CONGRESS LIFTS FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS, EXCEPT IN SOME PUBLIC UTILITIES

 

 

 

MANILA —Congress has passed a law lifting foreign investment restrictions on all sectors, except the transmission and distribution of electricity, water pipeline and sewerage, seaports, petroleum pipeline, and public utility vehicles.

 

The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 78 and Senate Bill 2094 — or the amendments to the Public Service Act — which redefines public utilities that remain sealed off to foreign investments.

 

One of the movers of the measure in the Lower House — House Ways and Means Committee Chair, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda — lauded the passage of the bill, which will next be transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature.

 

In a press release, Salceda explained that the measure effectively opens up to 100 percent foreign equity all economic sectors in the country, except the transmission and distribution of electricity, water pipeline and sewerage, seaports, petroleum pipeline, and public utility vehicles.

 

For Salceda, the measure is the closest that the country has been in overcoming the “growth overhang caused by the 1987 Constitution’s foreign equity restrictions.”

 

“It’s a massive reform because it opens us to foreign capital. We need a lot of foreign capital. We have plenty of domestic talent, but they leave for abroad because the capital required to hire them is invested abroad,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

BSP INKS AGREEMENT WITH COMELEC TO SAFEGUARD HALALAN 2022 SOURCE CODE

 

 

 

MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Commission on Elections signed an escrow agreement for the safekeeping of the Automated Election System (AES) source code for the May 2022 polls, the central bank said Thursday.

 

A turnover ceremony was held on Wednesday where the Comelec deposited boxes with a copy of the AES source code with the BSP for safekeeping.

 

The AES source code is used in the conduct of the national polls.

 

Under the Republic Act No. 9369 or the Election Automation Law, the Comelec is mandated to deposit the AES source codes with the BSP for safekeeping "to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, credible and informed elections," the central bank said in a statement,

 

“The BSP fully supports and looks forward to the conduct of the coming elections in a manner work that demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, for the benefit of all Filipinos,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

 

The BSP said the source codes are kept in a vault within the BSP premises and secured with a series of metal locks and combination codes.

 

Access to the vault needs approval from 3 Comelec authorized representatives who were entrusted with the custody of keys and/or vault combinations "to act jointly in withdrawing the escrow properties from the BSP," Diokno said.

 

Source codes for the 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 elections were also deposited in the BSP's vault.

 

 

 

 

 

UN SEEKS $169 MILLION IN AID FOR 'ODETTE' VICTIMS

 

 

 

MANILA — The United Nations has increased its fundraising target for victims of Typhoon Odette (Rai) to $169 million as the Philippines struggles to recover from the devastating storm, the organization's resident coordinator said Wednesday.

 

More than 400 people were killed and hundreds of thousands left homeless after Rai hit the archipelago as a super typhoon in December, ripping off roofs, shredding wooden houses and wiping out crops.

 

The UN initially sought $107.2 million for 530,000 people in the hardest-hit areas in central and southern regions of the country flattened by the typhoon.

 

But UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez said more than 70 field assessments showed "humanitarian needs remain very high".

 

The new target of $169 million would assist the 840,000 "most vulnerable people" in dire need of shelter, food, drinking water and sanitation facilities, Gonzalez said.

 

About 30 percent of the revised amount had been received, Gonzalez told AFP.

 

Humanitarian groups have been working with the government to distribute aid.

 

But the challenges were "enormous", said Gonzalez.

 

"Affected regions bore massive damage to infrastructure, agricultural land and the fishing sector, with local economies and livelihoods hit hard," he said.

 

Around 1.7 million houses were destroyed or badly damaged in the typhoon—600,000 more than in 2013's Super Typhoon Haiyan—and tens of thousands of people remain in evacuation centres seven weeks after Rai made landfall.

 

Power disruptions or outages continued to plague 80 municipalities, he said.

 

The response effort had been hampered by an Omicron-driven surge in COVID-19 infections, Gonzalez said, describing it as a "crisis within a crisis".

 

 

 

 

 

PALACE CAN'T COMMENT ON SENATE PANEL'S PROPOSAL TO FILE CHARGES VS DUTERTE

 

 

 

MANILA — Malacañang deferred comment on the Senate Blue Ribbon committee's recommendations on the government's allegedly overpriced pandemic supply deals but insisted that the Chief Executive is not protecting anyone involved in the transactions.

