Foreign debt entry boosts reserves stock anew in April
Buffer funds still below the historic high of $110 billion, but are forecast to breach that level nonetheless by yearend......»»
Philippines, Japan, US foreign officials prepare for tri-summit
As the Philippines prepares for a trilateral summit with Japan and the US on April 11, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met on Thursday in Tokyo with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to discuss regional security issues and economic cooperation......»»
Shares gain anew on rate cut hopes
The stock market advanced for a second consecutive session yesterday, buoyed by indications that the vs Federal Reserve will make interest rate cuts later this year......»»
Incubus to hold Manila concert in April 2024
Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, José Pasillas, Chris Kilmore and Ben Kenney are set to rock Manila anew when they will hold their "Incubus Live" tour in the Araneta Coliseum on April 25, 2024. .....»»
QC councilor slapped anew with graft raps
The Quezon City Barangay Kaligayahan chairman who is an honorary councilor for being the League of Barangay Chairmen President is in for more trouble. One of his former employees slapped him along with the barangay (village) treasurer and a kagawad (councilor) with charges of violations of Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Falsification of Public Documents before the Office of the Ombudsman, late afternoon Monday. Arjean Abe, of Tawid Sapa 2, Greenfield’s, Barangay Kaligayahan charged Barangay Kaligayahan Chairman and Quezon City Councilor Alfredo “Freddie” Roxas, his treasurer Hesiree Santiago, and Kagawad Arnel Gabito chairman of Appropriation Committee with charges of violations R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Revised Penal Code for faking her signature to appear that she is still a barangay employee. Abe, in her complaint, obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE, said she was hired as a teacher aide on 1 March, 2022, receiving a monthly salary of P6,000 and was detailed at the barangay day care center. She was later transferred as a clerk taking care of issuance of barangay clearance because of the pandemic and classes on face to face were suspended. Abe said on 31 January 2023 she resigned from her work with her letter of resignation received by Santiago. However, she found out that her name still appeared in the barangay payroll list, one of which was submitted by her as an evidence against the three officials. The payroll was for 1 to 31 May 2023 where her name and signature still appeared and projected that she is still an employee receiving P6,000. The payroll list, Abe presented as “Annex A”, also has the signature of Roxas, Santiago and Gabito. These documents, Abe said, are submitted to the Quezon City goverment for funding. She also submitted a copy of her Identification Card as “Annex B” bearing her true signature for the Ombudsman for vetting against the signature on the payroll list. Abe said the acts of the three officials also constitute falsification of documents which is a violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code as she prays that the Ombudsman would act on her complaint and compelled Roxas and the two other Barangay Kaligayahan officials to answer to her charges and be jailed and eventually barred from holding public offices. The graft charges was the second to be slapped against Roxas as a barangay tanod (village watchman) earlier filed the same charges last month, accusing Roxas, Barangay Kaligayahan Secretary Maripha de Jesus and Santiago for also making him their “ghost employee.” Roxas also faced Graft and Corrupt Practices Act violations filed by one of their kagawad (village councilor) Allan Francisco Jr. who sued Roxas and other barangay kagawads Jim Mahusay; Alexander Rivera; former singer-actress Perla Adea; Arnel Gabito; Dionisio Gascon and Sofronio Grimaldo, and barangay secretary Josephine Penaranda for the approval of a barangay council resolution “interposing no objection to the application of M.M. Ledesma Laboratories Corp.” along Zabarte Road Extension on 15 April, the barangay assembly day, which is not a regular barangay council session day. The post QC councilor slapped anew with graft raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SC junks celebrity doctor’s appeal
The Supreme Court on Tuesday disclosed that it has dismissed the appeal of celebrity doctor Joel Mendez to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeals affirming the seven-year jail term slapped against him by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City for violating the provisions of Republic Act 8282 or the Social Security Act of 1997. In a six-page resolution dated 31 July 2023, the High Court’s First Division did not give merit to Mendez’s claim that the CA’s Former Special Eight Division — through Associate Justices Edwin Sorongon, Sesinando E. Villon and Marie Christine Azcarraga-Jacob — committed grave abuse of discretion when they outright dismissed his petition. This stemmed from the petition of Mendez before the SC invoking anew “extrinsic fraud” on the part of his lawyer in seeking reconsideration of the CA’s ruling. The doctor claimed that the failure of his former counsel