a season where teams played less than then 82 regular season games. The 2012 Miami Heat and 1999 San Antonio Spurs won their respective titles during lockout-shortened seasons. Still, those teams don't deserve asterisks shouldn't they? Do the 2019 Raptors deserve an asterisk because Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson were injured in the last two games of the Finals? Do the mid-1990s Houston Rockets deserve an asterisk because Michael Jordan chose to play baseball? Each NBA champion will be unique in their own way, Rice says there should be no reason why the 2020 NBA winner should be looked at any differently just because of the current world circumstances. "I think you will see a lot of people saying something different, perhaps having that asterisk. But I think more importantly, people need to realize is that this is different and I'm talking about in a positive way," he said. "This is something that we've never seen in sports. To crown a champion in this environment right now, I think that says a lot about the players and coaches who go out there and do what they gotta do," Rice added. The 2020 NBA playoffs tip off Monday (Tuesday in Manila) with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers leading the East and West, respectively. The Bucks open round 1 against the Orlando Magic while the Lakers battle the Portland Trail Blazers. Defending champion Toronto Raptors take on the Brooklyn Nets while the Boston Celtics meet the Philadelphia 76ers. The Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat complete the East bracket. In the Western Conference, the no. 2 Los Angeles Clippers open things up against the Dallas Mavericks. The Denver Nuggets take on division rival Utah Jazz while the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder duke it out in a best-of-7. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UAAP 81: When the sleeping giant named UP finally awakened
No cheering - that's the cardinal rule for sportswriters during coverages. In collegiate sports, not even your very own alma mater song is spared. Still, on November 28, 2018, I thought this one time could be an exception to the rule. After all, more than half of the Araneta Coliseum had their hands raised in singing "UP Naming Mahal." Certainly, not one more fist in the air could be considered conspicuous. After all, the University of the Philippines Men's Basketball Team was letting it all out right there on the court. Certainly, not one more show of emotion could be out of place. And after all, the Fighting Maroons had just done it. It, being seeing a new dawn after the so-called dark days. FROM FIGHTING TO WINNING UAAP 81 started very much like how many, many UP seasons did in recent memory. There was a lot of hope, no doubt, what with Paul Desiderio in his last year, Bright Akhuetie in his first year, Gomez de Liano brothers Juan and Javi being back for more, and Bo Perasol still at the helm. Only, being a fan of the Fighting Maroons also meant you know full well all of it couldn't be true. History is a lesson to be learned - and from the promise of Migs De Asis, Mike Gamboa, Martin Reyes, and great Filipino-American hope Mike Silungan and the potential of Mikee Reyes, Woody Co, and Kyles Lao, Diliman has learned many, many lessons, indeed. And then, the season started. A season-opening win became a 1-3 standing. A 3-3 record worsened to 3-5. Standing at an even 5-5 in the stretch run then led to winning three of the last four games in the elimination round. And before you knew it, UP, yes, UP was knocking on the door of the Final Four. Could this be it? Or could this be just the biggest disappointment the Fighting Maroons had ever served? FROM WINNING TO LOSING A winning tradition could be taken for granted. Coming from a school down south that was, is, and forever linked to a particular powerhouse, I, personally, was very much used to winning. Even more, I was right there when Joshua (or Dave, as we called him) Webb, Jeric Fortuna, and Jed Manguera led the team formerly known as the Bengals to a breakthrough championship. So, yeah, personally, my tradition was to root for a winning team - be it in the Jrs. or in the Srs. Come college, though, I traded in the shield of green and white for the luntian at pulang sagisag magpakailanman. And hey, UP Diliman is and always will be the best school in the history of man, in my eyes. In terms of basketball, though, it left much to be desired. As I was about to go to college, the Fighting Maroons went winless in back-to-back years. And then, they had three-win seasons when I was a freshie and a sophomore. In all my four years in college, I only experienced eight wins out of 56. So yeah, in State U, there was the exact opposite of a winning tradition. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't get me wrong here. UP is a power in many, many sports and is a contender for the general championship year in and year out. Back then, though, forgive me if I only had eyes for men's basketball.) FROM JETT TO PAUL And then, a ray of light shone bright, and brighter, and brighter. I have now grown to love Mikee Reyes - he is a great guy and a good analyst. Back then, though, he was a prime proof of what wasn't working in UP. Here was a talent who had a shot at making a name for himself and taking his team along with him for the ride, but unfortunately, just could not put it all together. Reyes was just one of many, many promising players in maroon and green who didn't have the sort of support that a winning tradition entailed. True to their name, though, the Fighting Maroons kept, well, fighting. And in his last year, Jett Manuel proved that the tides could turn in their favor. Manuel would never be the best player on De La Salle University or Ateneo de Manila University or even University of Sto. Tomas and Far Eastern University. Still, he gave his all game in and game out and grew to be a beloved player and leader in Diliman. He set the standard for the kind of fight a Maroon should have and in his last year, steered his squad to a fifth-place finish at 5-9. Not a finish to be proud of by any means, but for the first time in a long time, there were signs of life coming from State U. And that's when I knew Jett Manuel would be my forever King Maroon. However, just two years later, Paul Desiderio made me question that. FROM THEN TO NOW Definitely, Paul Desiderio is not Jett Manuel. Jett is eloquent and looks like he came from an exclusive private school, which he did. Paul speaks in short but sweet terms and is very much proud of his roots in Cebu. What they both have, though, is an undeniable love for UP and an unwavering determination to lead the Fighting Maroons to where they belong. When Manuel left, of course, the reins went to Desiderio and in his very first game as main man, he proved his worth. I know you know what I'm going to talk about - because this was the time he uttered the words that would define State U from that point onto the foreseeable future. "Atin to, papasok to!" -- Paul Desiderio during the timeout. Moments later...