PHILIPPINES FILED 193 NOTE VERBALES VS CHINA IN 2022

A total of 193 note verbales have been filed by the Philippines against China this year, 65 of which were filed during the Marcos administration, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"For 2022- 193 NVs were sent of which 65 NVs were during this adminstration (PBBM)," DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a text to reporters.

The Philippines on December 12 filed a diplomatic protest over the Chinese Coast Guard's illegal actions on November 20, 2022, involving the rocket debris retrieval operations of the Philippine Navy.

A total of 193 note verbales have been filed by the Philippines against China this year, 65 of which were filed during the Marcos administration, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"For 2022- 193 NVs were sent of which 65 NVs were during this adminstration (PBBM)," DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a text to reporters.

The Philippines on December 12 filed a diplomatic protest over the Chinese Coast Guard's illegal actions on November 20, 2022, involving the rocket debris retrieval operations of the Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Senate has adopted a resolution denouncing China's incursions in Philippine waters, with senators taking turns expressing dismay over the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard.

Speaking to ANC's Headstart, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said he is fed up with China's "bullying" in the West Philippine Sea following reports that the Chinese Coast Guard had cut a towing line used by a Philippine rubber boat to retrieve the rocket debris. Beijing had insisted the "handover" of the rocket debris took place after "friendly consultation".

PHILIPPINES PUSHES CREATION OF BIODIVERSITY FUND AT MONTREAL SUMMIT

LONDON, United Kingdom — The Philippines called for the creation of a fund for Earth’s biodiversity at the COP15 summit in Montreal as it highlighted the need to invest in the protection of land and sea.

A draft COP15 deal calls on wealthy nations to increase financial aid to the developing world to $20 billion annually by 2025, increasing to $30 billion per year by 2030. Developing countries were pushing for $100 billion per year.

Current financial flows to the developing world—home to most of the planet’s biodiversity—are estimated at around $10 billion per year.

“The Philippines envisions a future where biodiversity is restored and maintained to sustain healthy, resilient Filipino communities while delivering benefits to all,” said environment chief Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga in a speech Saturday. A copy of the statement was sent to media on Monday.

Yulo-Loyzaga is the country’s head of delegation to COP15.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries and hosts the center of the center of global marine biodiversity.

“We are, however, compelled to address the intersecting crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and inclusive to achieve resilient, and sustainable development,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.

She added the Philippines will invest in “urgent and transformative change and one day hope to host a [biodiversity COP in Manila].”

MARCOS MOVES TO TAME INFLATION

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a recommendation to extend the temporary lowering of tariff rates on pork, corn, rice, and coal until the end of next year as a way to temper inflation, the Palace said Sunday.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) had recommended the temporary lowering of tariff rates for these commodities until Dec. 31, 2023.

In a statement, NEDA said the move aims “to mitigate and stabilize the impact of inflationary pressures as a result of the Ukraine-Russia crisis, expand supply sources, and reduce the prices of key commodities.”

The move was approved Friday during the NEDA Board meeting presided by President Marcos after he signed the 2023 national budget.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the extension will “provide relief to poor and vulnerable segments of the Filipino population whose welfare is reduced because of high inflation.”

“Through this policy, we shall augment our domestic food supplies, diversify our sources of food staples, and temper inflationary pressures arising from supply constraints and rising international prices of production inputs due to external conflict,” Balisacan said.

EO No. 171 extends the reduced rates of duty on the following commodities: meat of swine, fresh, chilled, or frozen at 15 percent (in-quota) and 25 percent (out-quota); corn at 5 percent (in-quota) and 15 percent (out-quota); rice at 35 percent (in-quota and out-quota); and coal at zero duty.

GOV'T URGED: RAMP UP AGRI SUPPORT AFTER TARIFF CUTS EXTENSION ON PORK, RICE

The government must ramp up support to the local agriculture sector after tariff cuts on pork, rice and corn were extended, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) president Rosendo So said on Monday.

Retail prices of imported rice remain at around P42 despite tariff cuts last year, while local rice sells for around P38 to P40, he said.

