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Bohol fisherfolks get early Christmas gift

TUBIGON Bohol, December 12 (PIA) -- Fishermen from Guiwanon, Tubigon and nearby barangays open an early Christmas present, and they have officials cut the ribbons so the gift could be opened.

Wrapped in a fresh coat of light blue and its darker shade, the present is a P2.7 million Community Fish Landing Center that would soon be operated by fisherfolks association, according to Bohol Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fishery Officer Leo Bongalos.

Speaking for BFAR Regional Director Allan Poquita who was in a conference in Manila, Bongalos told the community that the turn-over also opens the floodgates of trainings and capacity building for locals before fully owning the operation of the facility.

In the meantime, LGU Tubigon would be handling the operations, Bongalos said.

According to Bongalos, CFLC is a multi-use facility: fishermen's fish landing site, accessible cheap fish market, fishermen's protection from bad weather, a space for mending and fixing broken nets and gears, meeting area as well as other venues for extra income opportunities for mothers.

The ribbon cutting which happened shortly after the speeches had as witnesses Tubigon Mayor Willam R. Jao, Vice Mayor Virgilio Fortich, Sangguniang Bayan Members, Office of the Regional Director Allan Poquita represented by Mario Ruinata, BFAR Calape Melba Dumadag, Guiwanon and Bagongbanua Barangay Chairs Angelito Gibalay and Eufronio Abella, Cong Rene Relampabos' representative Archie Lungay, Gov Edgar Chatto's representative Mer Ebojo, Municipal Agriculture Officer Yolanda Labella and local fisherfolks led by Jessie Dolera.

In the season of giving, Mayor William Jao pitched in some more for the community with two stainless steel display tables for the new fish market center and a new freezer so fishermen can still keep their fish catch fresh.

All of these are in a facility that also works as a one-stop-shop for fish harvest traders looking for bargain prices.

In his message of acceptance, Jao urged people from the islands of the town to bring their harvest to Tubigon than in Cebu, stressing the need to help Tubigon first.

Like most areas in Bohol, despite sitting in an area teeming with marine treasures, fish price has remained too high for the poor compared to nearby Cebu.

Local officials assumed the low supply landing in Tubigon and in the towns in Bohol could have affected the pricing.

With the eight fish landing facilities set up in 2016 and six more by 2017, BFAR believes the price of fish and marine resources should go low any time sooner.

Funded by the BFAR and the National Anti Poverty Commission, the facility is the second of the eight of such government anti-poverty initiatives in the Administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, Bongalos said.

Initiated by BFAR but also sought by the local government, the Guiwanon CFLC is expected to bring down the price of fish as this would be a crucial facility that attracts commercial fishers who are landing fish in Cebu than in Tubigon, Vice Mayor Fortich said.

The actual budget is P3 million, added Fortich, but when barangay also put up its counterpart, the project now gave the community savings.

For his part, Gov Chatto's representative Mer Ebojo reiterated that the P2.7 M facility supports extensively the development framework of Bohol as it props up agriculture and food security. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1101481598199/bohol-fisherfolks-get-early-christmas-gift-#sthash.mkBBTBVk.dpuf

God's Revelation Is His Invitation

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

Christians spend much time talking about “seeking God’s will,” as though it were hidden and difficult to find. God does not hide His will. His will is not difficult to discover. We do not have to plead with God to reveal His will to us. He is more eager to reveal His will than we are willing to receive it. We sometimes ask God to do things He has already done! The people in Amos’s day became disoriented to God and to His desires. God had revealed His will; the problem was that they had not recognized it or obeyed it. Amos declared that God does nothing in the affairs of humanity without seeking one of His servants to whom He will reveal His activity. Tragically, there are times when no one is walking closely enough with Him to be receptive to His word (Isa. 59:16; 63:5; Ezek. 22:30-31). Jesus walked so intimately with His Father that He was always aware of what the Father was doing around Him (John 5:19-20). Jesus said that if our eyes are pure, they will see God and recognize His activity (Matt. 6:22). If we are not seeing God’s activity, the problem is not a lack of revelation. The problem is that our sin prevents us from noticing it. When God is working in your child’s life or when He is convicting your coworker, He may reveal His activity to you. His revelation is His invitation for you to join Him in His redemptive work. Be alert to God’s activity around you. He will reveal His activity to His servants. If your spiritual eyes are pure, you will be overwhelmed by all that you see God doing around you!      Henry and Richard Blackaby

Japan's FSA fines Morgan Stanley for stock price manipulation

TOKYO, Dec. 16 (PNA/Kyodo) -- Japan's Financial Services Agency has fined Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co. 220 million yen (USD1.86 million) for stock price manipulation, the agency said Friday.

This is the first time a major foreign-affiliated brokerage firm has been fined for market manipulation, and the fine amount is the second highest in Japan for that offense, according to the FSA.

The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission recommended on Dec. 6 that the FSA fine the brokerage, which later admitted to committing the offense. (PNA/Kyodo)

Unisys names new chief marketing officer

IT outsourcing firm Unisys has hired Ann Sung Ruckstuhl as senior vice president and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), leading all of Unisys' marketing and communications functions. Ruckstuhl was recently CMO at SOASTA, the leading digital performance management platform used by Fortune 1000 companies. She also worked as CMO at LiveOps, head of marketing at Symantec's NortonLive Services and vice president of marketing at Sybase. At Unisys, Ruckstuhl will be based in Silicon Valley and will report directly to Peter Altabef, president and CEO of Unisys. Unisys is a global information technology company that specializes in providing industry-focused solutions integrated with leading-edge security to clients in the government, financial services and commercial markets. Unisys also operates an outsourcing center in the Philippines.

Local agencies express support for IT-BPM Roadmap

Government agencies in the Philippines, including the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have reiterated their full support for the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Roadmap. PEZA said it will support the industry through tax incentives while the DTI will continue to promote the industry to prospective investors. The DTI said the IT-BPM industry has limited resources for marketing and promotions so the department will continue to include the industry in its promotion programs.

Axiom BMP celebrates 12th year in industry

Global outsourced services provider Axiom BPM has marked its 12th year of industry experience and business operations. The company offers outsourced services for accounting, BPO & back office support, and software development to its clients. A spokesperson for Axiom said the company will continue to provide high quality technology and outsourcing services at a significantly lower cost. The company, according to the spokesperson, is determined to leverage offshore development and operations centers for its services. Headquartered in India, Axiom also operates dedicated centers in the Philippines.

Xerox names new board directors

NYSE-listed Xerox has announced that Joseph Echevarria, former chief executive officer of Deloitte LLP, and Cheryl Krongard, former senior partner with Apollo Management LP, will be joining its Board of Directors effect 1 January 2017. Xerox Corporation, which comprises the company’s Document Technology and Document Outsourcing businesses, and Conduent Incorporated, a business process services company, now has 11 directors on its board with the new additions. In a statement, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns said the company will benefit from the international business knowledge of Echevarria and the institutional asset management expertise of Krongard.

Aseana to hold back from developing new BPO buildings

Philippine property developer Aseana Holdings Inc said that while it will continue to develop business process outsourcing (BPO) projects in its pipeline, it will take a conservative approach when it comes to new BPO office projects. Aseana Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DM Wenceslao & Associates, said the issues hounding the country's outsourcing industry have made the company more conservative in developing new BPO buildings. Projects in the pipeline, which include a 50,000 square meter of office space, however, will continue to be developed, said Aseana Holdings Managing Director Delfin Angelo Wenceslao. He also noted how a number of BPO companies are now taking a wait-and-see stance to the incoming US administration.

Bellsystem24 buys 49% stake in Vietnamese call center

A Japanese outsourcing company sees a huge outsourcing potential in Vietnam due to the country's low labor costs and growing pool of IT-savvy workers. Bellsystem24, an outsourcing service provider owned by Japanese trading giant Itochu, has acquired a 49% stake in Vietnam's Hoa Sao Group. Bellsystem24 is looking to expand its operations in Vietnam through its acquisition in the country's leading call center operator. Bellsystem24 wants to capitalize on Vietnam's advantages as a potential outsourcing hub, including a large population of IT workers that can be hired at lower wages than in the Philippines or China. Hoa Sao Group runs eight call centers with 3,000 workers in Vietnam. Bellsystem24 has a contact center in the Philippines.

493 Qualfon managers, supervisors earn Six Sigma Green Belt

An additional 493 Qualfon contact center managers and supervisors have earned their Sig Sigma Green Belt certification, the gold standard for process improvement in the contact center industry. The achievement marks another step forward in Qualfon’s effort to certify every supervisor in Six Sigma practices. The number of Qualfon's certified leaders has risen to a total of 812. Qualfon’s Leadership Academy is a company-wide initiative that requires contact center supervisors, manager and leaders to complete 19 management courses and attain Six Sigma Green Belt certification through an independent certification company.

Convergys Philippines recognized for on-the-spot hiring

The Makati City Government has recognized Convergys Philippines Services Corp for being one of the top 10 companies with the most number of on-the-spot hires. Convergys was among the 49 private companies that Makati City recently recognized as the top business establishments that have partnered and helped the city government in its job-creation and employment-generation programs. Convergys was recognized for its five on-the-spot hires during job fairs sponsored by Makati City and for active participation in the city's local and overseas job placement programs last year.

Megaworld eyes 100,000 BPO jobs for Davao project

The P15-billion Davao District is expected to generate around 100,000 jobs primarily in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. Megaworld Corp has started construction of the project, with the first phase to include two 15-storey mixed-used buildings and a five-star hotel. The project alone should generate around 10,000 jobs primarily in the BPO sector, according to Megaworld board member Kingson Sian. The Davao City Investment Promotion Center expects more real estate investments in Davao.

Services exports forecast to further grow- BETP

The revised Philippine Export Development Plan has forecast a 9% growth in 2016 and 8% in 2017 for the services exports, which include tourism and business process outsourcing (BPO). However, the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions Senen Perlada warned that the services sector may soon reach its peak and start to plateau in the next few years because of its very high base for its main contributor, the IT-BPM sector. Export growth in the Philippines has been services-driven in the past eight to nine years due to the expansion of the IT-BPM sector which accounted for about 80% to 85% of the services exports.

TCS named top employer in Asia Pacific

Software and IT outsourcing giant TCS has been named as top employer in the Asia Pacific region by the Top Employers Institute. TCS, which revealed the recognition in a statement, said TCS has been named Top Employer Asia Pacific 2017 and a top three certified organisation in the region. TCS added that it got first time employer certification in China and the Philippines, and scored multi-year top employer certifications in Australia, India and Singapore. The outsourcing firm was also declared 'Global Top Employer' early this year, and has joined an exclusive group of firms with the rating. Top Employers Institute is a 25-year-old Netherlands-based institute that certifies excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people.

Ubiquity Global Services names Matthew Nyren CEO

Multinational outsourcing firm Ubiquity Global Services Inc has named its founder Matthew Nyren as its chief executive officer, taking over from Ray Iglesias, who will serve as executive chairman. Nyren's appointment takes effect on 1 January 2017. Nyren founded Ubiquity in 2012 as an outsourcer for the payments industry. He will also continue to serve as company president. Nyren said the appointment gives him the opportunity to move the company forward during its next phase of growth and global expansion. Headquartered in New York City, the company's expanding network includes service delivery locations in the US, Hungary, Portugal, El Salvador and the Philippines.

BPO center of excellence proposed - Davao

The business process outsourcing (BPO) Association of Davao Inc (ADI) has proposed for the establishment of an ICT-focused ‘center of excellence’ to prepare graduates for the challenges and demands of the ever-evolving BPO industry. ADI president Xavier Eric Manalastas, also CEO of Davao's Next BPO Solutions, said the country needs a center where IT graduates can further hone their skills. The proposal immediately got the support of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham), Cora dela Cruz, national executive director of CanCham, who said that the center of excellence will significantly upgrade the country's talents. The center of excellence was proposed during a media briefing for the upcoming 11th International ICT Awards Philippines 2017.

Government tells BPO sector to avoid speculation

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has urged the business process outsourcing sector to avoid speculation on the statement of US president-elect Donald Trump about the future of outsourcing. Andanar said the statements of Trump related to outsourcing are not a policy set in stone. He said the industry cannot speculate on the future of American BPOs in the Philippines until President-elect Trump takes his oath of office and spells out his policies. Andanar recalled how incumbent US President Barack Obama also gave a similar appeal to BPOs, but the appeal was not supported by outsourcing companies. He added that American BPOs continue to stay in the Philippines because it is more viable to do business here than back in the US.

BPO driving office sector in Cebu - Pinnacle

Real estate consulting and services firm Pinnacle said the business process outsourcing sector continues to be the driving force of the local office market. Cebu, it said, follows the national trend where the BPO industry heavily drives the market. In a report, Pinnacle said the annual average growth rate of new office property stock in Metro Cebu is about 12%, which is at the low end of the projected growth rate for the BPO industry in the Philippines. The BPO industry is forecast to grow between 12% and 18% annually over the next five years. By the end of 2016, there will be nearly 900,000 square meters of Grade A office space in Metro Cebu, the report added. There are approximately 120,000 BPO workers in Metro Cebu currently.

FamilyMart banks on BPO to reach 500 stores in five years

FamilyMart, a Japanese convenience store franchise chain, has set a goal of reaching 500 stores in the Philippines in five years, tapping the country's business process outsourcing (BPO) sector as key growth driver. Philippine FamilyMart CVS, Inc President and General Manager Manuel C. Alberto said the store's network expansion strategy will prioritize and focus on servicing the office and BPO market. The company has set up at least 100 stores, in the years since it opened its first store in April 2013. FamilyMart earlier said the Philippines is ripe for convenience stores because of the country's young population and a growing BPO sector. FamilyMart is the first Japanese-owned convenience store chain to go global. It currently has over 16,000 stores globally.

Aon exploring sale of USD5bn benefits outsourcing unit

Global insurance broker AON is reportedly exploring a sale of its employee benefits outsourcing unit, which has a potential value of not less than USD5bn. According to a Reuters report, which quoted unnamed sources, the move could be part of the company's efforts to focus more on its insurance and risk management businesses. In 2010, Aon acquired human resources services provider Hewitt Associates for USD4.9bn. The report added that the possible sale has attracted interest from private equity firms. The sources, however, added that there is no certainty that Aon will decide to sell the business. Aside from providing risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, Aon also provides HR solutions and outsourcing services to companies in more than 120 countries.

Medtronic to outsource jobs to the Philippines

Medical technology, services, and solutions provider Medtronic is outsourcing some work to the Philippines as part of efforts to stay competitive. Medtronic is reportedly eliminating lower-skilled jobs in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and shifting the work to a contractor based in the Philippines. Medtronic, however, declined to identify the outside contractor, but sources have said the company is hiring IT services firm Cognizant. The outsourcing company will provide phone-answering and customer service functions for Medtronic from offices in the Philippines. About 70 people at Medtronic's Sullivan Lake plant in Columbia Heights were notified last week that their jobs would be affected.

National broadband network plan to get P200bn budget

The national broadband network (NBN) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) could get as much as P200bn (USD4bn) if approved. This was revealed by DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, who said the Department of Budget and Management is planning to submit a P200bn supplemental budget to Congress for the setting up of the NBN. The NBN seeks to speed up internet speed in the country to address the growing needs of the business process outsourcing sector. Salalima also revealed that the DICT is planning to hold a national summit with regulators, public service providers and consumers to discuss how to make the country's internet speedier. The Telecom Summit will be held in February 2017, but no venue and exact date has been set, Salalima said.

Cebu firm to offer BPO franchise

Cebu-based Performance 360 Global Services is targeting to launch and offer its business for franchise by Q4 of 2017, allowing more local players to get into the outsourcing business. Michael Cubos, the company's founder, said he has already piloted a franchising system that will soon be offered to local investors. Performance 360 Global Services operates a 130-seater call center in Cordova town, Cebu. Under the franchise, Cubos said the company will provide business development support, which includes looking for clients and designing the services to be offered. They will also train agents and provide all the IT systems that will be used during the operations. At least three investors have already expressed interest in franchising - one in Misamis Oriental, one in Maasin, Southern Leyte, and another one in Cotabato. Cubos originally started Performance 360 Global Services with a P10,000 investment.

Enlarge Your Tent!

Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare;Lengthen your cords,And strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2

When God comes to a life in power, it is always a time of rejoicing and expectation for the future! Isaiah described this experience as similar to that of a child born to a previously barren woman. The child’s arrival changes everything! Life cannot continue as usual! Whereas the dwelling place might have been large enough for two, it must now be made bigger. The child’s presence causes the parents to completely rearrange the way they were living. Isaiah proclaimed that when God comes, you must make room for Him in your life. You must “enlarge the place of your tent” because God’s presence will add new dimensions to your life, your family, and your church. You do not simply “add Christ on” to your busy life and carry on with business as usual. When Christ is your Lord, everything changes. Whereas before you may not have expected good things to come through you or in your life, now you should have a spirit of optimism. You ought to expect your life to become richer and fuller. You can anticipate God blessing others through your life. You can look for God to demonstrate His power through your life in increasing measure. As a Christian, how do you make room for Christ in your life? You repent of your sin. You allow Christ the freedom to do what He wants in you. You watch eagerly for His activity in your life and in your family and in your church. You live your life with the expectancy that Christ will fill you with His power in the days to come and will “stretch” you to do things in His service that you have never done before.    Henry and Richard Blackaby

STATEMENT OF ATTY. VIC RODRIGUEZ, LEGAL SPOKESPERSON OF FORMER SENATOR BONGBONG MARCOS, ON THE P2B DEMAND OF SMARTMATIC TO COMELEC FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE VCMs

It is the height of incompetency and recklessness that the Commission on Elections had failed to anticipate the possible filing of election protests in its contract with Smartmatic on the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) used in the last elections that has resulted in the plunder of public funds.

It is also not fair for Senator Bongbong Marcos to be blamed for the delayed return of the VCMs to Smartmatic because the COMELEC should have provided a stipulation in its agreement that in case an election protest is filed, this would naturally warrant a delay in the return of the machines.

This is another example of how the Filipino people have again been shortchanged by Smartmatic and COMELEC through the many contracts they have concluded on the conduct of the elections. Contracts entered into with foreign entities should contain provisions that would protect the Filipino people at all costs.

Given our flawed electoral system, it is difficult to believe that the COMELEC was not able to anticipate [the filing of election protests].  The right to vote is guaranteed by our Constitution.  So is the right to ensure that our votes are counted.

