STAKEHOLDERS AGREE TO IMPORT 150,000 METRIC TONS OF SUGAR: PALACE

MANILA — The proposal to import around 150,000 metric tons of sugar in the country was agreed upon during President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s meeting with stakeholders, Malacañang said Thursday.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the proposed sugar imports would be needed by industry players in commercial quantities.

Asked if the Palace confirms the agreement to import 150,000 metric tons of sugar, she said, "Iyan po ang proposed na quantity for importation gawa nga ng pangangailangan ng mga industrials na tinatawag ng ating Pangulo."

"Some jobs are dependent on their continued production. So, yes po, kino-confirm natin na iyon ang proposed amount – 150,000 metric tons," she added.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday night said during Marcos' consultation with farmers, millers, sugar workers, and refiners in Malacañang, they reached a "consensus" to import 150,000 metric tons of sugar based on "data on the remaining demand."

This is half of what the Sugar Regulatory Administration's (SRA) canceled resolution that aimed to import around 300,000 metric tons, an idea that Marcos disapproved.

DEPOTS YIELD HOARDED SUGAR

Customs agents, police and soldiers seized 44,000 sacks of imported sugar with an estimated value of P220 million in separate raids on warehouses in Bulacan and Pampanga on Thursday, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to find out who was hoarding the commodity.

“The BoC’s Pampanga sugar warehouse raid may very well serve as a warning to unscrupulous traders who are currently hoarding their stocks of sugar in order to profit from the current artificial sugar shortage,” Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez said.

He said the government will continue going after unscrupulous traders jacking up prices of food items, particularly sugar, as consumers continue to feel the burden of rising costs.

Rodriguez said his office is also investigating reports that the aborted importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar was meant to provide cover for traders so they could release their hoarded sugar without depressing prices.

The BOC agents were assisted by barangay officials and the local unit of the Philippine National Police.

Customs personnel immediately seized suspected hoarded sacks of imported sugar from Thailand neatly stockpiled by the thousands inside the warehouse.

Aside from sugar, sacks of cornstarch from China, sacks of imported flour, plastic products, oil in plastic barrels, motorcycle parts and wheels of different brands, helmets, LED televisions sets and paints were also found in the warehouse.

Acting Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz assured the public that the BOC would remain relentless in conducting operations against smuggling.

SCARCITY OF WHITE ONIONS PUSHES PRICE TO P400/K

The price of white onions in local markets spiked to as high as P400 a kilo on Thursday, with few vendors selling the suddenly rare commodity—and those that did refusing to sell piecemeal to regular retail buyers.

This developed as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported it confiscated smuggled carrots declared as chocolates at the Manila North Harbor Port on Aug. 16.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed with his Cabinet the proposals to ensure food security, boost the energy sector, and improve the national government’s housing program.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) presented their plans during the meeting convened by Marcos at Malacañang Palace, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said.

Mr. Marcos stressed the need to solve the logistics problem in the agriculture sector to lower food prices in the country.

He said this after the issues on the movement of agricultural products were raised, including complaints of forwarders and cargo handlers on policies imposed by local government units (LGUs), as well as the presence of many checkpoints.

“We cannot afford to do that anymore.

The logistical challenge is clear, and we are not handling it,” Mr. Marcos, as quoted by the Presidential News Desk (PND), said.

SENATE ON ‘TOTAL LOCKDOWN’ ON MONDAY FOLLOWING COVID-19 INFECTIONS

MANILA — The Senate building in Pasay City will be on “total” lockdown on Monday to undergo “thorough cleaning and disinfection” following the COVID-19 infections of several senators and some staff, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced Friday.

“I have instructed the Secretariat to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all Senate offices. For this reason, there will be a total lockdown of our Senate building and all Senate employees shall work from home and need not report to the Senate on Monday,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri said Senate sessions would resume on Tuesday.

Senators JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay, and Joel Villanueva are the latest members of the Senate to catch COVID-19 this month.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe were earlier infected with the virus.

ABOLITION OF PITC, DBM OFFICE SOUGHT OVER QUESTIONABLE PROCUREMENTS

MANILA — Sen. Imee Marcos has renewed the call to abolish the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), which were both created during the administration of her father Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Marcos had filed Senate Bills 1122 and 1123, which sought to abolish the PITC and PS-DBM for supposedly being responsible for questionable procurement contracts in the government.

“The series of procurement controversies that surfaced during the pandemic must end. In fact, the COA (Commission on Audit) has reported that they go back more than a decade,” Marcos said.

“We can step up emergency response with direct purchases of supplies, equipment and services. The government will also be able to avoid redundant allocations and save billions in next year’s national budget,” she added.

The COA flagged the  PS-DBM last year over the allegedly overpriced procurement of P42 billion worth of COVID-19 supplies for the Department of Health.

‘PUBLIC LIBRARIES, PARKS FIRST’: GATCHALIAN URGED AMID PUSH FOR MANDATORY ROTC

Calls for better urban planning were made online following Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian‘s remark on why parents support mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

In an event on August 17, Gatchalian told reporters that children nowadays lack discipline and physical activity because of cellphones, TikTok and games.