"For the past 1 year ang presyo ng rice ay P42 pa rin. This did not help our consumer...The tariffs should not be cut, just support our local farmers. We think that if we did that we will not decrease the tariffs, the local produce will be more and the price will go down," he said.

"Ang inaano natin itong pagtulong ng government dahil sa pagbaba ng taripa so we expect that the government will help our farmers," he added.

So said the government must expedite the release of the promised P6,500 fertilizer subsidy which they have yet to receive.

If the delay in subsidies continues, "mahihirapan talaga ang magsasaka natin (our farmers will continue to suffer)," he said.

So said lowering the tariff would result in P5 billion tariff losses on rice and P10 billion losses on pork.

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr signed EO No. 171, extending the temporary reduction of tariffs on select goods to temper inflation.

Inflation hit 8 percent in November, the highest since November 2008.

SC SETS PLEA RULES ON DRUG CASES

The Supreme Court has issued new guidelines governing and clarifying plea bargaining in illegal drugs cases, where an accused seeks to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter penalty.

In a decision, the SC declared that a move to plea bargain, which should be done through a proper pleading, is not a right demandable by an accused in an illegal drugs case “but is a matter addressed entirely to the sound discretion of the court.”

Plea bargaining, although agreed upon by the prosecution and the accused, does not mean that “the courts will automatically approve the proposal,” the high court said.

“Judges must still exercise sound discretion in granting or denying plea bargaining, taking into account the relevant circumstances, including the character of the accused,” it stressed.

The new guidelines pointed out that “if an accused applies for probation in offenses punishable under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), other than for illegal drug trafficking or pushing under Section 5 in relation to Section 24 thereof, then the law on probation shall apply.”

The new guidelines were contained in a Supreme Court en banc decision that resolved the petitions filed by government lawyers and an accused in an illegal drugs case.

The high court also resolved in the decision written by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa were the letter of the Philippine Judges Association and the memorandum to the SC by then Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez, now an associate justice of the SC.

PNP, AFP PREPARED FOR NPA ATTACKS AS REDS DECLARE MOURNING PERIOD FOR JOMA SISON

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday they are prepared for any possible attack or offensive by the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) in the days approaching the 54th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) this December 26.

This also as the CPP declared a period of mourning following the death of their founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Friday and allowed guerrillas to stage offensives against government forces.

The CPP’s Central Committee said in a statement released Sunday it was dedicating the upcoming anniversary at the end of the 10-day mourning period to Sison’s memory.

Units of the CPP’s armed wing were ordered to “silently perform” a 21-gun salute at daybreak of December 26 in tribute to the founding chairman.

“During this period of mourning, the NPA can stage tactical offensives against the rampaging fascist forces to defend the people,” the statement read.

Both the PNP and AFP said they have not received or monitored any serious credible threats related to Sison’s death or the CPP anniversary.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said police mobile forces and the Special Action Force have been deployed to areas with previously recorded attacks connected to the NPA.

She added more police have been sent to stations and detachments that are seen as vulnerable to rebel attacks and harassment.

“So far wala tayong nare-receive na any serious threat relating po sa forthcoming anniversary ng CPP sa darating na December 26, but nonetheless hindi po tayo nagko-kompyansa at ‘yong ating intelligence monitoring po ay tuloy-tuloy in coordination with other intelligence units po,” Fajardo said in a phone interview.

The PNP has already gone on full alert since Thursday, both for the CPP anniversary and the holiday season, with police leaves put on hold.

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CEBU PACIFIC OFFERS P88 SEAT SALE FOR DOMESTIC DESTINATIONS

MANILA - Cebu Pacific said it is offering a one-way base fare of as low as P88 for domestic destinations.

Passengers may book promo flights to any domestic destinations until Jan. 2, 2022, the airline said in a statement.

Travel period for the promotional seat is from Dec. 19, 2022 until May 31, 2023 in time for the holiday and summer seasons, Cebu Pacific said.

"We are happy to keep offering our trademark low fares as we know many travelers, Filipinos and foreigners alike, are eager to travel more these days. Trust that we will continue to stimulate travel through our seat sales,” said Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Director.