This ineptitude will cost the Filipino people P2 billion as Smartmatic now moves to collect the said amount based on the “options to purchase” provision in their contract.  Because of the failure to return, the VCMs are now considered “sold” and so the COMELEC must pay the huge amount.  Can someone please provide the Filipino people with the alleged “options to purchase” provision in their contract?

What is more alarming is the confirmation coming from COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon that the implementation of the "option to purchase" will be conducted in a closed-door meeting with Smartmatic.

We also would like to exception on a supposed statement made by COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista that they already made a “constructive delivery” or a paper delivery on November 29 of the machines used in the elections. He was also quoted as saying that on December 1, the poll body announced that it had turned over 97,366 optical mark reader machines and the Election Management Systems but retained 151 OMR machines.

Did the COMELEC inform, much less ask permission from the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, for the return the OMRs given the still existing Precautionary Protective Order (PPO) which enjoins the COMELEC to preserve all elections materials used in the May elections?

With such actions, COMELEC has again showed its brazen and cavalier disregard of the rules and orders of the courts just to oblige to all the requests of Smartmatic. Such actions are a travesty of justice and a direct contempt to judicial processes. Bautista should practice what he recently preached, advocating respect for the PET process.

The COMELEC had previously approved and conducted stripping activities of supposedly “unused” VCMs upon the request of Smartmatic despite the existence of the PPO. Many of the SD cards taken from the “unused” VCMs were found to contain data validating our position that those machines should not have been touched in the first place while our election protest is still pending.

What Smartmatic wants, Smartmatic gets indeed!

Last Monday night, forty-four years after the people of Delaware first sent me to the United States Senate, I presided over a Senate vote for one of the last times.

As Vice President of the United States and president of the Senate, I served as the presiding officer as the Senate moved forward on the 21st Century Cures Act, a bill that will harness America’s best minds in science, medicine, and technology to tackle the biggest health challenges of our time.

This bill will help us combat the heroin and prescription opioid epidemic ripping apart families and communities. It invests in programs to improve mental health treatment and suicide prevention. It will provide resources for President Obama’s BRAIN and Precision Medicine initiatives, so that our world-class researchers can figure out how to better prevent, treat, and eventually cure Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injuries.

And this is the part that's personal for me and for millions of Americans: The 21st Century Cures Act invests $1.8 billion to help us end cancer as we know it. For over a year, I've been leading our National Cancer Moonshot to fundamentally change the culture of our fight against cancer and inject a sense of urgency into it. This bill goes a long way to help us -- investing in promising new therapies, enhancing prevention and detection efforts in every community regardless of zip code, and bringing us closer to the day when there are vaccines for all kinds of cancer, just as we have them for measles or mumps.

God willing, this bill will save lives.

While I was presiding in the Senate, my colleagues from both sides of the aisle renamed the section of this bill on cancer research for my son, Beau, who lost his battle with brain cancer, but like countless Americans who lost their own battles, inspires us to do everything we can for the loved ones we can save. My thanks goes out to the bipartisan leadership -- Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate -- who ensured that this important bill became law. Without this true bipartisan support, this piece of legislation, which will help millions of Americans, would not have been possible.

Today, President Obama will sign the 21st Century Cures Act into law. One last time in our Administration, I will stand right by him at a signing ceremony -- proud of our country, and proud of the work we’ve done to give people hope.

I hope you'll join me.

Thanks,

Joe Biden

The Race

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

There is much satisfaction in finishing something you have begun! The success of a race is determined not only by how well you begin but also by how well you end. Many athletes can begin a race impressively, but if they stumble or are injured or lack the stamina to finish, their good start is useless. Paul rejoiced that he had not only begun the race but he had also finished it. His prize was a robust faith in God and a life filled with God’s powerful presence. The Christian life is not easy. Some mistakenly assume that once they become children of God, their struggles are over. Many Christians begin their walk with Christ enthusiastically, but as the pressures mount, they lose heart and abandon their pilgrimage. Paul described His Christian life as a battle. There were times when he struggled, and only through perseverance could he continue. It may surprise us to know that the great apostle had to struggle at times to be faithful to God. Paul faced persecution, misunderstanding, betrayal, and death threats. His Christian life was anything but easy, yet he persevered. Your faith in God is not proven by beginning the race but by enduring to the finish. Publicly announcing your commitment to Christ in your church does not compare with a lifetime of devotion to His cause. Use Paul as your model. Live your life in such a way that you can one day conclude, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!”           Henry and Richard Blackaby

He Has Shown You

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy,And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

God never conceals His expectations from us. We never have to guess how we should live. In response to the misguided ways in which people sought to please God, the prophet Micah clearly explained what God does and does not expect. The people asked: Should we come to God with many offerings? Should we bring a thousand rams and ten thousand rivers of oil? Would God be pleased if we gave our firstborn child to Him to express our devotion? (Mic. 6:6-7). Micah’s response was straightforward: “He has shown you, O man, what is good.”

Micah listed three things God desires. First, He wants us to show justice. The desire to receive justice is not enough. We must also be absolutely just in the way we treat others. If we have given our word, we should keep it with complete integrity. If we have people working for us, we should treat them as fairly as Jesus would. We should act justly in every relationship.

Second, we are to love mercy. The knowledge that we have received undeserved mercy from God should motivate us to show mercy to others. We must resist the temptation to retaliate against those who have wronged us, choosing to show them mercy instead.

Finally, God requires us to walk humbly with Him. God does not ask us for spectacular acts of serviceâ€"He asks for humility. At times we try to make the Christian life far more complicated than it is. We may hide behind questions about the Bible or uncertainty about the second coming of Christ. We can allow ourselves to become distracted in order to avoid confronting what God has clearly told us to do today. If we strive to be completely obedient in the basics, the more complex assignments will become clear.   Henry and Richard Blackaby

The Christian life is hard work. Christianity involves systematically striving to implement the truths of God’s Word into your life. Spiritual depth and maturity do not come without consistent effort. Jesus had just concluded the Sermon on the Mount, which sets forth some of the most profound truths ever spoken. The Son of God had clearly explained the kind of life that is pleasing to the Father. Yet Jesus knew, even as He was concluding His sermon, that some of His listeners would leave and never apply a word they had heard. Jesus said that a man who takes the words of God and builds them into his life is like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. Rocks are hard to build on. It takes great effort to attach a foundation to a rock. A house built on sand provides instant comfort; building on a rock is laborious and tedious. Yet building on sand leaves the builder in a vulnerable position, while the one building on the rock is secure. How can you tell what kind of foundation a life has been built on? Watch to see what happens when a storm comes. A life built upon the Word of God will withstand the very storm that sweeps away the life that did not heed God’s Word. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. Maturity only comes through hard work and obedience to what God says. The next time you hear Jesus speaking, immediately begin to firmly build His truth into your life, so that no storm can unsettle you.

Syria, South Sudan, climate change major concerns, says retiring UN chief

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (PNA/Xinhua) -- In his final news conference during his 10-year tenure, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday said the civil war in Syria, the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, and climate change were his major concerns while serving the world body.

Ban, who will be replaced by former prime minister of Portugal Antonio Guterres on the New Year, said the carnage in Syria "remains a gaping hole in the global conscience".

"Aleppo is now a synonym for hell," referring to that country's besieged and largest city, said the UN chief in an opening statement at the UN Headquarters in New York.

"As I told the Security Council three days ago, we have collectively failed the people of Syria," he said. "Peace will only prevail when it is accompanied by compassion, justice and accountability for the abominable crimes we have seen."

The Syrian civil war broke out in March 2001 after anti-government protests spread into an armed conflict.

Meanwhile, the secretary-general said he was "closely following the deteriorating situation in South Sudan".

The third major concern for Ban, after serving the maximum allowed two five-year terms, was legacy for future generations, hoping the world organization would "continue to support the global momentum behind the Paris Agreement on climate change", which was reached in the French capital in December 2016.

"Climate action means jobs, growth, cleaner air and better health," he said. "Leaders from across the globe and on every front understand this -- from Fortune 500 CEOs (chief executive officers) to governors and mayors."

"The Paris Agreement on climate change is a precious achievement that we must support and nurture," the secretary-general said. "There is no turning back."

"Nobody can stop this one," he said. All those already on board know that without changing course, "our future will be tragic".

Ban told reporters he was "very proud of awakening people" about the deadly effects to future generations of climate change.

But when asked to list some of his achievements, the UN chief said he was sorry to have left so many unfulfilled issues to his successor and member states, mentioning the Central African Republic and Mali, as among some 40 continuing conflicts in the world.

"It is not good timing to list achievements" when he had so many regrets, Ban said. "We are living in a time of turmoil and challenges."

However, the UN Chief said if the Sustainable Development Goals for the 2030 Agenda which he pushed for are achieved, the world would be more prosperous, peaceful and healthy.

It has long been speculated the 72-year-old Ban, on retirement, would seek the presidency of his home country after he steps down.

On Friday, he admitted it was on his mind, saying he would think about it and sounded like a possible candidate.

"I will take some more days to rest," he began in answering a question about seeking the post. "I have been repeatedly saying I am still secretary-general. I still have 15 days to go."

"I also understand the aspirations of the people for a new type of inclusive leadership that can help them overcome the challenges ahead," the secretary-general said. "There are many issues on how to reconcile differences of their thinking... which we have to think about and that means some social integration, reconciliation and much more matured democratic institutions."

"I am confident that the Korean people with their resilience and... democratic institutions, I'm sure that they will be able to overcome this difficulty soon," he said.

Ban was South Korean foreign minister from 2004 to 2006, he became the eighth UN secretary-general on Jan. 1, 2007, and was re-elected for another five-year term at the end of his first tenure. (PNA/Xinhua)

Rat, black bug infestation destroys PHP11-M agri products in North Cotabato

COTABATO CITY, Dec 15 (PNA) -- Rat and black bug infestation in farming communities in Kabacan, North Cotabato have destroyed more than PHP11 million worth of agricultural crops from October to December this year, disaster officials today said.

David Don Saure, Kabacan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), said seven of 24 villages have been affected by rat attacks and black bug infestation.

Kabacan is North Cotabato's rice producing town that earned recognition not only in the province but region-wide. It is more known as North Cotabato's rice granary.

Saure said the municipal agriculture office, in its assessment report, reported that the infestation has affected more than 500 hectares.

It also affected 491 farm families in seven villages.

Saure said as of Dec. 13, the total cost of damages to crops was pegged at PHP11,420,942.

With the situation, Saure said the MDRRMC has recommended to the office of Mayor Herlo Guzman and the town's Sangguniang Bayan to place the entire town under state of calamity.

Guzman said he was considering the MDRRMC recommendation and sought the help of town council members. Today, the town council will discuss the proposed declaration, Guzman said.

Severely affected villages are Cuyapon, Dagupan, Katidtuan, Lower Paatan, Malamote, Kilagasan and Aringay. Saure said other communities were also affected, not only by bugs and rat attacks but also floods due to frequent light to moderate rains.

Last year, Kabacan had experience massive rat infestation that affected more than PHP24-M worth of crops. The local government also launched "rat tails for rice," where farmers collect rat tails in exchange for a kilo of rice. (PNA)

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Three Temptations - Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Matthew 4:3

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet He never sinned (Heb. 4:15). Jesus began His public ministry with His baptism. As John the Baptist raised Him from the water, Jesus heard His Father’s affirmation, “Well done!” Immediately afterward, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the wilderness. There, Satan met Him and presented three temptations.

First, Satan enticed Jesus to use His divine power to transform stones into bread. It seemed like a logical thing to do. Jesus was hungry, but He had a much greater need to follow His Father’s leading. The Father had led Him to fast; Satan sought to persuade Him to eat.

Next, Satan tried to convince Jesus to use Satan’s means to accomplish the Father’s ends. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Matt. 4:6). Jesus understood that this would be presumption, not faith. It would be attempting God’s work in the world’s way. The world looks for spectacular displays; God uses a holy life.

The final temptation Satan proposed for Jesus to achieve God’s will was by worshiping Satan (Matt. 4:8-9). In return, Satan offered to give Him all the kingdoms of the world. By compromising, Jesus could gain a powerful ally, and achieve His mission without suffering the cross. Jesus knew that only God was to be worshiped and to do this would not bring instant success, as Satan promised, but devastating failure.

As you seek to follow God, temptations will inevitably come. Sometimes they will come to you immediately after a spiritual victory. Jesus relied on God’s Word to see Him through the temptations that could have destroyed Him and thwarted God’s plan. He has modeled the way for you to meet every temptation.      Henry and Richard Blackaby

Pres. Duterte urges TOYM awardees to help him fight corruption

MANLA, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of 2016 to support his fight against corruption.

"Our nation is in a crucial period of introducing concrete and meaningful change. I need your support now more than ever so that we can collectively overcome the ills of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption that has plagued our nation for so long," President Duterte said in his speech during the awarding ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace.

The President encouraged the people to report corrupt government officials by using Malacanang’s complaint hotline 8888.

"You can dial the number and just state out your statement or your complaint without even mentioning your name. And if you are maybe a little bit timid or afraid, or outright --- you don’t want trouble --- maybe you can just buy a new SIM right away after making the call and I will take it from there," the President said.

The President said corruption has really pulled the country down “without attributing it to any particular administration.”

"Let me just give you an analogy of something like an airplane running at full speed on the runway for so many years without really lifting and that is what the Philippines is," the President said.

"I’m just a 'probinsiyano.' I come from a corner in Mindanao but I tried to just envision something for my country during this administration. I will really finish this," he added, referring to his fight against corruption.

The President, on the other hand, gave the government agencies one month to release documents of the projects they want to implement to prevent corruption.

"If you cannot release it in one month then let me know so that I would not suspect that you practically sat on the papers," he said.

President Duterte said he gave 92 officials from the regulatory bodies the option of facing charges or to resign.

"You resign for you have become the pariah of this government and do not expect me to be courteous even to you when I see you there out," he said.

President Duterte lauded the Junior Chamber International (JCI) for its effective and exemplary leadership which are best demonstrated by the 2016 TOYM awardees.

"By committing to do our part in nation-building and by even simply doing the things that is expected of us every day, we can immensely contribute to the cultivation of a far more better and more secure future for ourselves, our families and our communities," he said.

The 2016 TOYM awardees include: Earl Martin S. Valencia, honoree for Entrepreneurship; Jhett D. Tolentino (Arts & Theatre); Saturnino H. Tiamson (Arts & Music); Geraldine Z. Racaza (Medicine); Ronivin G. Pagtakhan (Youth Leadership); Richard N. Maullil (Marine Science Conservation); Richard Javad F. Heydarian (Social Science); Randy H. Halasan (Education); Ryan C. Guinaran (Indigenous People Advocacy); and, Clarissa Isabelle L. Delgado (Community Service).

President Duterte was accompanied by the JCI Foundation directors, led by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, in the handing of awards to the 10 TOYM of 2016.

"As remarkable young men and women, I encourage you to share the responsibility of leading and lifting the Philippines out of the quagmire of complacency by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that you epitomize," the President said.

"Together, let us work hand in hand to secure the lives of our people, give them the best quality of life that can rightfully be deserved," he added. (PNA)

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DOJ chief orders probe on 'payoffs' in BI over arrest of Chinese workers in illegal online gaming facility

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Sunday ordered the National Bureau of Invesitgation (NBI) to probe allegations of massive pay-offs in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in relation to the arrest of the more than 1,300 Chinese nationals allegedly working without required visas and permits at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

"I have tasked the NBI to probe for the truth behind these allegations", Aguirre said.

"We will leave no stone unturned and there will be no sacred cows! We will hold those found responsible accountable! Corruption, of any kind has no place in the DoJ family, it has no place in government," he said adding President Duterte's marching orders to is very clear, aboslutely no corruption and the mandate will be relentlessly pursued. 


It will be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of Chinese gaming tycoon Yon Lok Lam alias Jack Lam, the owner of the said online gaming facility, for economic sabotage. (PNA)
BNB/CLTC

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DOJ chief says President Duterte's remarks defending police in anti-drug campaign not a ground for impeachment
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that President Rodrigo Duterte cannot be impeached for publicly announcing that he would not allow the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) team led by Supt. Marvin Marcos who is involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa inside the Baybay City sub-provincial jail in Leyte to go to jail.

Aguirre believes that the President made the statement only to emphasize his trust and support to the Philippine National Police in its enforcement of his anti-drug campaign.

He added that President did not commit any culpable violation of the Constitution or betrayal of public trust in issuing such statement.

He explained that such pronouncement of the President does not constitute an impeachable offense, contrary to claims of critics like Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV.

"Alam natin ang ating pangulo ay mahilig sa hyperbole. (President Duterte is famous using hyperbole) I see nothing wrong. Masyado lang (nila) pinalalaki ito (They're just making a big issue from it). The president is merely exercising his right to express his opinion, has the right to express what he is thinking," Aguirre pointed out, who served as a private prosecutor in the historic impeachment trial of the late Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Aguirre also said that Trillanes, who is not a lawyer, "knows nothing” as he rejected the claim of Trillanes that the President could be held liable for murder after publicly saying that he ordered Espinosa's killing.

He also assured that there is no demoralization among the ranks of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after the President publicly rejected their findings on criminal liabilities against the CIDG team led by Marcos.

Aguirre II said on Thursday said that the agency will continue the preliminary investigation on the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against members of the CIDG-Region 8 in connection with the killing of Espinosa.

”It will not affect (the proceedings of the case). We will continue our preliminary investigation,” Aguirre said when sought for a comment.

Aguirre II has created a five-man panel to conduct preliminary investigation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of a case by the NBI against the policemen involved in the killing of Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul Yap inside the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City last November 5.

In his Department Order no. 890 issued on Dec. 7, Wednesday, Aguirre designated Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Lilian Doris P. Alejo as chairperson while her members are Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia L. Torrevillas, Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky P. Dedumo, Assistant State Prosecutor Karla T. Cabel and Prosecuting Attorney Moises Y. Acayan.

The panel will conduct a preliminary investigation on the multiple murder and perjury case against 24 members of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Regional Office No. 08.

"In the interest of public service, pursuant to the provisions of existing laws and pursuant to the result of the investigation conducted by the NBI Eastern Visayas Regional Office, recommending the prosecution thereof, a panel of prosecutor is hereby constituted to conduct the preliminary investigation of the case," Aguirre said in the Department Order.