to attend scheduled hearings for his presentation of evidence and his counsel’s failure to inform him of the hearings and that his presence was required during the proceedings were tantamount to “extrinsic fraud.” Extrinsic fraud refers to “fraudulent act of the prevailing party in litigation committed outside of the trial of the case, whereby the defeated party is prevented from fully exhibiting his side of the case by fraud or deception practiced on him by his opponent, such as by keeping him away from court; by giving him a false promise of a compromise; or where the defendant never had the knowledge of the suit, being kept in ignorance by the acts of plaintiff; or where an attorney fraudulently or without authority connives at his defeat.” The SC, though, held that Mendez’s contention that the failure to present his side due to his former counsel’s negligence constitutes extrinsic fraud, “is untenable.” “As a ground for the annulment of a judgment, extrinsic fraud must emanate from an act of the adverse party, and the fraud must be of such nature as to have deprived petitioner of their day in court,” said the SC. “The fraud is not extrinsic if the act was committed by petitioner’s own counsel. In this light, we have ruled in several cases that a lawyer’s mistake or gross negligence does not amount to the extrinsic fraud that would grant a petition for annulment of judgment,” it added. Also, the SC stressed that Mendez failed to comply with the 60-day period under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court within which to file the present petition questioning the CA decision, adding that Atty. Marc Anthony B. Antonio, one of Mendez’s former counsels, received a copy of the CA resolution dated 16 April 2019 on 2 May 2019. Mendez alleged that Antonio informed him about the resolution only on 19 June 2019. The court added that Mendez — instead of filing the present petition for certiorari within 60 days from 2 May 2019 — secured the services of a new lawyer and filed the petition only on 8 August 2019, or 98 days after Antonio received the CA Resolution dated 16 April 2019. “As keenly observed by the OSG (Office of the Solicitor General, Mendez blames yet again one of his former lawyers who allegedly belatedly informed him of the receipt of the CA Resolution dated 16 April 2019,” the SC said. “This is a self-serving allegation not supported by any evidence and, thus, deserves scant consideration. A party alleging a critical fact must support their allegation with substantial evidence, for any decision based on unsubstantiated allegation cannot stand without offending due process,” it added. To recall, the CA — in its August 2018 decision — denied the petition filed by Mendez seeking to annul the 18 July 2016 decision of QC RTC Branch 88 Presiding Judge Rossana Fe Romero which found her guilty of violating Republic Act 8282. It did not give weight to Mendez’s contentions, stressing that the SC has previously ruled that a lawyer’s neglect in keeping track of the case and his failure to apprise his client of the development of the case do not constitute extrinsic fraud. Mendez, who owns a chain of dermatology clinics in the country, was sentenced to a jail term ranging from six years and one day as minimum to seven years as maximum by the QC RTC. He was also ordered to pay SSS a total of P1,865,657.50 representing unpaid contributions from October 2011 to January 2013 with an interest of three percent per month from July 2015 until full payment. The post SC junks celebrity doctor’s appeal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL expects 14.5-M passengers this year
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, or PAL, anticipates 14.5-million passengers this year from 9.3 million passengers in 2022. According to PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, PAL is expanding its fleet by commencing to receive brand-new Airbus A350-11000s in 2025. Villaluna added that PAL maintains a fleet of 75 aircraft (46 for PR and 29 for 2P). Of the 75, they have a total of 5 parked aircraft: 3 PAL A321 NEOs and 2 PALex A320 CEOs. The NEOs are parked awaiting delivery of Pratt and Whitney engines, while the CEOs are awaiting engines and parts as well. The parked aircraft represent only 7 percent of the PAL Group fleet. Dependability improved PAL improved schedule dependability despite ongoing supply chain problems by taking proactive measures to cut back on flights and improve operational efficiency. Villaluna also said that to address this, they have pro-actively reduced their schedules since the beginning of the year and improved their spares provisioning. They also started sourcing additional engines for lease, and they are adding aircraft to their fleet network. Within a 24-hour period, around 2.4 percent of the 8,485 flights that were scheduled for June were canceled. During the month of April in Saudi Arabia, 97.6 percent of their flights were in service. 438 delays were brought on by lightning, while 139 were caused by other weather-related problems. Technical difficulties accounted for about 12 percent of flight delays. She added that fuel prices have a direct correlation to total trip costs. The fuel surcharge level, pegged anew at level 4 and relatively lower than past periods, is a welcome development for airlines. But PAL still offers a variety of fares, enabling travelers to avail of lowered fares if they book early. PAL has appreciated its customers’ support and loyalty over the years. The post PAL expects 14.5-M passengers this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL expects to carry 14.5 million passengers in 2023
