Centcom chief to NPAs: Surrender guns, choose peace
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, commander of Central Command (Centcom), appeals to the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) in Visayas to surrender their firearms and choose peace. This, after five suspected members of a communist-rebel group were killed in an encounter with law enforcers past Thursday midnight, June 18, 2020, in Mabinay town, […] The post Centcom chief to NPAs: Surrender guns, choose peace appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
EU, U.S. unite to support Israel
European Union and United States leaders met in Washington Friday to show their united stance in supporting Israel’s war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas. “We stood together to support the brave people of Ukraine in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s aggression. We’re standing together now to support Israel in the wake of Hamas’s appalling terrorist attack,” US President Joe Biden said at the White House. “These conflicts show democracies must stand together,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told reporters as she and European Council chief Charles Michel met Biden. “Today, the world faces enormous challenges. And today, more than ever, the world needs a strong EU-US alliance to tackle these challenges,” Michel said. EU leaders were looking for reassurance of continued US support for Ukraine, which is fighting to repel the Russian invasion launched in February 2022. That reassurance was evident Thursday when Biden urged Americans to back a $106 billion aid package including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel. The US is by far the biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine. Aid to Israel and Ukraine, however, faces hurdle as the US Congress has been paralyzed for more than two weeks divided Republicans, who hold the majority in the House of Representatives, failed for a third time to elect a new House speaker. Congress also faces a 17 November deadline to act on the budget, so as to avoid a possible government shutdown. House crisis In the 17 days since US House speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a rebellion by right-wing hard-liners from within his own party, no other Republican has been able to muster enough votes to replace him, sparking one of the worst institutional crises Washington has seen in decades. The US legislature is unable to perform even basic functions like funding the government and addressing growing national security concerns. The party dropped Ohio conservative Jim Jordan, chairman of the influential Judiciary Committee, in a secret ballot Friday after he again failed to secure victory on the House floor on his third attempt. Despite backing from former president and leading 2024 Republican hopeful Donald Trump, Jordan was defeated by 25 colleagues from his own side who joined every Democrat to deny him the gavel for the third time in four days. Lawmakers told reporters as they left Capitol Hill for the weekend they would hold a “candidate forum” to choose a new standard-bearer on Monday, with several hopefuls expected to be announced on Sunday. WITH AFP The post EU, U.S. unite to support Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia bans goods transactions on social media platforms
Indonesia has banned goods transactions on social media platforms in a new regulation, its trade minister said Wednesday, as Jakarta aims to rein in direct sales on major platforms it says are harming millions of small businesses. Calls had grown in recent months for a regulation governing social media and e-commerce, with offline sellers seeing their livelihoods threatened by the sale of cheaper products on TikTok Shop and other platforms. Indonesia is one of the world's biggest markets for TikTok Shop and was the first to pilot the app's e-commerce arm. "Now, e-commerce cannot become social media. It is separated," Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan told a news conference in the capital, Jakarta, adding that the trade regulation came into force on Tuesday. Hasan said social commerce platforms would have a week to comply with the new rule. "Any government would protect local small businesses," he said, describing the regulation as a way to ensure "equality in business competition". The regulation means social commerce companies are now "prohibited to facilitate payment transactions in its electronic system", according to the regulation document seen by AFP. "Social commerce can place ads like TV, but it mustn't be transactional. (They) can't open shop, can't directly sell," Hasan said, without mentioning TikTok by name. Companies that did not comply would be warned first and would finally have their license to do business in Indonesia revoked, he said. Laws in the archipelago nation did not cover direct transactions through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook or Instagram before the new regulation. The new regulation is yet another setback for TikTok, which has faced intense scrutiny in the United States and other nations in recent months over users' data security and the company's alleged ties to Beijing. "Other countries are banning, we don't, we're regulating," Hasan said. Indonesia is now the first country in the region to act against the platform's growing popularity in social media commerce. The ministerial-level regulation -- an amendment to a trade regulation issued in 2020 -- did not need approval by lawmakers. TikTok Indonesia said the company was "deeply concerned" about the policy, which would impact millions of sellers and creators using TikTok Shop. "We respect local laws and regulations and will be pursuing a constructive path forward," it said in a statement. Meta -- which owns Facebook and Instagram -- did not respond to a request for comment. 'Markets are quiet' Hasan appeared to confirm the companies would have to choose between separate social media and e-commerce licences. "It's clear... there are no permits for social commerce. If (they) want social commerce, please, only for promotion and ads. If (they) want to sell, there are e-commerce (permits)." The regulation also sets a minimum price of $100 for certain foreign goods bought from Indonesian sellers on e-commerce platforms, according to the regulation document seen by AFP. Some offline sellers at the Tanah Abang market in Jakarta applauded the government's decision. "The government should... dare to innovate given the current situation, where markets are quiet like this," said Stevanie Ahua, a 60-year-old wholesale denim jeans seller. She said her revenue had dropped by 60 percent in recent months as buyers turned to online shops. Others such as 29-year-old cookie baker Panji Made Agung in Bali said he was disappointed by the ban. "For sellers like me, TikTok can be used for soft selling. We can become influencers and sellers at the same time," he said. Experts said the transaction ban would hit the coffers of social media platforms such as TikTok, which takes a commission from every sale. "They will definitely incur losses," said Tauhid Ahmad, executive director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Development of Economics and Finance. Indonesia's e-commerce market is dominated by platforms such as Tokopedia, Shopee and Lazada but TikTok Shop gained a significant market share since launching in 2021. Indonesia, with 125 million users, is TikTok's second-largest global market after the United States, according to company figures. TikTok's chief executive Shou Zi Chew visited Jakarta in June, pledging to pour billions of dollars into Southeast Asia in the years ahead. The post Indonesia bans goods transactions on social media platforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ghana bus strapping kills 9