"If evidence warrants, [the panel is ordered] to file the appropriate information in the court of competent jurisdiction and to prosecute the same," said Aguirre.

Facing a complaint for multiple murder are Superintendent Marvin Wynn Marcos, Superintentdent Santi Noel Gaspang Matira, Chief Inspector Leo Daio Laraga, Senior Inspector (SI) Deogracia Pedong Diaz, SI Fritz Bioco Blanco, Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito Ampado Duarte, SPO4 Melvin Mendoza Caboyit, SPO4 Eric Palattao Constantino, SPO2 Benjamin Layague Dacallos, SPO2 Alphinor Milla Serrano, Jr., PO3 Johnny Abuda Ibanez, PO3 Norman Tiu Abellanosa, PO2 Niel Patrimonio Centino, PO1 Bernard Rodriguez Orpilla, PO3 Lloyd Ortinez Ortiguesa, PO1 Jerlan Sadia Cabiyaan, Cristal Jane Briones Gisma, Divine Grace Baclas Songalia, all assigned at CIDG Regional Office No. 08, Port Area, Tacloban City as well as PCINSP Calixto Cabardo Canillas, Jr., PINSP Lucresito Adana Candelosas, SPO2 Antonio Romangca Docil, SPO1 Mark Christian Castillo Cadilo, PO2 John Ruel Baldevia Doculan, and PO2 Jaime Pacuan Bacsal, all assigned at Regional Maritime Unit 8 Port Area, Tacloban City.

The NBI also recommended the filing of perjury charges against PCINSP Leo Diao Laraga, PO3 Norman T. Abellanosa and Paul Olendan for maliciously obtaining a search warrant.

It will be recalled that citing testimonial and forensic evidence, the NBI said the killing of Espinosa, who has earlier surrendered to the authorities after he and his son, Kerwin Espinosa were named by President Rodrigo Duterte as being involved in the illegal drugs trade, and Yap, were a result of rub-out and not a shootout as claimed by the policemen who conducted the raid.

The police team who conducted the raid insisted that Espinosa shot at them first, prompting them to fire back.

Espinosa was named by President Duterte as being involved in the illegal drugs trade. (PNA)
BNB/CLTC

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More women in tourism but fewer in executive positions -- TIEZA

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- Women make up between 60 to 70 percent of workers in the tourism industry according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), however, more men still occupy executive positions.

Lawyer Shangrila Quezon said that although this was common in almost any other occupation, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) are hoping to slowly change this scenario.

Data from TIEZA show that as of June 2016, it has a total workforce of 1,037 employees which is made up of 532 (51 percent) male employees and 505 (49 percent) female.

Quezon said that this figure did not immediately mean that there was a bias towards employing men versus women stating that equal opportunity should be maintained between both genders.

The same data from TIEZA showed that more men occupy positions in the top officials/executive levels with at least 80 percent of its workforce while women occupy the remaining 20 percent in the same positions.

“It’s like this in almost any occupation,” Shangrila said in a recent Women in Community-Based Tourism Forum held in the Diamond Hotel this week.

In the middle managers level, however, there are more women that occupy positions with 52.8 percent compared to men with only 47.2 percent.

“Men mostly occupy first level and top level, but women mostly occupy the middle level,” Quezon said noting that this was a welcome development.

“What we must work on is avoiding the objectification of women in the workforce,” she added referring to one of the main gender issues in the tourism industry.

Gender issues in the tourism industry include increased vulnerability of women and children, sexual harassment in the work place, trafficking, prostitution, commercialization of men, women and children, gender stereotyping, sex disaggregation of data, and sex tourism.

The 2015 Global Gender Gap Index Report shows that the Philippines ranked 7th among 145 countries in gender equality being the only Asian country consistently included in the top 10.

Quezon said that notable progress has been made but many aspects leave room for improvement. (PNA)
JBP/ANP

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Explosions rock central Istanbul, 29 killed

ISTANBUL, Dec. 11 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Two explosions hit central Istanbul on Saturday night, killing 27 police officers and two civilians and injuring 166 others, government officials said.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said at a press conference in Istanbul that a moving car was detonated targeting riot police on duty near a stadium in the district of Besiktas, where a football match ended about one and half an hour before.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the blast happened soon after the fans left the stadium.

Forty-five seconds later, a man blew himself up in Macka Park just across the stadium, Soylu said, noting that about 10 suspects have been detained.

The explosions were so powerful that they could be heard on both sides of the Bosphorus, a strait that divides the metropolis into two parts, press reports said.

Three of the injured were in critical condition, while 17 had undergone surgery, said Health Minister Recep Akdag.

In his twitter account, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to "continue our struggle" despite more blood to be shed.

A third explosion was heard later by residents. Press reports described it as the detonation of a suspicious car near the scene, saying six prosecutors have been tasked with investigating the attacks.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, and Ankara, the country's national capital, have come under a spate of deadly attacks over the past year amid a worsening security situation.

Istanbul was last attacked in late June, when three suicide bombers assaulted the city's major international airport and killed 45 people. (PNA/Xinhua)

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TESDA chief seeks probe on fake skills certificates

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Guiling Mamondiong has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the syndicate behind the production of fake National Certificate (NC) and Certificate of Competency (COC), which are both being issued by the agency.

The NC is given to those who finish a course or pass the TESDA assessment after they have completed their skills training, while the COC is given to those who cannot avail of the NC.

Mamondiong emphasized that he is extremely concerned about the distribution of fake certificates nationwide because it ruins the image and credibility of TESDA.

Reports reaching the agency said that a syndicate is behind the production of fake certificates being sold to the public who eventually use them in applying for jobs.

Mamondiong also warned the public against the distribution of fake certificates and those who patronize them, and stressed that it is against the law.

Appropriate charges will be filed against those who will be arrested if they will be found guilty of their involvement in the fake production of TESDA certificates, the agency said on Sunday.

Mamondiong has instructed all TESDA provincial and regional offices to conduct a similar investigation on fake certificates.

Meanwhile, Mamondiong noted that he was surprised to see the fake certificates because the material used in the production is a security paper from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

TESDA encourages the public to inform the agency of anyone involved in the production of fake certificates so authorities could arrest and file charges against them.

Also, TESDA is now looking for measures on how to prevent the syndicates from faking the certificates.

The TESDA chief also encourages the public to visit the TESDA website, www.tesda.gov.ph to check if the person has acquired the agency's certificates. (PNA)

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All Things Pertaining to Life

As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3

As a Christian, you have everything you need to live a holy and abundant life (2 Pet. 1:3-11). Your intelligence, your education, or your family background do not determine the holiness of your life. Everything you need to live a victorious, joyful, and abundant life is found in the Holy Spirit who resides within you (Gal. 5:22-23). According to Peter, each Christian, by faith, has access to these qualities: goodness, knowledge of God, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. It would be of no use to inherit a fortune if you did not know it was yours. Likewise, it is of no benefit to inherit everything necessary to become like Christ if you do not claim it.

If we continue to lack self-control when God has made it available, we rob ourselves and those around us. If God is willing to instill brotherly kindness into our behavior, but we never display it, people will suffer needlessly as a result.

The key to all that God has made available to us is our faith. We must believe that God wants to build these qualities into our lives. In the Gospels, Jesus related to people according to their faith (Matt. 8:13; 9:29; 15:28). He rewarded genuine faith by granting salvation and healing. If He met unbelief, He did not reward it (Mark 6:5-6).

Review the qualities that Peter said God wants to instill in you. If you lack any of these qualities, ask God to work them into your character, so that you will be more like Christ       Henry and Richard Blackaby

Taking Responsibility

Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." Genesis 3:12

Adam and Eve did everything they could to avoid taking responsibility for their sin. Adam blamed his wife: “She gave me of the tree.”  He even pointed an accusing finger at God, saying it was “the woman, whom You gave me.”  Eve blamed the serpent saying: “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”  God ignored their excuses and announced the judgment they would face as consequences for their disobedience.

One of the dirges of mankind is that we refuse to take responsibility for our actions. We want to blame others for our problems: Our parents did not raise us well; our friends let us down; our pastor was not a good enough preacher; our children are rebellious; our employer is not sensitive enough; our spouse is not understanding; there is not enough time in the day … the excuses are plentiful! Yet forgiveness and restoration cannot happen until we accept full responsibility for our actions.

An obvious indication that we have not genuinely repented is that we make excuses for our sinful behavior. Nowhere in Scripture does God excuse one person’s sin because of someone else’s actions. If we make a habit of blaming others for our failures, we will not reach a point of honest repentance. God will hold us accountable for our own actions, not others (2 Cor. 5:10). Strive always to acknowledge and take responsibility for your own sins. It will free you to receive God’s forgiveness and to press on to spiritual maturity.Henry and Richard Blackaby

Cayetano vows to push for a package of initiatives to modernize the PNP and sustain internal reforms
 
A two-pronged approach has been proposed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to sustain the initial successes of the four-month war on drugs of the Duterte administration.

“The modernization of the PNP entails adequate investment in its infrastructure and crime-fighting equipment and development of a service-oriented culture among its ranks based on integrity and love for country,” Cayetano explained.

“While the PNP is purging its internal organization of scalawags and crooks, we need to recruit and train more men and women with better pay to combat crime since they face risks and dangers everyday,” he added.

Cayetano filed Senate Bill No. 71, also known as the Philippine National Police Compensation Act of 2016, that seeks to increase the minimum base pay and allowances of PNP personnel, allowing the lowest ranking police officer to receive a gross minimum pay of P50,530 per month, inclusive of benefits and allowances.

The senator warned that unless Congress acts on the pending bills to significantly increase the compensation and incentives for the police officers and soldiers, they remain vulnerable to crime syndicates, particularly drug lords.

Cayetano also lamented that while crime syndicates continue to be innovative in promoting their illegal activities, our police are left with piecemeal budgets to improve their capacity to maintain peace and order.

The senator said to fast track the effectiveness of the police organization, help through foreign assisted projects, legislation, supplemental budget, and private sector partnership should be explored.

He said there are international organizations and trade partners that are willing to help the President’s war on drugs.
 
Additional funds for PNP equipment

Cayetano underscored the opportunity to start the modernization process for the PNP through the 2017 national budget.

“The budget for the PNP should be in line with the Capability Enhancement Program of the President,” he said.

He pointed out that the proposed PNP budget for 2017 is P136.3 billion, 20 percent higher than the current year’s budget, but the entire capital outlay budget that includes the construction of police stations decreased by P450.2 million.

Cayetano said it’s bad enough that the proposed funds could barely meet the minimum standard to cope with the state’s enemies that use far more modern communications equipment and high-powered firearms.

The PNP already sought the support of Congress for the augmentation of its funds to sustain the conduct of Oplan Double Barrel, construct police stations, and procure modern equipment for its crime laboratories. 

The senator stressed the urgency of providing the PNP with state of the art equipment for the crime laboratories around the country in order to expedite the investigation process and, subsequently, strengthen the government’s crime-prevention and crime suppression program.

“Only through a sustainable modernization program for PNP will we be able to realize the promise of real change, the kind of change that our people expect from our new government,” Cayetano said.

Weariness

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

If you find that Christianity exhausts you, draining you of your energy, then you are practicing religion rather than enjoying a relationship. Jesus said that a relationship with Him would bring rest to your soul. Your walk with the Lord will not make you weary; it will invigorate you, restore your strength, and energize your life. Hard work or lack of sleep can make you tired. This fatigue can usually be remedied by a good rest. But there is a deeper fatigue that goes beyond physical tiredness. There is an emotional exhaustion that comes from experiencing heavy burdens and draining crises. There is a tiredness deep within your soul that comes from carrying the weight of the needs of others. You can go on a vacation, but your soul will not be restored. This condition can only be rectified by finding rest in Christ. Some zealous Christians want to do all they can to serve Christ, and they exhaust themselves in the process. It was to these that Jesus extended His invitation to go to Him and learn from Him. Jesus spent most of His earthly ministry surrounded by needy multitudes. He faced relentless opposition, He often prayed throughout the night, and He rarely had any privacy, yet He always received the rest and strength that came from His Father. It was not that Jesus did not work hard but that He knew the path to spiritual rest. Are you weary? Go to Jesus and let Him give you His rest. His rest will restore your soul as nothing else can.     Henry and Richard Blackaby

A Tender Plant

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. Isaiah 53:2

The coming of Jesus was like a tender plant in the midst of a parched ground. Parched ground offers little hope for survival; it is dry and too hardened to allow most plants to penetrate its crust. Yet Jesus was prophesied as a tender plant that would break through the hostile soil and overcome the dry and lifeless environment in order to bring life. When Jesus was born, His people were hardened to God’s Word. There is no written record of God’s having spoken to His people for four hundred years. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had studied and memorized the Scriptures, but the words were lifeless to them. So hostile had they become to the truth that when God’s Son came to them, they killed Him. Nevertheless, despite the enmity of the people, Jesus brought life to all who believed in Him. Jesus is capable of bringing life to any person, society, or culture no matter how hardened or hostile they have become to the gospel. Even the most calloused sinner will discover that Jesus knows how to penetrate the heart and bring life where there was only bitterness. The work of Jesus in a person’s life may seem fragile at first, but like the mustard seed, it will eventually grow into something strong. As you pray for someone you care about, don’t be discouraged if this person has not responded to Jesus. Just as a tender plant finds a way to grow in a hard and unreceptive environment, so the love of Jesus has the ability to emerge in a life that seems completely unresponsive.

Cayetano returns the favor, challenges Robredo too

"Thank you for the challenge. Let me return the favor and also challenge you to speak up."

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had this to say to Vice President Leni Robredo in response to her statement challenging the senator to speak up against the Marcoses despite his firm support for President Rodrigo Duterte.

Cayetano responded to Robredo through a Facebook post on Friday (Dec. 9), assuring the Vice President of his continuous effort to help attain the administration's goal of creating real change.

"Thank you for the challenge. Let me assure you I am doing what I can on the manner that I believe I can be most effective," the post read.

The senator then challenged Robredo, pointing out how she herself remained quiet and did not speak up against several issues hounding his Liberal Party (LP) allies and the Aquino administration.

Cayetano particularly called on Robredo to scrutinize the past administration over its failure to suppress the country's drug problem, which he said "got so bad and out of control."

He also urged Robredo to demand the resignation of her LP allies involved in the illegal drug trade, to expose and condemn other LP personalities' involvement in graft and corruption particularly during the Aquino administration, and to help the government ensure that those who broke the law, regardless of their political color, will be put in jail.

"Let me return the favor and also challenge you with the following... Ask for justice for the SAF 44. Ask for justice for tanim bala victims. Ask for an investigation and justice on MRT anomalies... Ask for an investigation why despite expensive fees in the airport in the past administration), no CCTVs were purchased and installed," Cayetano further stressed.

He also asked Robredo to allow the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and other news outlets to look into her list of  donors and undeclared expenses during her campaign for the vice presidency.

"You were quiet about all of the above, but I respected your role and decision," Cayetano said in his post.

"There's much more, but in a nutshell I challenge you to stop campaigning and thinking of the Presidency and help attract investments, build infrastructure, create jobs, and redistribute wealth in our country. Let's do it together," he ended.

Not by Might

This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'Says the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:6

God’s word came to His people at a critical time. They were a despondent, disillusioned people who faced a daunting task. They had been exiled in Babylon for seventy years. During this time they had witnessed the strength of the most dominant military power in their world. They had watched the Babylonian army marching off to conquer other nations. They had seen the wealth and splendor of the Babylonian king. When Babylon was in turn conquered by the Persians, the Israelites saw an even greater superpower emerging on the world stage. They lost heart when they compared their own weakness and captivity with the enormous strength and wealth of the superpowers of their day.

As the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after seventy years in captivity, they found their city in ruins. Their magnificent temple had been destroyed. The city walls had been torn down. They had no resources to rebuild their splendid city. As these former refugees looked at the mammoth task before them, they realized their poverty and weakness, and they became greatly dismayed. Then came God’s word! He promised that they would, indeed, rebuild their city. But, He told them, the rebuilding would not be accomplished by their own power and resources but by His Spirit. As long as they had God’s Spirit, they had everything they needed.

There will be times when obeying God will lead you to impossible situations. If you look at your own skills, knowledge, and resources, you will become discouraged. However, when you became a Christian, God placed His Spirit within you. You now have the resources of heaven at your disposal. The success of your endeavors will not depend on the way you use your own resources but on how you obey the Spirit of God.  Henry and Richard Blackaby

Munshi Abdullah Bin Abdul Kadir 
born 1796, Malacca, Malaya

died 1854, Jiddah, Turkish Arabia [now in Saudi Arabia]

Malayan-born writer who, through his autobiographical and other works, played an important role as a progenitor of modern Malay literature.

Of mixed Arab (Yemeni) and Tamil descent, and Malayo-Muslim culture, Abdullah was born and grew up in a Malacca newly British, and he spent most of his life interpreting Malay society to Westerners and vice versa. Styled munshi (teacher) from an early age, in recognition of his teaching Malay to Indian soldiers of the Malacca garrison (and later to a whole generation of British and American missionaries, officials, and businessmen), he rapidly became an indispensable functionary in the fledgling Straits Settlements. He was copyist and Malay scribe for Sir Stamford Raffles, was translator of the Gospels and other texts into Malay for the London Missionary Society in Malacca from 1815, and 20 years later served as printer to the press of the American Board of Missions in Singapore.

An American missionary, Alfred North, seems to have encouraged Abdullah in 1837, on the strength of a lively account published in that year of North's experiences on a voyage up the east coast of Malaya, to embark on the story of his life. Completed in 1843, under the title Hikayat Abdullah (“Abdullah's Story”), it was first published in 1849; it has been reprinted many times and translated into English and other languages. Its chief distinctionâ€"beyond the vivid picture it gives of his life and timesâ€"was the radical departure it marked in Malay literary style. In contrast to the largely court literature of the past, the Hikayat Abdullah provided a lively and colloquial descriptive account of events and people with a freshness and immediacy hitherto unknown. Abdullah's criticisms of his own society, and his eagerness to embrace standards set by the West (though he remained a staunch Muslim), have caused him to be treated with some caution by a more recent generation of nationalists, but he continues to be widely acknowledged as the father of modern Malay literature.