#UAAPSeason80 pic.twitter.com/7yafSpldJM — ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) September 10, 2017 The maroon and green yet again fell short of the Final Four that year, but come next season, a playoff berth was, indeed, theirs for the taking. Downing La Salle in the very last game of the elims, they booked a trip to the next round for the first time since 1997. That would have been more than enough for their long-suffering faithful, but they did themselves one better - actually, two better - and upset second-seed and twice-to-beat Adamson University. Just like that, UP would be playing in its first Finals since the days of Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano, and Joe Lipa. That day, November 28, 2018, would always live on with me. FROM ME TO YOU As bad as I wanted to break the cardinal rule for sportswriters, I didn't. As bad as I wanted to stay on the floor to listen and live in the chorus singing in harmony, "Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan," I couldn't. When UP made history, I had to go back to the press room and finish my full take on the game. Just minutes before, I honestly couldn't believe the breaking report I was working on in my phone and uploading in our website. Really? The Fighting Maroons had done it. Even with the final stat sheet in my hands, I still couldn't believe it. Really? The Fighting Maroons had done it. Even through writing "those back-to-back wins have set up for them a date with defending champion Ateneo de Manila University in the best-of-three Finals slated for Saturday at the MOA Arena," I still couldn't believe it. Really? The Fighting Maroons had done it. Of course, in the very end, Ateneo was Ateneo and State U had to settle for second-place. Still, there may not be another silver medal that was worth celebrating more. You have to understand that again, this is a team not that far off from its dark days - so, yeah, this silver season was a special season. And so, at the very end of Season 81, when I saw Paul standing on the game officials' table, basking in the UP community's cries of "De-si-de-rio" and "A-tin-to," another chant was playing in my head - "You deserve it." This image, would always live on with me. At the same time, though, I was a firsthand witness to another image that told me this was just the beginning. First Finals appearance, first Finals loss. Fo sho, GDL brothers @javigdl22 and @juan_swish9 will only be better from this. #UAAPSeason81 pic.twitter.com/CMV0JH30rh — No Work Normie Riego (@riegogogo) December 5, 2018 Juan and Javi GDL sat on the makeshift awarding stage while the Blue Eagles were enjoying their back-to-back championships and Desiderio was being serenaded by the Fighting Maroons' faithful. Their eyes were welling up with tears, but deep down there, you could also see their determination to be back, to be better, and to say themselves "Atin 'to" to a championship. FROM HERE ON OUT UAAP 81 was Ateneo's, no doubt about that. UAAP 82, when UP was supposedly stronger, was still Ateneo's, yet again no doubt about that. Actually, the Fighting Maroons were even owned by runner-up UST that year - and those Growling Tigers had a Cinderella tale to tell of their own. And yet, for my money, no team in recent memory has won over everybody quite like Paul Desiderio's UP Fighting Maroons. Maybe, just maybe, that's all because I'm an Isko with student no. 2008-6*1*5. Or maybe, just maybe, it's so good to see a sleeping giant awakened - now knowledgeable of how to build a team and now knowledgeable how to put up support for that team. Or maybe, just maybe, it's so good to see homegrown stars like Diego Dario and the GDLs stay home and play home and to see a foreign student-athlete like Akhuetie shine bright both as a student and as an athlete. Or maybe, just maybe, it's so good to put your full faith in somebody like Desiderio who truly, madly, and deeply believed "Atin 'to" - even though recent history said otherwise. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo. Norman Lee Benjamin Riego has served as a sub-section editor for ABS-CBN Sports' website since 2014. He is among thousands of ABS-CBN employees who will be retrenched on August 31, 2020. .....»»
Interim WBA champ Jamal James eyeing Manny Pacquiao
The list of names looking to challenge Filipino eight-division boxing world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao seems to be getting longer, and the latest addition to that list is American welterweight Jamal James. The 32-year old Minneapolis native owns an impressive 27-1 pro record with 12 of those wins coming via KO. Last August 8th, James earned his first taste of world championship gold by defeating Thomas Dulorme by unanimous decision to become the interim WBA Welterweight World Champion. Now, James is looking to drop the 'interim' tag by going after the big names, and right now, the biggest name with a WBA world title is none other than Pacquiao. "Obviously, I would like to get a shot at Manny Pacquiao, he's got the WBA super title," James told BoxingScene.com. The 41-year old Pinoy boxing icon captured the WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Championship back in 2018 and then defeated the previously-undefeated Keith Thurman to become the WBA (Super) Welterweight World Champion in 2019. Right now however, it looks like Pacquiao is eyeing big name fights, and James isn't exactly at that level yet. James himself understands this, but being the interim champion means he's next in line, so he'll take whoever he can get. "But I know he's such a big name, so it really doesn't matter. I want any of the big name welterweights, we can really put on a good show," James said. Both James and Pacquiao fight under the Premier Boxing Champions promotion. Over the last few months, Pacquiao has been discussed a lot by a number of big name welterweights including Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., Mikey Garcia, Thurman, and even junior welterweight Josh Taylor. Most recently, he's been linked to a possible superfight with MMA star Conor McGregor. For now however, it's unclear when Pacquiao makes his return to the ring, although a 2020 fight isn't out of the realm of possibility. .....»»
Conor McGregor announces engagement to long-time partner Dee Devlin
Irish mixed martial arts superstar "The Notorious" Conor McGregor is in the news once again after revealing his engagement to long-time partner Dee Devlin. View this post on Instagram What a birthday, my future wife ! A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Aug 8, 2020 at 7:43am PDT McGregor posted a photo of Dee showing off a massive engagement ring on his Instagram account, with the caption "What a birthday, my future wife!" McGregor, who turned 32 earlier this year, and Devlin, 33, have been together sinc 2008, and have two kids together. 2020 has been quite the year for McGregor, who made his return to the Octagon in January, blasting veteran Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Later in the year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, McGregor surprised everyone by annoucing his retirement from competition. He doesn't appear to be closing the door on possible boxing superfights however, as he's been teasing a bout with eight-division boxing world champion and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao over the past few weeks. .....»»