Gunmen killed nine people when they opened fire on a bus in a northern Ghana district struggling with ethnic tensions and concerns over Islamist violence from across the border in Burkina Faso, a local official said Friday. The attack on Thursday morning targeted a bus carrying mostly women on their way to a local market and escorted by police, because of the tensions, in Pusiga district near the volatile Bawku area of Ghana’s Upper East Region. Pusiga district chief Zubeiru Abdulai, a local mayor, told AFP that the nine victims died from gunshot wounds when their bus was ambushed near a remote forest close to the border with both Burkina Faso and Togo. “The vehicle was occupied by mostly women and was being escorted by the police due to the volatile situation in Bawku,” he said. “The police are investigating the incident now and it will be difficult for me to establish the main reason behind the attack.” Police did not immediately respond to calls seeking more details on the attack. Upper East Region has struggled with a decades-long conflict between ethnic Kusasi and Mamprusi communities over the right to choose a new chieftain and over land rights in the mostly Muslim Bawku region, where there is a heavy police and army presence. Those tensions often flare into violence. Jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has also forced people to flee across the frontier into Ghana. Earlier this year, Ghana sent 1,000 more troops and police to Bawku to reinforce security after gunmen killed an immigration officer and wounded two more. Officials did not blame any group for that attack. Ghana’s northern frontier is also an area with well-established smuggling routes, porous borders and illegal gold mining — a combination local officials and experts worry could benefit jihadists. With Islamist militants controlling large parts of Burkina Faso over the border, Western partners are looking to help Ghana and coastal West African neighbors Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast strengthen their defenses to prevent jihadist attacks. With AFP The post Ghana bus strapping kills 9 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sinner, savior or both?: Trump woos evangelicals, women
Former US president Donald Trump courted evangelical Christians and women at two back-to-back Washington events on Friday -- voting blocks whose loyalties to him once seemed contradictory but have now become a well-established part of his base. The legal, moral, and sexual escapades of the scandal-plagued frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination have earned him indictments, impeachments, and public scorn in many quarters. But support among his devotees remains strong. "As a woman, I understand that he can be offensive," Joan Horswell, a 76-year-old retired nurse from Texas, told AFP. But "personally, I like him," she said at the "Pray Vote Stand" summit, put on by the conservative Christian group Family Research Council. Something of a rock star among white evangelical Protestants, 84 percent of whom voted for him in 2020, Trump also holds his own among women, having won 44 percent of their vote in the last election, according to the Pew Research Center. "This election will decide whether America will be ruled by Marxist, fascist, communist tyrants who want to smash the Judeo-Christian heritage," Trump, 77, said at the summit, "or whether America will be saved by God-fearing freedom-loving patriots like all of the people in this room." "Is he a flawed individual? Sure. But most Christians will say, we are all sinners. Jesus is not on the ballot," said William Wan, a 60-year-old Catholic engineer from Winter Garden, Florida who attended the summit. Still, Trump may strike many as offensive. He was found liable in a civil trial in May for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in 1996. He's also set to go on trial for allegedly paying election-eve hush money to a porn star. And he was heard boasting of groping women's genitals when the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape was published, just one month before the 2016 presidential election. But lots of conservative evangelicals believe he "is the perfect man for the job precisely because he does not reflect Christian values," Kristin Du Mez, a history professor at Calvin University, told AFP. Trump's supporters "certainly like what he's done for them. But I think that many are also very comfortable with how he's done it," Du Mez said. She points to his take-no-prisoners approach in getting conservative Christians what they wanted, from ending the federal right to an abortion to recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Her book "Jesus and John Wayne" chronicles the rise of rugged masculinity ideology within white evangelical Christianity. Penny Nance, CEO of conservative Christian women's group Concerned Women for America, echoed this dogma when she introduced Trump before he spoke across town at a leadership summit for her advocacy group on Friday. "Conservative women are not looking for a pastor or a husband for president, we are looking for a bodyguard," she told the audience to cheers. "Someone willing to stick the knife in his teeth and swim the moat to our rescue from those who threaten our safety and our freedom." Melissa Deckman, CEO of the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, points out that while some political observers had initially been surprised by the number of women willing to vote for Trump, not all women see eye-to-eye on issues of sex and sexism. "American women are far from monolithic when it comes to attitudes about gender dynamics," she told AFP in an interview. Much stronger man Trump's former vice president Mike Pence -- who is also running for the Republican 2024 nomination and spoke at the "Pray Vote Stand" summit -- brandishes authentic evangelical bona fides as a deeply religious long-time churchgoer who has described himself as "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order." Yet only five percent of surveyed white, evangelical potential Republican primary voters said they would choose him as their nominee. Trump meanwhile would receive 56 percent of their vote, according to a July 2023 New York Times/Siena Poll. "He is the clearest kind of white evangelical poster boy out there," said Du Mez. "They might want (Pence) as a Sunday school teacher; that's not who they want in the Oval Office." Horswell, the retired nurse, thinks "Mike Pence is OK," but adds, "I think at this point in our government, we need a much stronger man." For conservative Christians, Trump's accomplishments as a "strong man" are many. He appointed three of the Supreme Court's nine justices, creating a bench that went on to overturn abortion rights. In 2020 he became the first sitting president to attend the annual anti-abortion March for Life rally in Washington. He has repeatedly expressed his opinion that gender is biological, siding against trans inclusion in women's sports and against gender-affirming care for minors. Any personality flaws take a back seat said Deckman: "The moral character, I think, matters less in some ways than what a candidate is willing to stand for and fight for." As Wan, the engineer from Florida, put it, "Many Christians would argue we're electing a president, we are not electing a chief theologian." The post Sinner, savior or both?: Trump woos evangelicals, women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes the spotlight
Beauty enthusiasts were drawn to a “new light” on the night of 7 September as Rustan’s The Beauty Source, the Philippines' foremost destination for opulent beauty, proudly introduced its annual Beauty Addict event. “See Beauty in a new light” came the invitation, and the retail hub renowned for curating the world’s most prestigious beauty brands in makeup, skincare, fragrance and personal care products, welcomed guests to its revamped Beauty Hall. The transformed space boasts of world-class interiors and cutting-edge retail architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for the most coveted and luxurious beauty brands. The occasion raised the bar for luxury retail and reaffirmed Rustan’s dedication to only choose the best products for its affluent customers. Excitement meets elegance The big day welcomed luxury beauty brands, such as CHANEL, Clarins, La Prairie, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tom Ford, MAC, La Mer, Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido, Hermes, Diptyque, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, L’Occitane, Grown Alchemist, Malin+Goetz, L:a Bruket and many more. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by Rustan’s chief executive officer Zenaida Tantoco, president Donnie Tantoco and executive vice president Anton Huang, accompanied by the radiant Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The evening was further elevated with captivating performances by the Halili Dance Group and the Manila String Machine Orchestra, with Bea Tantoco. As the night unfolded, guests reveled in a special afterparty with live music from Renee Dominique and renowned local DJs. The open dancefloor beckoned, while the champagne bar, sponsored by the Philippine Wine Merchants, and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Margarite Forés ensured a night to remember. Exclusive beauty gifts and selfie contest For the early birds, a prized two-sided Beauty LED Compact Mirror was given away to the first 100 visitors at Rustan’s Beauty Hall. With LED lights that mimic sunlight, this attractive mirror has both conventional and magnifying mirrors. Sharing event selfies on social media accounts qualified the selfie-savvy participants for the competition, which gave the chance to win the prized “Best Selfie Award,” which came with a hefty P10,000 Rustan’s The Beauty Source shopping spree. Glamour all the way to November From 8 to 17 September, Rustan’s offered a one-week promotion with exclusive discounts and rewards to keep its customers happy. With the Beauty Addict Holiday Gift with Purchase promotion, which is active until 30 November, Rustan’s continued the celebration throughout the holiday season. A Kate Spade New York Make It Pop Floral Jewelry Box was given out to Beauty Addict members with a minimum purchase. Rustan’s introduced the Beauty Addict Holiday Raffle, with the big prize being a three-night vacation for two in the romantic city of love — Paris, France — to heighten the anticipation. The winner will also receive KrisFlyer miles from Singapore Airlines to use on a Business Class Saver Award ticket to Paris, France. Every P2,500 spent at Rustan’s Beauty Source rewarded Beauty Addict members one entry into an electronic drawing. Every Metrobank card transaction give cardholders two entries. Promo ends 30 November. The post Beauty takes the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM highlights Phl’s potential as manufacturing hub at Milken Institute Asia Summit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touted the Philippines' thriving digital economy and potential as a manufacturing hub as he called on foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the country in his opening remarks at the 10th Asia Summit of the Milken Institute in Singapore. Marcos said that the Philippines is one of the world's highest users of the internet and social media, with a growing number of customers using these platforms to discover and buy products and services. "This has led to the rapid growth of our e-commerce sector, which is now one of the fastest-growing trends in the Philippines," Marcos said. He also pointed to the country's educated and English-speaking workforce as a major strength, noting that the Philippines is the number one country of choice for the delivery of customer support and healthcare services. "We are also a major player in the global outsourcing industry, and we are committed to continuously investing in our human capital to ensure that our people remain globally competitive," Marcos said. In addition to its digital economy, Marcos also highlighted the Philippines' potential as a manufacturing hub. He noted that the country has a strong manufacturing sector, with a focus on electronics, garments, and footwear. "We are also investing in infrastructure to improve our connectivity and logistics, which will make it easier for businesses to operate in the Philippines," Marcos said. He invited foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Philippines' digital economy and manufacturing sector. Marcos also cited the country's strong economic fundamentals, strategic location, and diverse investment opportunities during the 10th Asia Summit. The Chief Executive said the Philippines is "open for business" and is committed to providing a conducive environment for foreign investors. "The Philippines is a resilient nation with a long history of overcoming challenges," Marcos said. "We are a people who are always looking forward, and we are confident that the future is bright for our country." Marcos said that the Philippines has "demonstrated remarkable resilience" in the face of global economic volatility. He pointed to the country's GDP growth of 7.6 percent in 2022, the fastest growth rate since 1976. He also said that the economy is expected to grow by 6 percent in 2023, citing data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Marcos attributed the Philippines' economic success to a number of factors, including prudent fiscal management, monetary policy, and strong domestic demand. The President also mentioned the recent regulatory reforms that have been passed, which are expected to encourage private investment. He also pointed to the country's strategic location in Southeast Asia and its membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade agreement. "The Philippines is a gateway to the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia," Marcos said. "We are also a member of the RCEP, which gives us access to a market of over 2.2 billion people." Marcos then invited investors to consider the Philippines as a destination for investment. He highlighted the country's strategic location, membership in regional trade agreements, and the large market as some of the reasons why investors should choose the Philippines. The post PBBM highlights Phl’s potential as manufacturing hub at Milken Institute Asia Summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pause or hike? ECB rate decision on a knife edge
The European Central Bank is walking a tightrope between still-high inflation and a darkening eurozone outlook as it decides whether to lift interest rates again or finally pause its historic hiking cycle. Whether to raise borrowing costs for a 10th straight time when they meet Thursday is shaping up to be rate-setters trickiest decision since the tightening campaign began. The central bank for the 20 countries that use the euro has already lifted rates by 4.25 percentage points since July last year to combat runaway consumer prices. But the Frankfurt institution now finds itself in a "difficult spot," HSBC said in a note, as officials struggle to digest competing data. On one hand prospects for the single currency area are looking bleaker, particularly due to a poor performance in its biggest economy, Germany, which sank into a recession over the winter and is struggling to climb out of it. Latest data showed eurozone second-quarter growth reached just 0.1 percent, lower than previously estimated, while a recent survey pointed to the economy contracting at its fastest rate in three years as a manufacturing slowdown spread to services. The weak data has fuelled calls for the ECB to pause the aggressive hiking cycle for fear it could deepen a downturn, and President Christine Lagarde finally opened the door to doing so at the bank's last meeting in July. Eye-watering inflation But consumer prices, which began surging after Russia's invasion of Ukraine due to galloping energy costs, continue to rise strongly. This would support arguments for another hike to borrowing costs, with the aim of further depressing demand and slowing inflation. Consumer price rises came in unchanged at 5.3 percent in August, way above the ECB's two percent target, although closely-watched core inflation -- excluding volatile energy and food prices -- eased a little. While inflation has slowed since last year as energy costs fall, officials are now worried that other factors, particularly wage increases in a tight labor market, are keeping it elevated. The data makes for a "very complicated mixed bag," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski. "We expect a very heated debate with a close outcome." Brzeski said he expected the 26-member governing council to opt for one final increase, which would take the closely-watched deposit rate to a record high. Other analysts, however, are betting on a pause on Thursday, although they also think the ECB might then impose one final hike at a later meeting. This would be similar to what the US Federal Reserve has done -- taking a break in June before resuming lifting rates again in July. The Fed and the Bank of England are due to hold their next meetings the week after the ECB. Hawks versus doves ECB officials have insisted their decision will depend on incoming data, which has put the focus on updated forecasts the central bank is also due to release on Thursday. In the run-up to the meeting, they have mostly been cagey about what will happen, a contrast to other recent meetings where the decision was usually well-telegraphed in advance. And mixed signals have emerged in recent days. Governing council member Peter Kazimir called for another 25-basis-point hike, with the Slovak central bank chief writing in an op-ed it is "better to be safe than sorry". But another member, Italian central bank boss Ignazio Visco, disagreed with those who think it is better to overdo it, rather than undershoot, while ECB chief economist Philip Lane welcomed signs inflation was easing in some areas. Analysts stressed it was far from clear whether the "hawks", backers of further tightening, or "doves" -- proponents of a pause -- would prevail on Thursday. But if they do choose to lift rates, it will likely be "the final hike in this cycle, with the ECB on hold until at least mid-2024," said Frederik Ducrozet, chief economist at Pictet Wealth Management. The post Pause or hike? ECB rate decision on a knife edge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bata-bata’ system could be blamed for jail mismanagement — ex-BJMP chief
