MARCOS REJECTS THREE PROVISIONS IN 2023 BUDGET
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed three provisions in the 2023 national budget which he said are not related to the new appropriations and could amend other laws, according to Malacañang.
Among the provisions Marcos rejected was the establishment of a revolving fund for the Department of Education’s TV-based instruction initiative DepEd TV.
“There is no law authorizing the DepEd to establish a revolving fund for the purpose,” the Office of the Press Secretary said Wednesday in a release.
It added: “DepEd TV is not a business-type activity of the DepEd, which may be considered within the contemplation of the General Provision on Revolving Funds in the [Fiscal Year] 2023 [General Appropriations Act], which permits the establishment of a revolving fund from receipts derived from business-type activities.”
Marcos also vetoed a provision that would have barred the Department of Tourism from using its budget to change the country’s tourism slogan as it limits the executive branch from implementing Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.
The president also rejected a provision which would have allowed the National Labor Relations Commission to use its income for its operations, when existing laws do not allow this.
Besides, Marcos said, the NLRC’s income already forms part of the revenue and financing sources of the proposed budget submitted by the executive to Congress.
Last Friday, Marcos signed P5.268-trillion national budget bill into law, which he called a “fine Christmas gift” from Congress whom he hailed for quickly passing his administration’s first full-year outlay.
The amount is equivalent to 22.1% of the country's gross domestic product.
MARCOS REAFFIRMS VOW TO BUILD 1 MILLION HOUSING UNITS YEARLY
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed his vow to provide 1 million units for indigent families every year under his administration's public housing program.
Marcos was in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday morning to lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Palayan City Township, a project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program.
"This is not the first groundbreaking that I have attended. I know it will not be the last, and that we will continue to break ground in different parts of the country," Marcos said in his speech.
"Iyong ating pinapangarap na 1 million homes a year... [kapagka] naabot natin, at least napakalaking bagay na iyan, nabigyan natin ng solusyon ang problema ng pabahay ng ating mga kababayan," he added.
He also thanked the local government of Palayan City for its assistance in pinpointing the land where the housing project would be built in.
According to a statement from Malacañang, the Palayan City Township will have 44 towers with 11,000 housing units.
"The project will also feature a market area, livelihood center, health center and elementary school, among other planned amenities and infrastructures," the Palace said.
CHINESE EMBASSY TELLS US OFFICIAL: STOP USING SOUTH CHINA SEA TO SOW DISCORD
MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila has criticized the US State Department spokesperson over the latter’s call on China to respect international law and its legal obligations as stipulated in the 2016 arbitral ruling.
This, following the reported “escalating swarms” of Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal and the “unsafe encounter” that the Chinese Coast Guard initiated with Philippines naval forces.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy said the statement of US State Department spokesperson Ned Price “contains unfounded accusations against China that attempt to stir up troubles and drive a wedge between China and the Philippines.”
“We strongly deplore and firmly oppose this,” it said. “We urge the US to stop using the South China Sea issue to stir up troubles, sow discord between China and the Philippines and undermine stability in the South China Sea.”
China said the South China Sea situation “has maintained overall stability” and it is “only natural for neighbors to have differences,” adding that the leaders of China and the Philippines have agreed to manage disputes in the South China Sea properly “through dialogue and consultation.”
TV HOST DAPHNE OSEÑA-PAEZ IS MARCOS JR.'S NEW 'PRESS BRIEFER': PALACE
MANILA — TV host and former news presenter Daphne Oseña-Paez is President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr's new "press briefer," Malacañang said on Tuesday.
"Makakasama sa bawat briefing na gagawin dito sa Press Working Area. Siya ang magiging tagapaghatid ng balita at impormasyon tungkol sa mga gawain at proyekto ni President Marcos," Press Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil told Palace reporters.
Oseña-Paez said she will be "the one who will regularly be the source of updates from the Palace."
When asked about her new role and what rank she has under the Office of the Press Secretary — if she is an undersecretary or assistant secretary — the new official said, "You can just call me Daphne."
