CHINESE VESSELS BLOCK, CARRY OUT DANGEROUS MANEUVERS VS PCG SHIPS

MANILA — During a recent support mission in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese vessels blocked and carried out dangerous maneuvers against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships near Ayungin Shoal. The incident occurred on June 30 as the PCG was escorting a naval operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels approached within 100 yards of the PCG ships, forcing the PCG to decrease speed to prevent a collision. The CCG also issued radio challenges claiming full jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal and demanding the PCG to leave the area. Despite the aggression, the AFP successfully completed its mission at the shoal.

The PCG also observed two People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels at a distance of 9 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal, which raised concerns. Additionally, six Chinese maritime militia vessels attempted to swarm and block the PCG from entering Ayungin. The PCG vessels were able to complete their naval operation and safely leave the shoal without escalation or tension.

The Ayungin Shoal is recognized as part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines according to the 2016 award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. However, China has disregarded this ruling, constructing artificial islands, military facilities, and airstrips in the region.

EUROPE EYES PHILIPPINES AS ASIAN SECURITY ANCHOR

The Philippines is seeking to expand its security alliances beyond the United States and Japan to include European countries in its opposition to Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. A new EU-Philippines subcommittee on maritime cooperation has been formed, and France has appealed for greater military cooperation. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has adopted a more assertive stance in the South China Sea, where China claims a significant portion. The United States and other Western countries conduct "freedom of navigation" exercises in response to Chinese control in the disputed waters. European countries are also engaging in such exercises and expressing their commitment to upholding freedom of navigation. The EU-Philippines Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation aims to strengthen cooperation on maritime matters and uphold the rules-based international order.

The visit of Rear Admiral Geoffroy d'Andigne, the French Joint Commander of the Asia-Pacific and the French Armed Forces, to Manila highlights France's interest in enhanced security relations. Several European navies have conducted freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea, and Germany plans to send a task force to the area. European countries recognize the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea due to its role as a crucial trade route. However, their maritime presence in the region is currently limited, necessitating increased naval and security cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.

The relationship between the United States and the Philippines deteriorated under former President Rodrigo Duterte due to human rights concerns. However, cooperation has improved under the Marcos Jr. administration. While the EU has expressed concerns about past abuses, the situation has been deemed better during recent visits by European legislators. Developing security relations with the Philippines requires sustained interest, investment, and a focus on non-military areas.

In addition to security cooperation, the Philippines aims to resume talks on a free trade agreement with the EU within three years and finalize a deal by 2028. The country also seeks an extension of its inclusion in the EU's GSP+ preferential trade scheme, as its expiration at the end of 2023 could impact Philippine-EU trade. Trade Secretary Pascual has been engaging with European officials to secure investments and trade benefits for the Philippines.

MARCOS TO SIGN MAHARLIKA FUND BEFORE SONA, LEDAC IDENTIFIES PRIORITY BILLS

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) is approaching, and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) has identified 20 bills that should be passed before the end of the year. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted two new measures proposed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) bill, which aims to address cybercrimes, and the Bank Deposit Secrecy bill to combat money laundering and terrorism-related issues. Additionally, 18 bills mentioned in Marcos' first SONA remain priority legislation, covering areas such as healthcare, governance, and employment.

The AFASA bill has already been approved on third reading by the House of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate. The Bank Deposit Secrecy bill would allow the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to open accounts for court cases related to financial issues. Only the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and select institutions would have access to the account information. The listed priority bills include amendments to existing laws, the establishment of new institutions, and reforms in various sectors such as e-commerce, taxation, retirement, energy, and employment.

In addition to these legislative priorities, President Marcos is expected to sign the Maharlika Investment Fund before his upcoming SONA. The economic team is pushing for its signing, and the enrolled bill has already been received by the Presidential Communications Office. The Maharlika Investment Fund is part of the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth and development.

The passage of these bills and the signing of the Maharlika Investment Fund demonstrate the administration's commitment to advancing key reforms and addressing pressing issues in the Philippines. These measures aim to address cybercrimes, money laundering, economic development, and other challenges facing the country.

PRESIDENT INKS EO 32 STREAMLINING PERMITS FOR TELECOM, INTERNET INFRA

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 32, which aims to streamline the permitting process for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure in the Philippines. The order requires all cities and municipalities to establish one-stop shops for construction permits to facilitate the application process. The objective is to institutionalize streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits and licenses to support the development of the country's digital infrastructure. The order covers national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and local government units involved in permitting and authorization. It exempts certain permits such as building permits, height clearance permits from the Civil Aviation Authority, and clearances from homeowners associations and other community organizations. The order emphasizes the implementation of a zero backlog policy and requires compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Authority. A Technical Working Group chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology will oversee the efficient implementation of the order and develop its implementing rules and regulations within 60 days.

