DUTERTE EASES FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS
MANILA — President Duterte has signed Republic Act 11647, easing restrictions and requirements on foreign ownership in businesses in the country.
RA 11647, signed by the President on March 2, amended RA 7042 or the Foreign Investments Act of 1991.
The new law aims to attract foreign investments “that significantly expand livelihood and employment opportunities for Filipinos; enhance economic value of agricultural products; promote the welfare of Filipino consumers; expand the scope, quality and volume of exports and their access to foreign markets; and/or transfer relevant technologies in agriculture, industry and support services.”
It allows qualified non-Philippine nationals to do business or invest in domestic enterprises.
Under the law, foreign investors are allowed to set up and have 100 percent ownership of all small and medium-sized enterprises.
The law creates an Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee or IIPCC “to integrate all promotion and facilitation efforts to encourage foreign investments in the country.”
The secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall serve as the chair of the IIPCC.
The DTI’s Board of Investment is designated as the secretariat of the IIPCC that would implement its policies and resolutions.
The IIPCC shall also develop the Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan for the medium term of five years and for the long term of 10 years. An online portal shall be created, containing the IIPCC’s procedure, contacts, schedules, among others.
DUTERTE ‘HAPPY’ TO TRANSFER POWER TO SUCCESSOR, WILL DEAL WITH ICC PROBE HIMSELF
MANILA—President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday reiterated his stance on his controversial drug war, brushing off the International Criminal Court's (ICC) looming probe.
During his speech at the inauguration of the Narvacan farmer's market in Ilocos Sur, Duterte said he would be happy to transfer power to his successor and take care of the ICC case himself.
"One is that I promised you law and order . . . I’m now facing a criminal charge sa I — Criminal — International Criminal Court. Good, basta tinupad ko ‘yung trabaho, wala na akong pakialam kung ano ang mangyari sa akin," Duterte said.
"Dadalawang buwan na lang, I’ll be out. I’ll be happy to transfer the power to whoever you would elect as president. Iyon lang naman ang akin. Ako na ang bahala sa kaso ko. I did it for my country."
This week, the President said he wanted his successor to continue his drug war, albeit a different approach, fearing that illegal drugs would proliferate as the end of his 6-year term neared.
This developed after Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Año reported that in the past week authorities intercepted more than P159 million worth of illegal drugs in 1,230 operations.
ROBREDO: USING RENEWABLES A PRIORITY, NOT NUCLEAR ENERGY
MANILA—Vice-President Leni Robredo said nuclear power can be used as a power source, but should not be prioritized in the face of the global climate crisis.
"While bukas tayo sa discussions on tapping nuclear energy, least of our priorities 'yun dahil 'yung priority talaga natin ngayon, papunta na tayo doon sa COP26 commitment natin na carbon-neutral na tayo by 2050," Robredo said in an interview with media on Friday.
This came after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed an executive order on February 29 to include nuclear power in the country's energy mix to prepare for the phasing out of coal-fired power plants and after earlier efforts failed because safety concerns.
The Philippines signed on 2021 a commitment along with 40 other countries to shift away from coal as a source of energy.
But Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi, who signed on behalf of the Philippines, only endorsed 2 out of the 4 clauses of the agreement: to rapidly scale up deployment of clean power generation, and to make a just transition away from coal power in a way that benefits workers and communities.
Cusi did not sign to commit phasing out coal power in economies in the 2030s for major economies and 2040s for the rest of the world, and to end all investment in new coal-power generation domestically and internationally.
Despite public concerns over safety, Cusi has advocated for nuclear power, which he said could be the answer to the twin problems of precarious supply and high electricity prices.
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY IN VANCOUVER FOR PH POLLS
Just a little over two months to go before the May 9 Philippine presidential elections and the Vancouver Consulate General’s office is making sure everything is ready for the polls.
Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria said they hope to receive the ballots from Philippine Commission on Elections by mid-March, while counting machines are expected to arrive by April 4.
They hope to start mailing out the ballots by the first week of April as the Comelec has de-listed some 600,000 previously registered voters worldwide.
Austria asked voters to check if their names are on the certified list of voters.
Austria added that voters should also check to see that the list shows their correct address. If they changed addresses, Austria said they can send an email to the consulate so this can be quickly forwarded to Comelec. Ballots can also be picked up from the consulate's office.