 

A partial report by the committee, which probed the government's purchase of medical supplies from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., recommended the filing of charges against Duterte after his term for defending officials whom it claimed were involved in a "horrible crime" against the people. According to the report, the president "betrayed the public trust" and must be accountable for supposedly condoning the "misdeeds" of his closest associates and appointees.

 

The Senate panel led by Sen. Richard Gordon launched the investigation after state auditors reported that about P42 billion was transferred from the health department to the budget department's procurement service without supporting documents.

 

Asked to react to the recommendations, acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the committee and the Senate have not yet adopted the report.

 

"Right now, (it's) something that we cannot really comment on because it is not yet official and it’s just a partial report so it's also hard to talk about it because we do not have an official copy yet," Nograles told ABS-CBN News.

 

 

 

 

 

BONGBONG MARCOS SKIPS KBP FORUM DUE TO CONFLICT IN SCHEDULE

 

 

 

Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will not join the PanataSaBayan KBPForum this Friday, February 4, due to conflict in schedule, KBP President Herman Basbaño said.

 

Speaking to TeleRadyo, Basbaño said the KBP sent invites to 6 presidential candidates in early December even before the Commission on Elections had finalized its list.

 

Only 5 candidates - Leody de Guzman, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice President Leni Robredo - accepted the invitation.

 

"May letter naman sila declining the invitation. May conflicts sa schedules nila," he said.

 

Marcos, 64, has been dodging questions about a brutal era of martial law that started seven years into his father's 1965-1986 rule, touting instead a message of unity.

 

"What questions are going to be asked that have not been asked? And how many answers do you have to give that have not been given before?", Marcos told One News television, appearing exasperated by an interview question.

 

"Nothing is going to change."

 

 

 

 

 

ROBREDO WANTS TO CONTINUE, IMPROVE BONG GO'S MALASAKIT CENTERS

 

 

 

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo said Wednesday she wants to continue and improve Malasakit Centers, a pet project of senator and erstwhile administration presidential bet Christopher “Bong” Go.

 

"Napakaganda na noong konsepto niya ngayon kasi pinapadali niya iyong paghingi ng tulong. Hindi iyong mga pasyente bangga nang bangga kung saan, para humingi ng tulong," opposition leader Robredo said during the "Bakit Ikaw? The DZRH Presidential Job Interview."

 

But she said Malasakit Centers, which are one-stop shops for medical and financial assistance located in Department of Health hospitals and other public hospitals, could still be improved, particularly by sourcing funding for the centers directly from the national budget.

 

Currently, financial assistance for people seeking aid at these centers are sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation fund, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s fund, and the funding of other government agencies and local government units.

 

“Iyong mas malaking budget, mangangahulugan na iyong mga walang pambayad ng gamot ay mabibigyan natin,” Robredo said.

 

Robredo said she also wants to expand the program to wards in private hospitals and to patients who do not need to be hospitalized but still need medical care.

 

 

 

 

 

RELIGIOUS GROUPS SEEK PROBE OVER ‘DELAYED’ RULING ON MARCOS DQ CASES

 

 

 

An interfaith organization has pressed for an investigation into the supposed delayed ruling on disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

 

The “One Faith, One Nation, One Voice” group said the “undue delay” puts the people’s hope and trust in the democratic process “at risk”.

 

“We urge an investigation into rumors and reports that politicking was behind the delay in the release of the decision,” it said.

 

Retiring Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier claimed an alleged conspiracy to delay the promulgation of the decision on the cases.

 

The religious groups also joined Guanzon in calling for the immediate release of the Comelec ruling on the Marcos cases.

 

“The main point at hand is the timely adjudication of the evidence and facts of a particular consolidated case seeking to disqualify Marcos Jr. from candidacy,” they said.

 

They warned that the delays faced by the case resolution could result in the further erosion of the Comelec’s credibility and integrity.

 

“The undue delay puts the people’s hope and trust in the democratic processes of our nation at risk. The integrity of our democracy, and our people’s confidence in it, is on the line,” they said.

 

 

 

 

 

THE REST

 

========

 

 

 

 

 

DOH LOGS 7,661 NEW COVID-19 INFECTIONS; ACTIVE CASES AT 160,297

 

 

 

MANILA — The Department of Health on Wednesday reported 7,661 additional COVID-19 infections, pushing the country’s caseload to 3,577,298.