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines anticipates carrying 14.5 million passengers in 2023. In 2022, the airline carried 9.3 million passengers. According to PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, PAL is further expanding its fleet with brand-new Airbus A350-11000s coming in 2025. PAL maintains a fleet of 75 aircraft (46 for PR and 29 for 2P). Of the 75, they have a total of 5 parked aircraft: 3 PAL A321 NEOs and 2 PALex A320 CEOs. The NEOs are parked while awaiting delivery of Pratt and Whitney engines; the CEOs are awaiting engines and parts as well. The parked aircraft represent only 7 percent of the PAL Group fleet, according to Villaluna. The airline said it has improved schedule dependability despite ongoing supply chain problems by taking proactive measures to cut back on flights and improve operational efficiency. Villaluna also said that to address this, they have reduced their schedules since the beginning of the year and improved their spares provisioning. They also started sourcing additional engines for lease and adding aircraft to their fleet network. Within a 24-hour period, around 2.4 percent of the 8,485 flights that were scheduled for June were cancelled. During the month of April in Saudi Arabia, 97.6 percent of their flights were in service; 438 delays were brought on by lightning, while 139 were caused by other weather-related problems. Technical difficulties accounted for about 12 percent of flight delays. Fuel prices have a direct correlation to total trip costs, pointed out Villaluna. Thus, the fuel surcharge level, pegged anew at level 4 and relatively lower than past periods, is a welcome development for airlines, but PAL still offers a variety of fares, enabling travelers to avail of lowered fares if they book early, said the spokesperson. The post PAL expects to carry 14.5 million passengers in 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wind bank benefits off-grid projects
The government is racing to maximize wind energy, particularly offshore wind or OSW, as a viable power source to serve the country’s growing demand. To help realize the plan, the Department of Energy or DoE said it will establish a so-called Philippine OSW Databank to serve as a data repository of all submitted information and documents on offshore wind or OSW projects nationwide. The plan, which followed Department Circular DC2023-06-0020 promulgated on 16 June, is part of the priority activities outlined for the efficient rollout of OSW projects. Under the policy and administrative framework for the efficient and optimal development of the country’s OSW resources, the DoE aims to streamline and simplify all permitting processes to entice more investors. As such, the DoE also plans to review the existing guidelines on contract awards and its subsequent monitoring and evaluation system. The agency will also look into the possible crafting of smart and green grid plans by the Network Service Provider. Port lease, dev’t eyed On top of these, the DoE will also formulate and issue foreshore lease regulations for the transmission system and prepare a long-term Port Development Plan. All these will ensure the safety and security of all OSW projects and the institutionalization of Marine Spatial Planning. The Philippines OSW Roadmap launched last year showcases the country’s potential OSW resources estimated at 178 GW. To date, the DoE has awarded 66 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 53.85 gigawatts — enough to supply the country’s future electricity demand. Last April, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 21, which boosts the government’s target to accelerate the development of the country’s OSW resources. Marcos’ order will also contribute to achieving the target of 35 percent and 50 percent renewable energy contribution to the energy generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively. The post Wind bank benefits off-grid projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shares flock back abroad
Slowing inflation in May made investors turn to the United States anew, resulting in the negative close of most counters in the local bourse but the peso barely moved against the greenback. The Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 1.12 percent, or 73.2 points, to 6,434.06 points. All Shares followed with a decline of 0.87 percent, or 30.21 points, to 3,437.04 points. Most of the sectoral gauges also ended the day down, led by Services after it slipped by 2.04 percent. Trailing behind were Property, 1.59 percent; Holding Firms, 1.27 percent; Mining and Oil, 1.13 percent; and Financials, 0.55 percent Only the Industrial index managed to end with gains although minimal at 0.003 percent. Volume reached 1.16 billion shares amounting to P11.45 billion. Decliners led advancers at 118 to 72 while 41 shares were unchanged. “Investors pulled back into the US, as the latest inflation data showed that price pressures continued to slow down in May, fueling optimism that the Fed (Federal Reserve) may skip a rate hike in upcoming policy-setting meeting,” Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales, said. The US inflation rate posted its slowest since March 2021 when it decelerated to 4 percent on an annual basis in the fifth month this year compared to 4.9 percent in April. On a month-on-month basis, the rate of price increases jumped by 0.1 percent, slower than the 0.4 percent rise in the previous month. The post Shares flock back abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taal Volcano acting up anew