UAAP s super seniors to be feted in Season 82 online closing ceremony
UAAP Season 82 officially comes to a close on July 25. There, the league pushes through with closing ceremonies for its most recent tournament cut short due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis. Let’s remember and reminisce #UAAPSeason82 with the Closing Ceremony#AllForMore 4pm, July 25 on @abscbnsports’ online platforms pic.twitter.com/ZbOPjXojLB — The UAAP (@uaap_official) July 15, 2020 There, champions and individual awardees from first semester sports would be celebrated once more. Student-athletes from the second semester sports would not be getting left behind, however. In particular, so-called super seniors whose campaigns were cut short by the pandemic would also be recognized in the event to be shown on ABS-CBN Sports' online platforms. For that, they are nothing but grateful. "Sobrang saya kasi, isipin mo, yung buong taon na pinaghirapan mo, may kapalit pa rin kahit ganito ang nangyari," Ricky Marcos, libero of two-time defending champion National University said in The Prospects Pod last Friday. "Nagpapasalamat kami." Diego Lozano, first baseman of still-reigning baseball king De La Salle University could only agree. "I'm happy the UAAP decided to do this because it shows their support for the seniors who dedicated five years to play the sport they love," he said. He then continued, "This also shows appreciation of the fact that living the student-athlete life is not easy because you have to have so many sacrifices." Indeed, a rare occurrence that affected all is more than enough reason for a rare citation to appreciate all. For super seniors such as the University of the Philippines booter Miggy Clarino, that award, even if it is not the championship they all hope for, is still to be treasured. As he put it, "Masaya, siyempre, kasi as seniors, deserve naman naming makakuha ng kahit medal man lang kasi isa kami sa mga naging role models para sa mga bata sa sports namin." Editor's Note: The UAAP Season 82 Closing Ceremony will air July 25, Saturday, 7 pm and July 26, 4:30 pm on LIGA on SkyCable channel 86, LIGA HD on SkyCable 183, sports.abs-cbn.com, Facebook and YouTube --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Former Brazilian volleyball star, senator Leila Barros tested positive for COVID-19
Former Brazilian women’s national team standout Leila Barros tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The now senator Barros showed symptoms of the dreaded virus and took a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test which turned out positive. Barros, who endeared to Filipino volleyball fans during the country’s hosting of the World Grand Prix in the early 2000s, suffered from fever and body aches. Imaging exams detected no changes in her lungs. The three-time World Grand Prix champion and two-time Olympic bronze medalist in a statement posted on her Instagram account is confident of her full recovery. View this post on Instagram Após apresentar febre e dores no corpo, a senadora Leila Barros fez o exame RT-PCR que atestou positivo para covid-19. Os exames de imagem não detectaram alterações nos pulmões. Embora esteja confiante na plena recuperação, a parlamentar do DF apresenta indisposição devido à forte dor de cabeça. Leila cumprirá o isolamento domiciliar conforme orientação médica. #EquipeLeila A post shared by Leila Barros (Leila do Vo?lei) (@leiladovolei) on Jul 11, 2020 at 10:43am PDT Although still suffering from headaches, the parliamentarian will carry out home isolation as per medical advice. Barros in another post thanked all who prayed and wished her well saying 'This network of positive energy fills me with disposition. I have faith that soon I will recover. I pray that everyone who fights against this disease will have strength at this moment.' View this post on Instagram De ontem para hoje recebi inúmeras mensagens de carinho e solidariedade aqui nas redes sociais. Gostaria de agradecer a todos que dedicaram parte do seu dia para me desejar melhoras. Essa rede de energia positiva que se formou me enche de disposição. Tenho fé que, em breve, estarei recuperada. Faço minhas preces para que todos que lutam contra essa doença tenham força neste momento. Um bom domingo a todos! A post shared by Leila Barros (Leila do Vo?lei) (@leiladovolei) on Jul 12, 2020 at 10:06am PDT Next to the USA, Brazil is the second most heavily hit country by the global health pandemic with a total of 1,866,176 positive cases with 72,151 deaths as of July 13......»»
7-foot Fil-Am hoops prospect Sage Tolentino channels inner-Manny Pacquiao in workout video
7-foot Filipino-American high school prospect Sage Tolentino isn’t a household name yet, but don’t be surprised if he becomes one in the near future. The 16-year old is currently ranked as the top high school player in Hawaii, and should be a coveted recruit for any university, or eventually follow in the footsteps of fellow towering Pinoy Kai Sotto in the G-League. Tolentino could also be one of the cornerstones of future Philippine National Teams, with the SBP already reaching out to him. Always looking for new ways to push himself and improve physically, it looks like Tolentino is keen on taking up another sport as a form of cross-training. A video posted on East West Private’s Instagram page shows Tolentino trying his hand at boxing, channeling Filipino boxing legend and eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. View this post on Instagram When training for your future basketball dreams it doesn’t always mean you find yourself daily on the court. @mannypacquiao Sage said he LOVED IT! Maybe one day you can come train with @kzsotto and @sagee23_ for some cross training. Show them a few moves. At EWP today our goal for Sage was: - Hand-eye coordination - Understanding time and space - Footwork relative to basketball, positioning, and leverage - Learning how to stay focused through fatigue - Muscular endurance - Controlled aggression A post shared by EWP (@eastwestprivate) on Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25am PDT “When training for your future basketball dreams, it doesn’t always mean you find yourself daily on the court,” the post’s caption read, before giving a shout out to Pacquiao himself and inviting him to train Tolentino and the G-League-bound Sotto. Boxing is actually a pretty popular cross-training sport for a lot of NBA players, as it’s a good way to build up cardio and improve footwork. Stars like Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid, Kyle Kuzma, John Wall, and many others have put on a pair of 16-ounce gloves and hit the mitts to keep themselves in tip-top shape during the off-season. With Pacquiao being an avid hoops fan himself, what’s the likelihood that he does bite on the offer to help train two of the Philippines’ most promising young stars?.....»»