"My role here is to amplify and to communicate the message of President Marcos and the Cabinet, and the government, and you are my partners in this," she said.
"I will be here to brief you every Tuesday regularly after Cabinet meetings, and to express, and to represent whatever programs, and news items that need to be amplified," she added.
Marcos, Jr. earlier said he would not have any spokesperson under his administration, preferring to present himself to the media.
This policy will not change, she said.
COUNTRIES AGREE ON HISTORIC DEAL TO PROTECT NATURE
MONTREAL, Canada — Countries approved a historic deal to reverse decades of environmental destruction threatening the world's species and ecosystems at a marathon UN biodiversity summit early Monday.
The chair of the COP15 nature summit, Chinese Environment Minister Huang Runqiu, declared the deal adopted at a late-night plenary session in Montreal and struck his gavel, sparking loud applause from assembled delegates.
In doing so he overruled an objection from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had refused to back the text, demanding greater funding for developing countries as part of the accord.
After four years of fraught negotiations, more than 190 other states rallied behind the Chinese-brokered accord aimed at saving the lands, oceans and species from pollution, degradation and the climate crisis.
The deal pledges to secure 30% of the planet as a protected zone by 2030 and to stump up $30 billion in yearly conservation aid for the developing world.
Environmentalists have compared the accord to the landmark plan to limit global warming to 1.5C under the Paris agreement, though some earlier warned that it did not go far enough.
Brian O'Donnell of the Campaign for Nature called it "the largest land and ocean conservation commitment in history."
"The international community has come together for a landmark global biodiversity agreement that provides some hope that the crisis facing nature is starting to get the attention it deserves," he said.
The text calls on wealthy countries to increase financial aid to the developing world to $20 billion annually by 2025, rising to $30 billion per year by 2030, while ensuring 30% of land and sea areas are effectively conserved and managed by the end of this decade.
It pledges to safeguard the rights of Indigenous people as stewards of their lands, a key demand of campaigners.
NO FRAUDULENT TRADE IN PLDT SHARES, SAYS PSE PRESIDENT
MANILA - There are no fraudulent activities in PLDT trading prior to the P48 billion budget overrun disclosure, Philippine Stock Exchange President and CEO Ramon Monzon said on Wednesday, citing results of an internal preliminary investigation.
PLDT on Friday reported a budget overrun of P48 billion, covering 2019 to 2022. Its shares declined following the disclosures.
On Monday, PLDT shares plunged nearly 20 percent.
"I’m not at liberty to tell you yet the results because the SEC has asked me to report to them...Just to assure you, without going to specifics, we did not see any indication of any fraudulent trades prior to the disclosure. We look at buying and selling and basically, a lot of transactions are institutional trades, not personal trades and mostly by foreign brokers," Monzon told ANC.
"We’ve actually looked at trading activity last Friday before the disclosure and we’re not limiting our guess inquiry or investigation on that particular day. We’re looking at the PLDT trade for the last a month and a half, about late October to last Friday," he said.
Monzon said he cannot disclose more details as the PSE has been asked to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the matter.
P289 MILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SLATED FOR BARMM
MANILA — P289-million worth of infrastructure projects are set to grace the provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region after recently getting the green light for construction, assured through Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s Support to Local Moral Governance (SLMG) program.
Public markets, barangay halls, a public terminal, and a legislative building among other plans comprised the memoranda of agreement (MOA) signed with Interior and Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and 18 local government units in the region.
Two-storey barangay halls will be constructed at some villages in the towns of Balindong, Marantao, Pagayawan, Calanogas, Malabang, Kapai, and Tamparan in Lanao del Sur; Parang and Buldon in Maguindanao del Norte; and in Cotabato City.
"Our hope is that the projects will improve governance in the LGUs and benefit our constituents," said Minister Sinarimbo.
Furthermore, six public markets will also rise at the towns of Albraka, Hadji Muhammad Ajul, and Lamitan City in Basilan; Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi; Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur; and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.