 

Wednesday’s tally brought the number of active cases to 160,297, of which 93% had mild illness.

 

The country’s death toll rose by 43 to 54,097, while recoveries increased by 23,392 to 3,362,904.

 

The DOH said that 24.8% of 40,453 samples on January 31 tested positive for COVID-19, way above the threshold set by the World Health Organization.

 

 

 

 

 

DEPED: 'PROGRESSIVE EXPANSION' OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES MAY START ON FEBRUARY 9

 

 

 

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) gave the green light to all its regional offices to begin the progressive expansion of limited in-person classes in public and private schools from February 9 onwards, days after the government lowered the COVID-19 alert levels in several areas.

 

DepEd said the original 28 pilot schools in the National Capital Region are set to resume limited in-person classes on February 9, while the expansion schools in the region will "progressively" start their classes from Feb. 9 onwards.

 

Twelve schools in Batanes (Cagayan Valley) will implement expanded face-to-face classes next week, while 106 schools in Bulacan (Central Luzon) will begin classes on Feb. 21.

 

The agency said that 57 schools from eight areas in Calabarzon and 16 schools from Eastern Visayas are slated to participated in the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes on Feb. 14.

 

"[Other regions and divisions] are continuing their preparations for the expanded phase of face-to-face classes in anticipation of improvement in the COVID alert level in their respective areas," DepEd said.

 

 

 

 

 

QUEZON CITY CONDUCTS ANTIGEN TESTS FOR BAR TAKERS

 

 

 

MANILA — The Quezon City government yesterday administered rapid antigen tests to 756 law graduates who will take the Bar examinations at the University of the Philippines in Diliman tomorrow and Sunday.

 

Mayor Joy Belmonte said 20 health personnel from the city epidemiology and disease surveillance unit (CESU) were deployed for the testing initiative at the UP College of Human Kinetics gymnasium.

 

Some 350 personnel and volunteers at the UP Diliman testing site will also undergo COVID-19 tests today.

 

“We have been coordinating with the Supreme Court (SC) as well as administrators from UP, which has been selected as one of the testing sites,” Belmonte said.

 

“We want to ensure the safety of the Bar examinees and the success of the examinations this week,” she added.

 

According to the city government, the SC agreed to provide the test kits used by the CESU to conduct the rapid antigen testing of over 1,100 people.

 

Belmonte said other local offices are carrying out the necessary preparations for the antigen testing and Bar examinations, including the setting up of emergency tents at UP Diliman.

 

 

 

 

 

LISTED GAMING FIRM UNVEILS 'COUNTRY'S FIRST' ONLINE TRADITIONAL BINGO

 

 

 

MANILA - Leisure and Resort World Corp on Thursday said it has introduced the country's first online traditional bingo (OTB) called BingoPlus.

 

The OTB, operated by its unit AB Leisure Exponent Inc, "is the first online traditional bingo" in the country licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), LRWC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

 

The game can be accessed online via streaming and can also be played on-site, LRWC said. The company said it enables players to enjoy the game in the comfort of their homes.

 

Internet connection and a mobile device are needed to play to game, the company said.

 

"One of the company's major strategies is the strengthen online platforms to provide more and better playing opportunities to customers during the pandemic and beyond," LRWC president Andy Tsui said.

 

"OTB is a great way to enjoy bingo from comfort one one's homes without having to miss out on social interaction and have the chance to win huge prizes," he added.

 

OTB's soft launch is in line with the LRWC's strategy to expand its reach through online platforms, the company said. The online traditional bingo is expected to become one of the main revenue streams in the future, it added.

 

 

 

 

 

PCSO READY TO LAUNCH NEW LOTTERY GAMES

 

 

 

MANILA — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is ready to roll out new revenue-raising lottery and digit games during the first quarter of the year, PCSO general manager Royina Garma said yesterday.

 

Garma said the PCSO was able to secure preliminary clearances from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) and Department of Budget and Management.

 

In a public notice published in The STAR last week, the charity agency issued the revised rules on the PCSO evaluation and processing of game proposals before signing the contract with the proponents of the new games.

 

“We are planning to launch new lottery games during the first quarter of the year,” Garma said.

 

She said they are just waiting for the green light from the OGCC.

 

“I hope that the OGCC will render a favorable opinion soon so we can have a contract signing with PCSO agents,” Garma said.