Cong. Tolentino to lobby return of slashed 2020 PSC budget
Philippine Olympic Committee president and congressman Bambol Tolentino will lobby in the House of Representatives the return of the funds slashed from the national sports agency brought by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Philippine Sports Commission was among the government agencies instructed by the Department of Budget and Management to slice its 2020 budget by more than half. The PSC returned P700 million out of its P900 million budget to be used in the fight against the deadly virus. PSC’s other source of fund was also severely hit by the health crisis with the dwindling remittance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation as most of the country put under community quarantine, forcing the agency to do belt-tightening measures including slashing the national athletes’ allowances in half. Tolentino told reporters on Monday via Zoom press conference that PAGCOR has resumed its remittance. “Nag-remit na ang PAGCOR ulit. I don’t know kung mako-cover na ‘yung portion ng month na nabawasan na ang allowances,” he said. However, anticipating that the remittance won’t be enough, Tolentino announced that he will lobby in Congress the return of the diverted PSC budget. “Pero kung ‘di man ma-cover (ng PAGCOR remittance), my announcement is, not as POC president, but as a member of the House of representative, we will try to give back the amount that was taken from the PSC national development fund na ibinalik sa national treasury for the COVID-19 use. Amounting to P700 million,” said the representative of the eighth district of Cavite. Athletes are set to have their allowances cut in half starting July. “So kung ‘yun lang ang kailangan para maibalik o ma-sustain ang mawawala we will try in the House of Representatives I will lobby for it. We will try to return it in this coming second Bayanihan extension act to return the amount given to the national treasury because of the COVID-19,” said Tolentino. “Para lang ‘wag mabasawan o maibalik, para lang complete ang allowances again ng mga athletes.” The lawmaker added the athletes who brought honor and pride to the country including copping the overall championship in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the country deserve to receive full financial support from the government even amid this crisis. “Ang point ko rito kasi baka di alam ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na tinamaan ‘yung mga national athletes, ‘yung mga allowances. Baka kapag nalaman niya, ‘Huh? After giving pride and glory being overall champion sa SEA Games tapos tatamaan din sila, yung mga frontliners natin sa sports,’” he said. “Pipilitin naming ibalik ang amount na ‘yun,” added Tolentino. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation
The Department of Labor and Employment urged collective action to address the Philippines’ job problems on 25 October during the 23rd National PESO Congress in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma stressed in his speech the vital role of Public Employment Service Offices or PESO and DOLE’s frontline partners in promoting productive employment at the local level. “The responsibility of realizing the objectives of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan and the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act is not the DOLE’s responsibility alone. It is jointly shared with our social partners, especially our PESOs. The challenges we face in our employment landscape demand collective action and innovative solutions,” Laguesma said. Laguesma also emphasized the need for open and constructive dialogue with PESO managers across the nation as he bared the department's five-point agenda, which includes strengthening its core functions, fortifying partnerships with employers and educational institutions and digitalizing public employment services. DOLE conferred awards to PESOs with outstanding accomplishments in the past year during the 2022 National Search for Best PESO Awards. Among the accomplishments are the 2.4 million jobseekers employed through the facilitation of PESOs, which translates to a 91 percent placement rate across the regions. PESO Bataan won in the first-class province category, PESO Lanao del Norte in the second-class province category and PESO Aurora in the third to fifth class category. DOLE also hailed PESO Iloilo City as champion for the highly urbanized city category and PESO Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for the component and independent component city category. Among the awardees for the municipal PESOs were PESO Villasis, Pangasinan (first class municipality category); PESO Pila, Laguna (second to third-class municipality category); and PESO Llanera, Nueva Ecija (fourth to sixth-class municipality category). The University of Batangas was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the search for best PESO in 2018 and 2019 and the Bayanihan Service Award in 2020 and 2021. The university job’s placement office received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize. The post DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belarusian exiles lose hope
When police in Belarus began knocking on doors and interrogating citizens suspected to have taken part in pro-democracy rallies three years ago, Maxim Isayev knew he could never go back. Like thousands of others, the 32-year-old engineer and father of two peacefully protested against the disputed re-election of strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko in 2020 and is currently wanted by the country’s authorities. “I know that they came to my address in Belarus and searched for me,” Maxim told AFP in Warsaw, where he now lives with his wife and children. More than 100,000 people are thought to have left Belarus since security forces began violently cracking down on dissidents, many of whom fled to neighboring Poland and the Baltic states. Lukashenko now wants to shut them out for good. In January, he signed a law allowing courts to strip “extremist” dissidents living abroad of their citizenship, and in September he blocked Belarusian embassies from issuing passports. The decision effectively deprives thousands of Belarusian dissidents of the ability to renew their passports unless they return, making it difficult for them to travel internationally, access public services, open bank accounts or obtain employment. “If people are forced to return to Belarus, many of them will be exposed to rights violations, like arbitrary arrest, and torture,” UN rights expert Anais Marin told AFP after the decision. Describing Lukashenko’s decree as “outrageous,” she called on all governments to refrain from sending Belarusians back to their country over invalidated or expired passports. For Maxim, who fears he faces multiple criminal charges including terrorism, returning is not an option. “I took part in the protests. Rallies, marches, calls for sanctions,” he said. “There are more than ten counts I could be charged with.” Since 1994, Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron fist, in what critics have called Europe’s last dictatorship. Elections held in August 2020 resulted in another landslide victory for the long-time leader, a result which the opposition decried as blatantly falsified. The fallout from the vote led to the biggest protests in Belarus’ modern history, which were soon followed by a record number of arrests. “There are situations where people were travelling to the funeral of their relatives. They were detained and put in jail,” said Helena Niedzwiecka, founder of the Belarusian Solidarity Center that supports exiles in Poland. “You can be imprisoned for liking a post in 2020.” Maxim, whose families’ passports expire in 2024, debated with his wife whether it was safe for her to go back, given she had made fewer political posts. “I said okay, if you want to go, you are an adult... Take one of the children.” “You will get a few years for your political views,” Maxim said. “And they will put the child into an orphanage.” They decided against the idea. Lukashenko has criticized those who have sought refuge abroad as disloyal, casting them as “criminals” who do not deserve citizenship. “Are these people worthy to remain citizens of Belarus if they have fled their native country and actually severed ties with it?” he asked at a government meeting last year. Most dissidents say it is the state that severed ties with them. “My contract with my country was terminated in 2020,” said Inga Okava, a 49-year-old former volunteer who was jailed for trying to independently monitor the 2020 elections. “They falsified everything that everybody wanted,” she sighed. WITH AFP The post Belarusian exiles lose hope appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ernie Gawilan starts 4th Asian Para Games defense of 3 golds