This is how retired P/Maj Gen Aquilino Jacob, a former chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, described the penitentiary system. He criticized the personnel who were not qualified and only got their position through political connections and the 'bata-bata' system. In an exclusive interview with Daily Tribune, Jacob, an appointee of former President Joseph Estrada, expressed shock at the lack of necessary training among BJMP personnel, who were appointed based on political endorsements. He initially considered the agency leadership position less fulfilling but eventually accepted the challenge and committed to making improvements. According to Jacob, familiarity among jail guards and detainees is expected, but professionals who undergo training, have a deep dedication to their job and receive proper compensation can resist temptation. He added that wardens are in charge of jail facilities and are responsible for meeting the needs of detainees and guards. It's important to choose the right warden based on merit, rather than political connections, although this is difficult in the Filipino culture. “Mahirap mangyari ito na hindi pagbigyan ang mga VIP lalo na kung hinihirit nila ma-pwesto ang mga bata nila na kadalasan ay nagiging abusado at idagdag pa na siguro may pakinabang ang nasa itaas nila,” Jacob said. Jacob disclosed that during his time at the BJMP, he made a recommendation to integrate all jail management in the country into one single agency. He explained that there are several detention facilities that are being managed by different agencies like PNP, NBI, BI, NBP, and others. He described the situation as "fragmented". He suggested that having one agency in charge would prevent collusion between detainees and guards, while also making accountability easier. After retiring from PNP services in 1998, 91-year-old Jacob still enjoys serving as a public servant. He is currently a barangay kagawad in Brgy. Guadalupe Viejo, serving in a low-key and quiet position in his community. The post ‘Bata-bata’ system could be blamed for jail mismanagement — ex-BJMP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Easier money transfers via PERA HUB mobile app, virtual card
PERA HUB, one of the country’s foremost consumer financial services providers, has launched a more enhanced and inclusive PERA HUB Mobile App with a new PERA HUB Virtual Card feature, which enables users to experience a fast and easy way to do remittances, cash and e-commerce transactions online without using any physical cards or having to go to a branch. With more Filipinos choosing digital-based solutions for their remittances and other cash-related services, PERA HUB aims to provide a broader range of channels and options for Filipinos to do their transactions anytime and anywhere. The PERA HUB Virtual Card serves as the main highlight of the new and improved mobile app. App features include sending or receiving Western Union domestic and international remittances; Interbank transfers to over 50 banks and e-wallets; Bills Payments with over 250 billers to choose from; Free PERA HUB to PERA HUB fund transfer; Cash-in via ECPay at over 15,000 partner locations nationwide; Cash-out at any of the 186 PERA HUB branches nationwide without additional charges; e-load and game credits; and affordable microinsurance. The enhanced PERA HUB Mobile App has a user-friendly interface where users can personalize their home dashboard and feature the services they always use and are interested in, so they can easily make transfers and keep track of their payments any time and receive or send money transfers instantly within minutes. Fast and easy It allows users to perform fast and easy PERA HUB to PERA HUB fund transfers by scanning their recipient’s unique PERA HUB Account QR code, saving contacts, and scheduling transfers for remittance and interbank transfers. The PERA HUB Virtual Card, powered by Visa, may also be used for Lazada, Shopee, Amazon and other local and international online shopping platforms. It is available for new and existing users with FREE registration for all via the app or via any of the 186 PERA HUB branches nationwide. “It has always been our priority to deliver innovative solutions for our customers. With the enhanced mobile app and the new PERA HUB Virtual Card feature, we want to create a digital experience that is inclusive for all so they always have access to convenient remittance and other financial services across different channels,” said PERA HUB president and chief executive officer Ian Ocampo. “There are Virtual Cards available in the market, but a challenger will always find a place, especially when it offers more relevant and customized solutions to address the remittance and other cash-related needs of the community it serves,” said assistant vice president for the PERA HUB Mobile App Mennie So. The post Easier money transfers via PERA HUB mobile app, virtual card appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology
Over the past decade, the telecom industry has disrupted our lives more than the century that preceded them. The advancement in telecom technology has transformed all industries, with economic fundamentals shifting to adapt to the mobility and digitally connected lifestyle. Indeed there is no limit to what can be connected, the size of the connection, or even the services provided in the connected world. There is no limit to what the connected experience demands. "While we embrace the power of technology, we also recognize the significance of making these advancements accessible to all. Inclusivity is the driving force behind our innovation as we strive to empower individuals and communities with our transformative mobile and broadband solutions," said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Telecommunity chief commercial officer, at the launch of their latest products DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans and DITO Home UNLI 5G WIFI. She said the rollout aims to empower all Filipinos and telecommunities by giving them access to affordable high-speed 5G connectivity. DITO is also making its presence felt after OpenSignal, an independent mobile analytics company, awarded DITO multiple noteworthy awards in their latest report: Upload Speed Experience, Availability, Excellent Consistent Quality, and Core Consistent Quality. DITO even dislodged Smart Communications from the top spot in the Excellent Consistent Quality category after scoring a record-breaking 58.8 percent versus Smart's 56.7 percent. Moreover, on Core Consistent Quality, DITO soared to a 79.9 percent rating, knocking-off Globe Telecom, from the top spot, only registered 77.7 percent. Incidentally, DITO's Upload Speed has also risen remarkably, with a score of 5.2Mbps. At the same time, the Availability Award they received recognized DITO for providing a robust and reliable network connection in places where people commonly go, allowing users to access DITO's network and stay connected easily. All these accolades in just their 2nd year of operations are a breakthrough achievement for the people's fave new telco, DITO Telecommunity. Postpaid plan for everyone DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans, the telco provider's newest mobile service, gives every Filipino a chance to upgrade to postpaid. Customers can choose from affordable and