Coffee, banana showcased in DOST event

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- CALABARZON products and innovations, particularly on coffee and banana, got the spotlight in the recent twin events organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Southern Tagalog Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research, Development and Extension Consortium (STAARRDEC) at the Bacoor Government Center in Cavite.

Dubbed STAARRDEC Fiesta & RSRDEH 2016: Showcasing the Region’s Products and Innovations, the five-day long celebration highlights two major events: pushing the farmer and industry encounter agenda through science and technology and strengthening of the regional symposium on research development and extension highlights (RSRDEH). The focus of different forums and the exhibits are two prime commodities of the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions which are coffee and banana.

This event is envisioned to promote more interaction among researchers both from the academe and government institutions like the DOST-PCAARRD, extension workers, local government units, and technology users like investors, farmers, fisherfolks, and entrepreneurs.

PCAARRD is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and is a member of the STAARRDEC, a group of organizations that promotes and advocates development initiatives in fields of agriculture, aquatic and natural resources.

The other activities include product and technology exhibits, presentation of research papers, business forum and franchising, cooking contest, coffee and banana quiz bee, and photo and poster making contests.

DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director Dr. Edwin C. Villar, representing both Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora and DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, bannered the different research projects and practical technologies developed by the agency on somatic embryogenesis technology for coffee and banana tissue culture planting material and the lakatan banana variety which is resistant to banana bunchy top virus.

“The government’s thrust is to increase the number of researchers in agriculture and aquatic resources and attract more young people to take up courses in these areas,” Dr. Villar said.

Dr. Villar revealed that the marching order for DOST-PCAARRD is to roll out more technologies up to 2022 with a target increase in the budget of Php440 billion.

Other special guests during the opening ceremonies included Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla; Vincent Bae representing Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla; Dr. Hernando D. Robles, president of Cavite State University; Dr. Milo O. Placino, president of Southern Luzon State University; and Dr. Herminigilda A. Gabertan, vice chairperson of STAARRDEC. (PNA)

PHL manufacturing output grows 8.4% in October 2016

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Manufacturing output continued to grow in October 2016 due to higher production of petroleum products, non-electrical machineries and transport equipment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for October 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 8.4 percent, a marked improvement from the 1.5 percent growth recorded in October 2015.

The Value of Production Index (VaPI) also grew by 4.3 percent â€"a turnaround from the 6.2-percent decline in the same period last year.

“In order to support the manufacturing sector’s continued growth, the government efforts to improve the business climate must be sustained,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

Pernia said the sector was expected to benefit from the industrial strategy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that focused on industries with potential to generate employment and encourage entrepreneurship.

“With the Duterte administration’s commitment to fast-track implementation of infrastructure projects and programs, construction-related manufactures will be a major contributor to the growth of the sector,” he said.

Pernia added that better infrastructure would further stimulate the expansion of the manufacturing sector, easily connect producers to the value chain, and to local and international markets.

For consumer goods, the food subsector recorded double-digit growth in October, with 14.3 and 16.8 growth rates in volume and value of production, respectively. These were complete reversals from the -14.7 and -14.9 percent contraction last year.

For intermediate goods, the petroleum products subsector continued to strongly recover with growth rates of 37 percent and 29 percent in volume and value production, also sharp reversals from -21.7 and -35.1 growth rates in October 2015.

For capital goods, transport equipment subsector also posted 19.4-percent and 17.7-percent growth rates in volume and value of production, which are improvements from last year’s 6.3 and 7.5 growth rates.

Non-electrical machinery subsector also grew by 24.4 percent and 8.8 percent in volume and value of production, a turnaround from last year’s -2.6 and -1.4 declines.

“To raise the local industries’ competitiveness in the increasingly integrated global economy, we need to increase both public and private investments in R&D (research and development). This will surely help in the exploration and development of new products, processes, and markets,” said Pernia. (PNA)

DoubleDragon Hikes Retail Bonds to Php5.3B
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Real estate developer DoubleDragon Properties Corp. has increased its retail bond issue to Php5.3 billion from the initial Php5 billion to meet strong demand.

DoubleDragon told the local bourse it would issue 10-year fixed rate retail bonds at 5.9721 percent per annum due 2026.

The company saw strong demand for the offer especially among retail investors, banks, pension funds, insurance companies and retirement funds.

The offer period, which started on Nov. 29, 2016, officially ended on Dec. 7, 2016. The retail bonds will be issued on Dec. 15, 2016.

The 10-year fixed rate retail bonds recently offered marked the first tranche to be issued from DoubleDragon’s Php15-billion bond shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The property developer intends to utilize the Php15 billion to fund core projects in the pipeline in relation to its goal of 1,000,000 square meters leasable space by 2020 and profit target of Php4.8 billion by 2020.

Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) assigned an Issue Credit Rating of PRS Aa to the said bond issuance.

Obligations rated PRS Aa are of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. (PNA)

Philippine total trade up 5% in October 2016

MANILA, Dec. (PNA) -- Total merchandise trade grew five percent in October this year following uptick in both exports and import.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that total trade reached USD 11.7 billion in October 2016, with imports growing by 5.9 percent and exports, 3.7 percent.

“Total trade was boosted by higher exports and imports to and from Asia and other major markets. For the year’s first ten months, it is good to note that total trade remains steady at 4.7 percent,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

For October 2016, import payments grew to USD 6.9 billion following increases in demand for capital goods (13.1 percent), consumer goods (16.6 percent), and mineral fuels and lubricants (22.3 percent).

Likewise, export earnings increased to USD 4.8 billion on account of the strong performance of mineral products (15.1 percent) such as copper concentrates and chromium ore and agro-based products (30.6 percent) like coconut oil, bananas, rubber and fish.

China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United States, the Netherlands, Mexico and France recorded increases in receipts..

Along with the lifting of the Chinese ban on Philippine bananas and mangoes, Pernia said that during President Duterte’s state visit last October, government was able to close a USD 100 million contract for fruit exports to China.

The potential is also huge for China-bound exports of high value crops such as mango, coconut, and dragon fruit, as well as that of fishery products, including lapu-lapu, crabs, shrimps, prawns and tuna.

“The country’s improving relationship with Russia will also spur growth in the exports sector, as Russia committed to import around USD 2.5 billion worth of Philippine fruits, grains, and vegetables in the next twelve months,” he added.

Pernia was hopeful about the global economy, especially given the good jobs data in the United States (US) recently.

Nonetheless, he said it was important for the Philippines to harness opportunities offered by the ASEAN bloc’s ties with China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

“We must also maximize our bilateral ties with Japan and the European Free Trade Association, including Europe’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences. And aside from taking advantage of existing foreign trade agreements, Filipino exporters should also remain proactive in driving up product differentiation, innovation, and diversification especially that there will be stronger integration in the ASEAN region soon,” he added. (PNA)

Bond offers ‘successful’ in first 5 months of Duterte presidency

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Retail and treasury bond offerings in the first five months of the Duterte administration have been “generally successful” so far despite market jitters triggered by external factors, such as the projected rate increase by the US Federal Reserve and the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union last June, according to National Treasurer Roberto Tan.

As for the impact of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections, Tan withheld his observations, saying that it would be better to await the policies that the new American leader would announce and implement starting next year.

The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) holds regular bond auctions twice a month for Treasury bills with short-term tenors of 90 days, 180 days and 1 year and another for longer-term Treasury bondsâ€"for a combined total offering of around Php 45 billion.

It also issued Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) with 10-year tenors two months ago, which raised Php 100 billion for the government, more than three times the minimum target of Php 30 billion.

[These bond offerings] have been quite successful, fully subscribed except in the latter part of this year as a result of the volatility and uncertainty in the market because of the Federal actions that are being awaited by the public,” Tan said.

“I think once the climate settles down, investors for government securities will return in a very, very strong way,” he said.

Contrary to speculations by certain quarters, Tan said President Duterte’s non-conventional statements have had no impact on the T-bill and Treasury bond floats because buyers are mostly domestic investors who are aware that such remarks would not affect the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals.

“These are mainly domestic investors, and they look at it as nothing that is affecting the macroeconomic policy of the government,” Tan said.

“On the bond market it’s really more of the wait-and-see attitude of many of those who just like to park their money, particularly for the short term. That’s why the BSP Term Deposit Facility is still being saturated by bids from banks and other institutional investors,” he added.

He said that on the T-bills, the BTr had to make some partial awards last month because investors were demanding higher yields, which, based on the Treasury’s evaluation of the market, were “actually an opportunistic bid by many of the Government Securities Eligible Dealers (GSEDs).”

Tan said a Trump presidency and how the Federal Reserve will act on the rate increase would determine market prospects in 2017, although on the part of the Fed, many analysts believe that it “will be very dovish in its statement on what the expectations will be for next year.” (PNA)

DBP opens 108th branch in Dinagat Islands

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- In furtherance of its commitment to extend the reach of its financial services and better serve as a catalyst of sustainable progress in under-banked but high growth potential towns in the countryside, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has opened its 108th branch in San Jose in the province of Dinagat Islands.

DBP’s San Jose, Dinagat Islands branch is one of only two government and commercial/ universal banks in the locality, other than the two rural banks serving the province.

Declared a province in 2006, the Dinagat Islands comprise the second newest province of the Philippines. Known for its beaches and caves, the province is poised to become one of the country’s eco-tourism hotspots.

The presence of DBP in the Dinagat Islands is expected to encourage more businesses to invest in the eco-tourism potential of the province through the provision of financing for support infrastructures such as resorts, hotels, hostels, apartments, restaurants, among others. Moreover, the branch is expected to have a considerable impact, primarily in the acceleration of economic development and the improvement of basic services, through partnerships with LGUs in the province.

Prospective projects include the improvement/ expansion of the provincial capitol and municipal buildings; the construction/ renovation of evacuation centers, municipal gym, public terminal, public markets and municipal ports; the construction and renovation of government hospitals; the improvement and expansion of water supply; and the acquisition of heavy equipment for road construction, maintenance, and other purposes.

Aside from LGUs and other government agencies, DBP San Jose, Dinagat Islands is also poised to support the education, health care, and SME sectors in the province. The branch is ready to support the growth of various SMEs by providing easier access to financing as well as partnerships towards entrepreneurial skills training and development.

DBP remains committed to expanding its market coverage, particularly to the unbanked and under-banked in the countryside. Alongside intensified support for the development agenda of the National Government, DBP continues to enhance its financial services to key areas in the country. (PNA)

Steve Harvey as host of Miss U pageant is 'very much welcome' to Pres. Duterte, says DOT
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Contrary to his initial reaction, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is "very much" open to having Steve Harvey as host of the Miss Universe pageant that the Philippines will host next month, a Department of Tourism official said on Friday.

”I think he's just kidding,” DOT Undersecretary Katherine de Castro said in a press briefing in Malacanang when asked if Pres. Duterte is still against Harvey as host of the prestigious beauty pageant.

"Because his reaction was ‘What? Steve Harvey is the one hosting it? He’s a disaster.’ But he laughed after. So I said, ‘Sir, we really need Steve Harvey.’ He said, ‘No, I’m very much welcome to have him here in the Philippines,” De Castro explained.

De Castro said the DOT has in fact coordinating with Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar for a possible special participation of President Duterte during the Miss Universe pageant coronation night on Jan. 30.

”We are preparing a ‘pakulo’ (gimmick) between the President and Steve Harvey. So you watch out for that. And the Miss Universe Organization was very much open to that, whatever it is that we are planning to do with the President and Steve Harvey,” she said.

Harvey, who is under a five-year contract as host of Miss Universe Pageant, committed a major blunder at the Miss Universe 2015 coronation night when he mistakenly announced Miss Colombia as the winner instead of Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines.

De Castro announced that all the Miss Universe candidates will pay a courtesy call to President Duterte in Malacanang on January 23.

She said the DOT has reserved seats for President Duterte during the pageant coronation night at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

”I think the Miss Universe Organization is very much welcome to have him in the show,” De Castro said.

When asked if the President can be chosen as one of the judges, De Castro replied: “Apparently, it’s a rule for Miss U Organization not to have a judge from the host country but I think if it’s the President, that’s gonna be another, you know, I think they will make an exception to the rule.”

De Castro said her team will have a courtesy call on Monday with the President to inform him about the Miss Universe organizers’ proposal.

”I think his men are aware that we would like him to be part of you know, to judge it or just even to watch it. But he has not yet given us a concrete answer altogether. We have reserved a VIP section for the President,” she said.

De Castro was accompanied by two Miss Universe candidates Deshauna Barber of USA and Tania Pauline Dawson of New Zealand.

Barber said she is excited to explore the Philippines’ tourist spots, particularly Palawan and Cebu.

”We are gonna swim with whale sharks. I’m really excited so I’m really looking forward to all the experiences that we’re gonna have while we’re here,” Barber said.

Dawson, on the other hand, is not new in the Philippines being a daughter of a Filipina mother from Baguio City.

She is looking forward to meeting Wurtzbach who, according to the DOT, will be busy visiting all the areas that will be visited by the candidates throughout the country. (PNA)

Feature: Indonesia quake victims being treated in makeshift facilities as search and rescue operations intensify
By Mulyanda Djahan Adnan

PIDIE JAYA, Indonesia, Dec. 9 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Hundreds of victims of the powerful quake that rocked Indonesia's Aceh province are being treated outdoors in emergency makeshift tents, while rescuers intensify their searches for survivors in these vital hours who may still be trapped under the ruble.

Patients being treated in hospitals, according to medical officials, are in fear of aftershocks further shaking the region and leading to buildings weakened by the temblor crumbling, and have voiced their reluctance to staying in medical facilities, with some opting to brave the cold elements outdoors as well as other worries including swarms of mosquitos.

Umi Kalsum, 70, being treated on a simple mattress at the Meureudu hospital in the Pidie Jaya district for bodily injures from broken glass following Wednesday's 6.4-magnitude quake, told Xinhua of her fears and concerns following the killer tremor.

"I don't want to be inside a room because I'm scared the ceiling might fall or the walls collapse if there's a big aftershock. And I am wary that the building may fall entirely as it has been weakened by the quake," Kalsum told Xinhua on Thursday.

Kalsum is among over 700 people in the Aceh province suffering from wounds, including broken and fractured bones, as a result of the disaster, which has killed more than 102 people with more than 10,000 more displaced according to official figures communicated to Xinhua.

"As I was sleeping, the cupboard beside my bed fell and hit me during the quake, with shards from the mirror injuring my body," Kalsum said.

Others being treated outside hospital facilities, including children, told Xinhua the wintry climes and rampant mosquitoes where unbearable, as local authorities scramble to set up more makeshift tents to serve as temporary medical facilities across the Pidie Jaya district, as Rafiati, head of the social department of Pidie district explained.

"On Wednesday night, most of the quake affected persons slept outside their damaged homes without shelter. So now tents are desperately needed by around 10,000 displaced people," he told Xinhua, adding that a warehouse where stockpiles of tents were kept had been destroyed by the quake.

Separately along the streets, particularly at local shopping centers, soldiers, police personnel and volunteers are intensifying search and rescue operations for people yet to be accounted for.

In a shopping center in the Mereudeu sub-district, rescuers recovered dozens of bodies and are still searching for more than 20 people under the debris of collapsed shop buildings.

"We must speed up our efforts because there are still more than 20 people from a wedding party still trapped under the debris," Sef Gulo, a soldier involving in rescue operations, told Xinhua.

The quake that occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km has flattened hundreds of houses, shop buildings, religious establishments and other infrastructure, primarily in the districts of Pidie Jaya, Pidie, and Bireun. (PNA/Xinhua)

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Miss Universe hopefuls arrive in Manila for kick-off party
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Ten Miss Universe candidates are scheduled to arrive in Manila on Friday for the pageant kick-off.

A welcome party was set for them this weekend at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

Candidates will also make a courtesy call to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacanang Palace if schedule permits, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said earlier.

Miss New Zealand Tania Pauline Dawson and Miss USA Deshauna Barber arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early morning Friday.

Miss Korea Jenny Kim, Miss China Zhenying Li, Miss Australia Emily Caris Tiivel, Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane, Miss Japan Sari Nakazawa, Miss Vietnam Dang Thi Le Hang, Miss Malaysia Kiranmeet Kaur Baljeet Singh and Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Tun will arrive later within the day.

Miss Indonesia Kezia Roslin Cikita Warouw, as well as Miss Universe Organization (MOU) president Paula Mary Shugart are set to arrive in the country Saturday morning.

The candidates will stay here for about a week to do photo shoots and have a taste of some Filipino cuisines.

They are also expected to visit Siargao and Cebu before flying back to their respective countries for the holidays. (PNA)

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Rehab for Dota addicts?

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PhilHealth 12 starts role in gov't drug rehab program

KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -â€" The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Region 12 has started the rehabilitation program for drug dependents who submitted themselves to rehab by launching today the Medical Detoxification Package (MDP), officials said.

”This is in support of the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs,” Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag, PhilHealth regional vice president, said of the Php10,000 per case detoxification package.

She said the program is now part of PhilHealth's list of services as government continues its relentless battle against illegal drugs, saving them from the menace and prioritizing drug personalities who expressed desire to reform.

Pamonag said the package includes services for medical detoxification, professional fee and additional coverage for other co-morbidities like substance use disorder, psychosis, ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, seizures, acute renal failure and gastrointestinal cases relative to drug abuse.

Pamonag said PhilHealth members may avail of this package through accredited levels 1, 2 and 3 government hospitals and Drug Abuse Treatment Rehabilitation Centers licensed/certified by the Department of Health and accredited by PhilHealth.

She added that all indigent, “kasambahay” (househelp), sponsored, lifetime and senior citizen members are entitled to the “No Balance Billing” while members from other sectors like employed, self-employed and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may avail the same but with co-payment not exceeding the package rate.

All claims, according to Pamonag, shall be filed only by the Health Care Institutions (HCI), hence, members are not allowed to do direct filing.

The PhilHealth’s drug detox program will focus mainly on interventions during the withdrawal period, considered to be the most crucial since abrupt withdrawal may cause blood pressure to shoot up and result in kidney problems.

Under the program, the detoxification period may last between 30 to 90 days, depending on how the body responds and the extent of drug use.

Workers of the Drug Abuse Treatment Rehabilitation Centers accredited by the DOH will help patients/dependents in the management of symptoms that will come out once dependence on drugs goes down.

Region 12, composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Sarangani and the cities therein, has listed about 32,000 individuals who admitted drug use and expressed willingness to undergo rehabilitation.