Dabawenyo Paralympian swimmer Ernie Gawilan will be defending his three gold medals from the 3rd Asian Para Games at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China on Monday, October 23. Gawilan is nervous but prepared for the competition, and is focused on retaining his titles in the men's 200-meter individual medley (IM) SM7, men's 100m backstroke S7, and men's 400m freestyle S7. The 32-year-old para-swimming champion has experience in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and brought home two golds, two silvers, and one bronze in the 12th Asean Para Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia set in June this year......»»
Christiane Benner, first woman to lead Germany’s biggest union
Christiane Benner will become the first woman to lead Germany's biggest union when she takes the helm at IG Metall next week. But the milestone comes as the once mighty industrial sector battles a series of crises. Soaring energy costs due to Russia's war in Ukraine, high inflation, and weaker demand from key trade partner China have culminated in a manufacturing slump that has raised fears about Germany's future as an industrial powerhouse and export champion. Benner's appointment is set to be confirmed at an IG Metall congress on Monday. As she prepares to go to bat for IG Metall's more than two million members in sectors including the automotive, machine tool, and electrical industries, Benner is clear about her priorities. "The most important thing is keeping industry in Germany and Europe," she told AFP in an interview in her Frankfurt office. Asked why it took so long for IG Metall, founded in 1949, to install a woman at the top, Benner chuckled. "Ask the men!" smiled the bespectacled 55-year-old. Benner has been a member of IG Metall since her early 20s after starting work as a foreign-language secretary at a mechanical engineering firm. After taking time out to study sociology, she rose through the ranks at IG Metall and became the union's vice president in 2015. Eighty percent of IG Metall's members are men. Deindustrialization fears A work and study stint in the United States in the 1990s opened her eyes to the "weakness" of American unions, Benner recalled. The contrast with Germany was stark, where the model of co-determination gives labor representatives a significant say in workplace decisions. As Germany's most powerful trade union and the largest in Europe, Benner is well aware of IG Metall's influence. "We're strong," she said. IG Metall flexed its muscles last year and won an 8.5-percent wage increase over two years to help compensate for inflation, a benchmark deal covering around four million workers across several sectors. Even more daunting challenges lie ahead, as Germany's long-vaunted economic model is called into question and an end-of-year recession looms. Companies in Germany's energy-intensive industries are already weighing whether to shift production to cheaper shores, a problem compounded by the lure of US green subsidies through Washington's Inflation Reduction Act, Benner said. "We're seeing a creeping dismantling of industry and jobs," she warned. To prevent a dreaded "deindustrialization" of Europe's biggest economy, Benner is in favor of discounted electricity prices for industrial firms. The proposed subsidy has been a topic of fierce debate within Germany's coalition government in recent months. But Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who like Benner is a member of the center-left Social Democrats, has yet to back the idea, fearing it could slow the transition towards renewable energies. Retaining talent Adding to Germany's woes are long-running structural problems such as a shortage of skilled workers in an aging country, and foot-dragging on digitization. More than 2.6 million young adults in Germany under the age of 35 have no vocational qualification, despite a growing need for highly qualified employees as new technologies transform businesses. IG Metall was working hard to increase the number of apprenticeships and make on-the-job training more attractive, Benner said. Hoping to make heavy industry a more appealing career choice, Benner also advocates a better work-life balance and supports a four-day workweek for those who want it. She also wants to narrow the gender pay gap in a country where men still earn seven percent more than women doing the same job. But first up on her to-do list will be next month's wage negotiations with steel bosses. Benner will be pushing for a similar 8.5-percent salary bump for the sector and a reduction in working hours from 35 to 32 hours a week, without loss of pay. The post Christiane Benner, first woman to lead Germany’s biggest union appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global apparel retailer marks 5th year in Phl
Uniqlo marks the fifth anniversary of its Global Flagship Store in the Philippines with fun-filled activities for the public from 13 to 26 October. Since its opening in 2018, the Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store has brought customers exciting things over the years. As part of the brand’s appreciation for being part of Filipinos’ daily lives, Uniqlo offers customers an even better shopping experience. Embrace the future Uniqlo Manila’s fifth anniversary theme is “Elevated Store. Elevated Essentials. Embrace the Future.” Bringing the concept to life is Uniqlo’s partnership with five young and distinguished individuals who have achieved global recognition in their respective fields. Each partner represents one of the brand’s biggest item lines which all hold innovative functionality at its core. Food and lifestyle content creator Erwan Heussaff, recognized by the prestigious James Beard Media Awards last June, joins the group for AIRism. Groundbreaking director Martika Escobar, the first Philippine director to win an award at the Sundance Film Festival, represents Heattech. Modeling for the AirSense line-up is entrepreneur Gio Visitacion, owner of the Good Cup Coffee Company and 2020 Philippine Brewers Cup champion. Southeast Asian Games Medalist and Guinness World Record holder Kaizen Dela Serna for UV Protection products. Award-winning singer and actress, popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo for Bra Tops. Coffee experience Uniqlo Coffee, on the second floor of its Flagship Store, brings Filipinos the brand’s cafe-style offerings that first opened in 2021 at the renewed Uniqlo Global Flagship Store in Ginza (Tokyo, Japan). Highlighting the brand’s commitment to being one with the community, the coffee drinks will be made with locally sourced, high quality coffee beans from Mt. Apo. It will feature goods and pastries that mix Filipino and Japanese flavors. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Uniqlo is also set to bring to Manila its Re.Uniqlo Studio, where customers will get to enjoy repair services on their pre-loved Uniqlo items, bringing new life to their favorite LifeWear pieces. Lastly, Uniqlo refreshes its UTme! line-up, collaborating with local artists from all over the country to bring customers unique designs they can customize on t-shirts and tote bags. The artists include Gianne Encarnacion and Ross Du of Metro Manila, Johanna Velasco and Myka Arnado of Cebu, and Kajo Baldisimo of Davao. Muralist Glendford Lumbao also joins in to contribute a piece to be displayed at the new experience areas on the second floor of the Flagship Store. From 13 to 31 October, customers can expect freebies and promos exclusive to the flagship store. Visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. The post Global apparel retailer marks 5th year in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sarno ready to pull off surprise?
Weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, gold medalist in the 2020 Asian Championships and the reigning, defending SEA Games champion, will go for broke in the women’s 76kg today at the 19th Asian Games here......»»
Gov’t confident as IMSA audit starts
The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, started its Member State Audit Scheme or IMSAS from 2 to 9 October 2023, to scrutinize the Philippines’ implementation and enforcement of treaty instruments. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has guaranteed that the country has fully complied with international maritime conventions. A statement of the Department of Transportation, the mother agency of the Maritime Industry Authority that is preparing for this year’s IMSAS, said Bautista ensured that the Philippines had upheld maritime safety and protection of the marine environment by adhering to international rules and regulations. “I affirm our commitment to ensure the safety of life and property at sea and prevention of maritime pollution through full and effective implementation and enforcement of all laws, regulations, and recommendations, in adherence to our international responsibilities and obligations,” Bautista told IMO auditors during the kick-off of the IMSAS audit. Adhering to global norms Bautista said that through the audit, which assists member-states in improving their capacity for implementing international conventions, the Philippines promotes uniformity and effectiveness in the implementation of IMO instruments. “Having these mechanisms, we were able to champion our legislative agenda and ensure the continuous advancement of maritime interest in the country,” Bautista said. According to the Marina, the audit, conducted by three experienced IMO auditors, is conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Philippines and the IMO. This cooperation encompasses a series of vital IMO instruments, including SOLAS 1974, SOLAS PROT 1988, MARPOL 73/78, MARPOL PROTOCOL 1997, STCW 1978, LOAD LINES 1966, LOAD LINE PROT 1988, TONNAGE 1969, and COLREG 1972. IMSAS primary focus lies in assessing several key areas — Compliance with Audit Standards: Evaluating the extent to which the Philippines adheres to audit standards and the overall strategy; Legislation Enactment: Reviewing the enactment of legislation related to safety and environmental aspects associated with ratified IMO instruments; Administration and Implementation: Scrutinizing the administration, implementation, and enforcement of applicable laws and legislation; and Performance Evaluation: Assessing the performance concerning the implementation and enforcement of ratified IMO instruments in the roles of flag, port and coastal State. Originally, the IMSAS was set for 2020 to 2021, but since a state of emergency was still in effect due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled to 2022 to 2023. To prepare for the audit, Marina and the IMSAS Technical Working Group, and other concerned maritime stakeholders conducted gap analysis scoping exercises, inter-agency meetings, mock audits, and capacity-building activities in preparation for this year’s audit. The post Gov’t confident as IMSA audit starts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A place for good cocktails, great conversations
What could be better than to end a long and busy day or week with a great cocktail surrounded by people you vibe with? Panjee and Mike Singleton, the successful owners behind Banter and Jive, shared how operating a cocktail bar business can still be an enjoyable learning experience while navigating life together. “We like to drink together. That’s how we connect,” Panjee said, looking back on why they thought of setting up a cocktail bar business in the vibrant and buoyant streets of Poblacion. “We just wanted a place where we can sit down, talk to a bartender, have pretty good drinks and just hang out with each other.” Panjee decided to leave her corporate job to go full time into the business, while Mike still keeps his day job as a financial analyst. While they are relatively new to the business, it is not their first time to open a bar. In 2020, the couple ventured into the business, not knowing that the pandemic would go full-blown months later. However, it did not stop the Singletons from taking such risks: “We’ll try a second round. If it doesn’t work, then [we] will never get back to it,” Mike said, adding that they constantly reassured themselves whenever they felt bouts of hesitancy at the thought of trying again. Indeed, the second time’s the charm. As soon as the couple opened Banter & Jive, the dream was realized. [caption id="attachment_192197" align="aligncenter" width="875"] BANTER and Jive signature cocktail drinks.[/caption] Current bar scene With so many bars, pubs and nightclubs in Poblacion, one might say that the competition is fierce — but it’s the complete opposite. In retrospect, the couple agreed that the bar industry in Poblacion has been laidback despite the rise of established bars around the area.“The bar community is very strong. We’re very collaborative with each other, especially the cocktails. We don’t really treat each other as competition… It’s more of uplift[ing] the community together,” Mike said. “We all have a shared goal of increasing cocktail awareness,” he added. There is also a noticeably growing cocktail appreciation in the area. While there is nothing wrong with the classic shot of hard liquor — the oddly satisfying sensation of the burning aftertaste it delivers — new and old customers alike are becoming more adventurous and experimental with their drinks. “We keep on revamping our menu in such a way that people would really accept or like,” Panjee said, adding how they would cater to what their customers like in their menu, giving them a more profound and appreciative drinking experience. Undeniably, the country’s nightlife has always been one for the books — where a spontaneous trip to a bar with the people you cherish ends up being one of the most unforgettable moments in your life. Adding Filipinos’ innate hospitality and natural charm, the Poblacion nightlife perfectly captures the vision of being yourself while connecting with others. “As much work as we have to put into drinks, we also put in a lot of effort in making people feel welcome, especially in an intimate bar like ours. You could remember a really great drink but you will never forget the places where you really felt welcome, [where it] felt like a second home,” Panjee said. Taking a leap of faith Despite the lack of experience in operating a bar, it did not stop the couple from turning their passions into something bigger than themselves. With Banter & Jive opening early this year, the couple is onto something great as they are soft-opening a new bar next month in Poblacion. “Take the leap… It’s very scary. It’s still scary now, but take that risk. I think it’s also important for you to have a good support system when you do that — take the leap,” Panjee said, continuing that being surrounded by like-minded people who support you definitely takes the fear and hesitancy away. For aspiring entrepreneurs who want to operate their bar business, the couple agreed that now is the best time to materialize your dreams. “Not having experience isn’t a good enough reason for you not to do something. The only way to have experience is to actually experience it. There is no better time than now,” Panjee said. The post A place for good cocktails, great conversations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hardline US Republican launches bid to oust House speaker
