Mayor backs complainant vs San Juan festival participant 'Boy Dila'

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Friday accompanied a Lalamove rider in filing a complaint against a reveler who allegedly drenched the rider, his mobile phone and the documents he was carrying during the Wattah Wattah Festival on June 24.

In his complaint, Eustaquio Rapal said he was performing his duties as a Lalamove rider when he encountered the rowdy reveler.

Zamora assured the public that the city government would provide all necessary support to Rapal and other complainants in their pursuit of justice.

“I am very disappointed with the behavior of a few who managed to put a blight on the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist,” he said.

The festival has been repeatedly criticized for years over the disruption and potential danger posed to residents and passers-by.

“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct that disrupts our community events and endangers the well-being of our citizens. Our city’s festivals are meant to unite us in celebration, not to be tarnished by the reckless actions of a few,” he added. —Antonio Iñares

China urges Philippines to shut offshore gambling firms

 

MANILA — China urged the Philippines on Friday to stamp out offshore gambling, an online industry it described as a “social ill” encouraging crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking and murder.

Senior Philippine government officials have expressed concerns about the continued presence of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), several of which are run by Chinese companies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said last month they might pose a national security risk and a senator has put forward a bill to outlaw them, but their fate is currently unclear.

The online gaming industry emerged in the Philippines in 2016 and grew exponentially as operators capitalized on liberal gaming laws to target customers in China, where gambling is banned.

Manila has however cracked down on illegal POGOs, which the gaming regulator Pagcor said on Thursday numbered 250 to 300, compared to 46 licensed operators. In the past year, China has helped the Philippines to shut five POGO hubs and repatriate a thousand Chinese.

“We appeal to the Philippines to ban POGO at an early date so as to root out this social ill,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

“POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images as well as China-Philippines relations,” it said, adding that most victims of the POGOs were Chinese. At the same time, it dismissed suggestions that POGOs presented a security threat to the Philippines, with which overall relations are strained.

Although the number of licensed POGOs has shriveled from a peak of 300, due largely to the pandemic and tighter tax rules, Pagcor suspects many have gone underground.

There was no immediate comment from the Philippine regulator on China’s appeal, but its chief told Reuters on Thursday it was prepared to comply with any government decision, which might include banning the industry altogether.

Taiwan: China drills more about intimidation, propaganda than starting war

TAIPEI — China's military drills last week were more about propaganda and intimidation than starting a war, but Chinese forces did show how they could react quickly, Taiwan's top security official said on Wednesday.

China said it carried out the two days of war games starting Thursday as "punishment" for new President Lai Ching-te's inauguration speech last week, in which he said the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were "not subordinate to each other," which China viewed as a declaration the two are separate countries.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Lai rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but been rebuffed.

Speaking to reporters at parliament, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said the aim of China's drills was not to go to war.

"The purpose of the military exercises was to intimidate, not to start a war," he said.

The drills were meant to show an external and domestic audience that Beijing "has absolute control over the situation in the Taiwan Strait", Tsai added.

Speaking in Beijing, Fu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated its list of complaints about Lai being a dangerous supporter of Taiwan's formal independence, and threatened continued Chinese military activity.

The drills were a "just action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," she said.

"As Taiwan's provocations for independence continue, the People's Liberation Army's actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity continue."

The government in Taipei says Taiwan is already an independent country, the Republic of China. The Republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's Communists who set up the People's Republic of China.

China has in the past four years sent its military to areas around Taiwan on an almost daily basis, as it seeks to exert pressure on the island.

But China also appeared to be trying to keep the scope of these drills contained, Tsai's bureau said in a written report to lawmakers, noting there was no declaration of no-fly or no-sail zones and the exercises lasted only two days.

"The intention was to avoid the situation escalating and international intervention, but in the future it is feared (China) will continue its compound coercion against us, gradually changing the Taiwan Strait's status quo," it said.

Tsai added that Chinese forces mobilized almost as soon as China announced the drills early on Thursday.

"The speed was extremely fast, demonstrating rapid mobilization capabilities," he said. — By BEN BLANCHARD, Reuters

EEI signs P1.79 billion deal for CAVITEX-CALAX link segment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Construction firm EEI Corp. has been selected by Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), the concession holder of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), to undertake the construction of the CAVITEX-Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Link Segment 4’s extension.

In a press release issued on Friday, EEI announced the signing of a project contract valued at P1.79 billion with CIC.

EEI, referencing a report submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, disclosed that it had been issued a Letter of Acceptance by CIC for the execution of the CAVITEX-CALAX Link (Segment 4 Extension) Project, with a total contract price of P1,791,542,140.01.

According to the terms of the contract, EEI's scope of work encompasses the remeasurement and construction of a 1.2-kilometer, 2x2-lane carriageway extending from the terminus of Segment 4 of CAVITEX at Tirona Highway to connect with CALAX.