President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly announced his estimate of drug personalities across the country could reach 3.5 to 4 million. (PNA)

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President Duterte leads groundbreaking of P4.8-B Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay
By Connie B. Destura

DARAGA, Albay, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday led the groundbreaking rites for the long-delayed P4.8-billion Bicol International Airport (BIA) project in Barangay Alobo in Daraga town, Albay province.

The groundbreaking marked the start of the P708-million construction work of the landside facilities of the airport project that is seen to boost tourism and economic development not just in Bicol but in the entire Southern Luzon.

Elizaldy Co, owner of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., contractor of the BIA project, in an interview, said the project carries a two-year time frame.

He said “the project would be completed by 2019.”

Co said the landside facilities consist of 17 buildings for administration, cargo terminal, air traffic control, crash fire rescue, power house, maintenance, material recovery facilities, pump room and water reservoir, chilled water pump house, chlorination house 1 and 2, guard houses and headquarters of the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The government has initially spent some P1.6 billion for the airport project for the acquisition of the lands and the construction of a 2.1-kilometer runway.

Implementation of the airport project was delayed for 11 years as this was conceptualized and approved during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and passed on to President Benigno Aquino III.

The project should have been operational this year but despite the availability of funds, work was snail paced due to lapses in the bidding process. Construction work has been confined to the airside while the structures at the landside area of the proposed airport are still being worked out.

Funds for the airport project were released in three tranches: P300 million in 2009 and another P300 million in 2010 for concrete road construction and site development. The P970-million funding released in 2012 was spent for the construction of the 2.1-kilometer runway.

Once finished, the BIA project will not only totally address the technical limitations of the existing Legazpi airport due to frequent flight cancellations but will also provide safer air transportation to the growing number of passengers because of the booming tourism industry in the area.

The BIA lies in a 148-hectare area with 2,100-meter runway strip. It will be equipped with night landing capability and take-off facilities, control tower, passenger and cargo terminal, car park, fire station and other modern facilities.

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said that as President Duterte led the groundbreaking rites of the “BIA Package 2” project, he requested the President and Sec. Tugade to revise the airport’s design.

He said he has asked DOTr to redesign the BIA airport so it could meet the required standards of an international airport.

Bichara said that after a consultation with known architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, the latter told him that the international airport had yet to start operating but “it seems the facilities are already obsolete.”

Palafox specifically requested that there should be a revision of the airport taxiway to make room for the planes’ arrival and departure.

He also noted that the existing two-lane road networks that connect the airport to the Maharlika highway should be expanded to a six-lane road to meet international standards.

Albay second district Rep. Joey Salceda thanked Mr. Duterte for his decisive action in giving the go-signal for the airport’s construction.

He expressed confidence that the international airport will sustain the gains of Albay’s tourism with foreign tourist arrivals shooting up from 8,700 in 2007 to 339,000 in 2015 during his term.

Together with the new South Railway project, Salceda said he is confident foreign tourists will triple to 1.2 million by 2025 and make Albay an economic powerhouse.

The President affirmed his support in reviving the railway system in the Bicol region so the region could catch up in its infrastructure development.

He said the railway system in Southern Luzon could be completed in two to three years time as long as it is not tainted with corruption. (PNA) LAP/GVR/CBD/MSA


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MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- The Department of Education will conduct “thorough and careful discussions” with the Department of Health regarding the latter’s plan to distribute condoms in schools next year, in a bid to control the spread of HIV/AIDS among the youth.

In a statement, the education department said, “Through the series of discourse, the Department will want to identify and study whether this move to arrest the epidemic is appropriate to cover schools and learning institutions."

If not, the department said it will explore other measures "without compromising, first, the parents’ right and responsibility to educate their children against the dangers of engaging in pre-marital sex, and second, the State’s mandate to protect minors from any form of abuse".

It said it will also have to "look into how and why, despite progressive mindset in other countries, this approach is not implemented by all”.

The department stressed it will enrich sex education within the frameworks of human rights, safety and well-being of learners through age-appropriate and developmental reproductive health education as early as Grade 1. (PNA)

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21 Dagupan barangays now drug-free, five more to be declared next week
By Leonardo V. Micua

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Nine more barangays were declared by the city police here Thursday as drug-free, raising the number of drug-free barangays in Dagupan to 21 so far.

Supt. Neil Miro, police chief of Dagupan City, said this already brought to 67.6 percent the number of barangays already cleared of the total 31 barangays in the city.

In a ceremony at the city museum, Mayor Belen Fernandez signed the certifications declaring Caranglaan, Mayombo, Malued, Bacayao Sur, Bacayao Norte, Lasip Chico, Binloc, Tambac and Lucao as drug free.

The certification was based on the resolution of the Barangay Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) in these barangays that they had complied with all the parameters set by a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) resolution, series of 2007, and the "Oplan: Dalus Droga" of the PNP.

Under these two, a barangay can only be declared as drug free if there is no more drug pusher and user, and neither is a drug laboratory or shabu "tiangge" in their respective areas

Earlier declared drug free in Dagupan were Barangays Mamalingling, Salisay, Tebeng, Pogo Grande, Mangin, Salapingao, Barangay IV, Lomboy. Poblacion Oeste and Calmay.

Mayor Fernandez called on barangay chairmen to do everything they can to safeguard their areas from sliding back so that they will maintain their status as drug-free.

She advised them to seek the idle people in their villages and help them find jobs because idle people who have no means to earn a living are most vulnerable to drugs.

For his part, Miro assured that no shortcut was made in clearing the nine barangays, saying this was done through hard work and with the all-out cooperation of barangay people and officials.

He brought out files of profiles of drug users and pushers in every village which showed they are actually keeping track of all drug personalities in these barangays.

"If anybody will complain later why we declared this and that barangay as drug-free, he or she should feel free to come to our office and we will show him or her the basis of our decision," he said.

The 12 barangays earlier declared drug free are maintaining their drug-free status so far, said Miro, adding that this was based on their continuous monitoring.

In a talk to newsmen, Miro said he expects four to five barangays more to be again declared drug-free next week but admitted that their real target is to have at least 90 percent of the 31 baraqngays in Dagupan drug-cleared by the end of the year.

But he said if they are lucky and with the help of the local government and the barangays, they might still succeed in making Dagupan drug free by December 31.

He said this is not a tall order as far as he is concerned because he sees the conviction of the people of Dagupan City in wanting to see their city finally drug free.

Miro said the number of drug surrenderers in Dagupan city to date has reached 1,500 to date, admitting that the police are now targeting the newly emerged drug personalities.

At the same time, Mayor Fernandez called on barangay chairmen to recommend who among the drug surrenderers in their villages to be under the Program Sagip User Rehabilitation Empowerment (SURE) which to date has 20 beneficiaries.

These 20 are undergoing rehabilitation with the help of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Health (DOH) with their expenses all shouldered by the city so that they can be admitted back to the society as normal persons.

Some of the surreenderers are undergoing community-based rehabilitation through value formation and community activities, citing the 40 surrenderers of Barangay Tebeng who are now making a living by making lanterns and selling these to customers.

Meanwhile, Barangay Chairman Pedro Gonzales of Bonuan Binloc thanked the police for helping clear his barangay from illegal drugs, pointing out in the Project: Double Barrel, there were 97 drug personalities who surrendered.

He considers this as unprecedented after Bonuan Binloc was once tagged as the top drug lair of Dagupan in the past.

Gonzales told newsmen that the once notorious Sitio Silungan is now a community of peaceful people with the trouble-makers which included drug peddlers, already gone home to Mindanao or were arrested.

Saying that curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. helped maintain the peace in Binloc, Gonzales said he and the other barangay officials are standing guard 24/7 to prevent the trouble-makers who left Sitio Silungan return.

Gonzales thanked Supt. Miro, the chief of police, for his transparency and who had been continuously coming to the village till the problem is finally solved.

Miro also stationed a squad from the Public Safety Battalion in Region 1 in Sitio Silkugan to see to it that no more drug transaction happens there. (PNA)

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President Duterte assures Bicolanos VP Robredo will stay in her post
By Connie B. Destura

DARAGA, Albay, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday assured the Bicolanos that Vice President Leni Robredo will stay in her post, dismissing speculations that there are moves to unseat her after the camp of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos filed a protest with the Presidential Electoral Tribunal asking for a recount in areas where he allegedly got zero votes.

The President made the assurance in an ambush interview on Thursday after gracing the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-delayed P4.8-billion Bicol International Airport (BIA) project in Barangay Alobo in Daraga town in Albay.

Also on Thursday, he was in Albay to attend the seventh founding anniversary of the Federalismo Alyansa ng Bicol (FAB) at the Legazpi City Convention Center. Regional convenor of FAB is Dante LA. Jimenez.

“I will assure Leni and the people of the Bicol region that they will have her until the very end of her term.”

Mr. Duterte, when asked to comment on Robredo’s statement about alleged moves to remove her by some political forces close to Duterte, strongly declared “there is no such thing as removing the Vice President as she has done nothing wrong.”

President Duterte assured the Bicolanos that Leni Robredo will remain as Vice President of the Philippines.

In July, Duterte made a phone call to Robredo to head the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council but early this week, Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. told the Vice President that the President wanted her to "desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Monday, December 5.” (PNA)

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Razon to redevelop Rizal stadium into mixed-use project
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Port and gaming tycoon Enrique Razon has started working on a plan to re-develop the 82-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) into mixed-use project.

Razon told reporters on the sidelines of Pilipinas conference that the RMSC will be transformed into "urban renewal and intelligent buildings" with office, residential and commercial buildings.

“We are working (with City of Manila) on all the regulatory issues, permits; it takes several months,” he said.

Razon said the mixed-use development project was a joint venture with the City of Manila.

The RMSC is owned by the City of Manila and managed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

He noted the project will be implemented through a “special purpose vehicle.”

“We are committed to a certain plan to undertake the project,” he added. (PNA)

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No casualties after 6.2 magnitude quake hits Xinjiang

URUMQI, Dec. 8 (PNA/Xinhua) -- No casualties have been reported since a magnitude-6.2 earthquake jolted Hutubi County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

The epicenter is located at 43.83 degrees north latitude and 86.35 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 6 km, and was felt strongly in Urumqi, the regional capital 100 km away, and other parts of northern Xinjiang.

The moderate quake was followed by more than 140 aftershocks on Thursday afternoon, including six measuring between 3 and 3.9 magnitude.

Wang Guiqin. who lives on the second floor of a building in Hutubi, told Xinhua "the building was shaking and the lamp looked like it would fall. The balcony door shook open."

Liu Xingguo in Hutubi said he was in his yard when the quake struck. He felt the ground shaking, but his brick house was undamaged. He did not see any other houses collapse in the village.

A Xinhua reporter in Urumqi said his office building shook for more than 10 seconds.

Drink cans and bottles fell from shelves in a supermarket in Urumqi.

The quake caused no serious damage but cracks appeared in more than a dozen houses in six villages and a primary school near the epicenter, local authorities said.

In Sangong Township of neighboring Manas County, there were also cracks in several houses and some chimneys fell.

Local schools in Hutubi suspended classes on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, 24 trains have been affected as local railway authorities suspended rail services out of safety concerns.

A safety check was conducted on railway facilities between Urumqi and Kuytun, according to the Urumqi Railway Bureau.

The epicenter is in northern Hutubi, a sparsely-populated region at an altitude of 1,500 meters. More than 70 percent houses in Hutubi and neighboring regions of Manas and Shihezi are government-subsidized earthquake-proof properties. (PNA/Xinhua)

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Robredo vows to remain advocate for the poor
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) - Vice President Ma. Leonor Robredo on Thursday stressed her commitment to ensure shelter for the poor even after resigning as Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair.

In her closing remarks for the one-day Albert Del Rosario Institute's (ADRI) The Pilipinas Conference in Makati City, the country's second highest leader said she still looked forward "to continue working for housing for the poor as an advocate."

"I will still continue supporting the policies of this administration and the things that we clearly have in common - that is dedication to the poor and the marginalized and an empathy for ordinary Filipino," she said.

Robredo announced her resignation from the Cabinet last Sunday, Dec. 4, after she was informed by Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco, through SMS, about President Rodrigo R. Duterte's directive for her not to attend Cabinet meetings anymore starting Dec. 5.

She formally tendered her resignation last Monday.

In her speech, the Vice President said poverty and equality remain high "and "have been our country's bed fellows for far too long."

"Now more than ever we need to focus on our job at hand and deepen our sense of service," she said.

She stressed that there is a reason why people have been placed in a certain place and time.

"There must be a reason why we are here. There must be a reason why I am here.We hope that every one of us rise to the challenge, always keeping in mind the last, the least and the lost," she added. (PNA)

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Money, technology: Top 2 areas of conflict for Filipino couples
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- A Relationship Index survey found that money and technology are the biggest sources of arguments among Filipino couples.

The Pru Life UK Relationship Index aimed to understand the state of personal relationships in Asia. More than 5,000 interviews were conducted in the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

While the Philippines ranked second in terms of relationship fulfillment, the research found that money is the usual source of arguments here, with 46 percent of couples admitting they argue about it.

Couples argue on who makes financial decisions and who controls everyday spending. Almost half (48 percent) of married men said they make most of the big financial decisions, but only 13 percent of married women agree with them.

With regard to day-to-day spending, 57 percent of women said they have control for this, but only 34 percent of men agree with it.

Though money was found as a usual reason of arguments, the study also found that Filipino adults are generous when it comes to finances.

"They are highly likely to provide mutual financial support, with almost all adults providing some financial support to at least one other person," the study revealed.

Filipinos are also highly likely to rely on their family for emergency support, with 80 percent thinking that their parents will provide for them in case of emergencies.

Second to money is technology, with 41 percent citing they argue about the lack of attention, and 37 percent complaining about spending too much time on phone or computer.

The study also highlighted the digital divide, as couples and parents were found to compete with smartphones for love and attention.

Majority (37 percent) of couples cited time spent on mobile phones or computers as reason for arguments, and 24 percent cited that their partners sometimes prefer using their phones than spending intimate time with them.

With this problem, 94 percent of the Filipino respondents consider giving up technology for a day so they could spend more time with their loved ones.

Antonio De Rosas, Pru Life UK chief executive officer, noted that technology devices have intruded people’s personal spaces. “We are often distracted by phones and computers, to the extent that we sometimes fail to be present in the company of our loved ones,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines got the Relationship Index satisfaction score of 70/100. The study said that on an average, Filipinos’ primary relationships fulfill 79 percent of their desired relationship needs. (PNA)

Mayor Espinosa laid to rest

ALBUERA, Leyte, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Slain Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. was laid to rest Sunday afternoon a month after he was killed in a raid at the Baybay City sub-provincial jail.

Thousands of family members, relatives and supporters gathered on Sunday morning hours before the mayor’s burial. The mayor was buried at the town’s public cemetery around 3 p.m. after a mass at the town’s Catholic church.

Mourners were clad in blue shirts printed with "We love Mayor Onick Espinosa" on the front and "Fight for Justice" at the back. Onick is the nickname of the slain mayor, the father of self-confessed Eastern Visayas drug lord, Kerwin Espinosa.

Other supporters wore the mayor’s campaign shirt.

On Saturday night, 3,000 supporters turned emotional during a tribute vigil when Kerwin, who has been jailed at Camp Crame, spoke via phone patch to the crowd, who gathered at the family’s residential complex in Benolho village here.

Espinosa was killed on Nov. 5 when operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group served him a search warrant at his detention cell for allegedly keeping illegal drugs and firearms.

Earlier, Espinosa had executed an affidavit linking more than 200 individuals to his son’s narcotics trade. (PNA)

Palace sees big possibility that PHL, US will reboot relations under Trump presidency

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Malacanang is expecting the relationship between the Philippines and the United States will have a reboot following a positive phone conversation between President Rodrigo Duterte and US President-elect Donald Trump last Friday.

"The conversation between President Duterte and President-elect Trump went very well and it showed that there is a big possibility that we will have a reboot of relationship between the US,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.

Andanar said Trump supports Duterte’s strong war on drugs and respects the Philippines’ sovereignty.

"He said to the President, that President-elect Donald Trump will support the campaign of the President (Duterte) against illegal drugs and he respect our sovereignty,” Andanar said.

Last Friday night, President Duterte and Trump talked over the phone with the Filipino leader congratulating the US President-elect for his close-margin win over Hilary Clinton.

"I appreciate the response that I got from President-elect Trump and I would like to wish him success. He will be a good president for the United States of America. I am very sure," President Duterte said in a press statement.

"I could sense a good rapport, an animated President-elect Trump. And he was wishing me success in my campaign against the drug problem. He understood the way we are handling it,” the President added.

Trump’s support on Duterte’s war on drugs was the opposite of US President Barack Obama and some US senators’ reactions after they expressed concerns on the alleged extra-judicial killings and human rights abuses in the Philippines’ campaign against illegal drugs.

President Duterte said Trump invited him to visit New York and Washington DC.

Asked when President Duterte is expected to visit US, Andanar said the Palace is leaving to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as to when the President Duterte will travel to the US.

"I cannot give the exact date or if there will be travel because that is really under the responsibility of the DFA and the protocol office. I don’t want to preempt them,” he said.

President Duterte also mentioned to Trump about the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Summit that the Philippines will host next year.

"He wants to attend the Summit and that would be great for our country,” Duterte said. (PNA)

Palace assures gov’t assistance to residents affected by conflict in Lanao del Sur
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) â€" Malacanang assured on Sunday that the entire government is helping the residents displaced by the ongoing military operations against the Maute terror group in Lanao del sur.

”The entire government is helping all the victims of the current conflict happening in that area,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar in an interview with dzRB.

Andanar said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DOH), in coordination win the local governments are addressing the needs of the evacuees.

A week ago, the Maute Group occupied a portion of the municipal hall of Butig town, prompting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to launch an offensive that left 62 Maute members dead.

The military operations forced the local residents to flee their homes.

”Everybody in the government is helping because many of our countrymen have been displaced,” Andanar said.

Due to the terroristic act of the Maute group, the AFP has placed several areas in Mindanao particularly Lanao del Sur under red alert.

In a press briefing in Malacanang last Friday, AFP spokesman B/Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said the government troops will continue the operations until they guarantee that the local terrorist groups will not be able to return to the area.

Padilla has appealed for full cooperation from the public, emphasizing that security is not only the responsibility of the police and military but “a share responsibility” of every Filipino.