A far-right lawmaker launched a bid on Monday to oust US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his post, triggering the most serious showdown yet within the Republican party as it battles to contain firebrand supporters of ex-president Donald Trump. Matt Gaetz, a representative from Florida, entered his resolution from the House floor, later telling reporters McCarthy "doesn't have my support anymore, and he doesn't have the support of a requisite number of Republicans to continue as the Republican Speaker." "Bring it on," McCarthy quickly responded on X, formerly known as Twitter. The resolution, a rare maneuver that requires a simple majority to pass, could force a vote within days and comes after McCarthy brokered a last-gasp budget deal with Democrats over the weekend temporarily avoiding a government shutdown. Gaetz has been vowing retribution since the deal was struck. The Florida congressman and Trump loyalist is a leading figure within the small group of far-right Republican legislators who ignited the shutdown crisis with their refusal to adopt fresh federal funding without deep spending cuts. The group also opposes sending additional support to Ukraine, saying the money would be better spent in the United States on combatting illegal immigration. Republicans have such a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress, that the hardliners -- though they are a small minority -- hold a de facto veto over legislation there. "The American people are tired of Washington DC not having a budget, running $2 trillion annual deficits sitting atop a $33 trillion debt," Gaetz told reporters Monday after introducing his motion. "If this country's going down, I'm going down fighting," he said. 'Stop playing games' The resolution throws up fresh obstacles as lawmakers race to cut a new deal on funding for the federal government, with the stopgap brokered by McCarthy over the weekend running out by mid-November. The last-ditch "continuing resolution" came as millions of public workers looked set to be sent home unpaid, upending government functions from military operations to food aid to federal policymaking. US President Joe Biden has lambasted both McCarthy and the hardliners for failing to live up to an agreement forged around a debt crisis months ago that was meant to avoid a damaging shutdown fight -- and for stripping out support for Ukraine. "Stop playing games, get this done," Biden said during a press conference on Sunday, adding that he was "sick and tired of the brinksmanship, and so are the American people." The timeline for the next steps on Gaetz's resolution is variable, and it is not yet clear if Democrats would come to McCarthy's aid. Gaetz allowed for the possibility as he talked with reporters Monday, but vowed McCarthy "is not going to be speaker in power as a consequence of Republican votes." He added that "if the Democrats want to own Kevin McCarthy, they can have him. Because one thing I'm at peace with is -- when we stand here a week from now, I won't own Kevin McCarthy anymore." Gaetz on Monday called for the border funding and Ukraine aid to be voted on separately. "Regardless of how you feel about Ukraine money or border money, these two things should not be lumped together. They deserve their own dignity and their own vote," he said. McCarthy had made concessions to the far-right bloc in January in return for their support in his quest to gain the speaker's gavel -- among them, a rule change that allows just one member to file such a "motion to vacate." The post Hardline US Republican launches bid to oust House speaker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy
Europe should consider the "exciting" opportunities Asia has to offer due to exciting developments in the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently said. In a statement from Malacañang released on Thursday, Marcos made the remark last Wednesday after the new Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, Nicolas Brühl, presented his credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila. "I think it is actually wise in terms of European countries, Switzerland included, to look to ASEAN, to look to Asia. Although there are other geopolitical disturbances, shall we say, but the opportunities are quite exciting," President Marcos said in welcoming in Brühl. "ASEAN leaders have come together to really strengthen the economic systems that we have in place, the weaknesses that have shown up during the pandemic. We're all trying to learn the lessons that the pandemic brought with it," he added. The President, who accepted the credentials of the Swiss envoy, said that he thinks the post-pandemic scenario presents a great opportunity for greater collaboration with the Philippines now understanding how the world works. The world doesn't work the same way that it did in 2019 and it is faring differently, Marcos said. "And so that's why I always value partnerships and alliances and agreements between countries. And I think (with) Switzerland, that has always gone very smoothly. Let's hope that it continues in that direction," Marcos told the Swiss ambassador. The Swiss ambassador said that the Swiss Foreign Ministry's Southeast Asia strategy proves that the region is of utmost importance and vowed to partner with it in the future. Last year's 65th-year celebration of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland is already a good start, he said. The two countries celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations in January 2022. The Philippines and Switzerland continue to maximize the benefits of the Philippines–European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA-FTA). The EFTA States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Philippines in Bern, Switzerland on April 28, 2016. The EFTA-Philippines FTA entered into force on 1 June 2018, for the Philippines, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland and on 1 January 2020 for Iceland. The FTA covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, competition, the protection of intellectual property rights, government procurement, and trade and sustainable development. The post Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM hopes for fair, just appeal process of Ranara’s killer
