100 DAYS INTO HIS TERM, MARCOS SHARES HIS KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AS PRESIDENT

MANILA — Assembling the "best and the brightest" to serve in his administration and putting up a "functional" government are what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers as his key achievements in his first 100 days in office, which also saw him grapple with challenges like rising oil prices and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Speaking before officers and members of the Manila Overseas Press Club, Marcos said his administration still enjoys the "unifying force" that was felt during this year's elections, where he won by landslide with 31 million votes.

Marcos, the first majority president since 1986, added that while elections are polarizing, "a very strong majority made itself felt" and that served as a "foundation" of his government.

"I think what we have managed to do in the first 100 days is put together government which is functional and which has a very, very good idea of what we are targeting in terms of strict economic targets, for example, in terms of the numbers of growth, the numbers of the different measures, the different metrics that we are using for the economy," the president said.

"The promises that were made during the campaign, for example, that we bring the best and brightest and we do not look at color in terms of - political color, I think we have done that. And more importantly, we have galvanized government once again into governing," he added.

Marcos thanked the experts who are now part of his economic team, saying their decision to join the government is a "sacrifice" for them because they are very successful.

"It is really all about service on their part. And so we are always very grateful for their talent. We are grateful for their industry and to have them in place already I think gives us a very distinct advantage as we try to transform our economy for the next few years," he said.

Admitting that he is worried about complacency in the government, Marcos said he is working to unite people in the public service to achieve the goals of his administration.

Marcos said such an attitude has been adopted in the higher positions in government and is slowly filtering down to the rank and file personnel, whom he claimed are beginning to feel that "there is a point to government."

"That kind of message I think has filtered down to not only the elected officials, not only the high officials in government, but to slowly make the bureaucracy understand, make all our officials understand that... as a government we are here to govern," Marcos said.

"We have been put here to try our best to pull us out of this terrible crisis that we have just been suffering for the last two years. And I think we have achieved that," he added, referring to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marcos also touted the gains of his first foreign trips , saying it allowed the Philippines to renew its friendship with its allies. The president embarked on state visits in Indonesia and Singapore and on a working visit in the US last month.

"But I think since this is the coming-out party for the world, it’s not just the Philippines that’s coming out of the pandemic. This is the coming-out party for the Philippines and we are able to explain, this is what the Philippines is now. This is what the Philippines looks like after two and a half years of crisis," the Marcos said.

"This is what the Philippines is doing and this is how we can help each other because not any one country is going to manage this transformation by themselves and we will need each other’s help," he added.

The president reiterated the importance of establishing partnerships with other countries, saying they are necessary in facing uncertainties like food supply issues.

Marcos said his administration also spent the first 50 to 60 days "putting out fires," citing its efforts to address sugar supply woes and rising fertilizer prices by looking for non-traditional sources of commodities. He confirmed that the Philippines is considering acquiring fuel and fertilizer from Russia and feed wheat from Ukraine, countries that are now embroiled in an armed conflict.

MARCOS: PHILIPPINES READY TO LEAD PEACE EFFORTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

MANILA — As the world faces uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, the Philippines is ready to take a lead role in efforts to maintain peace in the region as part of its role to protect its territory and its people, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos said while it is not enough for one country or head of state to spearhead peacekeeping efforts, the Philippines hopes to be among those who are leading such measures, citing the recent security concerns affecting the region.

"I do not think we have a choice. We must play a leadership role because it is in our interest. And if we do not do it, we are not doing our jobs as the protectors of our country, of our state, of our territory, of our people, if we do not take that leadership role," the president told officers and members of the Manila Overseas Press Club in Pasay on Wednesday.

"I think it has been thrust upon us. And as good Filipinos, we face up to challenges and we face up to responsibilities so we will face up to this one as well," he added.

Proposals to ASEAN

Marcos bared plans to propose measures that would address regional conflicts during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings next month.

"In the upcoming ASEAN conferences that are coming up in November, I intend to propose several actions that ASEAN can take specific to the different conflicts that we are seeing in our region. And if the Philippines can play a part, then that would certainly be a good thing," Marcos said.

Marcos cited the "push and pull" between China and the US over Taiwan, the threat posed by North Korea, the Rohingya issue confronting Myanmar and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He called for the strengthening of the ASEAN, saying the regional bloc can do more in addressing the tensions.

"But again we must present a united front and that is something that I believe is the best way forward simply because the moral suasion at the very least of several member countries of ASEAN is probably in many ways more effective than just a single country," Marcos said.

MARCOS JR. SAYS TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF MEDIA

MANILA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said his administration will "support and protect the rights of the media" as he acknowledged its role in people empowerment and the nation's development.

The chief executive issued the statement at the "President's Night" event at a Pasay City hotel organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club.

It also comes days after the killing of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, in Las Piñas City on Monday. The incident was not mentioned in Marcos' speech.

"Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty," Marcos said.

“Whatever difficulties we may encounter from this point on, the government will always be ready to lend an ear and to listen to your concerns and to answer all that you may want to know," he also said.