Last Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte visited the wounded government troops in different hospitals in Cagayan de Oro. (PNA)

PNP launches nationwide manhunt vs. Jack Lam
By Perfecto T. Rsymundo

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has ordered a nationwide manhunt against businessman Jack Lam who was ordered arrested by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte due to allegations of bribery and economic sabotage.

Jack Lam was earlier accused by Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II of attempted bribery to release the 1,316 Chinese nationals who were arrested for working without permit at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Pampanga.

Dela Rosa said that due to alleged bribery and economic sabotage, hence, the President ordered the arrest of the businessman who is an operator of online gaming in Fontana, Clark, Pampanga.

Likewise, Dela Rosa urged the public to immediately report to the nearest police station any information that would lead to the arrest of Lam.

"Kung sino nakakaalam kung nasaan si Jack Lam ngayon, ito ay isang Chinese national na nag-ooperate ng online gaming sa Fontana Clark, ipagbigay-alam lang po sa ating kapulisan sa nearest police station, (Whoever knows the whereabouts of Jack Lam now, he is a Chinese national operating an online gaming in Fontana, Clark, please report it to the nearest police station)," Dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief noted that he has issued instruction to all PNP units nationwide to arrest Lam.

Dela Rosa said that he has coordinated with Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente about the directive of President Duterte.

However, Dela Rosa said, he has no idea whether a Hold Departure Order (HDO) against businessman Lam has already been issued.

President Duterte has directed the PNP and the BI to make sure that the businessman would not be able to leave the country.

Dela Rosa said that they will do everything so that "technicalities" will not be raised when they arrest Lam such that there is still no case filed against him. (PNA)

Alcantara, Gonzales lose in Australian Open wildcard play-off

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Filipinos Francis Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales missed the chance of playing in the 2017 Australian Open after losing in the quarterfinal of the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off tournament on Saturday at the Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Centre in Guangdong, China.

Alcantara bowed to fifth seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran of India, 4-6, 1-6, sending the Indian to the semifinal round where he will face tournament top seed Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.Lee will be up against third seed Chinese Wu Di, who advanced to the semifinal after pulling off a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Indian N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth.

Top players from the Asia-Pacific region are competing in this tournament to earn a wild card in the main draw of next year’s Australian Open scheduled January 16 to 29 in Melbourne. (PNA)

Zamboanga City needs more tour guides
By Azer N. Parrocha

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) --This city needs more tour guides to assist tourists, provide correct information about the city and help remove the stigma that it’s a place to be avoided or feared for safety concerns.

This is the sentiment of Zamboanga City tour guide Errold Bayona, who has been working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) for almost six years to achieve this goal.

He said that at present, there were a total of 12 DOT-accredited tour guides in the city, and was hoping the local government and concerned agencies would address this lack.

Bayona lamented that during a recent tour guide training program, out of over 70 expected participants, only 12 managed to show up and only four managed to secure accreditation from the DOT.

“The thing is people don’t look at tour guiding as a career especially in a place that carries a reputation like that of Zamboanga,” Bayona said in an interview.

He also said that there had been a huge gap in the ages of tour guides â€" some being 60-years-old and others being 30-years-old â€" because very few residents showed interest in it.

”Some train with us for a few years and eventually go abroad,” he added, noting that tour guides were not well compensated.

’Surviving Zamboanga’

Bayona meanwhile sought tourists to help boost the image of Zamboanga City by avoiding bragging to their friends and family about having “survived” their visit.

”Tourists don’t come here because they think it’s not safe while those that do come here brag about coming, leaving and surviving â€" which shouldn’t be the case. We don’t brag about surviving in other tourist destinations,” he said.

He said that tourism stakeholders and ambassadors could start changing the city’s bad reputation by proper information dissemination and constant advertising.

Data from DOT Mindanao showed that the island acquired around 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2015 with the bulk of these arrivals coming from the Davao Region (Region 11) with around 2.8 million arrivals.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) generated around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) with about 1 million arrivals and Caraga (Region 13) acquiring around 1.2 million arrivals.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo vowed to fan Mindanao tourism under her term, especially since she herself and President Rodrigo Duterte hail from the same region.

Teo is looking at developing Zamboanga’s pink sand beach, Las Islas de Santa Cruz, and the hidden paradise, 11 Islands, as new tourist destinations, particularly for backpackers.

Teo herself visited the pink sand beach on Friday to see the pink sand beach for herself and assure tourists that tourism in the Zamboanga Peninsula is safe regardless of the old stigma attached to its name.

“I personally came here because I want people to know that because ‘the Secretary of Tourism was here’, the more they should come here. I would like to show the world that Zamboanga is safe,” Teo said. (PNA)

La Salle draws first blood in UAAP finals against Ateneo
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- Jeron Teng saved the day for La Salle as the team opened the UAAP men's basketball finals with a 67-65 win against Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.

The 6-foot-2 wingman scored on a go-ahead layup and got a crucial defensive gem down the stretch as the Green Archers took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three tie with the Blue Eagles.

La Salle went on a hot start, opening a 16-2 lead.

But Ateneo slowly chipped away the lead and took it, 65-64, on a Matt Nieto basket with 34.6 seconds remaining.

He actually had a chance to extend the lead after he was fouled in the said layup, but he missed the bonus charity and Thirdy Ravena lost the ball while going for the second chance, setting up Teng's clinching lay-in with 15.1 seconds to go.

Aaron Black had one final chance to steal the win for the Eagles, but Teng blocked his jumper and the Archers got the ball back.

Kib Montalbo kept the door open for Ateneo to take the win as he only made one of two free throws with 3.3 seconds left, but with no timeout left, Adrian Wong had to run the full court and launch a half-court shot that only hit the backboard as time expired.

Ben Mbala led La Salle with 20 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals, while Aljun Melecio added 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist.

Black finished with 12 markers, eight caroms, and three dimes for Ateneo.

The Green Archers can clinch the title on Wednesday, 4 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Box Scores:

La Salle 67-Mbala 20, Melecio 12, Teng 10, Sargent 7, Torres 5, Montalbo 4, P. Rivero 3, Tratter 3, R. Rivero 2, Caracut 1, Perkins 0, Baltazar 0

Ateneo 65-Black 12, Wong 9, Ikeh 8, Mi. Nieto 8, Ravena 8, Go 6, Ma. Nieto 5, Verano 5, Asistio 2, Tolentino 2, Mendoza 0, Porter 0

Quarterscores: 19-6, 36-26, 52-52, 67-65 (PNA)

Cloudiness, rain likely till Sunday

MANILA, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- Cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over Eastern Visayas, CARAGA, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and Davao regions, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical ServicesAdministration (PAGASA) said in its 24-hour forecast released Saturday afternoon (Dec.3).

The easterlies are affecting the country's eastern section, noted PAGASA.

PAGASA also said partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains are expected over extreme Northern Luzon's Batanes province and Calayan Islands.

The northeast monsoon or 'amihan' is affecting extreme Northern Luzon, PAGASA said.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and rest of the country, PAGASA said further.

In its gale warning 12 released Saturday afternoon, PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds associated with 'amihan' will likely affect Northern Luzon's northern seaboard covering Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan islands as well as the northern coasts of Cagayan and IlocosNorte provinces.

PAGASA forecast 52 kph to 63 kph winds to fan rough to very rough seas there with waves up to 4.5 meters high.

"Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," PAGASA added. (PNA)

Magnitude 3.2 earthquake causes no damage in La Union

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- No damage was reported in the magnitude 3.2 earthquake that jolted the province of La Union Saturday morning, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 1.

OCD said the tremor was felt by local residents at 8:57 a.m on Saturday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) traced the epicenter of the quake at six kilometers northwest of San Fernando City, La Union.

It was too weak to be felt in adjacent areas, including Dagupan City and Pangasinan.

Phivolcs said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin, had a shallow depth of 13 kilometers.

OCD quoted Phivolcs as saying that aftershocks were not expected. (PNA)

Duterte invites Trump to PHL

DAVAO CITY, Dec 3 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte made a congratulatory phone call to US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, Dec. 2.

In a message, the President said that the conversation could signal an improvement of ties between the US and the Philippines.

President Duterte said Mr. Trump extended his warm greetings to the Filipino people during their conversation. “And he wishes to extend his warmest regards to the Filipino people. And in just a few minutes, we were talking a lot of things,” the President revealed.

The President said he could sense a good rapport with an animated President-elect Trump.

According to the President, Trump expressed support for the Philippine’s anti-drug campaign. “He understood the way we are handling it and I said that there’s nothing wrong in protecting a country. It was a bit very encouraging in the sense that I supposed that what he really wanted to say was that we would be the last to interfere in the affairs of your own country,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he wished Trump success. “He will be a good President for the United States of America. I am very sure,” he said.

Duterte said Trump also extended an invitation for him to visit New York and Washington DC. “He said that if I’m around, he wants to be notified of my presence,” he said.

In return, Duterte invited Trump to attend the 2017 Asean Summit in the Philippines.

“And I mentioned to him about the ASEAN Summit next year and he said that he will try his best to be here. He wants to attend the Summit and that would be great for our country,” the President reported. (PNA)

US social media giants unite to fight terrorist propaganda

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Four US social media giants are uniting in an effort to counter the spread of terrorist recruitment and propaganda materials online, Facebook said in a press release.

According to the statement, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube are coming together to help curb the spread of terrorist content online.

"There is no place for content that promotes terrorism on our hosted consumer services," the release stated on Monday. "When alerted, we take swift action against this kind of content in accordance with our respective policies."

Each company will use a shared database of digital “fingerprintsÂ" to track down potential terrorism recruitment videos or images, the release added.

"Our companies will begin sharing hashes of the most extreme and egregious terrorist images and videos we have removed from our services â€" content most likely to violate all of our respective companies’ content policies," the release stated.

Each social media outlet, the release said, will continue to review any government requests and will retain its own appeals process related to removal decisions.

Facebook said it intends to respect its users and protect their privacy rights while it seeks to prevent the spread of terrorist content online. (PNA/Sputnik)

Jack Lam's Fort Ilocandia casino operation shuts down
By Leilani G. Adriano

LAOAG CITY, Dec 6 (PNA) -- Responding to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to look into illegal online gaming operations here, the casino operation of the lone five-star Fort Ilocandia Resort (FIR) in this city has been temporarily closed.

The FIR is an affiliate of Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Field, Pampanga, owned by Macau-based gaming tycoon Jack Lam.

Upon instruction of the President, joint authorities of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in cooperation with the Regional Investigation and Detection Group and the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office led by Police Senior Superintendent Jose Melencio Nartatez served the closure order on late Monday afternoon.

Following the arrest of 1,316 Chinese at Lam’s casino in Fontana for overstaying and some violations, the President ordered the arrest of the big time gaming tycoon for allegedly attempting to bribe government officials, including Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre and Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo, and for economic sabotage.

Records from the Bureau of Immigration however showed that a certain Lam Yin Lok, Lam’s known Chinese name, left the country last Nov. 29 for Hong Kong.

In view of this, several employees affected by the temporary closure of the casino pending an investigation were transferred to other branches of Pagcor.

Jayson Perrera, legal counsel of FIR, maintained that Lam has not violated any law, hence he is optimistic the operation of the Fort Ilocandia casino will resume as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, authorities conducted a raid inside FIRC which resulted to the arrest of some Chinese who were accused of online betting but their cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence, Perrera confirmed.

Over the years, pack of Chinese tourists visit Laoag City via chartered flights and they are all billeted at the Fort Ilocandia.

“Our Chinese visitors (at the FIRC) are well-documented Chinese. They come and go at the Fort Ilocandia,” said Perrera.(PNA)

UN chief stresses importance of healthy soil

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday underlined the importance of healthy soil, saying that "In a modern world where the population is growing, cities are expanding, the climate is changing and more food is needed, we urgently need healthy soils to ensure the essential services they provide."

In his message to mark World Soil Day, the secretary-general said, "Sustainable management systems and practices will unlock the full potential of soils to support food production, store and supply clean water, preserve biodiversity, sequester more carbon and increase resilience to a changing climate."

Sustainable soil management will also advance progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, Ban said. "It should become the worldwide norm in order to optimize our use of soil now and preserve and protect it over the long term."

"Pulses, also known as grain legumes, can boost soil health while supporting healthier and nutritious diets," he said. "Dry beans, peas, lentils and other pulses combine with soil in a unique symbiosis that protects the environment, enhances productivity, contributes to adapting to climate change and provides fundamental nutrients to the soil and subsequent crops."

"Pulses can fix atmospheric nitrogen in their roots," he said. "By freeing soil-bound phosphorous to make it accessible and usable by plants, pulses also reduce the need to apply external fertilizer. These are all drivers of sustainable development."

The international community has identified collaborative and coordinated ways to protect and sustainably manage soils, he said. "There are valuable recommendations in the recently endorsed Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management developed by the Global Soil Partnership."

Following these guidelines will help pave the way to boosting the health of soil and fully unlocking its potential to support mitigation and adaption actions in a changing climate, he said.

"On World Soil Day, I call for greater attention to the pressing issues affecting soils, including climate change, antimicrobial resistance, soil-borne diseases, contamination, nutrition and human health," the secretary-general said.

"Let us build on the International Year of Soils 2015, the International Year of Pulses 2016, and all the activities supporting sustainable soil management to generate more hectares of healthy soils everywhere," he added.

The theme of the 2016 edition of World Soil Day is Soils and pulses, a symbiosis for life.

World Soil Day is marked on Dec. 5 every year because it corresponds with the official birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej , the King of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event. The King died in October.

World Soil Day celebrates the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to the human commonwealth through its contribution to food, water and energy security and as a mitigator of biodiversity loss and climate change.

It is celebrated particularly by the global community of 60,000 soil scientists charged with responsibility of generating and communicating soil knowledge for the common good. (PNA/Xinhua)

Filipino netter Lim ready for Orange Bowl tournament
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Top junior Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. is all set to compete in the prestigious Metropolia Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship in the United States.

The 17-year-old Filipino will face American Vasil Kirkov in the first round of the boys’ singles division on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) at the Frank Veltri Tennis Center in Florida's Plantation Central Park.

Lim, currently the world’s No. 38 junior player, is optimistic on his campaign in the Grade A tournament sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation.

Last week, he reached the quarterfinal round of the Eddie Herr ITF Juniors Championship, a Grade 1 tournament which served as tune-up for most players competing in the Orange Bowl.

“I played pretty well in Eddie Herr, all the work and adjustments in training that we did Philippines worked,” said Lim on Sunday (Monday in Manila) in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

“I think that for the Orange Bowl, nothing is impossible. I just have to stay focused on every point of the match,” added the college freshman at the University of the East in Manila.

Spearheading the tough field in the Orange Bowl competition is world’s No.1 and defending champion Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia, who won the singles and doubles titles in the Eddie Herr tournament.

The Belgrade-born player was runner-up in the Osaka Mayor’s Cup and the US Open Juniors this year.

Before leaving for the US, Lim joined the first leg of the Phinma-PSC International Juniors two weeks ago, reaching the doubles semifinal with Filipino-Spanish Diego Garcia Dalisay.

Lim also took part in the Seogwipo Asia-Oceania Junior Tennis Championships in South Korea from October 31 to November 6 and the Osaka Mayor’s Cup-World Super Junior Tennis Championships from October 17 to 23.

He has competed in the Junior Australian Open, French Open and US Open this year. (PNA)

40 Filipino swimmers to compete in SEA Age Group Championships
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Philippines is sending 40 swimmers to the 40th edition of the Southeast Asian Age Group Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rafael Baretto and Kirsten Chloe Daos, who delivered the country’s two golds in the 39th edition of the tournament hosted by Danang City in Vietnam, will banner the team which is scheduled to leave on Wednesday.

Also going to Thailand are Xiandi Chua, a silver medalist in Vietnam; Yakutsk Children of Asia bronze winner Camille Buico; UAAP and Palarong Pambansa standouts Maurice Sacho Ilustre, and Nicole Pamintuan; Batang Pinoy and national record-holders Sam Coronel and Thanya dela Cruz, and other promising swimmers.

Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) secretary general Lani Velasco is optimistic that the inclusion of outstanding talents from the Batang Pinoy and PSI Nationals tournaments will boost the country’s performance in Bangkok.

This year’s team was formed early last month following the nominations by club coaches and strict screening of national coaches.

The Bangkok-bound athletes will be accompanied by their club coaches and national mentors Rey Galang, Marichi Gandionco, Jenny Rose Guerero, and Sherwin Santiago.

The Philippine, represented by 29 swimmers, managed to win 11 medals, including two silvers and seven bronzes, and finished last among six countries in the regional tournament last year.

Singapore topped the medal standings with 41 golds, 41 silvers and 28 bronzes followed by host Vietnam (29-24-21), Indonesia (15-23-18), Malaysia (13-3-11) and Thailand (8-9-20). (PNA)

UN launches largest-ever humanitarian appeal at USD22.2-B in 2017

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The world is facing a humanitarian crisis that will require a record USD22.2 billion in funding for 2017 to support nearly 93 million of the most vulnerable and marginalized people, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said here Monday.

"In order to deliver urgent relief, protection and support to nearly 93 million of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in 2017, we launched earlier today an appeal for USD22.2 billion in funding -- the highest consolidated humanitarian appeal ever launched," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, quoting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which launched a relief aid appeal on Monday.

The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O'Brien, said that the scale of humanitarian crises today is greater than at any time since the United Nations was founded in 1945.

"At the start of 2017, the plans presented collectively to the international donor community today will support vital humanitarian operations in 33 countries, including conflicts in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan and Nigeria," Dujarric said.

Eighty percent of the needs stem from man-made conflicts, many of which are not protracted and push up demand for relief every year, the spokesman said. "At the same time, the impact of El Nino-triggered droughts, floods and extreme weather is pushing vulnerable communities to the brink of survival."

So far in 2016, international donors have generously provided 11.4 billion U.S. dollars to the current global appeal which, over the year, has risen from 20.1 billion dollars to 22.1 billion dollars. However, this represents only 52 percent of the requirements, and humanitarian organizations approach the end of this year with a funding gap of a record 10.7 billion dollars, the largest gap ever.

"Not in living memory have so many people needed our support and solidarity to survive and live in safety and dignity," O'Brien, who is also the UN emergency relief coordinator, said when he was launching the humanitarian appeal in Geneva.