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday wants the appeal process of the killer of the 35-year-old overseas Filipino worker Jullebee Ranara to be conducted fairly and that justice will be served accordingly. Ranara's burnt body was found in a desert in Salmi, Al-Jahra Governorate in Kuwait, last January. The 17-year-old son of her employer was arrested and convicted of her murder earlier this month and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The killer was given lesser penalties because he was a minor, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. He has 30 days to appeal the judgment to the Kuwait Court of First Instance. "We hope that the appeal process will be conducted fairly, and justice will be served accordingly," Marcos said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). Marcos Jr. thanked the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Kuwaiti Authorities for their continued pursuit of justice for Ranara. "I commend the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Kuwaiti Authorities for their continued pursuit of justice for our OFW, Jullebee Ranara," Marcos Jr. said. The President also took comfort in thinking that Ranara and her daughter, Toots, are "looking down from heaven with smiles." "Their legacy serves as a reminder of our duty to protect and support our fellow countrymen, regardless of where in the world they may be," he said. Meanwhile, Ranada's family called for a more severe punishment for her murderer, whereas OFW's family said the killer should spend life in prison. Although the offender was found guilty of murder in a juvenile court, the Department of Foreign Affairs has stated that the only aspect that can be appealed is the amount of compensation awarded to the victim's family. "Just receiving justice like that is not enough," Ranara's mother Norlynda Cabiles said in a television interview on Friday. Although the family was aware of different laws in Kuwait, Ranara's brother, Mark Reyes, wanted to have life imprisonment for the murderer. "Fifteen years (of imprisonment) is not enough as what the murderer has done to her was too much. She has four children here. She doesn't deserve that," Reyes said in the same television interview. Earlier this year, Marcos personally condoled the family of Ranara and promised various aid from the government, including financial and scholarship grants. "I just want to offer my sympathies to the family. And to assure them that all the assistance that they might need for the family," Marcos said as he acknowledged that Ranara had worked abroad because she had big dreams for her family. Marcos Jr. has previously said that he would like to review the Philippines' bilateral labor agreement with Kuwait to ensure that OFWs are better protected. The post PBBM hopes for fair, just appeal process of Ranara’s killer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vape law opens door to cigar options—PMFTC
Recently passed Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act last year opened the door to future science-based innovative products that are better alternatives to cigarettes, according to the top executive of PMFTC Inc. PMFTC president Denis Gorkun said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, the “young” Vape law is a “win” for public health and affirms the Philippine government’s support for the concept of tobacco harm reduction as a tool to reduce cigarette consumption. PMFTC is the business combination between Philip Morris International and the Lucio Tan Group. The company launched IQOS, the world’s number one heated tobacco, three years ago in the Philippines and has so far switched 75,000 Filipino smokers away from cigarettes. He said that in today’s environment with scientifically proven better alternatives, “doing nothing is just prolonging the life of cigarettes and shortening the lives of people who consume those cigarettes.” Gorkun revealed that PMFTC would launch “very soon” in the Philippines the next level in tobacco innovation called IQOS ILUMA — a device that is more consumer-friendly that uses induction technology to heat instead of burning tobacco. He also said the company would soon launch ZYN — an oral nicotine delivery product that is completely smoke-free. ZYN is the best-selling nicotine pouch in the United States today and is manufactured by recent-PMI acquisition Swedish Match. Gorkun said PMI is working to deliver a smoke-free future with the goal of completely eliminating cigarette consumption. “We will continue to work towards our smoke-free future vision with products that are found by numerous international health authorities to be far better compared to continuing to smoke cigarettes.” “The negative health effects of cigarettes are long established. It is well known that, in the interest of one’s health, never smoking is the best choice. If someone is already smoking, the next best choice is to quit completely,” Gorkun said. “But the fact is that around 1 billion people around the world still smoke, despite being fully aware of the negative health consequences. At the same time as smokers are encouraged to quit, those adults who don’t quit deserve pragmatic and sensible solutions that can help them make a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes,” he added. Gorkun said the passage of the Vape law is a big win for public health and the government can make the law work with the setting of product standards and getting information to smokers on how much these products are better than smoking cigarettes. Former member of the House of Representatives and one of the authors of the Vape law, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the measure received “so much admiration from other countries,” when she spoke at a Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, Poland recently. “We have passed a law that’s quite progressive,” she said. “This law is a little more forward-looking because it included the powers to regulate those who are selling online.” Garin said that having no regulation doesn’t mean that a product is prohibited, “it’s a free-for-all, and you don’t regulate, then anybody can buy” even minors. “You don’t make it cool to the kids. We don’t want non-smokers to pick up the habit of vaporized or electronic cigarettes. What we want is a less harmful alternative for current smokers,” she said. “As a previous representative and author, I do believe that this law was passed at the right time with the right formula. What we want is a less harmful alternative but also at the same time we didn’t want minors to pick it up,” she said. Garin said with the enactment of the Vape law, she is optimistic that “with the coordination between Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health and including Department of Finance with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, I think we can hopefully see a smoke-free country or even at the minimum we have a healthier and more productive community.” The post Vape law opens door to cigar options—PMFTC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»