"Kung sa tingin mo, from the time na nagregister ka sa ngayon lumipat ka, puwede mong sabihin sa amin na wag na naming i-mail yung ballot mo, pipick-up-in mo na lang, puwede rin yon, but we have to know before March 31," Austria noted.
Overseas voting will start on April 10 and completed ballots received by the consulate's office will be counted twice each week until election day. Voting will end by 7pm of May 9, Manila time.
"Nagsasara po ang polls, ang botohan kasabay ng pagsasara ng Manila, which is dito po, pag kinonvert natin sa oras natin, May 9 at 4am. So hanggang ganong time lang tayo puwedeng tumanggap ng balota," Austria pointed out.
ROBREDO SUPPORTERS IN CAVITE REJECT ‘MARCOS COUNTRY’ TAG ON PROVINCE
CAVITE — For supporters of presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo in Cavite, the province is not a “Marcos country” as claimed by their governor, as they vow to be one less vote for the son and namesake of the deposed dictator who is also running for president.
At the whistle-stops of Robredo in Cavite, her supporters had a rallying cry: 800,000 minus one, in reference to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla’s commitment to deliver a victory for former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the second most vote-rich province by 800,000 votes.
“That won’t happen,” small business owner Terry Madlangao, 56, told Philstar.com in Filipino in Dasmariñas City. “There are a lot of Leni supporters here and volunteers.”
“That won’t happen,” small business owner Terry Madlangao, 56, told Philstar.com in Filipino in Dasmariñas City. “There are a lot of Leni supporters here and volunteers.”
ROBREDO: ‘INSULT’ TO CHURCH TO SUGGEST IT’S BEING USED FOR POLITICS
CAVITE — Vice President Leni Robredo pushed back against insinuations that she is using the Catholic Church to bolster her political standing, saying that it will not allow itself to be used by politicians.
“I think that’s an insult to the Church,” Robredo told reporters in Filipino in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Friday.
“I think the Church will never let it be used. The Church is a stronger institution than us politicians and it will never allow itself to be used just because of their inclination for a politician.”
The independent presidential candidate said she thinks the Church is actively involving itself in politics since it recognizes how crucial the upcoming elections are.
“It’s not just about siding with a politician, but the morality of our nation is what’s at stake here,” Robredo added.
Robredo said she is seeking the help of the Church to help her fight disinformation — which independent fact-checkers say she is the top target of — in the hopes of tapping its machinery to combat falsehoods.
She added that the fight against disinformation is not limited to the Church and groups supporting her but is open to all sectors.
FACING ODDS IN CAGAYAN SORTIE, ISKO FINDS INSPIRATION IN UKRAINE’S ZELENSKYY
TUGUEGARAO CITY—Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso on Friday trooped to Cagayan province with the mindset that he would have a hard time wooing voters in the bailiwick of former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
When asked what his strategy was to get a share of votes from the so-called "Solid North," Domagoso laughed and told reporters: "PLL. Partido Lakas-Loob." (Party of the Gutsy.)
"Tayo naman susuyuin lang natin ang tao, paliliwanag natin ’yung layunin natin. Tingin ko wala namang masama dun."
Hours before setting foot in Tuguegarao, Domagoso said he is drawing inspiration from the courage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an actor-turned-president, who is now commanding Ukraine's troops against invading Russian forces.
"Kung si Zelenskyy di natatakot lumabas sa gitna ng giyera, may lumilipad na bala, may lumilipad na bomba . . . Eh, ito kampanya lang naman," he said.
Domagoso traveled to parts of Cagayan Valley on his campaign float, waving at the crowd who stepped out of their homes to greet him.
By the time he reached Tuguegarao, the provincial capital that gave Marcos a boost in the 2016 vice presidential race, Domagoso was convinced the "Solid North" battlecry of Marcos supporters was just a myth.
"Ilang araw na po ako sa Norte. Hindi pala totoo. Akala ko maze-zero ako ng boto sa Norte," Domagoso told voters in a town hall meeting here.
In a chance interview with reporters, Domagoso said: "In fact nagugulat pa kami. It’s the other way around. 'Yung warm reception ng tao, ’yung init ng tanggap sa grupo namin, nakakagulat."