“Dahil madami sa ating mga magulang, nakikita ang anak nila puro cellphone na lang, Tiktok, or games, so nakita nila nawala na ang physical activity and disiplina, gusto din ng mga magulang ibalik ang disiplina,” the senator was quoted in the report as saying.

Gatchalian stated that this is why most parents support ROTC, citing data from a Pulse Asia survey he commissioned.

The survey indicated that 69% of them strongly agreed with the proposal, and 26% of them only “somewhat agreed.”

Among those who strongly agreed, 71% of them came from the National Capital Region, 67% of them from Luzon, 78% of them from the Visayas and 64% from Mindanao.

“We conducted a survey, 70% wants ROTC. So a big majority…70% that’s super majority of our population gusto ng ROTC,” Gatchalian was quoted in the report as saying.

PHILIPPINES PLANS FIRST RETAIL BOND ISSUE UNDER MARCOS ADMINISTRATION

Preparations are underway for the launch of the Philippines’ first retail treasury bond issue under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the country’s national treasurer told Reuters on Thursday.

National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon said via a phone message that planning was going on, but did not provide further details.

The government sold retail bonds in February, raising 457.5 billion pesos ($8.19 billion) from a five-year issue.

($1 = 55.86 Philippine pesos)

PDEA GOES AFTER BANK ACCOUNTS OF DRUG TRADERS

MANILA — Aware of the fact that an unmitigated flow of drug money is the lifeblood of drug traffickers, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is now going after the bank accounts of drug dealers  and targeting the financial instruments and assets accumulated by members of drug syndicates.

Wilkins Villanueva, PDEA director general, said the agency is gearing up for a holistic approach to ridding the country of illegal drugs in partnership with the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

The PDEA, he added, marked the first month of the administration of President Marcos with strategic moves designed to decisively dismantle drug trafficking in the country and citing, as example, the freezing of a property owned by former Ozamiz City vice mayor Nova Princess Parojinog last month.

“We can’t stick to the traditional cat-and-mouse games. We need to show that we are on top of the situation,” Villanueva said.

MAGAT DAM RELEASES WATER

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Water was released from Magat Dam, located along the border of Isabela and Ifugao, on Wednesday amid continuous rain due to a low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon.

Carlo Ablan, National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) flood operation manager, said water from the reservoir was released at a rate of 177 cubic meters per second (cms).

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the opening of the spillway gate was raised from one to two meters at a rate of 396 cms.

Ablan said raising the opening of the spillway gate would prevent the water level from reaching its critical mark of 193 meters, which can trigger flashfloods in low-lying areas in Isabela and Cagayan.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Magat’s water level was at 189.18 meters, less than a meter from its spilling mark of 190 meters.

The dam’s water inflow was at 643.18 cms. The total outflow after a spillway gate was opened was at 729.22 cms.

In an advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabanatuan, Luna, Reina, Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian and Gamu in Isabela may be affected by flashfloods due to the release of water.

THE REST

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PHILIPPINES REPORTS 3,758 NEW COVID-19 CASES, 48 NEW DEATHS

MANILA — The Philippines recorded 3,758 new COVID-19 cases, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed on Thursday, bringing the country's total confirmed coronavirus infections to 3,844,708.

Active cases stood at 36,115 while those who recovered from the illness have now reached 3,747,372.

There were 48 new deaths from COVID, the 6th straight day with a death toll of over 40, according to ABS-CBN Data Analytics Team head Edson Guido.

This raised the total number of people in the country who succumbed to the respiratory disease to 61,221.

Of the additional infections reported, 1,098 were from Metro Manila, the DOH said.

The country's positivity rate from August 14 to 17 is at 16.3 percent, Guido said.

COMELEC URGES MAGUINDANAO RESIDENTS TO VOTE WITH PLEBISCITE PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY

MANILA — The Commission on Elections has designated September 17 of this year for the holding of the Maguindanao plebiscite to determine whether or not the province will be divided into two.

At the Maguindanao Plebiscite Coordinating Conference in Cotabato City earlier this week, Comelec chair George Garcia urged residents of Maguindanao to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming plebiscite. Residents are voting to ratify Republic Act 11550, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed in May last year, dividing the province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

The commission is also set to print 818,790 ballots for the plebiscite.

"We're calling on Maguindanaoans to go out and vote. This is for your future, not just one person. It's for your future... I believe that because of the love of Maguindanaoans in their province, because these are your aspirations, whether you really want to divide, or if you really don't want it, the important thing is always to be able to vote."

"It is not enough for Yes to win or for No to win enough. We should make sure that the people can vote... We will remember, always, sovereignty resides on the people."

Garcia also appealed to the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the security of poll workers and remain vigilant against election-related violence and other violations.

A gun ban has since been implemented in the province as part of the government's security preparations ahead of the plebiscite.

"Sometimes, the electoral exercises that we know will be quiet are the ones that suddenly doesn't go well. So, let's not ignore that it's just a plebiscite... That's why I'm asking all of you, how can we came together in 2022 May [elections], that would be our coming together, our coordination for this in the upcoming plebiscite," Garcia said.