"Funding in support of the plans will translate into life-saving food assistance to people on the brink of starvation in the Lake Chad Basin and South Sudan; it will provide protection for the most vulnerable people in Syria, Iraq and Yemen," O'Brien said.

"The lives of millions of women, girls, boys and men are in our hands," the UN relief chief said. "By responding generously and delivering fully on this appeal we will prove to them that we will not let them down."

The humanitarian appeal 2017 is based on Humanitarian Response Plans in Afghanistan, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. Other appeals cover Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Senegal.

Burundi, Nigeria, South Sudan and Syria are crises that affect entire regions and their neighbouring countries are included in regional response plans, bringing the number of countries included to 33. (PNA/Xinhua)

PHL eyes higher exports to China
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Philippines is looking to export more agricultural and fishery products to the huge Chinese market.

“With the opening of the big China market, everybody is trying to produce what China needs,” said Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

Piñol said there is increased interest for Philippine products such as bangus, high-value fish, coconut, fruits, pineapple, mango and banana.

Government data indicated that China ranked third with USD633.36 million or 12.2-percent share of the country’s total exports in September 2016.

The agriculture chief believes that increased exports particularly to China can benefit the Philippine economy and reduce poverty.

“I think by 2022, we will be able to reduce poverty in our agriculture sector. We target a reduction of 25 percent in poverty incidence,” he added. (PNA)
JMC/LDV

Cayetano on plot to ‘steal’ vice presidency: Leave President Duterte out of this
By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday urged critics of President Rodrigo Duterte to leave him out of rumors that there is a plot to help former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “steal” the vice presidency from Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

“If there is a feud between Vice Presidentiables, they shouldn’t involve the President,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview.

Cayetano, a staunch supporter and runningmate of President Duterte during this year's election, said that although it was obvious that Marcos “wanted to be Vice President”, he firmly believed that Robredo won the May elections.

“It’s not a matter of what I think, it’s a matter of who really won. And right now, the presumption is that Leni Robredo won,” he noted.

He pointed out that for there to be a plot, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal should also be involved in the plot to steal Robredo of her seat. Marcos is protesting Robredo’s proclamation in the tribunal.

“Unless the Presidential Electrical Tribunal says otherwise, then she (Robredo) is Vice President. Is it correct for them to be vigilant? Yes. But is it fair to involve the admin? It’s not,” the senator said.

“I know for a fact that the admin is not moving one way or the other because the election is over. There’s too many things that are too urgent for us to focus on politics,” he added. (PNA)
LGI/ANP

President Duterte ready to pardon old, ailing political prisoners before Christmas
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) â€" President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will release the elderly and ailing political prisoners in the country before Christmas Day.

President Duterte made this announcement before lighting a 12-foot Christmas Tree made of 360 pieces of Las Pinas Christmas parols at the Malacanang Palace buildings in a ceremony attended by 2016 Miss International titlist Kylie Versoza.

”There is no point of detaining a person who is old and sick. I find it very awkward feeling. I’m uncomfortable. So all the elderly, ailing, you can go,” the 71-year-old Filipino leader said in his speech.

President Duterte said qualified detainees for his pardon are those 70-year old and above and suffering from incurable diseases like kidney failure and cancer.

”If they are ready to be released and will be accepted by their families, I will release them before Christmas time,” he said.

The President failed to give the numbers of elderly and ailing political prisoners but reports said there are 25 elderly political detainees and 140 who are sickly.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said he will also agree for the release of over 130 political prisoners if the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) can show peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the CPP-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).

”They’re asking for the release of 130 political prisoners. I said I cannot give you that. I’m sorry but I have already conceded so much on the side of the government,” the President said, referring to the detained CPP-NDF leaders who were allowed to attend the peace talks in Oslo, Norway.

”But if you can show me a document signed by the Republic of the Philippines representatives and the communist, then I will release the 130 plus more,” he noted.

”I know the left have vision for our country. I used to cross the ideological border because I was a student once and I saw the iniquity, the sense of uselessness of the Filipinos, and I saw also the other side how should it be in the government,” President Duterte explained.

As President, Duterte said he pleads for unity of the country free from communal wars and for generation of Filipinos who are able, competent, healthy and good.

”I please for peace so that our citizens can move around anytime of the day or night,” the President said.

He reiterated his campaign promise to extinguish illegal drugs, corruption and criminality in the country.

”Expect to pass to this world but once, therefore any good that I can do to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again,” President Duterte said, quoting from an anonymous writer.

The President also promised to work hard to achieve peace with the Moro rebels particularly with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

”The MILF has shown its sincerity to talk to us about peace. Nur Misuari (of MNLF) chooses to be different but he has said that he will work with us in government to find peace,” President Duterte said.

”So I’m happy except for the extremists, actually that would really be a danger to our country in the days to come,” he added. (PNA)

Duterte administration has no time for alleged oust Robredo plot -- Alvarez
By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) â€" Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday categorically stated that the Duterte administration would not bother to involve itself in any “plot” to oust Vice President Leni Robredo if only for the simple reason that it has more pressing matters that needs its full attention.

In a press briefing at the House of Representatives, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) stalwart said that with so many problems besetting the country, President Rodrigo Duterte would not even bother to think, much less involve himself, over such absurd allegations.

“Bakit naman sa dami ng problema ng bansa natin pag-aabalahan pa yan ng Presidente. Eh yung listahan nung involved sa drugs ganyan na kakapal -- andami. Yun pa lang ang hirap nang ayusin tapos gagawa ka pa ng ano, plot dyan, kung ano-ano (Why would the President bother with the alleged oust plot, the country has more pressing problems. The list of government officials involved in drugs is so thick. That alone is already very difficult to solve and yet you would still put together a ‘plot’ or whatever)," said Alvarez.

He also said that a six-year term is short that the ruling party would not distract itself from fulfilling its promises to the Filipino people.

“Alam mo, yung six years mabilis lang naman yan e, hindi na kailangang mag-plot-plot. E meron pa nga tayong hinaharap na ano, etong charter change di ba, revision nung constitution. Doon pa lang mauubos na rin ang oras natin (Six years could swiftly go by; there is no need to plot. As everybody knows, we also have to tackle charter change - the revision of the Constitution. That would also consume most of our time)," the Speaker said.

Alvarez also downplayed allegations made by Robredo’s camp that a ballot recount is also part of the plot to take the vice presidency from her.

Robredo, a member of the Liberal Party, won the vice presidential race with only a slim margin of only 263,473 votes over former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.

An electoral protest was filed by the camp of Marcos over allegations of rigging transmission results.

Alvarez said that if ever a ballot recount will actually take place, nobody really knows what the real score is except Robredo.

“Why worry if you are really confident of your numbers? No matter how they count it, if you are the real winner, then you are the real winner,” he said.

“Besides, the recount would be attended by lawyers and representatives from both camps and I am sure that it would be televised. So, what is actually in the ballot would be counted,” Alvarez said.

Robredo formally tendered her resignation on Monday as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) barely five months after she accepted the offer to head the agency previously handled by former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Noli de Castro.

In her statement last Sunday, Robredo claimed she had been warned of a plot to steal the vice presidency from her. (PNA)

Senate okays PHL membership in China-led AIIB

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Senate on Monday approved on its final reading the ratification of Articles of Agreement of the China-led international financial institution, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Senate Resolution No. 241 was passed on third reading with 20 affirmative votes, one negative vote from Senator Risa Hontiveros and zero abstention.

The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and co-sponsored by Sen. Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on the AIIB ratification.

Hontiveros, in a privilege speech, explained that she cast a negative vote noting that the Philippines should first verify whether the loan agreements the country has entered into with these institutions are in accordance with the principles on responsible sovereign lending and borrowing published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

“…Before joining another international financial institution, I strongly urge that the Congressional Oversight Committee on Overseas Development Assistance conduct a debt audit to verify whether the loan agreements our country has entered into are legitimate,” Hontiveros said.

"The Agreement considers the importance of regional cooperation to sustain growth and promote economic and social development of the economies in Asia and thereby contribute to regional resilience against potential financial crises and other external shocks in the context of globalization," the resolution said.

It further stated that the Agreement "realizes that the considerable long-term need for financing infrastructure development in Asia will be met more adequately by a partnership among existing multilateral development banks and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank."

The AIIB is formed by 57-founding member states like China, India, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The Philippines signed the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank last December 31, 2015 in China.

President Rodrigo Duterte himself ratified the Agreement last October 19 and accordingly submitted it to the Senate for concurrence, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution. (PNA)

PHL to lure more foreign investments with easing of 60-40 ownership rule -- Israeli biz group
By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Philippines can attract more foreign investments if the government can ease its 60-40 rule on foreign ownership, said Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP) President Itamar Gero.

In an interview with the Philippines News Agency, Gero mentioned that Israeli businesses are eyeing Asian markets, but most of Israeli investors are going to Vietnam and other countries with more relax rules on foreign ownership.

“We see that they (Israeli investors) are going to Vietnam, they are going to neighboring countries -- Taiwan and China. And we need to put Philippines in the map,” said Gero.

“There is some room to relax the foreign investment rulings. Once you do it, I think you open the Philippines to a lot more of foreign investors that would find it a lucrative destination,” he added.

He mentioned that among the interests of Israeli investors in the Philippines are in sectors of agriculture, agri-technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation, among others.

Gero noted that the Philippines can be a hub for Israeli businesses that produce defense equipment and high-end semiconductors, adopting the technology of Israel.

In a previous interview, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau said the country’s agriculture department wants closer cooperation with Israel’s dairy farming and production sector.

“We are looking at dairy farming and dairy production as area of cooperation with the Philippines,” Matityau said.

The envoy noted that the current administration’s focus on agriculture sector will push for closer ties between the Philippines and Israel.

Moreover, ICCP’s Gero said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) eyes to set a trade mission in Israel next year to explore further cooperation between Manila and Jerusalem. (PNA)

Licuanan says she will continue performing her role as CHED chair

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan said Monday she will follow the order for her to stop attending Cabinet meetings but will continue to perform her role as commission chief.

Licuanan said in a statement that the instruction for her to stop attending Cabinet meetings was sent by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. through a text message on Sunday.

Licuanan was appointed by former president Benigno Aquino III and her term will end in 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier endorsed his former professor, Jose David Lapuz, as head of CHED. (PNA)

Health dept confirms Zika cases now at 39
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday that the number of Zika cases in the country has risen to 39 after the confirmation of four new cases.

According to the department, one woman from Biñan, Laguna who is five months pregnant, one from Mandaluyong City and two from Iloilo City have caught the Zika virus.

Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial put at three the total number of pregnant women who have contracted Zika.

The first pregnant case was a 22-year-old woman from Cebu who was detected with Zika during her 19th week of pregnancy last Sept., and the second was a 16-year-old in Las Piñas who was on her 32nd week of her pregnancy last November.

According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag, these women will be monitored during the entire course of their pregnancy and even up to two years after giving birth.

Tayag added that there is also a good indication that their babies will not possibly develop any congenital abnormality associated with Zika, such as microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected.

He explained that based on reports, congenital abnormalities in babies occur when the mothers get the virus during the first trimester of their pregnancy.

“Note that all of them got Zika after the first trimester period, so there is a good probability that their babies will not be affected,” he said, noting however that they have also received reports from Brazil that congenital abnormalities could occur at any stage, even a year after the baby is born, hence the need for continuous monitoring.

The other Zika cases were detected in Bacoor, Cavite; Antipolo City; Las Piñas; Muntinlupa; Quezon City; Makati; Caloocan; and Manila.

The DOH again took the opportunity to call on the public to clean their environment to get rid of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that carries the viruses that cause Zika, dengue and chikungunya.

The department recommended the 4S strategy -- searching and destroying mosquito-breeding places; using self-protection measures; seeking early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and saying no to indiscriminate fogging. (PNA)

Ceasefire not working for plantations, other businesses in Mindanao -- stakeholders
By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The New People’s Army (NPA) is still harassing agricultural plantations while there is an ongoing peace talks between the government and the communist rebels, according to businessmen and agricultural stakeholders in Mindanao.

They claimed that rebels continue to extort money from companies in Mindanao, among them agricultural plantations, private contractors, quarrying operators, public market stallholders and small-time entrepreneurs. The amounts range from as low as PHP5,000 to as high as PHP5 million a month.

Some NPA groups allegedly ask "commission" ranging from 5 to 10 percent from private contractors doing multi-million peso projects for the government and private companies.

In some provinces of Mindanao, the extortionists even demand revolutionary taxes from barangay captains, municipal mayors and councilors. A number of politicians were also reportedly asked to settle unpaid permits to campaign (PTC), which became due during the elections last May.

The affected businessmen are asking themselves whether or not to pay. "If we pay, we will lose our shirts and would be forced to close shop; if we refuse to pay, our lives and that of our family members will be in danger," said a businessman in Toril, Davao City.

Hardist hit

Among the hardest hit are banana plantations, big transportation companies operating passenger buses and contractors.

Just a few months ago, one banana company had to close its plantation in Surigao del Sur after losing a total of more than PHP20 million to the NPAs burning their equipment and packing plans since the start of its operation in 2010. The firm’s decision resulted in worsening of joblessness in the area.

Dole-Stanfilco recently shutdown its plantation and packing plants in the northern part of Mindanao after the rebels torch container trucks early this year because the company refused to pay the revolutionary taxes.

Even President Rodrigo R. Duterte acknowledged that the banana industry is hampered by the continuous harassment of lawless groups in Mindanao.

"The greatest challenge of the banana growers in the Philippines is really the law and order. Until and unless you can put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion and everything, sinusunog ang property, it’s all because of the taxation. If it’s not taxation of the communists, it’s extortion of the roving bandits in Mindanao," said President Duterte during the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Banana Congress held in Davao City last October.

Big banana plantations, have been seeking government support in fighting extortionists from the communist rebels who are demanding revolutionary taxes.

The President noted that Mindanao is the key to driving developments in Philippine agriculture.

While mining industries and export processing zones can sprout everywhere, he said, "what would make the industry valuable is actually agriculture in Mindanao, and only in Mindanao."

He added that he is bullish about agriculture in the country, and sees that the sector will "make it big… in the span of the next 30 years," provided the country is able to iron out law and order, and stop extortion attempts of bandits on farm owners.

According to these businessmen who requested anonymity for security reasons, the biggest adverse impact of revolutionary taxes, apart from the unchecked government red tape and corruption, is on foreign investors who were invited to do business in the Philippines. Now the business community would logically wished that the administration find solutions to this worsening scenario in the countryside.

The rebels allegedly are also harassing other businesses in the countryside. Last November 24, the rebels burned a bus of the Yellow Bus Lines (YBL) in Kiamba, Sarangani. The unit, which could easily cost Php5 million, was not the first YBL bus burned by the rebels.

The burning is just one of the four communist attacks that happened recently in Region 12, including the burning of two heavy equipment used in building a road. This was after the November 14 torching of another YBL bus in Tupi, South Cotabato.

The same fate is being suffered by telecommunications companies, which could set up cell sites fast enough partly because of the big amount being demanded by rebels in areas selected for the cell sites.

Globe Telecom had openly admitted that the high cost of setting up cell sites due to local government units’ demand, generally red tape in many levels of the government and the rebels’ extortion activities are partly to blame for the difficulty in setting up cell sites and the telcos’ inability to improve connectivity in the country.

Businessmen asking for protection from the military are disappointed that the military and the police can’t help to stop the extortion activities after the government declared a unilateral cease fire as part of the ongoing peace process. They have been ordered to stay in the barracks.

Worried businessmen are concerned what could the peace talks really mean to their businesses since the rebels are taking advantage of the government’s unilateral ceasefire. (PNA)

Energy Regulatory Commission chief goes on one-month leave
By Juzel L. Danganan

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Jose Vicente Salazar has gone on a one-month leave starting Monday, citing the move is due to the issues regarding the death of director, Francisco Jose Villa Jr.

”I believe that by focusing on this concern, the inquiries can be brought to a speedier and fitting conclusion. This is in the best interest of the ERC. The faster the facts can be brought out in the open, the sooner we can put the matter to rest,” Salazar said in a statement Monday.

Salazar also said ERC commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana will temporarily replace him as officer-in-charge of the Office of the Chairman.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier urged Salazar to take a leave for the investigation on the alleged corruption inside the commission. He noted that it would give way for an independent probe.

Salazar earlier said the commission tapped a third-party investigator to start the investigation.

Villa committed suicide on Nov. 9, allegedly due to pressure for his refusal to sign anomalous deals in the ERC. Villa was the bidding committee chairman of procurement of goods and services. (PNA)

Flying V, Eastern Petroleum to cut diesel prices by 25 c/ltr Tuesday

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Flying V and Eastern Petroleum will cut diesel prices by 25 centavos per liter on Tuesday, following international market prices.

Both firms will implement the price changes at 12:01 a.m.

Gasoline, on the other hand, will have no price movement. (PNA)

Health dept to shame LGUs with most number of firecracker-related injuries
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that it would disclose to the press on Jan. 5 the local government units (LGUs) with the highest number of injuries from firecrackers.

In a press briefing held at the DOH media relations unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said the move aims to show which LGUs are actually heeding their call for a safer celebration of the holidays.

“We hope the LGUs would heed our wake-up call,” Ubial said, noting the importance of the participation of every LGU in the success of the campaign towards zero injury, especially among children, during the New Year celebrations.

She said they came up with the “shame campaign” since there has been no major change in the number of injuries from firecrackers in the past five years, despite the intensive yearly campaigns.

“So, right now, I’m calling on all the LGUs, the local chief executives, please do your part in this campaign to prevent injuries among children and our people. Malaki na po ang nawawala or costs sa ating health care system (Our health care system has lost a lot) because of this useless cause of injuries,” she added.

Ubial further cited that in other countries, people do not risk life and limb by igniting firecrackers. Instead, she said, they regulate the lighting of firecrackers, which is only done by those who have been trained to handle them.

At the moment, the department is getting the active support of the LGUs, she said, adding that one of the earliest to express its commitment to the campaign was the LGU of Marikina City.

The health chief added that they are intensifying their coordination with LGUs since the proposed Executive Order (EO) on the regulated use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics will not be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte anytime soon.

The EO has not been signed because the President deemed it too late to impose it since the firecracker industry has already manufactured the fireworks. The manufacture of firecrackers usually starts middle of the year.