Marcos also said he shares the MOPC’s conviction in “the importance of upholding the universal right of free speech and press freedom as well as giving and receiving accurate information,” as he vowed that he will remain open to the media in articulating the government’s plans.

Marcos said the country counts on the media both in getting information and increasing awareness on issues affecting the Philippines and the world.

"For all our vision and aspiration, I underscore the crucial role of the press in building an active citizen, one that contributes to development of our society," he said.

"Your proactive participation in keeping a well-informed citizenry forms part of our collective goal to empower Filipinos and establish a more robust Philippines," he added.

PH UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES RISE IN AUGUST EVEN AS MORE WORKERS GET JOBS

MANILA - Around 2.68 million Filipinos were jobless in August as the unemployment rate climbed to 5.3 percent from 5.2 percent in July, according to government data released on Thursday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said August's jobless rate translates to 79,000 more unemployed compared to July. But this number was also lower by 1.2 million if compared to August 2021's 8.1 percent rate, based on the PSA's most recent Labor Force Survey.

The underemployment rate, or the total number of workers who are looking for more jobs or working hours, also climbed to 14.7 percent, which is equivalent to 7.03 million.

This was higher than the 6.54 million underemployed in July 2022, with underemployment rate at 13.8 percent.

The PSA noted that unemployment and underemployment rates climbed despite more Filipinos getting jobs in August, as more Filipinos joined the job market.

There were 47.87 million Filipino workers who had jobs in August compared to 47.39 million in July 2022, data showed.

HOUSE REALIGNS P77.5 BILLION IN BUDGET TO BOOST CRITICAL SOCIAL SERVICES

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said the House of Representatives realigned P77.5-billion in its approved version of the 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to augment the budget for health, education, transportation and other critical social services.

Romualdez said during the period of amendments, the Lower House augmented the budget of frontline agencies tasked to address the current economic, health, energy, and environmental crises that burden millions of Filipinos.

“I’m pleased that the House-approved version of the General Appropriations Bill responds to the most urgent needs of Filipinos. We need to ensure that social services are sufficient for the greater good of our countrymen, especially those in dire need of basic social services to survive,” he said.

While the fiscal space is limited, Co said his committee endeavored to free up appropriations from agencies whose funds are unlikely to be fully utilized within 2023, based on historical performance or specific circumstances of their spending program.

“The idea is to allocate more budget for pro-people programs and projects without the need of imposing new taxes. One thing is sure: all major infrastructure projects will proceed as scheduled based on a timetable that is implementable for 2023,” Co said.

REMULLA TO UN RIGHTS BODY: PH JUSTICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT REFORMING UNDER MARCOS

MANILA — The Philippines’ justice secretary and civil society groups on Wednesday presented to the rights body of the United Nations (UN) contrasting views of the human rights situation in the country during the first few months of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Sec. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla led a delegation representing the government at the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, which tackled the implementation of the UN Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) in the Philippines that began in 2021.

While not denying cases of human rights abuses in his remarks, Remulla said the Philippine government under Marcos is undertaking a “transformational reform” of the justice and law enforcement sector.

Among these, he said, were reminding police to use force only when necessary, enacting an internal disciplinary program for abusive law enforcers, and refocusing the anti-drug campaign toward drug sources over users.

“These targeted and bold measures aim to change the culture of our judicial and law enforcement system, which have produced certain flaws and delays in the carriage of justice. They are also in line and, in some cases, go beyond international standards and best practices,” Remulla said.

Remulla asserted the Philippines would continue working with the UNJP in its remaining 2 years.

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PBBM, SPEAKER HAIL TEACHERS FOR SERVICE TO NATION

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all teachers in the country for their invaluable service to the nation, especially amid the resumption of limited face-to-face classes.

In his National Teachers’ Day message, Marcos urged Filipinos to acknowledge teachers’ sacrifices in molding students and preparing them to achieve their dreams.

“I firmly believe that education is the bedrock of every prosperous society and that those who dedicate their lives to teaching are important drivers of our nation,” Mr. Marcos said.

“This is also a good opportunity to express our sincerest appreciation for their invaluable service to the nation as we safely reopen our schools and bring forth a new era of learning amid the post-pandemic world,” he said.

“Today, we honor our dear educators across the country for ensuring our youth’s holistic development as they aspire to be agents of change within their respective communities and beyond,” he said.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday joined the nation in extending his warmest greetings and paying tribute to all Filipino teachers on the celebration of National Teacher’s Day.

“This special occasion aptly reminds us of the great services that our teachers contribute to value-formation and nation-building throughout the years,” Romualdez said.

Meanwhile, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte proposed an array of measures that would institutionalize the grant of scholarships, hardship pay, and other benefits for educators.

REMULLA, TOLEDO OPEN TO OPS POST BUT CHAVEZ, SORIANO ‘NOT INTERESTED’

Four names have been floated as the possible next Press Secretary under the Marcos administration, but only two of them said Wednesday they were open to the position vacated by lawyer-vlogger Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) executive Mike Toledo, former Cavite congressman Gilbert Remulla, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, and movie director Paul Soriano were among the names floated to succeed Angeles, who resigned Tuesday citing health reasons.