PROSECUTORS SEEK INHIBITION OF NEW JUDGE HANDLING DE LIMA’S LAST DRUG CASE

MANILA — The prosecution has requested the voluntary inhibition of Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara, the new handling judge in the drug case of former Senator Leila de Lima. The prosecution argues that Judge Alcantara's prior decision to acquit De Lima and co-accused Ronnie Dayan of drug trading charges raises doubts about his impartiality. In their motion, the prosecutors cite Supreme Court cases that allow judges to voluntarily inhibit themselves if there is even the slightest doubt about their actions. The case was assigned to Judge Alcantara after the previous handling judge, Romeo Buenaventura, recused himself from the case. If Judge Alcantara decides to inhibit, the case will be re-assigned for a second time this year.

Former Senator Leila de Lima has been detained since February 2017 on drug charges. Two of the three drug charges against her have been dismissed.

DA: MASAGANA PROGRAM TO PULL RICE FARMERS IN

The Department of Agriculture (DA) anticipates an increase in the number of farmers participating in the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) as the average farmgate price of palay (unhusked rice) reached P19.06 per kilogram at the national level. This represents a 10.6% increase compared to the price in May 2022. The DA estimates that palay production will reach 8.605 million metric tons this year, which, when milled, would amount to approximately 5.6 million metric tons of rice. With carryover stocks and imported rice, there will be sufficient supply to meet the demand from January to June. The price fluctuations are attributed to high production costs both locally and globally, but the DA expects stability in the future. The MRIDP aims to accelerate implementation by clustering rice farms and providing interventions to farmers through the provision of seeds, fertilizers, and other technologies. Existing irrigation associations will also be involved in receiving assistance from the program. The MRIDP seeks to achieve a self-sufficient rice industry with increased production, yield, and farm incomes, as well as improved resilience to disasters and climate risks.

MARCOS: CROPS TO BEAR BRUNT OF EL NINO IN PH

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned crop production will bear the brunt of the El Niño phenomenon that may last until the first half of 2024 as the National Water Resources Board said water and power supply could also be affected, especially in Luzon where the Angat Dam water reserve is nearing critical level.

“The problem with the water, I think, is solvable when it comes to livestock. But we will have difficulty when it comes to crops,” Mr. Marcos said in a chance interview during the sidelines of the Livestock Philippines Expo 2023 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City yesterday.

PAGASA on Tuesday said the El Niño phenomenon is now present in the Tropical Pacific, adding that the government must prepare for the expected dry spell “as early as we can.”

The state weather bureau earlier warned some 36 provinces may experience a dry spell while at least two provinces may suffer from drought.

National Water Resources Board executive director Sevillo David Jr. said water levels in all major dams have been going down, with Angat Dam’s reserve nearing the 180 critical level.

As this developed, President Marcos on Wednesday announced the completion of the initial phase of the safety and efficacy trials for the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine which the Bureau of Animal Industry has found to produce sufficient antibodies and safe for use.

He said this development would allow the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to issue a certificate of product registration for the vaccines while the second phase of the trials are underway.

“This gives us great hope as we have been waiting for this for a very long time. However, it is not a reason for complacency as we are being continuously warned by those who have studied the vaccine. The vaccine is 80 percent effective. There is still a 20 percent-chance that we need to look out for very carefully,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President said the government is also making progress in the procurement of avian influenza vaccines.

“If we continue to be able to fix the systems, and now of course the biggest issues are ASF and avian influenza – if we can control these, we expect stable supply [despite the El Niño phenomenon] and stable prices,” he added.

TOURISM TO KEEP ‘LOVE PH’ SLOGAN DESPITE FIASCO

The government will continue to use the "Love the Philippines" slogan despite the controversy surrounding the promotional video that used stock footage of foreign locations, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. She announced the termination of the Department of Tourism's contract with the ad agency responsible for the video, but stated that the slogan will still be used. However, Senator Nancy Binay called for the DOT to stop using the slogan due to the embarrassment caused by the video. Binay suggested reverting to a tried-and-tested campaign to protect the integrity of the brand. Social media users have created memes and parodies mocking the "Love the Philippines" slogan. Film director Erik Matti criticized journalists for relying solely on press statements, urging them to conduct in-depth research and interviews to reveal the true story behind the ad campaign.