MARCOS CAMP BLASTS CATHOLIC CLERGY FOR 'MEDDLING IN POLITICS'
MANILA - The camp of presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said it was "saddened" by the Catholic clergy who oppose the presidential bid of the late dictator's son.
“While presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos is calling for unity, we are saddened by the men and women of the Catholic clergy who are doing the exact opposite and have abused the pulpit, allowing it to become a platform for hateful and negative campaigning," Marcos spokesman Atty. Vic Rodriguez claimed in a statement.
"As men and women of the cloth, they should be more circumspect, refrain from openly meddling with politics and stop making reckless imputation or statement that only serves as a spiritual, moral, social and cultural poison," he claimed.
The statement came after the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines issued a pastoral letter last month.
In it, the CBCP warned Filipinos against what it called "radical distortions" in the history of Martial Law under the rule of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
When asked if the letter alluded to Bongbong Marcos, CBCP Bishop Pablo David told Agence France-Presse, "I think it is obvious from our tone we do not want the dark age of martial law repeated."
It also comes as hundreds of clergy members and lay organizations like Couples For Christ have come out to declare their support for one of Marcos' rivals, Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo.
QUIAPO GOLDEN MOSQUE ADMINISTRATOR ENDORSES SARA, UNITEAM
Vice-presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio visited the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center on Globo De Oro Street, Quiapo, Manila Saturday morning.
Golden Mosque administrator Sultan Omar Umbaya endorsed the candidacy of Duterte-Carpio and her UniTeam party.
“Mahal na mahal niya po ang mga Muslim. Ang pamilya nila po ay talagang maka-muslim,” Umbaya added.
The Muslim leader also pointed out that the community is united in supporting the Ferdinand Marcos Jr.-Duterte-Carpio tandem.
“Panalong-panalo na tayo ang UniTeam,” Umbaya said.
PACQUIAO: THOSE WHO VOTE FOR THIEVES ARE DUMB
MANILA — Sen. Manny Pacquiao lashed out at critics who continue to question his intelligence and capability to lead the country if he wins the presidency, saying those who will vote for thieves are the ones who are dumb.
Pacquiao did not mince words in describing people who will choose crooks for their next leaders.
“They say Manny Pacquiao is dumb. That’s not true. The dumbest Filipinos are those who will vote for the corrupt,” he said in a speech during a campaign sortie in Pangasinan on Thursday.
Without giving names, he said there are many corrupt officials in government – from the national level down to the local units.
He urged voters to think carefully when choosing candidates and select only those whose priority is the country’s welfare.
Pacquiao, after receiving a warm reception in Pangasinan province, downplayed the so-called solid North, often said to be the bailiwick of the Marcoses, as nothing but a myth as he revealed that his camp has the support of 3,000 pastors and their followers.
He urged Pangasinenses to learn from the lessons of the past and vote for righteous leaders who believe in God.
Pacquiao reiterated his campaign promise of free housing for the poor, a program that would be allotted P400 billion each year during his first three years in office.
THE REST
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3 DAYS STRAIGHT: COVID-19 TALLY BELOW 1,000
MANILA — For three straight days, the number of new COVID-19 cases recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) fell below 1,000, data showed yesterday.
Based on DOH’s case bulletin, there were 853 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March 4. On March 3 and 2, the agency had recorded 989 and 866 new cases, respectively.
But the deaths remained high, with 232 succumbing to the virus, placing the toll at 56,770.
The DOH said 784 of the 853 cases occurred within the recent 14 days, or from Feb. 19 to March 4.
“The top regions with cases in the recent two weeks were National Capital Region (170 cases or 22 percent), Region 4-A (128 cases or 16 percent) and Region 7 (94 cases or 12 percent),” the agency noted.
COMELEC PARTNERS WITH DEMWATCH
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) signed an agreement yesterday with election watchdog Democracy Watch Philippines or Demwatch to help promote voter education among the youth and first-time voters.
Commissioner Socorro Inting, Comelec acting chair, stressed the importance of the partnership with Demwatch since young voters make up the majority of the electorate for the May 9 elections.
“Young voters actually constitute a huge chunk of the total number of registered voters. Hence, putting emphasis on educating the youth shall definitely create a big impact on the selection of our leaders come May 9,” Inting said.