Toledo and Remulla seemed willing to join the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while Chavez and Soriano said there were better candidates than them.

A former Press Secretary for then-President Joseph Estrada, Toledo said he was not aware of any shortlist for the position “but if I am indeed in the shortlist, then I consider it to be an honor in itself.”

As the first person rumored to replace Angeles, Toledo—a lawyer and former television host—said he was “not in a position” to dwell on the offer but noted he would not reject the opportunity to serve.

“Who am I to reject the offer? I will be humbled, it will be an honor and privilege to serve under the Marcos administration,” added the current Government and Public Affairs head of Manny Pangilinan-led MPIC.

A former broadcast journalist before becoming a lawmaker, Remulla told reporters he is currently enjoying his role as director of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

He said he was flattered that he was being considered as the next Press Secretary—incidentally, since his older brother, Crispin “Boying” Remulla, is the current Justice Secretary.

JACKET DAYS SETTING IN AS COLDER WIND ROLLS IN

Pull out those jackets and sweaters from the closet because colder days are coming—the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season is over and the colder northeast monsoon or “amihan” is blowing “in the coming days,” the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

“Recent analyses showed that a significant weakening of the Southwest Monsoon has been observed over the last few days. Moreover, the strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent has led to the gradual changing of the season,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a press statement.

“With these developments, the Southwest Monsoon season or known locally as ‘habagat’ is now officially over,” it added.

PAGASA also warned that with the ongoing La Niña phenomenon, there is an “increased likelihood” of above-normal rainfall conditions, which could lead to heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, and landslides.

PAGASA chief Vicente Malano said the country is in the process of transition and could expect the gradual start of the amihan season, featuring the cold winds blowing in from Siberia, in the following days.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

PAULO AVELINO ADMITS STILL GOING OUT WITH JANINE GUTIERREZ DESPITE NO PROJECT TOGETHER

MANILA — Kapamilya actor Paulo Avelino revealed that he and rumored girlfriend Janina Gutierrez are still hanging out despite that they have no project together at the moment.

During the finale press conference of "Flower of Evil" last Tuesday, Paulo said their communication continues.

“Okay naman. Nag-uusap. Lumalabas pa rin,” he said.

When asked what's his birthday gift to Janine, who celebrated her 33rd birthday last October 2, he laughingly said: "Prayers and good health."

“Hindi pa siya nagse-celebrate nang buo so makikita natin kapag may party na,” Paulo said.

Paulo wished her on-screen partner with more projects to come.

“Even busier and better career this latter end of 2022 and 2023,” he said.

Watch the killer finale of “Flower of Evil” first on Viu, iWantTFC, and IPTV (USA and Canada only) this Thursday (October 6) and Friday (October 7) at 8 p.m. and on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and Jeepney TV on Saturday (October 8) and Sunday (October 9) at 9 p.m.

SPORTS

BLACKWATER DEF. SAN MIGUEL, 109-106 OCTOBER 5 | PBA

Blackwater Bossing (2-2) uses strong fourth quarter, 32-17, to beat the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen (0-1), 109-106 to grab their second win in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, October 5 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Cameron Krutwig led the Bossing with a triple-double performance of 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting along with game-high 18 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 blocks in 40 minutes of play. Baser Amer finished with 16 points (3/7 3pts), to go with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Troy Rosario added 13 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and a block.

The Scores:

BLACKWATER 109 - Krutwig 20, Amer 16, Rosario 13, Taha 11, Ayonayon 10, Banal 10, Suerte 7, Jackson 7, McCarthy 7, Ular 4, Ebona 4, Sena 0, Go 0.

SAN MIGUEL 106 – Fajardo 23, Stone 20, Lassiter 18, Perez 16, Tautuaa 11, Cruz 8, Enciso 6, Manuel 4, Ross 0, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 29-33, 61-64, 77-89, 109-106.

MAGNOLIA DEF. TNT, 94-92 OCTOBER 5 | PBA

Magnolia Timplados Hotshots escapes past TNT Tropang GIGA, 94-92 to grab their third straight win in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, October 5 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Calvin Abueva led the Hotshots with 25 points (8/13fg, 9/10ft) to go with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. Nicholas Rakocevic finished with 22 points (6/14 fg, 10/15ft), along with 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and a block in 38 minutes of play.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 94 - Abueva 25, Rakocevic 22, Lee 16, Barroca 13, Dionisio 9, Corpuz 5, Mendoza 3, Wong 1, Reavis 0, Jalalon 0, Zaldivar 0.

TNT 92 – Oliver 43, Pogoy 23, Oftana 12, Montalbo 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Marcelo 3, Alejandro 3, Cruz 0, Tungcab 0, K Williams 0.

Quarters: 26-29, 42-54, 62-73, 94-92.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 58.65

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Give me a Team full of passion and I will beat any team full of talent. - Michael Jordan