Currently, Cebu Pacific operates 92 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity. The Gokongwei-led carrier flies to a total of 34 domestic destinations and 19 international routes.

The airline also recently announced an international seat sale for as low as P699.

10 DEAD IN MUNTINLUPA FIRE

A fire engulfed a house in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City on Sunday morning, killing 10 people, including a five-month-old baby.

The Muntinlupa Central Fire Station reported the blaze started in the kitchen of the house along Larva Street in Bruger Subdivision around 9 a.m. It reached first alarm before fire out was declared at 10:25 a.m.

Fire Superintendent Eugene Briones said six of the 10 victims were minors and all of them were related.

He also reported that one was injured, and the cost of damage was estimated at ?500,000.

Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire.

HEADS UP! PUMP PRICE HIKE SET FOR TUESDAY, DEC. 20

MANILA — Prices of gasoline, kerosene and diesel will increase on Dec. 20, oil firms announced on Monday.

The following adjustments will take effect on Tuesday:

 PILIPINAS SHELL

Gasoline P0.70 per liter increase

Kerosene P1.65 per liter increase

Diesel P2.90 per liter increase

CLEANFUEL

Gasoline P0.70 per liter increase

Diesel P2.90 per liter increase

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

SOFIA ANDRES REVEALS SHE CAN SEE PEOPLE'S AURAS

MANILA -- Actress Sofia Andres revealed that she can see people's auras.

On Instagram, Andres opened up about her "special gift."

"This coming 2023. I’m all for loving myself more and know what I deserve. I’m a #1 believer of ENERGY since I was a little kid. It’s both blessing and a curse. I honestly can read people, I can see their auras, their colors. I know that some of you will find these things weird. But I’m not afraid anymore," Andres shared.

"I have been studying this gift for years and it really helps with my anxiety. I have always known that I’m different. I’m extra sensitive, selective and misunderstood," she said.

"I'm excited for 2023 to come & Happy Holidays! Protect your peace."

In 2018, Andres opened up about her mental health, revealing on social media that she is suffering from anxiety.

Currently, Andres is part of ABS-CBN's hit series "The Iron Heart."

KAPAMILYA LEADING LADIES SIZZLE IN 2022 CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

MANILA — Kapamilya leading ladies sizzled Sunday during the ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2022.

Leading the set were Jane De Leon, Janella Salvador, Dimples Romana, Janine Gutierrez, Andrea Brillantes, Julia Montes, Belle Mariano, and Kathryn Bernardo.

They were also joined by Sue Ramirez, Jane Oineza, Charlie Dizon, Kim Chiu, Maymay Entrata, and many more.

Martin Nievera serenaded the ladies with Latin hits such as "Sway", "Save The Last Dance", "Señorita", and "Smooth".

The ladies also took a snap with ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez and president and CEO Carlo Katigbak.

The ABS-CBN Christmas Special is directed by John Prats and divided into two parts.

The show is aired at Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, TFC, and TV5.

SPORTS

FOOTBALL: MESSI AND ARGENTINA BEAT FRANCE ON PENALTIES TO WIN WORLD CUP

Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat France to clinch the World Cup title in a lively game at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar Sunday evening.

The South American side beat the holders 4 – 2 on penalties. Argentina is the first country from outside Europe to lift the trophy since Brazil, which did so 20 years ago in Japan. It’s also the country’s third World Cup title after wins in 1978 and 1986.

The first 80 minutes of the final were largely one-sided, with France failing to have a single shot on goal for the entire first half. Argentina opened the goal-scoring in the 20th minute with Messi calmly converting a penalty given away by Ousmane Dembélé.

Argentina doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Ángel Di María raced to the end of a through-ball from Alexis Mac Allister. The dynamic attack was, once again, started by Leo Messi, who ran the show from the start, drifting between the lines of France’s midfield and defense.

French starlet Kylian Mbappé turned the game on its head in the 79th minute, cooly slotting a late penalty away. Less than five minutes later, the 23-year-old scored again after combining some smart play with his teammate Marcus Thuram.