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Saturday it has recorded at least two volcanic earthquakes in Taal volcano signifying danger nearby its crater. Phivolcs said one volcanic tremor was ongoing with low-level background shaking in the past 24 hours, since 6:35 a.m. of 2 June. The temperature in Taal’s main crater lake is at 74.1 since 27 April as it remains under Alert Level 1 status or low-level unrest. The agency warned anew the public that entering Taal Volcano Island and the permanent danger zone, especially in the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remain prohibited. Taal recorded a moderate emission of gas plumes at 1500 meters tall, drifting northeast and east-northeast. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 5,831 tonnes daily on 1 June, upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake. Phivolcs observed short-term inflation of the northwestern sector of Taal and a long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera. Under the low-level unrest of Taal, the volcano is likely to produce hazards like steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. Hence, aircraft are not allowed to fly close to the volcano including occupancy, and boating in Taal Lake must be prohibited. The post Taal Volcano acting up anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BOC exceeds revenue target anew in April
The Bureau of Customs continued its streak of exceeding its target collection with its latest haul of nearly P70 billion revenues in April......»»
MILF infighting leaves 8 dead
DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Authorities here on Monday revealed that the three-day armed hostilities between two warring Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups in two adjoining villages has displaced some 800 families or about 4,000 individuals. Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris Sindatuk disclosed that at least eight rebels were killed in the fighting, citing information from village officials. Meantime, Maguindanao del Sur Police provincial director Colonel Ruel Sermese said that said the warring MILF fighters belong to the group’s 105th and 118th base commands, whose members are locked in a long-standing “rido” or family feud over territorial disputes. The fighting was confined to the borders of Barangays Dapiawan and Madia, some 10 kilometers away from the town proper. “Their conflict started last year and erupted on 5 April and reignited anew on Saturday, 22 April,” Sermese said. “A peaceful settlement was reached and signed by both sides on 5 April, but the same was ignored.” Locked in the “rido” are combatants under Commanders Moat Sindatuk and Bobby Adam of the MILF 105th and 118th base commands, respectively. Sermese said the displaced families sought shelter inside the Dapiawan Elementary School after they emptied their homes due to the hostilities on 22 April. “MILF leaders have already sent emissaries to defuse the tension,” Sermese said, adding that it was disheartening to note that the clashes occurred during the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the monthlong fasting period of Ramadan for Muslims. The post MILF infighting leaves 8 dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty Gonzalez, first celebrity endorser of local skin care line
Versatile actress Beauty Gonzalez is the newest face of Hey Pretty Skin. In a media conference held last 14 April at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hey Pretty Skin chief executive officer Anne Barretto formally introduced Gonzalez as its first celebrity endorser. “We would like to welcome Beauty Gonzalez to the Hey Pretty Skin family,” said Barretto. “We are very excited to work with her and we are just elated that she accepted our invitation to become our first-ever celebrity endorser.” “I am very thankful for the trust they have given me,” Gonzalez replied. “Hey Pretty Skin has been in the market for only a year. To pick me as their first celebrity endorser is really a big deal. I trust Ms. Anne and her vision. I believe in her products and how it can help people achieve better glowing skin and feel good inside.” Gonzalez was chosen for having that beautiful glow inside and out. [caption id="attachment_123269" align="aligncenter" width="525"] WITH Hey Pretty Skin CEO Anne Barretto (right).