flexible SIM-Only Plans (with a locked-in period of 6 months) or Handset Plans (with a locked-in period of 24 months). For as low as P588 a month, Filipino customers can enjoy the benefits of DITO Mobile Postpaid, such as generous data allocation, data rollover, UNLI all-net calls and texts, premium handset offerings, and a bonus Prime Video subscription for 12 months. For Handset Plans, DITO partnered with Samsung for premium yet affordable phones that customers can choose from. Samsung Galaxy A02 is accessible for all plans, Samsung Galaxy A04 is free for FLEXPlan 888, while Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is free for FLEXPlan 1288. Samsung Galaxy S23 is also available with a corresponding cash-out requisite which can be viewed via this link dito.Ph/postpaid/handsets. Other Samsung handsets will also be available soon. DITO Postpaid plan customers are entitled to other FLEXible mobile service features such as Advance Pay, Mobile Number Portability, and Choose Your Number. Advance Pay allows SIM-Only Plan subscribers to make advance payments for their monthly subscription fees with a discount of up to 40 percent. It would also be good to note that customers can easily use Mobile Number Portability to carry over and keep their favorite Prepaid or Postpaid number as they switch to DITO Postpaid. They may also choose their number or purchase a vanity number for their new DITO postpaid plan. Customers using these features must apply for their DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans via DITO Experience Stores only for proper handling and servicing. To ensure the convenience of customers, DITO assures a fast and straightforward application process for their postpaid plans. Interested customers may apply for a DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlan through the DITO APP, DITO Experience Stores, and Device Retail Partner Stores nationwide (Rulls, MemoExpress, EC Panda). They need to bring the following: Proof of Identification (at least one valid government ID), Proof of Financial Capacity (For example Certificate of Employment, Credit Card Bill Statement, and the like), Proof of Billing that reflects the Customer's Address, and a selfie (for applications made via the DITO APP). "DITO wants all Filipinos to have equal opportunities to reach their digital aspirations. By introducing our DITO Mobile postpaid offerings, we want to break the notion that postpaid plans are too expensive and reserved for a select few. At DITO, we're proud to say that there's a postpaid plan for everyone," affirmed Jasper Evangelista, DITO director for Brand and Marketing. The post Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Khoffee Group breathes life to Arabica Philippines
The Khoffee Group Corporation, a leading coffee company known for its commitment to quality and excellent service is the newest franchise holder of Arabica Philippines. It took on the opportunity to breathe life into Arabica Philippines, knowing how much Filipinos love the global coffee brand. “Why did we choose Arabica? We know the brand, we love the brand, and we know how much Filipinos really love and miss it. So we wanted to bring back that one of a kind coffee experience to the Philippines,” said Arabica Philippines and The Khoffee Group Chief Operations Officer Koko Tamura. With The Khoffee Group at the helm of Arabica Philippines, Tamura assured coffee lovers of only the highest quality coffee with every cup. “The partnership between The Khoffee Group and Arabica is a commitment to quality and discipline in making coffee, ensuring that every cup of coffee is a perfect one,” she said. Aside from Filipinos’ love for Arabica, Tamura said they decided to partner with the global coffee brand because The Khoffee Group’s philosophy is aligned with Arabica when it comes to choosing only the best quality coffee beans and following a meticulous process to guarantee good quality coffee every time. The Japanese coffee brand is known for its meticulous selection and preparation process. Its founder, Kenneth Shoji, even compared it to the art of making sushi, which requires attention to detail and adherence to standards to ensure a quality product. Aside from the thorough coffee preparation process, The Khoffee Group is responsible for making sure that baristas are extensively trained under Arabica standards, even teaching them the manual brewing process in order to understand the whole ecosystem of coffee making. Tamura said this will help baristas appreciate the meticulous coffee-making process and better hone their skills to determine good quality coffee naturally. “Our baristas undergo rigorous training for at least a month, both here and abroad, to learn the Arabica coffee experience. If you think about it, the whole process of making a cup of Arabica coffee is really an art, a science, and a ceremony altogether,” Tamura said. She also highlighted the importance of conscientious preparation in perfecting a cup of coffee, sharing that in Arabica, one of the teachings they learned from their principal is the 80-20 philosophy: 80 percent preparation, 20 percent execution. Tamura explained that before The Khoffee Group opened the new Arabica Philippines last July 21, it took them almost a year to prepare. Aside from its newest Arabica store opening at Mitsukoshi BGC, The Khoffee Group’s CEO Karen Tui revealed, they are set to open more Arabica branches in the Philippines given their plan to increase the presence of the Japanese coffee brand in the country. They are considering different tourist destinations and iconic areas as future locations of the global coffee brand. The post The Khoffee Group breathes life to Arabica Philippines appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment
A resolution denouncing China’s intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as the mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution which urges the national government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to elevate China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone. Likewise, the agency was encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila’s claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of 5 July, the Philippine government, through the DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines’ established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission.” The post Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS
A resolution denouncing China's intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution which urges the national government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to elevate China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic rights. Likewise, the agency was also encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila's claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of July 5, the Philippine government, through DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines' sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China's harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines' established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission. In the face of relentless China propaganda since last week, we held our ground. Despite fake news and lies to stop the adoption of the measure, we stood firm,” she added. She continued: “This is an important success not only of the Senate but of the whole Philippines. The Senate crossed party lines to stand unified for our country.” The lawmaker also said that the fight against China’s reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea “does not end here.” “The fight continues,” she stressed. The post Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manibela halts jeepney strike due to ‘Egay’