Also part of the infra projects is a public terminal in Malabang, Lanao del Sur and a legislative building in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.
The respective LGUs will implement the projects while the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will monitor their progress.
DOJ: BANTAG, ZULUETA ON IMMIGRATION LOOKOUT BULLETIN SINCE DEC. 7
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has placed suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and his former deputy Ricardo Zulueta on its immigration lookout bulletin since December 7 this year, based on a copy of the order released to the media on Tuesday, December 20.
The Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) named “Gerald Quitaleg Bantag” and “Ricardo Soriano Zulueta” as the subject of the watch order, in connection with the murder complaints they are facing before the DOJ over the killings of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and alleged middleman Jun Villamor y Globa or Cristito Villamor Palaña.
Authorities identified them as the alleged masterminds in the two killings, with Bantag supposedly angered by Lapid’s commentary while Villamor was killed supposedly to cover up Lapid’s killing.
“Considering the gravity of the offense charged in the criminal complaints, there is a strong possibility that respondents may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal processes by leaving the country,” said the ILBO.
“Thus, this Department deems the issuance of an ILBO against the above-subject individuals prudent in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel, and/or whereabouts,” it added.
The order was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, based on the request of National Bureau of Investigation National Capital Region Acting Regional Director Rommel Vallejo and National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo.
The ILBO clarified that it is “for monitoring purposes only, and it is not, in and of itself, a sufficient prohibition for a subject’s departure from the Philipines.”
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PHILIPPINES REPORTS 121 NEW CASES OF OMICRON SUBVARIANTS
MANILA — The Philippines has detected 121 additional cases of highly transmissible offshoots of the omicron COVID-19 variant, according to the Department of Health on Tuesday.
Out of the 133 samples sequenced by the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center, 23 were classified as BA.2.3.20, one as BF.7, 28 as XBB, 45 as XBC, and 24 as other omicron subvariants.
The additional BA.2.3.20 cases consisted of local cases from Regions 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, and Metro Manila, results of the sequencing run conducted on Dec. 14-15 show.
The additional BF.7 case came from the capital region, while all additional XBC cases came from Region 11. Meanwhile, additional XBB cases came from Region 7, 11, and NCR, according to DOH figures.
BELMONTE TOP METRO MANILA MAYOR FOR 2022 – SURVEY
MANILA — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been named as the top performing local chief executive in the National Capital Region for 2022, based on a survey released yesterday by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).
Belmonte scored the highest performance approval rating of 95 percent among mayors in Metro Manila.
Mayors Dale “Along” Malapitan of Caloocan City, Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon and John Rey Tiangco of Navotas were statistically tied for the second spot with a score of 90 percent.
Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. ranked third with 89 percent performance rating.
Mayors Abigail Binay of Makati and Vico Sotto of Pasig City shared the fourth spot with 85 percent performance rating.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon came in fifth place with a score of 84 percent.
Marcelino Teodoro of Marikina (83 percent), Lani Cayetano of Taguig (82 percent), Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City (80 percent), Honey Lacuna of Manila (77 percent) and Eric Olivarez of Parañaque City (75 percent) ranked six to 10, respectively.
Francis Zamora of San Juan received a score of 68 percent. Miguel Ponce of Pateros scored 67 percent and Imelda Aguilar of Las Piñas achieved an approval rating of 65 percent.
PASIG GOVERNMENT OPENS MEGA DIALYSIS CENTER
MANILA — The Pasig government opened yesterday the city’s mega dialysis center.
With 79 dialysis machines and a floor area of 1,390 square meters, Mayor Vico Sotto said the center situated along Eusebio Avenue in Barangay San Miguel is one of the biggest facilities catering to patients with kidney diseases.
Sotto said with the new facility, they can accommodate the needs of over half of the more than 800 dialysis patients under their care.
“First-come, first-served basis tayo para patas,” he said in a Facebook post.
For those who will not be accommodated by the facility, Sotto said they would increase their financial assistance for patients next year.
The dialysis center provides treatment for renal failure and information on renal replacement therapy to patients.