"That is my request, especially to the PNP and the ace AFP that I hope our election officers, election assistants and all election workers will be protected... I hope no lives will be lost or hurt because of this plebiscite."

A similar plebiscite was held in Palawan in March 2021, wherein a majority voted not to divide the province into three.

PNP: 92 EXTORTION CASES FILED VS ROGUE COPS

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered police commanders to exercise disciplinary authority over their personnel.

Azurin issued the directive after records from the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) showed that 92 cases have been filed before the courts against policemen accused of robbery and extortion in July.

“If you are not going to do your job, then the entire police station or sub-station will be relieved and they will be replaced with more responsible and accountable PNP personnel,” Azurin said in a statement.

On Monday, IMEG operatives arrested three members of the Manila Police District (MPD) who allegedly extorted P2,000 from the owner of a tricycle, which they impounded for a traffic violation.

A policeman who is wanted for kidnapping with rape was apprehended in Taguig on Tuesday.

Azurin identified the suspect as Pat. Jerome Arroyo, who is assigned with the MPD.

Arroyo was nabbed based on a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Anne Beatrice Balmaceda of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

Azurin reminded police officers that they could be held administratively liable based on the doctrine of command responsibility.

SENATE BILLS PROTECTING SENIORS FROM ABUSE FILED

MANILA — Senators filed bills seeking to protect senior citizens from abuse and neglect, in recognition of their contribution to the country’s development.

Sen. Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill 639, an act defining and prohibiting senior citizen abuse, while Sen. Lito Lapid filed SB 1201, to be known as the Homes for Abandoned Seniors Act.

“A rise in the incidents of senior citizen abuse has been seen as of late…As the number of senior citizens increases, it is also expected that the incidence of abuse will also increase. This bill seeks to provide proper and adequate protection for the welfare of our senior citizens. It aims to strengthen and reinforce the fact that senior citizen abuse is not a private matter but a public and serious one which should be the concern of the entire society,” Angara said.

“By clearly defining what constitutes senior citizen abuse and providing well-defined penalties therefor, this bill hopes to deter the abusers from committing any form of abuse against our senior citizens,” Angara said.

“This bill also aims to provide institutional support to victims of senior citizen abuse with the hope that a more participative involvement of the society will afford our senior citizens more protection,” he noted.

He said respect for elders has been one of the hallmarks of Philippine culture and society.

Lapid has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the establishment of nursing homes for neglected and abandoned elderly in every city and municipality.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

JAYA, FAMILY MOVING FORWARD AFTER LOSING THEIR HOME

Singer Jaya and her family are now moving forward after their house in the United States burned weeks ago.

In her post on social media, Jaya thanked God for the blessings she and their family have been receiving since.

"So, this was the Freestyle concert last Aug. 12, 6 days after we lost our home. Singing in front of thousands of people made me forget my sadness," Jaya said.

"So grateful to God for music. Until the next gigs… peace!"

In an earlier Instagram post, Jaya posted screen grabs of the messages her husband received saying that their home application has been approved and that her husband has been selected for a job.

"Grabe naman po kayo Lord!!! 8 days after our house burned down, my husband Gary received these blessings on his email on Aug. 15! A new home and a new job!!! Again, I don’t know what else to say but thank you Lord! And again, may I say thank you to Jesus, You are at the center of it all," Jaya shared.

Jaya moved back to the United States in July last year after the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on their family.

SPORTS

SHOULD PACQUIAO ACCEPT BOB SAPP FIGHT? CHAVIT WEIGHS IN

Luis "Chavit" Singson said that if there's a lucrative exhibition match for Manny Pacquiao, it should be American colossus Bob Sapp.

Singson, a former confidante of the retired boxing champion, said he will try to convince Pacquiao to accept the fight.

"I will talk to Manny. I think Bob is the best fight for him" said the former Ilocos Sur governor and now Narvacan mayor.

Sapp, considered an MMA pioneer, met with Singson on Wednesday with hopes of getting into a lucrative match with Pacquiao.

He said he will squash retired Filipino fighter like a "mosquito."

"Manny accept this fight. I'll treat you like a mosquito," he said while calling out Pacquiao.

"Dito lang siya kikita ng malaki," explained Singson. "'Yung fighting sa mga exhibition na sinasabi nila, dito may kita siya."

He was referring to Pacquiao's upcoming exhibition bout with Korean martial arts instructor DK Yoo. The two have agreed to fight in December to raise funds for their respective beneficiaries.

It will be a dangerous fight for the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao should he decide to take on Sapp, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound behemoth.

But Singson believes Pacquiao has a fighting chance against the ageing Sapp.

Sapp is already 48 and has lost against elite opposition like Mirko Cro Cop and Peter Aerts.

Singson believes that Pacquiao defeating Sapp will usher the boxer's return to rin superstardom.

"May pag-asa si Manny dahil sa bilis, papagurin lang niya ito. Pero it's a dangerous fight... Bob is a killer also," he said. "Nothing is sure yet, but I'll talk to Manny."

Pacquiao has yet to respond to Sapp's call-out.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Besides learning to see, there is another art to be learned - not to see what is not. - Maria Mitchell