Additionally, EEI outlined that its responsibilities include the construction of the Kawit Toll administration compound and access road. The detailed scope of work comprises components such as a main alignment ramp, a main alignment elevated viaduct, Roads 1-3, and an intersection improvement along the affected section of Centennial Road.

EEI stated that the project is expected to span 450 days in duration.

World’s largest China coast guard ship spotted near Panatag

 

A photograph depicts the imposing 165-meter China Coast Guard ship 5901, commonly referred to as 'the Monster' due to its considerable size. This vessel, accompanied by CCG ship 5203, was captured during a brief intrusive patrol into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone west of Panatag Shoal early yesterday. The location and trajectory of these vessels are illustrated in an image shared on X by SeaLight director Ray Powell.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy confirmed yesterday that China's largest coast guard ship is currently in the vicinity of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales. This confirmation comes as the Navy continues to investigate reported sightings of a pipeline allegedly laid down by the Chinese within the land feature.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stated that the unnamed vessel was last observed approximately 50 nautical miles from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

Further details regarding the Chinese vessel were not disclosed by the Navy official.

However, in a post on X, Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, countered this claim, stating that the Chinese ship observed near Panatag yesterday was, in fact, the world’s largest coast guard vessel measuring 165 meters in length and bearing bow number 5901. Powell also mentioned on X that a smaller CCG ship with bow number 5203 was present in the vicinity. According to him, they were last sighted in the area around 5:15 a.m.

The sighting of the largest Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship, nicknamed "the Monster," occurred shortly after Beijing announced the implementation of a maritime regulation granting its coast guard authority to apprehend and detain, without trial, any foreigner discovered trespassing in Chinese territorial waters for up to 60 days. China asserts control over nearly the entire South China Sea.

While closely monitoring the activities of the ship, Commodore Trinidad emphasized that the National Task Force (NTF) on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) would determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.

"It's a Chinese Coast Guard ship, and the NTF, along with the Philippine Coast Guard, will respond accordingly," he informed reporters.

Trinidad also mentioned that the Philippine Navy is currently in the process of verifying reports regarding alleged pipe-laying activities by the Chinese on Panatag Shoal.

"We are treating the initial report as unverified or unsubstantiated. We checked, and we're still attempting to gather other corroborating reports on the matter," he stated.

"So far, the report stands on its own; it remains unverified or unsubstantiated. That's how we view it at the moment," Trinidad emphasized.

Just days following China's warning of increased restrictions in the West Philippine Sea, Filipino fishermen reported escalated harassment by the Chinese, as revealed in testimonies from fisherfolk in Masinloc, Zambales, during an onsite joint public consultation by the House committee on national defense and security and the special committee on the West Philippine Sea.

Nolly delos Santos, a fisherman from Sta. Cruz town in Zambales, disclosed that he had ceased fishing in Bajo de Masinloc due to heightened Chinese harassment. Santos also recounted instances where the Chinese intercepted them, confiscated their catch—typically valued at around P10,000—and exchanged it for five kilograms of noodles nearing expiry.

Other fishermen expressed apprehension regarding the Chinese threat to arrest them starting June 15.

Traditional Fishing Ground

In a message, Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc serves as a "traditional fishing ground of Zambales and Pangasinan fisherfolk," given its location within the country's exclusive economic zone.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales affirmed their commitment to relay the fishermen's concerns to President Marcos.

Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun and other congressmen proposed that assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) be tailored to the specific needs of the fisherfolk.

Khonghun highlighted that BFAR's current provision of "small fiberglass boats suitable for rivers" is inadequate, emphasizing the necessity for larger vessels suited for open seas. He noted that only one 20-foot boat had been provided to Subic town in his district by BFAR.

Amidst the ongoing public consultation, a Chinese dredger was sighted cruising the waters off Bucao, Zambales, prompting concerns and inquiries regarding its presence.

The dredger, HONG FA 158, operating under a bareboat charter with Oromarine, was reportedly being operated by the China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC).

Heidi Fernandez, executive director of the Zambales Ecological Network, condemned the presence of the dredger, labeling it as a "slap in the face and mockery of our sovereignty." She emphasized the contentious nature of the dredger's presence, particularly in light of the suspension of sand dredging activities in Zambales due to environmental concerns.

Reports indicate that CHEC has been involved in the reclamation and construction of artificial islands by the Chinese in Philippine waters.

Meanwhile, in an effort to alleviate the concerns of fisherfolk, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that they have committed to bolstering their presence in the West Philippine Sea by deploying additional PCG vessels.

"We will ensure that Filipino fishermen are not harassed by the CCG," he asserted in an interview over dwPM Radyo 630.