The planned 3-day transport strike led by the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) was temporarily suspended on its supposed second day on Tuesday, 25 July. In a text message to the Daily Tribune, Manibela leader Mar Valbuena said they heeded the call of commuters due to the inclement weather that Super Typhoon "Egay" brings. Valbuena, however, did not divulge when they will resume the strike. "Hindi po kami magsasabi kung may strike po, gagawin na lang namin, para hindi na din mapaghandaan," he said. The first day of their strike coincided with the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with authorities laying down free rides to affected commuters. Malacañang on Monday suspended classes in public schools at all levels and work in government offices in Metro Manila due to the effects of the typhoon and the transport strike. No impact at all Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego, Quezon City Public Order and Safety chief, said the 3-day transport strike "has no impact at all", noting that other transport groups did not join the call of Manibela. "There is cancellation of work in offices and schools, people choose to stay home and wait for the SONA. Besides the weather bureau is also cautioning everyone about a possible strong typhoon. Tomorrow, the warning is still up," San Diego said. San Diego also said the local government has integrated eight routes for its bus service system, offering free rides to its constituents. The post Manibela halts jeepney strike due to ‘Egay’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jeepney strike has minimal impact on first day
Transport group Manibela pushed through with their announced three-day transport strike on Monday to dramatize their protest against the government's jeepney modernization program. But as early as 7 a.m., some jeepneys were still seen picking up passengers in Quezon Avenue and Del Monte Avenue. The transport strike coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State Of the Nation Address at the Batasan Complex, where thousands of militant protesters also held their own protest rally against inflation and other social issues. At 8 a.m., the group Manibela and PISTON (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuoer at Operator Nationwide) held a motorcade of around 50 jeepneys, passing the protesters along the Philcoa area in Commonwealth Avenue and holding a noise barrage in support of their co-protesters, then circling around the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road to signal the start of the strike. Mar Valbuena, Manibela president, said around 40,000 of their members in the metropolis participated in the first day of their transport strike by paralyzing several routes. Around 150,000 more nationwide also joined them, according to him. The impact on the riding public is minimal, according to Ret.Gen. Elmo San Diego, Quezon City Public Order and Safety chief. "Aside from cancellation of work in offices and schools, people choose to stay home and wait for the SONA. Besides, the weather bureau is also cautioning everyone about a possible strong typhoon. Tomorrow the warning is still up," he told the Daily Tribune. San Diego said the jeepney strike also had a minimal impact in Quezon City because the local government has an integrated bus service system offering "free rides" to its constituents. "We have seven available routes for that," he said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines also made available around 17 of its vehicles to convey commuters affected by the strike. This is under the AFP's “Libreng Sakay” program under the operational control of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, said AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar. “They are in their respective headquarters until they are given service routes determined by the DOTr and the MMDA. The military vehicles will be deployed when called upon by the Interagency Coordinating Center,” he added. The post Jeepney strike has minimal impact on first day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDSA remains I-ACT’s biggest headache
Despite a decrease in the number of violators, motorists caught violating traffic rules on the EDSA Busway have remained a problem, according to the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic on Monday. During the Laging Handa public briefing, I-ACT chief Charlie del Rosario said that they apprehended around 100 violators in the last two days, each with a fine of up to P1,000. Del Rosario said that the number of violators has decreased from 400 in a two-day period before. He attributed the decrease to the I-ACT’s intensified monitoring of the busway. However, Del Rosario said that the number of violators is still high, and he urged motorists to comply with traffic rules. “We see that there’s plenty of space in the private lane, but they insist on entering the busway, either because they’re in a hurry or they think there’s traffic,” Del Rosario said. “But in reality, there’s no traffic. We can’t really understand why they choose to pass through the busway. Maybe they don’t want to be inconvenienced, so they prefer getting caught rather than being stuck in traffic,” he added. He said that the I-ACT is focusing on areas where violations are rampant, such as the northbound area of Pasay since there’s a stoplight there with a barrier. He added some motorists still try to enter the bus carousel lane, even though they shouldn’t be there. The EDSA Busway is a dedicated bus lane that runs along EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue. It was implemented in 2021 to improve the flow of traffic on EDSA. Only buses with special permits issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatorwy Board are allowed to use the EDSA Busway. Government emergency vehicles are also allowed to use the busway. Motorists who are caught violating traffic rules in the EDSA Busway are fined P1,000 each and also incur generic points. Once a violator accumulates 40 generic points, his driver’s license is suspended. The post EDSA remains I-ACT’s biggest headache appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse
Through the years of Philippine fashion history, Margarita “Tingting” de los Reyes Cojuangco has always been known as the muse of the iconic Filipino designer Christian Espiritu who recently passed away. Theirs is a friendship that had stood the test of time. Tingting was named one of the 100 beautiful women of the world by the international magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, on the occasion of its 100 founding anniversary. During the early years of the 1970s, she made it to the Hall of Fame of Manila’s Best Dressed List, an annual selection initiated by the old guard of Philippine fashion, among them Ramon Valera, Salavacion Lim Higgins of Slim’s, Pilar Romack of New Yorker Gown Salon, and Imelda Reyes of Milie’s Gowns. In the 1980s, Tingting, who graced the social pages as a teenager and a young matron, transformed into a new woman, this time as a street activist braving the firecanons and tear gas, a Yellow campaigner in the South, and finally a graduate student and scholar specializing in the ethnic muslim communities of Cotabago and Zamboanga. She would cap this with a National Defense College master’s thesis on the then rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Through it all, she kept her friendship with the man who first showed the world her potential. Christian saw in Tingting, this gangly yet beautiful teenager, a lady worth grooming and turning into an icon of fashion. Tingting thus became Christian’s muse. Chosen by her mother and grandmother, Christian made her outfit for her high school prom at Maryknoll College. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and collaboration that would pass through social, political and economic upheavals in this country. No matter, they were constant in each other’s lives, not minding intrigues, the cycle of fortunes and The recent demise of her original mentor and designer, Christian, brought Tingting out of her reculsive and quiet life to share with the Daily Tribune her memories of the designer who streamline Filipiniana, incorporating his knowledge as a graduate of architecture. The interview with Tingting Cojuangco follows: “He launched my modeling career” Daily Tribune (DT): How did you meet Christian? Did you go to him for your teenage formal dresses, and not only during your wedding? Tingting delos Reyes Cojuangco (TRC): My mom and grandma Lucia “Dada” admired the simplicity of his designs on the Christian Espiritu shop on their way to fetch me from Maryknoll College. [caption id="attachment_148162" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHRISTIAN and Tingting photographed by Jaime Zobel de Ayala.