Twitter owner Elon Musk, who was in attendance at the Lusail Stadium, tweeted that 24,400 tweets were sent per second after France’s first goal. Musk said that this was the “highest ever for World Cup.” Images of Musk from the game appeared to show him with Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The game went to extra time, and France appeared to have all the momentum until Messi snuck in a scrappy goal at the tail end of the second half of extra time. A few moments later, France won their second penalty of the game. Mbappé stepped up and slotted away his third goal of the game and his eighth of the tournament, taking the game to penalties.

During the shootout, Mbappé stepped up first and scored again. However, France missed two penalties while Argentina converted all four to win. The winning penalty was scored by Gonzalo Montiel.

Sunday’s final was Messi’s 26th tournament appearance, and the 35-year-old has said the game was the last World Cup fixture he will play for his country. Messi’s dominant performance and a World Cup title will also go far in concluding debates surrounding the player in his home country. The 35-year-old was born in Rosario, Argentina, but moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona. He has lived in Europe since and has often been criticized for his performances for Argentina, even after leading the country to a Copa América title last year, the country’s first international title in 28 years.

Argentina’s World Cup run started with a wobble after a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. But the experienced side made their way through the group stages with a series of dominant performances and they reached the final after beating Croatia.

Mbappé became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final and won the Golden Boot as he scored the most goals (eight) during the tournament. Argentine captain Lionel Messi was voted the tournament's best player, winning the Golden Ball. Emiliano Martínez, also from Argentina, won the Golden Glove, awarded to the tournament's best goalkeeper.

PBA SEMIS GAME 3

SAN MIGUEL DEF. BAY AREA, 98-96

San Miguel Beermen (1-2) escapes past the guest team Bay Area Dragons (2-1), 98-96 in Game 3 of their best-of-5 semifinal series in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, December 18 at the PhilSports Arena.

Devon Scott led SMB with a double-double game of 25 points (11/19fg, 1/2 3pts, 2/2ft) along with 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks as the Beermen forces Game 4. June Mar Fajardo with another double-double performance of 21 points, game-high 16 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 3 blocks while CJ Perez and Simon Enciso added 17 points and 16 points, respectively.

Game 4 is on Wednesday, December 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena at 5:45pm.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 98 - Scott 25, Fajardo 21, Perez 17, Enciso 16, Romeo 13, Lassiter 6, Ross 0, Cruz 0, Manuel 0, Brondial 0.

BAY AREA 96 – Nicholson 34, Zhu 17, Lam 12, Liu 12, Blankley 10, Ju 6, Yang 5, Ewing 0.

Quarters: 17-24, 43-47, 75-70, 98-96

GINEBRA DEF. MAGNOLIA, 103-80

Barangay Ginebra defeated Magnolia Timplados Hotshots, 103-80 to gain a commanding 2-1 lead in 'Manila Clasico' Game 3 of their best-of-5 semifinal series in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, December 18 at the PhilSports Arena.

Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with a huge 38 points (12/20fg, 6/8 3pts, 8/8ft) along with 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. LA Tenorio with a solid game of 20 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists and a steal while Scottie Thompson with an all-around game of 12 points (5/10fg, 2/7 3pts) to go with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

As per Spin.ph, Paul Lee played only a few minutes in Sunday's Game 3 because he seemed under the weather, even though his COVID-19 pre-game test came back negative. Lee was used as a starter by Coach Chito Victolero, who only used him for 2 minutes and 15 seconds before permanently taking him off the court.

Game 4 is on Wednesday, December 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 103 - Brownlee 38, Tenorio 20, Thompson 12, Standhardinger 8, Malonzo 8, J. Aguilar 6, Pringle 2, Gray 2, Mariano 2, Pessumal 2, R Aguilar 2, Pinto 1, David 0.

MAGNOLIA 80 – Jalalon 16, Rakocevic 10, Dionisio 10, Wong 10, Ahanmisi 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 6, Corpuz 4, Mendoza 3, Sangalang 2, Laput 2, Lee 0, Reavis 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarters: 17-15, 49-34, 74-61, 103-80

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Influence is like a savings account. The less you use it, the more you've got. - Andrew Young