Tarriela added that the Armed Forces would collaborate to "take whatever measures necessary to ensure the safety of our fishermen."

Tarriela recently attended the inauguration of the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Itbayat, located in Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines.

He emphasized the significance of the new PCG station, stating that it would play a crucial role in monitoring the movement of ships traversing the Luzon Strait, including Chinese research vessels.

On May 22, the PCG also inaugurated a new station in Hamtic, Antique. The establishment of this new station reflects the commitment to providing enhanced support to the local government in maintaining maritime security and safety within the waters of Antique.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año commented on the importance of the Itbayat station, highlighting its role in bolstering maritime domain awareness and security measures along the Luzon Strait, a vital international waterway.

He noted that the new facility not only expands the services offered by the national government through the PCG in Itbayat, Batanes, but also enhances the country's efforts in maritime domain awareness in Northern Luzon. 

Adamson University celebrates Vincentian Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

 

Manila – Adamson University, hailed as the 5th Top Philippine Universities by QS Asia University Rankings 2024, will celebrate its 92nd Foundation Anniversary with weeklong festivities revolving around the theme of “Vincentian Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” from February 11-17, 2024.

Aligning with the National Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Adamson University is embracing the rapid changes in Higher Education, most specially the need to increase AI competencies of faculty and to update curricula to include AI courses, as well as developing an AI policy as an educational institution. 

“As the pioneer in technical and industrial education in the country, we want our students to be work-ready when they enter the workforce,” declares Dean Ruben Nayve of the Adamson University College of Business Administration, who heads the Foundation Week Committee. 

“Starting the conversation right now on AI through some of the activities such as the Field Demo, On-the-Spot Writing Contest, and the Cluster Booth Activities will make AI accessible and not intimidating,” continues Dean Nayve. Other activities lined up throughout the week will be the 1st Vincentian Quiz Bee, Research Colloquium Poster and Paper Presentation, Canticle Choralfest, Araw ng Parangal and the Grand Alumni Homecoming.

Founded in 1932, Adamson University has served as one of the gateways of Philippine Industrialization, providing world-class Catholic Education at an affordable price. “It has been said that Education is a great equalizer because it is the best way out of poverty,” exclaims newlyinstalled Adamson University President Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM. “Artificial Intelligence can also be seen as a levelling force in society because through the proper use of this technological advancement, the world will finally be able to solve the problems of poverty, homelessness, and hunger,” declares Fr. Pilario.

The Adamson Foundation Week will also be an opportunity to celebrate the “Klasmeyt Culture,” which is distinctly unique to AdU.  Inspired by the teachings of St. Vincent De Paul, it embodies the spirit of charity and inclusivity, creating a sense of belonging to students, faculty, staff, and everyone whose lives have been touched by someone connected to Adamson University.  For more information about Adamson University’s 92nd Anniversary Foundation Week Activities, QS Asia Ranking 2024, and its unique Klasmeyt Culture, please visit https://www.adamson.edu.ph/

Senator seeks to abolish travel tax

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III is seeking to abolish travel tax, saying it unconstitutionally impairs Filipinos’ right to travel abroad.

Through Senate Bill 76, Pimentel also seeks to exempt nationals from member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from such tax.

Pimentel cited Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which recognizes the Filipino’s right to travel.

“This right to travel shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law,” Pimentel stressed.

Travel tax, contained in Republic Act 1478 of 1956, is imposed on all departing and arriving passengers.

“Today, the travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the country irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree 1183 as amended," Pimentel said.

He noted that both the Republic Act and the Presidential Decree were issued before the 1987 Constitution took effect.

“It is the submission of the undersigned author of this measure that the Filipino’s right to travel abroad is unconstitutionally impaired with the imposition of a travel tax,” he said, referring to his proposed bill.

Pimentel pointed out that the travel tax was originally imposed to curtail unnecessary foreign travel and conserve foreign exchange. Subsequently, the travel tax was used to generate much-needed funds for tourism-related programs and projects, especially for the development and enhancement of the country’s competitiveness as a major tourist destination.

“Filipinos are already paying a huge portion of their income to the national government via the income tax, not to mention the substantial amounts taken by indirect taxes like the VAT. It is quite annoying. Imagine, you have certain budget for your travel and all of a sudden you will be asked to pay for such thing,” he said.

He added that the national government should not shift the burden of improving tourism facilities and infrastructure to Filipinos exercising their right to travel.

He also noted the 2002 ASEAN Tourism Agreement, which, under Article 2(3) on Facilitation of Intra-ASEAN and International Travel1, provides for the removal of travel levies and travel taxes on nationals of ASEAN Member States traveling to other ASEAN Member States.

“However, our existing travel tax system still covers these individuals. Hence, we need to amend our laws in order to comply with our international commitment,” Pimented said.