[/caption] The display changed constantly but the clothes were cut simply along the revered lines of Audrey Hepburn’s and Jackie Onassis. His below the knee dresses were sleeveless, with a boat collar, 2-pin tucks under the bust accentuated the waist and hips that ended in semi straight skirt. Mom brought me into his shop at age 15 it was called “Christian” for Christian Espiritu. He launched my modeling career at 16 years old with Gilbert Perez who taught me how to pose. Mother always reminded me, a pretty face looses attraction if the voice isn’t modulated or manners are impeccable and courteousness for elders. Christian reinforced Mom’s belief, simplicity are carried off with poise, beauty and elegance. Christian’s creativeness suggested taste with ease and wealth subdued characterizing by minimalism. DT: Tell me about that wedding gown. Why did you choose him and not Valera or one of the stalwarts of the era? What was his inspiration for the gown? What did you tell him about your preferences? TRC: He made my wedding gown and the whole entourage. My in-laws wanted my wedding gown to be made by Valera a great designer of his time. But I insisted on Christian. For my wedding gown he sketched the simplest white gown, it turned out he had sequins sewed on the satin fabric one by one. He put a sheer fabric organza on top of the gown. It was very elegant for my morning wedding as the sequins shined different colors depending on the lights. That was his precision. For my wedding Christian was at home with his assistant Romulo Estrada. I recall Inno Sotto as his right hand, both dressed me up constantly. Did I have a preference in designs? He said “bahala na ako” and I agreed. That was trust and loyalty. He designed my dresses with simplicity, cut perfectly, shaping my thin body whether it was a day dress or gown. “His dresses were cut perfectly.” DT: When you were married already, did you still see him for your outfits? Which of the dresses and gowns he made for you do you remember? TRC: Yes, we had a friendship of two family’s compadres and ninangs. He did China’s wedding gown of gray and pink even if he claimed he was retired. I forced him. DT: What made him an outstanding designer? TRC: Simplicity. His dresses were cut perfectly and fabrics that didn’t crumple with pin tucks here and there. With the timelessness in the designs and his execution I could wear Christian’s couture clothes for many years. DT: You are in the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. Was he among the designers that you admired and commissioned to do your dresses? TRC: Yes and our friendship developed through the years and confidence. He never spoke bad of anybody. He would just put his hands together and smile. DT: Any unforgettable creation of his exclusively for you? Can you describe some of the gowns and dresses he made for you? TRC: I had a satin dress with a round Chinese emblem and tassel. His clothes for me were stand outs…my gowns for formal functions were of full skirts. “He said, ‘The language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered.’” DT: When was the last time you saw him? Tell us about that last encounter with him. TRC: At an Elegant Women event in Diamond Hotel, Elegance…Merriam-Webster defines it as “refined grace or dignified propriety; tasteful richness of design or ornamentation; restrained beauty of style.” The Cambridge Dictionary writes “graceful and attractive in appearance or behavior.” When the project of elegant women first came up, it was for me to make a list of best dressed women. It had been done too many times now without a conclusion. I figure that there are many Filipinas who have the perfect body for dressing, who dress and accessorize well – but money and a stylist can do that. And, as the cliché goes, money cannot buy class. So, the concept evolved and we agreed on making a list of The Elegant Filipina. We also decided that, first, this project would be for a cause, and second, that I would be allowed to redefine the meaning of elegance to inspire others to contribute to one’s community, society and country by being an elegant example. While the list was handpicked by me, I sought advice to validate my choices. This panel was composed of designer Christian Espiritu, fashion entrepreneur Tina Ocampo, Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma, Philippine Tatler’s Editor-In-Chief Anton San Diego, and Managing Editor Chit Lijauco and Pete Cura. We defined an Elegant Filipina as: He said “The woman at the center of attention knows that the language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered; Commands respect in her chosen field; leaves a legacy of power and grace, beauty and sophistication, wisdom and compassion.” At the first Elegant Women event, he was elegant in his suit with a scarf wearing his trade mark of silver bracelets or varied silver rings. I called him three weeks ago and we promised to see each other. It didn’t happen. “He never mixed politics with art.” [caption id="attachment_148158" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A PORTRAIT of Christian Espiritu by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 1987.[/caption] DT: He turned his back on his number one client, Imelda Marcos, after Ninoy died. Were you ever with Christian during the Anti-Marcos rallies? Do you recall if he was in EDSA? TRC: Christian was calm, well educated, schooled and respectful. He wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Never mixed politics and arts. I don’t know about that. I was not with Christian rallying. For rallies I only wore blue jeans or khaki pants and trubenized blouses made of cotton white t-shirt. DT: Who are his other clients from your social set? Who were his loyal customers. TRC: I don’t know. I didn’t care nor ask. That’s not my concern. DT: How did your relationship evolve in the latter years of his life? TRC: I love him. He was part of my growing up and getting old. DT: What do you think was his greatest contribution to Philippine fashion? How did he influence the Philippine fashion industry? TRC: He kept piña alive and the Paranaque bordaderas working day to midnight in their livelihood of Filipino tradition. He used muted colors of fabric. He made women look elegant and desired without showing of their bodies. I agreed that elegance can be expensive. But elegance can be inexpensive too, but confidence and amiability are the key factors. The post Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag
Justice assistant secretary and spokesman Atty. Mico Clavano yesterday apologized and corrected his earlier statement that one of the major reasons authorities could not arrest former Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Q. Bantag was due to his police connections. Clavano in a message said, “I apologize for any confusion my earlier statement may have caused. I would like to correct my error and clarify that Mr. Bantag did not serve in the Philippine National Police, but rather graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy.” He added, “I regret any confusion this may have caused and hope this clarification clears up any misunderstanding.” The DoJ official previously acknowledged the complexity of apprehending Bantag due to his connections within the police force and other law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Philippine National Police apparently took offense to the statement of Clavano that one of the major reasons why Bantag could not be easily arrested is his police connections. Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PNP chief public information officer, said Bantag has never joined the police organization and as such, has never been a police officer — contradicting the DoJ spokesman’s statement that Bantag “is a police officer.” “The Philippine National Police would like to clarify that Mr. Gerald Bantag has never been a member of the Philippine National Police, based on record, he used to be a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officer before his appointment in Bureau of Corrections,” said Maranan in a statement. While Bantag graduated from the PNP Academy, he chose to be in the BJMP after his graduation in 1996. Graduates of the PNPA have the option to choose among the PNP, BJMP and the Bureau of Fire Protection after their graduation. The DoJ has offered P2-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Bantag who was charged with murder for the death of an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison. A P1-million reward was also offered to his then deputy, Ricardo Zulueta. Clavano was quoted saying that Bantag’s police connections makes his arrest tricky, Maranan said the PNP remains committed to its task of enforcing the law, including arresting fugitives from justice. “We want to emphasize that irrespective of one’s rank, stature, or source of commissionship of any officer; the PNP will arrest any individual who has violated the law. The achievements of our police tracker teams exemplify our record in arresting wanted persons,” Maranan said. The post Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is keen on the revival of the death penalty against politicians utilizing private armed groups as well as slapping heavy punishment on highly skilled uniformed personnel dismissed from the service working as private armies. This comes following the conduct of five hearings by the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee on Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and spate of killings in the province. “I think they should be because these politicians are the main masterminds of it. They should be included in death penalty. That’s correct, good suggestion,” said Dela Rosa when asked if the political warlords should get capital punishment. “Former members of security forces should also get heavier penalties especially when they use the training skills they acquired from the government, or particularly, from the Armed Forces, from the Philippine National Police — to victimize civilians. That must be a death penalty for them, we must not talk only about reclusion perpetua,” he added. The senator — who was a former Philippine National Police chief — stressed that he will immediately include these proposals in the soon-to-be-submitted committee report for possible adoption. “I will write the report and include these. I’m just waiting for the remaining affidavits from other resource persons,” said the lawmaker, adding that he will include in the committee report death that penalty recommendation will cover active and former AFP or PNP personnel engaged in private army activities. “You see, these people are very deadly. They will continue doing illegalities if they think they will not get the death punishment. They will accept money from politician x and carry out even criminalities. But if they know they will face the death penalty, then, they will slow down,” said Dela Rosa. The committee chair is also considering amending the Omnibus Election Code, specifically, the provision that will totally prohibit the entry of “nuisance candidates” in every electoral exercise -- which he cited as the root cause of the Degamo murder case. Dela Rosa is also eyeing the removal of authority by the local executives to choose or name the police provincial director and police regional director to be deployed within their jurisdiction as stated under the Local Government Code. He stressed that police provincial directors must be appointed by the PNP’s National Headquarters while choosing chiefs of police must be given to either the provincial or regional director of the PNP. The removal of authority from LCEs, he emphasized, will limit police officials being in debt of any politician so they can fulfill the PNP mandates “more independently.” “They can now snob bordering to illegal requests or illegal orders coming from these politicians. In that case, they can also enforce the law without fear to anyone,” Dela Rosa said. “PNP is a huge organization so they should be the ones to know the merit of the officers so they must call the deployment not politicians in the provinces.” Dela Rosa said it will also contribute to the professionalism among the PNP ranks as he disclosed the drafting of a PNP Reformation Bill giving additional powers to disciplining authorities such as the PNP chief or police regional and provincial directors to punish police personnel doing illegalities. “This is more likely a military law wherein commanders have the power to jail the violators among their ranks. I want to like that for the PNP,” said the senator. Dela Rosa said that the five hearings have initially established that neither the camps of Degamo nor Teves group came innocent in perpetrating violence in Negros Oriental as many testimonies were supported by evidence. However, he assessed that some narratives of resource persons were just character assassination. “Nobody can claim from both camps that they are absolutely clean. They are telling the truth, but sometimes, some testimonies are resulting in character assassination, there are two camps here trying to destroy each other,” said Dela Rosa. The post ‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM need to reform MUP pension system — Diokno
The Marcos administration has to reform the retirement and pension funds for military uniformed personnel (MUP) since keeping the current system could cause a significant increase in the national debt and expenditure in the coming years, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. In a recent briefing, Diokno said the current formula for the MUP pension system, which started under the Ramos administration, is financially unsustainable. He mentioned that the military uniformed personnel "does not contribute" to the pension system, adding that government wholly finances their retirement benefits through yearly appropriations. Diokno stated that the current pension system is expected to cost the government approximately P848.39 billion per year for the next two decades. It is also estimated that the level of total unfunded pension liabilities is at P9.6 trillion, which is equivalent to nearly half of the country’s economy last year. Furthermore, he noted that the mounting pension obligations may lead to an up to 25 percent rise in public debt by 2030. "They (the MUP) have no contribution, yet they receive a huge amount. I think this really has to be discussed openly," Diokno said. "We can no longer afford to keep this around," the Finance Chief added. The country's outstanding debt could potentially increase by around P3.43 trillion, primarily due to the need to finance the pension system. This projection excludes any other government borrowings for various purposes over the next seven years. Diokno emphasized that meeting the financial requirements to cater to future pensioners and their dependents would be tough if the government would not immediately resolve the unfunded liabilities. Since this reform would require approval from Congress, Diokno expressed confidence that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the necessary political influence to pursue such a measure. “He (Marcos) has signified that he is willing to spend his political capital for important reforms. We have no choice. We have to face this problem,” Diokno said. Diokno pointed out that Rep. Joey Salceda is one of the advocates who will introduce a bill to revamp the MUP pension system. The finance secretary is optimistic that MUP members will begin contributing to their pension system by January 2024. Diokno cited an instance, stating that a retired general is receiving a tax-free monthly pension of P131,000. He further mentioned that the current pension system could impact other government projects such as education and healthcare. The Department of Finance (DOF) plans to talk with other government agencies and the military to address this matter. Additionally, Diokno stated that "no military official had approached" him to oppose the proposition, necessitating soldiers to contribute 1 to 3 percent of their monthly income initially. “We can no longer afford to ignore this elephant in the room. Somebody has to really fix this formula, otherwise, we will be facing a fiscal crisis,” Diokno said. “If this continues, we are crowding out some important projects like education and health because we keep on prioritizing the military pension,” he said. Instead of incremental changes, Diokno suggested that the government should establish a unified separation, retirement, and pension system for the MUP. Diokno explained that the proposed solution should cover all members of the MUP agencies, including those who are still in active service or have recently joined. Currently, the monthly pension for retirees is automatically linked to the salary of the next-in-rank in the active service. Consequently, salary increases for active personnel result in an increased funding requirement for retired members. MUP members can choose to retire early after serving for at least 20 years, even before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. The post PBBM need to reform MUP pension system — Diokno appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»