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DFA: PH WILL HAVE E-VISA SYSTEM BY Q3 OF THIS YEAR

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines will have an e-visa system by the third quarter of 2023 to make it easier for foreigners to visit the country.

DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo added that the e-visa system will be rolled out “by end-September at the latest.”

An e-visa system allows foreigners to apply for Philippine visas via PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. Currently, Taiwanese visitors can use a “limited” e-visa system in the Philippines.

However,  the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier said expanding the e-visa program will take time, as “there is so much anti-fraud element that needs to be consolidated with the platform,” and the need to integrate or “connect” the system with other nations.

‘CHEAPER, MORE STABLE ENERGY FROM MALAMPAYA, LNG’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he expects more stable and cheaper energy with the expanded development of the Malampaya gas field and the blending of imported liquified natural gas (LNG).

The Malampaya consortium, led by Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. of businessman Enrique Razon Jr., is on schedule in its work program which includes the drilling of two new wells.

(Prime Energy) on its plans to explore and develop indigenous gas prospects and supplement the current indigenous gas production with liquefied natural gas imports through a gas aggregation framework.

Razon led the presentation along with Prime Infra President and Chief Executive Officer Guillame Lucci, Senior Advisor Sebastian Quiniones and General Manager Donnabel Cruz.

“It seems that this gas aggregator idea is the key,” Mr. Marcos said during the meeting at the Palace.

The drilling of Prime Energy’s two deep wells will commence in the last quarter of 2024, with additional production from the Malampaya field expected to start by the first half of 2026.

Prime Energy also told the President about its plan to blend imported LNG to ensure stable supply and price.

The blended gas will be made available by Prime Energy and PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) to all gas power plants at the same price.

The President in May renewed the production contract for the Malampaya gas field in northwest Palawan, extending it for 15 years until Feb. 22, 2039.

He said the extension promises “monumental rewards for our country and our people.”

PH HEAT INDEX TO REACH 44°C IN SOME AREAS

The Philippines is experiencing a heatwave with high temperatures and heat indexes reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius in parts of Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has suspended issuing daily heat index information since the onset of the rainy season on June 2. Heat index reports will resume on March 1, 2024. In the meantime, PAGASA advises the public to stay informed through official announcements from local authorities regarding warnings related to extremely hot weather. A high-pressure area over northern Luzon is causing warm weather across the island, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C in Tuguegarao and up to 34°C in Metro Manila and Kalayaan Islands. No low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country until the weekend.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

CHRISTIAN BABLES FINALLY RECEIVES AWARD FROM ASIAN FILM FEST

MANILA -- After more than a year, Christian Bables finally received his Best Actor award from the 19th edition of the Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy.

Last year, Bables was named best actor for his portrayal in “Big Night” as Dharna, a gay beautician who wants to clear his name after being dragged into a drug watchlist. Tying Bables for the award was Vince Rillon for his role in "Resbak," directed by Brillante Mendoza, who was also conferred a lifetime achievement award by the Roma Lazio Film Commission headed by its artistic director Antonio Termenini.

In the caption of his Instagram post, Bables expressed his gratitude to the festival and to his director Jun Lana.

"Thank you, @asian_film_festivals for recognizing the amount of love and passion I have for my craft. This is a continuous reminder for me that I am always just as good as my last work. I will never get tired of lending my heart and soul, to the characters that are just waiting to be heard and seen. I will never get tired of putting my heart in jeopardy. To my director, Jun Lana, and to my @theideafirstcompany family, thank you for the never ending trust and confidence. Direk Jun, I’ll forever be grateful and will always be a fan of your brilliance! Cheers to more exciting days ahead. Love, Your 19th Asian Film Festival Best Actor," Bables wrote.

Currently, Bables is part of iWantTFC's original series "Drag You & Me" starring Andrea Brillantes.

SPORTS

PHILIPPINE ESPORTS BODY EXPECTS MORE WINS IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, ASIAN GAMES

The national esports team of the Philippines, Sibol, is continuing its "Taon Ng Tagumpay" campaign, aiming for at least an 80% medal win rate in upcoming tournaments. Sibol performed exceptionally well in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, winning medals in all esports titles they competed in, including two golds. They will participate in three upcoming tournaments: the World Esports Championships in Romania, the Asian Games in China, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand. Sibol's overall head coach and general manager expressed their expectations for the upcoming competitions, acknowledging the challenges they may face against strong opponents. Nevertheless, they are determined to provide support to their athletes and strive for success. The Mobile Legends and Dota2 teams will also compete in the Asia WEC qualifiers in Saudi Arabia.

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. - Henry David Thoreau