2 CHINESE HELD FOR P21 MILLION THEFT
MANILA — Two Chinese men were arrested in Pasig City on Thursday for allegedly stealing P2.1 million from their employer.
Zhengbin Liu, 25, and Li Chen Wang, 25, were arrested in Barangay Dela Paz at around 4:30 a.m., according to Pasig police chief Col. Roman Arugay.
The suspects, who worked as encoders, reportedly conspired to steal the funds from Fuxing Inc., a company based in Barangay Manggahan, by transferring the funds via online petty cash, Arugay said.
The suspects were brought to the police station for investigation.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
KRIS AQUINO TO FLY ABROAD FOR HEALTH TREATMENT
MANILA — “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino shared the latest developments of her health to her fans on social media.
In her Instagram account, Kris posted a video of her saying the first Xolair injection to her was a success.
“Kinaya ko the full dose,” Kris wrote.
“For the privacy of my doctors let me say thank you using their 1st names: Dr. Hazel, Dr. Katcee, Dr. Nikki, and Dr. Cricket… nurse Eloi is back & nurse Bianca came para magbantay,” she added.
She also thanked her friends for taking care of her.
She wrote, “Of course present my 2 closest friends hindi related by blood BUT i love like sisters, @annebinay and Cong @lenalonte.”
“Nakatutok siempre si @alvingagui @rochelleahorro @attygideon, Mike, Jeff, Andy, John, Laica, Rose, and Check,” she added.
Kris also thanked her sons Josh and Bimby, saying they updated their aunt Ballsy every day.
“And katabi ko #bestsonsever kuya josh & bimb. Yes, that’s why May tita Ballsy, we were updating my Ate every step of the way,” she said.
The host also said that her scheduled next shot is on March 13 then will fly abroad for the treatment.
“Thank you for your prayers- supposed to rest this week, then March 13 ang next shot- then after 5 days, praying nothing goes wrong, we finally go abroad & i continue my next doses of Xolair and finally tackle my autoimmune and other important health problems. In case magtatanong kayo, still just 85 pounds (38.5 kg)m,” she said.
“Good night & God bless you all. P.S. nurse Eloi was giving me diphenhydramine shots for my chronic urticaria, last night. Sanay na ko. Kailangan talaga kasi. Thank you for being part of my road to wellness & hopefully better quality of life journey w/ me,” she added.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES MAR 3
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Bulls39-24 35 28 29 32 124
Hawks30-32 29 27 34 40 130
STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA, GA
SCORING LEADERS
Z. LaVine CHI
22 PTS 3 REB 7 AST
T. Young ATL
39 PTS 3 REB 13 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pistons16-47 31 29 31 17 108
Raptors34-28 22 35 20 29 106
SCOTIABANK ARENA, TORONTO, ON
SCORING LEADERS
J. Grant DET
26 PTS 3 REB 4 AST
P. Siakam TOR
28 PTS 5 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies43-21 20 25 27 35 107
Celtics38-27 26 21 36 37 120
TD GARDEN , BOSTON, MA
SCORING LEADERS
J. Morant MEM
38 PTS 4 REB 7 AST
J. Tatum BOS
37 PTS 6 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Heat42-22 23 37 28 25 113
Nets32-32 35 32 17 23 107
BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN, NY
SCORING LEADERS
B. Adebayo MIA
30 PTS 11 REB 5 AST
K. Durant BKN
31 PTS 4 REB 4 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Warriors43-20 27 27 37 22 113
Mavericks38-25 38 30 31 23 122
AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS, TX
SCORING LEADERS
J. Poole GS
23 PTS 3 REB 2 AST
L. Doncic DAL
41 PTS 10 REB 9 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Kings24-41 30 34 24 27 115
Spurs24-39 27 24 31 30 112
AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCORING LEADERS
H. Barnes SAC
27 PTS 5 REB 2 AST
L. Walker IV SA
30 PTS 2 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Lakers27-35 31 32 18 30 111
Clippers34-31 36 30 40 26 132
CRYPTO.COM ARENA, LOS ANGELES, CA
SCORING LEADERS
L. James LAL
26 PTS 8 REB 4 AST
R. Jackson LAC
36 PTS 8 REB 9 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 51.74
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Too much self-centered attitude, you see, brings isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering. - Dalai Lama
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