[/caption] “We believe using Hey Pretty Skin products does not just improve your skin, but also boosts your confidence in your everyday life,” explained Barretto. “When we have good and healthy glowing skin, we are more confident in facing anything that comes our way. We believe Gonzalez is an embodiment of that. She has flawless skin. She is beautiful. She’s living her best life now.” Meanwhile, the endorsement is more personal to Gonzalez considering what she has been through in life. “Like everyone else, I had a lot of insecurities before. So, I helped myself. I lost weight and started taking care of my skin. That’s when I started to see myself differently… na kaya naman pala. Through Hey Pretty Skin, I hope I can inspire more people to do the same. To start having a skin regimen and just show their skin a little more love,” shared Gonzalez. Gonzalez endorses various Hey Pretty Skin products including the top-selling Neoglow Set and Kojieko soap, the Prestige Glow Set, Tinted Sunscreen, Happy Lift Serum, Facial Foam Cleanser and the Angel White Body Scrub. Hey Pretty Skin is available at heyprettyskin.com, Shopee, Lazada and Rising Era Dynasty branches in Metro Manila, General Santos City, Ozamis City and Hong Kong. It is officially distributed nationwide by Rising Era Dynasty led by its president and CEO Red Era. The post Beauty Gonzalez, first celebrity endorser of local skin care line appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Samar clash leaves 2 NPA dead
TACLOBAN CITY — Two guerilla fighters of the New People’s Army were killed in a clash with soldiers from two Philippine Army battalions in Basey, Samar on 14 April 2023. Reports from the 8th Infantry Division disclosed that the two rebels died when troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion and 63rd Infantry Battalion encountered some 17 NPA fighters belonging to Bugsok Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Sesame in Barangay Mabini, Basey, Samar. The clash, which lasted for 20 minutes, resulted in the death of two NPA members and the recovery of one M16 rifle, two M653 rifles, assorted magazines and ammunition, three bandoliers and other personal items. Capt. Jefferson Mariano said the two military units were responding to reports from the residents regarding the presence of armed men in their community. He added that it is a normal practice for two units to respond to the same complaint especially if the enemy’s force is big. The encounter site, Barangay Mabini, is one of the remotest villages in Basey town and a former stronghold of the NPA. In 2020, the military discovered a bomb making camp of the NPA in the area. The two casualties were identified as Ponciano Ocenar, alias Lobo, a former commanding officer of the Platoon 4 of the Regular Guerilla Unit under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and Rene Orio alias Dario. Mariano said the 801st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, which has jurisdiction of the area, has already contacted the family of the dead rebels for a formal turnover of their bodies. Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, in a statement, said there could be more rebels who were wounded in the clash based on blood stains that were found on the directions where they fled. Lelina appealed to the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law as the Army will continue its offensive operation against the Communist Terrorist Groups. “It is never too late for you to lay down your arms and be with your families who are waiting for your return. The government has prepared programs and services to help you start anew,” Lelina said. The post Samar clash leaves 2 NPA dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asia Pacific region to grow faster on easing pandemic restrictions: ADB
Manila [Philippines], April 5 (ANI): Economic growth in developing economies in Asia and the Pacific in 2023 is going to be faster as the continued easing of pandemic restrictions boosts consumption, tourism, and investment, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB). In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2023, it said the reopening of China after the pandemic is the main factor brightening Asia and the Pacific regi.....»»
Risa Sato boosts PH Grand Prix team as recovering Alyssa Valdez sits out anew
The Philippine women's volleyball team gets a mix of good and bad news for the ASEAN Grand Prix as Risa Sato returns from a health issue, but dengue-stricken Alyssa Valdez still sits out.....»»
Debt raised from samurai bonds sale boosts Philippine dollar position in April
Proceeds from the government’s recent sale of “samurai” bonds gave the Philippines its first dollar surplus for the year in April, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported Wednesday......»»
Mexico boosts a historic series of trade surplus in April
This content was posted on May 25, 2021 – 1:52 PM May 25, 2021-13:52 MEXICO CITY, May 25 (EFE) – The Mexican economy boosted a.....»»
Lockdowns demonstrate impact with factory output back to red
Local manufacturers snapped a delicate recovery in output in April after rising coronavirus cases triggered a return to strict lockdowns that shuttered factories anew......»»
Araw ng Kagitingan: Salute to present-day heroes
ON April 6, 1961 or exactly 60 years ago this week, Congress passed Republic Act 3022 that was signed into law by President Carlos P. Garcia “proclaiming the ninth day of April as Bataan Day and declaring it as a legal holiday.” The continuing observance of quarantine restrictions mutes anew this year’s observance. Yet the […].....»»