The EO encourages the regulated use and not the total ban of firecrackers, leaving the responsibility of lighting fireworks in the hands of experts who are capable of handling them in a community setting. It will also require the presence of first aiders to attend to those injured.

The health department expects the EO to take effect by September next year.

Last year, the DOH reported a total of 932 injuries nationwide from Dec. 21, 2015 to Jan. 5, 2016, 72 cases or 8 percent higher compared to 2014, which logged a total of 860 injuries.

Of the 932 reported injuries, 920 or 98.7 percent were due to fireworks; 10 (1.1. percent) were from stray bullets; and 2 (0.2 percent) were from firecracker ingestion. One recorded death was due to massive injuries from an exploding “Goodbye Philippines”.

A majority of the firecracker-related injuries though, came from the use of the "piccolo" with 385 or 42 percent of the total injuries.

Most fireworks-related injuries came from the National Capital Region with 523 (56 percent); followed by Western Visayas with 82 (9 percent); and the Ilocos region with 68 (7 percent).

Meanwhile, the DOH emphasized that it is strongly encouraging the use of safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers, such as the "torotot", car horns, or by playing loud music.

The announcement was made in cooperation with Bureau of Fire Protection (BOFP) officials and the non-governmental organization, EcoWaste Coalition, which both highlighted the dangers of lighting firecrackers.

According to BOFP OIC deputy chief, C/Supt. Bobby Baruelo, firecrackers can set houses made of light materials ablaze, while “kwitis” firecrackers could enter through windows and explode indoors.

The EcoWaste Coalition, through its representative Elsa de Veyra, a nurse, on the other hand, pointed out the bad effects of firecrackers not only on human health but on the environment and animals, as well. (PNA)

PHL T-bill rates up anew
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Rates of the Philippines Treasury bills (T-bills) rose again Monday as banks anticipate an increase in the Federal Reserve’s key rates this month.

Average rate of the benchmark 91-day bill rose to 1.55 percent from 1.48 percent during the auction last November 14.

The auction committee made a full award for this tenor from total bids of Php11.21 billion, higher than the Php8 billion offering.

Rate of the 182-day paper rose to 1.87 percent from 1.80 percent in the previous session.

This tenor was offered for PHP6 billion but received PHP5.218 billion worth of bids. The auction committee awarded PHP3.058 billion worth of this paper.

On the other hand, bids for the 364-day T-bill were rejected after rates rose beyond two percent. This is the second time in a row that bids for the one-year paper were rejected.

It was offered for Php6 billion but total tenders only amounted to Php3.55 billion.

National Treasurer Roberto Tan told reporters after the auction that results of Monday’s auction were “driven mainly by the Fed meeting that is being anticipated.”

Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will have its last meeting for the year on December 13-14 and Fed futures show over 90 percent probability of an increase in the key rates.

If the rate hike transpires this will be the second time after the rate increase in December 2015 -- the first in almost a decade.

Tan said these anticipations resulted to investors making “a lot of positions for shorter term” debt instruments.

He said banks are also holding on to cash, citing results of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) term deposit facility (TDF) auctions last week, which were undersubscribed â€" the first time it happened since the facility started operations last June.

”A lot of players are now standing on the sideline. Probably (they) will be waiting for the Fed decision and even probably waiting for the reaction of the Bangko Sentral on December 22,” he said referring to the last policy meeting of the central bank’s Monetary Board (MB) for the year.

BTr will have its last Treasury bond (T-bond) auction for the year on Tuesday, wherein PHP25 billion worth of five-year paper will be offered.

Asked for his projection on the demand following Monday’s T-bill auction, Tan declined to comment.

“I don’t want to speculate. I hope we have meaningful bids tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Treasurer said they have to start interacting with banks for the government’s 2017 foreign borrowing program.

He said he has heard that the central bank’s MB discussed the proposal during its meeting Thursday last week but is not sure whether it was approved or not.

”I just heard it was taken up last Thursday. I don’t have any formal notice,” he said.

The government plans to issue up to US$ 2 billion worth of dollar-denominated bond but Tan said only US$ 500 million of which will be fresh issuance.

”All the rest we’ll try to get through liability management,” he said.

Tan said they have not determined the tenor of the planned issuance but he prefers long-term debt instruments.

“We have to start interacting with the banks and see what the proposals would be,” he added. (PNA)

Pres. Duterte accepts Robredo’s resignation with heavy heart

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accepted ‘with a heavy heart’ the resignation of Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo as member of his Cabinet.

"It is with a heavy heart that I accept the resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo," Duterte said in a press statement forwarded to the Malacanang media by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

On Monday, Robredo formally resigned as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) after she has been directed to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings.

"Your directive for me to ‘desist from attending all Cabinet meetings’ has effectively made it impossible for me to do my job. Remaining in your Cabinet has become untenable," Robredo stated in her resignation letter.

"With due respect, I am tendering my resignation as HUDCC Chairperson effective immediately," she added.

Barely five months ago, Robredo said she decided to accept the offer to head HUDCC given her and President Duterte’s "shared commitment to the poor and marginalized."

"I have exerted all effort to put aside our differences, maintain a professional working relationship, and work effectively despite the constraints because the Filipino people deserve no less," she said.

Last Saturday, Robredo said she received a text message from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. relaying the President’s instruction through Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for her to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Dec. 5.

Robredo clarified that since she assumed HUDCC post, she has been consistent in opposing several issues including the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Robredo, a member of the Liberal Party, won the vice presidential race with a slim margin of only 263,473 votes over Marcos’ son, former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos.

The late President Marcos was buried at the heroes’ cemetery last November 18 or one week after the Supreme Court (SC) allowed the burial.

In the two past administrations, the HUDCC was handled by former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Noli de Castro. (PNA)

Social welfare dept provides relief aid to IP communities in Talaingod

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Monday it continues to give support to communities of indigenous peoples in the country by meeting their requests for food assistance.

Last Nov. 30, DSWD-Davao delivered 2,091 family food packs (FFPs) worth PHP696,303 to internally displaced persons (IDP) belonging to Manobo tribe families from Barangay Sto. Nino, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

The distribution date coincided with the anniversary of the Salugpungan school, which was established by human rights and church-based organizations that advocate IP rights. A medical mission was also conducted by the Fr. Pops Foundation.

The relief distribution was held in Sitio Tibucag and attended by members of the Manobo tribe coming from the different sitios of Talaingod.

To ensure smooth and systematic distribution of family food packs, the field office sent two DSWD-Davao staff from the disaster unit to assist in the distribution process. The field office was acting in response to a feedback report proposed by PASAKA -- the Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao. Talaingod is the site of several Lumad schools that are recognized by the Department of Education.

The school’s curriculum is dedicated not just for the improvement of students from Lumad communities, but also to help the communities themselves. The schools implement agricultural programs and actively advocates for the preservation of Lumad culture and ancestral land. As such, the school is in solidarity with the Lumad communities against agro-economic ventures that stand to destroy their communities and their traditional way of life.

Another delivery of family food packs is scheduled on Dec. 7 in Purok 4, Barangay Mangayon in Compostela Valley province. Two more planned delivery of FFPs will still be determined, but will be within the area of Caraga, Davao Oriental and Kapalong, Davao del Norte, as well as Compostela Valley.

“We recognize the necessity to help our Lumad brothers and sisters in their defense of their ancestral lands and way of life. The DSWD will contribute what it can within its mandate and means to help them survive their difficulties as they continue their struggle for the recognition of their rights and welfare,” said Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

“We laud the efforts of our FO XI (Davao) as they reach out to Lumad communities and give them food and other material assistance. It is important that the DSWD performs its mandate to serve the poorest and marginalized sectors of Philippine society and give priority to their immediate needs,” she said. (PNA)

DOJ issues lookout order vs Jack Lam
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday issued an immigration look-out bulletin order on Macau-based gaming tycoon Yon Lok Lam alias Jack Lam.

Lam has earlier left the country even before President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his arrest for alleged economic sabotage and attempted bribery in connection to his alleged illegal gaming operations inside the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Pampanga.

Aguirre issued the order a day after he defended Duterte’s order for the warrantless arrest of Lam saying it can be done since economic sabotage is a continuing crime.

“Considering the offenses allegedly committed and apparent reports that he has already left the country, there is a strong possibility that he may attempt to place himself beyond the reach of the legal processes of this government by leaving the country. We, thus, deem the issuance of an immigration look-out bulletin order against him prudent in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel and or whereabouts, or if warranted, effectuate his immediate arrest pursuant to the directives of the President should the subject return to the country,” Aguirre’s order directed to Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

The said order also directed all immigration officers to be on the lookout for Lam should he pass through all the country’s international airports and seaports as well as to forward any report or information to the DOJ or the Philippine National Police.

“Said information shall be immediately and promptly relayed to the foregoing and to any other concerned government office or agency, keeping in mind that time is of the essence in these situations, especially to determine the appropriate course of action to be undertaken thereafter. Hence, all concerned are strongly warned against waiting until boarding time to inform concerned offices of any attempt to leave the country,” the memorandum stated.

According to the BI records, Lam left the country last Nov. 29, four days after the arrest of 1,316 Chinese nationals in the online casino facilities operating in Fontana without necessary permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pacgor).

The bureau, however, has no records of Lam’s return to the country since then.

ILBO is different from a court-issued hold departure order since the former only directs the Bureau of Immigration to be on the lookout for the subject and to verify the status of a case against the subject person and not to restrict an individual from leaving the country.

Aguirre also directed the BI to cancel the Investors Visa issued to Lam.

Lam is one of the biggest gaming operators in the country. He is also the owner of huge recreation facilities in the country such as the Fontana Resort, Fort Ilocandia and online gaming hubs in Laoag. He is also one of the biggest junket operators in Macau.He said that Lam also committed violation of immigration laws as coddling of illegal aliens, giving support to them.

"In reference to violation of immigration laws, coddling of illegal aliens, giving support to them, pinatuloy niya sa Fontana resort niya hindi na kailangan ng warrant ang ganito dahil immigration law yan," he noted.

Last Nov. 25, 1,316 Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly working illegally in online gaming operations inside a posh rest and recreation facility in Clark, Pampanga.

Aguirre said the operation is one of the biggest arrests of suspected illegal aliens in the history of the Bureau of Immigration and Philippine law enforcement.

Aguirre, however, said that while the warrantless arrest could be valid in economic sabotage, he could not say if it could also apply on bribery charges against Lam. (PNA)

Pros, antis unite in opposing tobacco tax bill
By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Pro and anti tobacco advocates agreed in opposing House Bill No. 4144, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law by replacing the unitary with a two-tier tobacco tax system.

Under the proposed system, two different tax rates will be imposed depending on the classification the cigarettes will fall under. Premium brands will be taxed higher than the budget brands. The present law taxes PHP30 against all cigarette packs regardless of the price and brand with 4 percent increase starting 2018.

"Lower tax on tobacco which results in lower price, will encourage smokers shift to cheaper brands of cigarettes. It dilutes the public health objective to reduce tobacco consumption. It is the unitary tobacco tax system that will have the greatest impact on public health," said Irene Reyes of public health think tank HealthJustice Philippines.

On the other hand, those who oppose the bill fear it would dilute the objective of the sin tax law.

"Why are they (lawmakers) proposing to hit tobacco again, even before another big 20 percent excise tax increase in January next year, and we don’t even know what the impact of that will be," said Saturnino Distor, head of the PhilTobacco Growers Association (PTGA).

"Tobacco farmers are struggling with falls in demand for tobacco because of the huge 340-percent excise tax increases introduced in 2013, with annual compound increases of 20 percent or more ever since worsening the situation. Why is only tobacco being targeted and not other excisable goods? Tobacco excise taxes contributed around PHP100 billion in 2015, up from PHP32 billion in 2012, and are now more than 2/3 of the Sin Tax take. We are giving more than our fair share of the contribution," he stressed.

PTGA and the Philippine Aromatic Tobacco Development Association representing 50,000 tobacco farmers across the Philippines, said House Bill 4144, authored by ABS Party-list Rep. Eugene Michael B. de Vera, plans to introduce a big increase in tobacco Sin Tax.

The proposal would introduce two new increased tax tiers, one at PHP32 per pack, and the other at PHP36 per pack. Also included is an annual increase of 5 percent on these rates.

The current Sin Tax on tobacco (R.A.10351) sees a unitary rate of PHP30 per pack in 2017.

"This bill is being rammed through Congress and we have never been asked for our opinion. The whole process is a sham and we call on the leadership of the House to seek proper consultation and a complete impact assessment before proceeding with it," said Distor.

Meanwhile, Ninian Sumadia, the Sectoral Representative of the National Anti-Poverty Commission Youth and Students Sector, also opposed to the proposed measure.

"It is the unitary tobacco tax system that can effect substantial change in the behavior of the youth, who are seen by the tobacco industry as nothing more than replacement smokers, or their potential sources of income in the many years to come. The bill is a testament to the greed of this industry that targets the youth, who, as long as there are affordable cigarettes within their reach, can anytime fall prey to the health risks of cigarette smoking,” Sumadia said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states in its website that "children and adolescents are also more sensitive to price increases than adults, allowing price interventions to have a significant impact on this age group."

The Philippines remains the second largest consumer of tobacco products in the ASEAN region.

Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control urges all state parties, which include the Philippines, to implement it effectively.

"It must be clear to us what the primary goal of tobacco tax is save more lives. (Some) 240 people die every day because of smoking-related diseases, and the only way to address it is to implement effective health measures, and only the unitary tobacco tax system, and not the two-tier tax system supported by the tobacco industry, can achieve that," said Reyes. (PNA)

No valid reason to inhibit, transfer cases vs De Lima to Ombudsman -- Aguirre
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday said that there is no valid reason for him and the agency's prosecutors to inhibit from hearing the four cases against Senator Leila de Lima and transfer these to the Office of the Ombudsman.

”(There is ) No valid reason at all to transfer the cases to the Ombudsman. I already inhibited myself a long time ago. The respondents should not be allowed to choose their investigators, and engaged in forum shopping,” Aguirre said.

Earlier, Aguirre said he will no longer interfere after signing a Department Order consolidating the four cases against De Lima so as not to undermine the independence of the five-man committee.

The panel is headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong. Other prosecutors in the team are Senior Assistant City Prosecutor (SACP) Alexander P. Ramos, SACP Leila R. Llanes, SACP Evangeline P. Viudez-Canobas, and Assistant State Prosecutor Editha C. Fernandez.

Aguirre said the DOJ consolidated the four complaints filed against De Lima and 17 others, including former government officials and inmates for their alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The four drug complaints filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC); former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala; high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian; and the NBI due to the senator’s alleged violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

”The DOJ is just performing its function of investigating criminal complaints against her and co-accused. We are considering her cases as ordinary complaints. She was always acting as if she is someone special and above the law,” Aguirre said earlier.

In filing her omnibus motion, De Lima asked the DOJ to refer the four cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, which she maintained impartiality to investigate the charges against her.

De Lima, a former Justice Secretary, said that this would also allow “an objective and independent investigation on said cases.”

She explained that the charges leveled against her as a public official fall within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Ombudsman according to the 1989 Ombudsman Act.

“The importance of an independent and impartial investigation, forming part as it is of the fundamental right to due process, cannot be overemphasized,” she said.

”Her standard defense is that DOJ is manufacturing evidence against her in all four where she is being accused as the Drug Protector. Yet, she has not presented any iota of evidence to prove her accusation!,” he added.

The five-man panel headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong started the preliminary investigation on the case last Dec. 2 to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of case against De Lima and several other respondents.

Seven respondents namely: former Bureau of Corrections Chair Rainier G. Cruz; Ronnie Dayan, the former driver and lover of Senator De Lima; Julius Rejuso, alleged bagman of former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan; and the high profile inmates Jaybee Sebastian, Vicente Sy, Wu Tuan Yuan alias Peter Co, and Jojo Baliga failed to appear or sent a representative before the DoJ.

The rest of the respondents including Senator De Lima has a representative and lawyer to receive the complaints.

Romeo Siazon, staff of De Lima, arrived late carrying a letter addressed to the panel of prosecutors authorizing him to obtain copies of the complaints and supporting evidence in the subpoena issued last Nov. 21 by the panel.

Ong told the respective lawyers of the respondents to submit their response to the complaints on the hearing of the case set on Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m.

He said that on Dec. 21, all respondents, including De Lima are required to appear personally before the DoJ to submit their counter-affidavits except for the Bilibid inmates.

Ong said Bilibid inmates including Herbert Colanggo will submit their affidavits at the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

It was President Rodrigo R. Duterte who first exposed de Lima as having a hand in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the NBP when she was then Justice Secretary.

The senator, however, has repeatedly denied the allegations claiming that it was part of a demolition job against her. (PNA)

Espinosa, Dayan face off in Senate

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Senate on Monday resumed the inquiry into the slaying of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. with the late mayor’s son and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and Ronnie Dayan -- former security aide of Senator Leila de Lima -- finally meeting face-to-face.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, led the hearing which was also attended by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and cops implicated in the illegal drug trade, including PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8 director Supt. Marvin Marcos, Albuera Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido among others.

To recall, both Dayan and Espinosa claimed in separate hearings that De Lima benefited from the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) by receiving money in exchange for protection of drug lords.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon cited ‘irreconcilable inconsistencies’ between the testimonies of Dayan and Espinosa, particularly on dates and how the exchange was facilitated.

Dayan claimed the exchange happened in November 2014 while Espinosa insisted that the exchange took place in November 2015.

Another inconsistency in their testimonies was that Dayan claimed that De Lima facilitated the meeting while Espinosa insisted that Albuera, Leyte Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido contacted Dayan to talk to him.

Dayan also claimed De Lima gave him Espinosa’s contact number. However, Senator Lacson pointed out that Dayan, during a previous hearing at the House of Representatives (HoR), said he met Espinosa without knowing his number.

Dayan reasoned out that he was “not thinking properly” during the House hearing and “could not remember” it during that time.

“I think it is obvious there are irreconcilable inconsistencies between two witnesses. Irreconcilable inconsistencies are signs of fabrication and very poor fabrication at that,” Drilon said during the Senate inquiry.

Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon meanwhile moved to subpoena the call and text logs of both Dayan and Espinosa to review their conversations.

Other senators took turns asking questions. Meanwhile, despite earlier pronouncements that she would not show up at the hearing, De Lima joined the hearing and also began asking questions directed at PNP Chief Dela Rosa.

The Senate inquiry is ongoing as of posting time. (PNA)