Among these are kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.
Dialysis treatment in the facility is free, the local government said.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
JOHN ARCILLA, EUGENE DOMINGO TO STAR IN FIRST PINOY AMAZON ORIGINAL MOVIE
MANILA – Philippine entertainment continues to blaze through the international scene via various digital platforms as Prime Video announced its first-ever Filipino Amazon original movie.
Content creative company The IdeaFirst Company revealed Tuesday that John Arcilla and Eugene Domingo will banner “Ten Little Mistresses (Sampung Mga Kerida)" under the direction of Jun Robles Lana.
The movie, which will be streamed on Amazon’s Prime Video, is a murder-mystery comedy which will also star Christian Bables, Pokwang, Arci Munoz, and Carmi Martin.
Agot Isidro, Kris Bernal, Sharlene San Pedro, Adrianna So, Kate Alejandrino, Iana Bernardez, and Donna Cariaga will also be part of the project.
“Too much love will kill you? Mukhang ganun na nga. Ito na ang unang pasilip sa ating first ever Filipino Amazon Original Movie. May murder, may drama, at puno ng kapana-panabik na eksena,” Prime Video Philippines teased.
“Ten Little Mistresses” follows the story of a widowed billionaire, Valentin Esposo, and his 10 women, who fight each other to become his legal wife. But when Valentin suddenly turns up dead, all 10 women end up being prime suspects.
They now have to prove their innocence and unmask the real killer.
The comedy film will be available on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 15, 2023.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES OF DEC 19
FINAL/OT
1 2 3 4 OT T
nba team logoRaptors13-18 23 23 32 21 2 101
nba team logo76ers17-12 22 35 21 21 5 104
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
P. Siakam TOR PF
38 PTS , 15 REB , 6 AST
player headshot
J. Embiid PHI C
28 PTS , 11 REB , 4 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoJazz17-16 21 23 27 28 99
nba team logoCavaliers21-11 29 33 28 32 122
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
L. Markkanen UTA SF
24 PTS , 6 REB , 1 AST
player headshot
D. Mitchell CLE SG
23 PTS , 2 REB , 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoMagic11-21 27 38 29 31 125
nba team logoHawks16-15 34 34 36 22 126
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
M. Fultz ORL PG
24 PTS , 6 REB , 9 AST
player headshot
T. Young ATL PG
37 PTS , 3 REB , 13 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoMavericks15-16 30 14 30 32 106
nba team logoTimberwolves16-15 21 36 37 22 116
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
S. Dinwiddie DAL PG
20 PTS , 2 REB , 7 AST
player headshot
N. Reid MIN C
27 PTS , 13 REB , 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoBucks22-8 30 36 34 28 128
nba team logoPelicans18-12 27 34 29 29 119
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF
42 PTS , 10 REB , 1 AST
player headshot
J. Valanciunas NO C
37 PTS , 18 REB , 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoTrail Blazers17-14 28 30 36 27 121
nba team logoThunder13-18 28 33 33 29 123
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
D. Lillard POR PG
28 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST
player headshot
S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG
35 PTS , 2 REB , 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoSpurs10-20 35 25 32 32 124
nba team logoRockets9-21 28 34 14 29 105
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
D. Vassell SA SG
26 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST
player headshot
A. Sengun HOU C
22 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoLakers13-17 24 20 33 27 104
nba team logoSuns19-12 38 30 31 31 130
Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
D. Schroder LAL PG
30 PTS , 4 REB , 4 AST
player headshot
C. Paul PHO PG
28 PTS , 4 REB , 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
nba team logoHornets8-23 39 27 25 34 125
nba team logoKings16-13 30 33 29 27 119
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
player headshot
K. Oubre Jr. CHA SG
31 PTS , 10 REB , 1 AST
player headshot
D. Fox SAC PG
37 PTS , 5 REB , 2 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 55.24
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A brave heart and a courteous tongue. They shall carry thee far through the jungle, manling. - Rudyard Kipling
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