 

The PCSO has been ramping up efforts to boost the agency’s revenue collections to fulfill its mandate of allocating 40 percent of its charity funds to the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.

 

One of the new lotto games is called win-a-billion, wherein a jackpot of P1 billion is up for grabs three times a week for a minimum bet of P100.

 

The Birthday Panalo digit game offers lotto players a chance to win on their birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

 

 

 

 

 

ALL-STAR CAST OF ABS-CBN'S INTERNATIONAL SERIES 'CATTLEYA KILLER' ANNOUNCED

 

 

 

MANILA - ABS-CBN has finally introduced the stellar ensemble of “Cattleya Killer,” the network’s new international project starring Arjo Atayde.

 

Joining Atayde in the thriller set for international release are Christopher de Leon, Jake Cuenca, Jane Oineza, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Ria Atayde, Ketchup Eusebio, Frances Makil, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Jojit Lorenzo, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

 

“It’s such a beautiful cast. I’m so happy to see everyone on board,” Atayde said as he gushed about his co-actors during a recent virtual story conference for the series.

 

“I don’t need to explain further, but I’m just excited. Remember that I’m just one of the actors for this series and we’re going to do this together,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production division head Ruel Bayani also said that the team is lucky to have de Leon on board as he was part of the cast of the 1996 Star Cinema movie “Sa Aking Mga Kamay,” where “Cattleya Killer” was adapted from.

 

“We’re lucky that Boyet [Christopher] is here to join us dahil to me, wala nang mas inspiring pa to have Boyet on our set. To know na may nagdudugtong from the movie to this series, at sa bagong creative energy natin sa pagku-kwento nito,” he said.

 

“We’re also joined by the most professional, most talented, and most creative people in the industry,” Bayani added.

 

Directed by Dan Villegas, written by Dodo Dayao and executive produced by Bayani, “Cattleya Killer” will start production this month and will be released for international audiences as ABS-CBN continues its global march.

 

“Cattleya Killer” follows “Almost Paradise,” the first American TV series filmed entirely in the Philippines, which ABS-CBN co-produced with Hollywood’s Electric Entertainment.

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

NBA SCORES FEB 1

 

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Pelicans19-32   31        26        27        27        111

 

Pistons12-38     33        32        22        14        101

 

LITTLE CAESARS ARENA, DETROIT, MI

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            B. Ingram NO

 

26 PTS 3 REB 4 AST

 

            C. Joseph DET

 

18 PTS 2 REB 3 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Heat32-20         32        30        21        23        106

 

Raptors26-23    22        28        30        30        110

 

SCOTIABANK ARENA, TORONTO, ON

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

B. Adebayo MIA

 

32 PTS 11 REB 2 AST

 

G. Trent Jr. TOR

 

33 PTS 2 REB 1 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Wizards23-27    20        20        33        25        98

 

Bucks32-21       24        29        25        34        112

 

FISERV FORUM, MILWAUKEE, WI

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            K. Kuzma WAS

 

25 PTS 11 REB 2 AST

 

            G. Antetokounmpo MIL

 

33 PTS 15 REB 11 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Nuggets28-22   28        23        27        37        115

 

Timberwolves26-25       30        39        31        30        130

 

TARGET CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            N. Jokic DEN

 

21 PTS 16 REB 8 AST

 

            K. Towns MIN

 

24 PTS 10 REB 7 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Magic11-41       33        30        31        21        115

 

Bulls32-18         34        36        33        23        126

 

UNITED CENTER, CHICAGO, IL

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

            W. Carter Jr. ORL

 

24 PTS 8 REB 6 AST

 

            D. DeRozan CHI

 

29 PTS 10 REB 5 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Warriors39-13   30        31        28        35        124

 

Spurs19-33       36        33        35        16        120

 

AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

J. Poole GS

 

31 PTS 6 REB 5 AST

 

D. Murray SA

 

27 PTS 9 REB 9 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

Nets29-21         29        29        24        29        111

 

Suns41-9          39        26        26        30        121

 

FOOTPRINT CENTER, PHOENIX, AZ

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

K. Irving BKN

 

26 PTS 4 REB 3 AST

 

D. Booker PHO

 

35 PTS 6 REB 2 AST

 

 

 

 

 

INDICATORS

 

 

 

FOREX $1 = P 51.04

 

 

 

 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

 

 

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams