PHILIPPINES TO EXPAND US ACCESS TO MILITARY BASES: OFFICIAL

MANILA — The United States and the Philippines are expected to announce a deal Thursday that will give US troops access to another 4 military bases in the Southeast Asian nation, as the longtime allies seek to deter Chinese aggression in the region.

The agreement to expand cooperation will be announced during a visit by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a senior Philippine official told AFP, and comes as the countries seek to repair ties that were fractured in recent years.

China's growing assertiveness on Taiwan and its claims over the disputed South China Sea have given fresh impetus to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership.

Given its proximity to Taiwan and its surrounding waters, the Philippines' cooperation would be key in the event of a conflict with China, which a 4-star US Air Force general has warned could happen as early as 2025.

"There's been an agreement to designate 4 new additional sites," the Philippine official told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

Talks were ongoing for a potential fifth base, the official added.

COVID CRISIS ENDS, WORST OVER

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will no longer extend the state of calamity that expired Dec. 31, 2022, signaling that the government believes the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the Palace confirmed Wednesday.

The President also ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that health workers continue to receive their COVID-related allowances even though the state of calamity has expired.

“That (the allowances) will continue. I used to be concerned that the compensation for our health workers would not continue…We carefully studied their allowances and even if the state of calamity is not extended, their benefits will not be affected,” the President said.

Although there was no formal announcement, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said “yes” when asked if Mr. Marcos’ decision not to extend the state of calamity was final.

This was also confirmed by DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.

“Yes, the state of calamity will no longer be extended,” she told Manila Standard.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday threw his support behind the President’s decision, saying it would greatly boost the country’s image, especially to foreign tourists.

“I support the President’s non-extension of the COVID-19 state of calamity because it would really [cast]… a bad light on the Philippines [if it were extended]. And… as we know, it’s almost back to normal,” Zubiri said in an interview Wednesday.

He said foreign tourists would be very hesitant to visit the country if they see online that there is a prevailing state of calamity in the country due to the pandemic, and assume that the government could not control the spread of cases.

US DEFENSE CHIEF AUSTIN TO TACKLE SECURITY INITIATIVES WITH PH OFFICIALS

Visiting Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. today.

On Twitter, Austin said his meetings aim “to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a free and open Pacific.”

The US official, who arrived in Manila Tuesday evening, visited US troops stationed at a Philippine military camp in Zamboanga City.

“Our working relationship with them is very strong,” said Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, head of the Western Mindanao Command.

“They [US troops] are here to help us in our mission, especially in counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response,” Galido added.

Austin also met with AFP chief General Andres Centino during his visit in Zamboanga City.

“It’s an ongoing relationship that we’ve had with the United States. As President Marcos has pointed out, it’s evolving. So our military alliance, our Mutual Defense Treaty, our Visiting Forces Agreement are obviously part and parcel of that entire relationship that we have with the United States so obviously that visit will reinforce all of these agreements that we have,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday

MARCOS OKS CREATION OF WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has approved the creation of an office that will manage water resources and ensure sufficient supply, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Marcos suggested that the new Water Resource Management Office's (WRMO) first task "should be reducing the country’s reliance on groundwater and deep wells, as well as managing surface water supply," the Presidential Communications Office said.

"We have sufficient... there’s enough water in the Philippines hindi lang natin ginagamit, tinatapon natin,” Marcos said.

The new body will also ensure that other agencies would follow a plan for waste management.

"That’s why we have to strengthen the mandate of the Water Management Office. We have to bring them (agencies) together so that they are all following the overall plan,” Marcos said.

"This new Water Management Office, it has to be cohesive in the sense that kailangan ‘yung recommendation ng management office sinusundan," he added.

The Palace said it would craft an executive order that would allow the National Water Resources Board, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Local Water Utilities Administration and the other water-related agencies "to have a collaborative mechanism under the WRMO to implement water management programs."

The WRMO will be under the environment department and serve as a "transitory body" pending the creation of a Water Resources Department, the Palace said.

The creation of the Department of Water Resources is part of Marcos' legislative priorities.

FM BROOD FAILS IN MOVE TO HOLD ‘FROZEN’ ASSETS

The Marcos family’s attempt to take control of their assets being held by the government has been rejected by the Sandiganbayan.

In a resolution, promulgated on Jan. 25, the anti-graft court’s Third Division, denied the motions filed by former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos and her daughter Irene Marcos-Araneta.

The Marcoses asked for the issuance of a writ of execution on the properties denominated as “frozen accounts, surrendered by virtue of compromise agreements, sequestered (but) not in the PCGG (Presidential Commission on Good Government) custody, and sequestered under the PCGG’s control and supervision.”

But the Sandiganbayan denied the plea “for lack of merit” and sought to clarify the status of some assets and properties pertinent to the case.

The court said it could not rule on properties that had already been recovered by the government or transferred to third persons, or those that have been the subject of court decisions and compromise agreements.

“What remains to be determined, however, is the list of properties which are included in the dismissal of the Third Amended Complaint for failure of the plaintiff to prove its allegations by preponderance of evidence,” it added.

Subject to the finality of the decision, the court, meanwhile lifted the sequestration orders earlier issued on at least 14 properties. It also recognized the properties without sequestration orders and those that remain under the full control and supervision of the Marcoses.

LONE HIGH-RANKING POLICE OFFICIAL REFUSED TO GIVE COURTESY RESIGNATION: ABALOS

MANILA — Only one high-ranking police official out of 955 refused to file a courtesy resignation, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Wednesday.

While there are 12 senior police officials who have yet to submit their resignations, of this list, 5 have already retired and 6 are retirees, Abalos clarified.

Abalos refused to disclose the profile of the official and what province they came from.

"We fully respect his right. We are not ordering or commanding anyone. It was just an appeal. No sanctions will be done, nothing at all. Pero siyempre aalamin namin bakit ayaw niya," he told Palace reporters.

Police have been waging an anti-narcotics campaign launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte and continued by his successor Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Abalos described the courtesy resignations as radical and a "shortcut" after previous investigations into allegedly corrupt officers took a long time and produced few results.

PNP CHIEF TO LEAD 5-MAN COMMITTEE REVIEWING SENIOR COPS' COURTESY RESIGNATIONS

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. will lead a 5-man committee tasked to review the courtesy resignations of top-ranking police, a move meant to cleanse the organization of alleged ties to the narcotics trade, the interior department said on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. rejected the courtesy resignation that Azurin submitted in early January, said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

“Ini-screen na siya (Azurin) at nag-usap kami ng Presidente tungkol dito. Hindi tinanggap ang kaniyang resignation. He is in a position to give recent intelligence report,” Abalos said.

Azurin and the following members will make up the committee that would review PNP courtesy resignations, Abalos said.

 -Baguio City Mayor and former police general Benjamin Magalong

 -Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro

 -Retired police officer Gen. Isagani Nerez

 -A member who requested not to be named out of concern for his family's safety

When asked if the review panel’s function would be a redundancy of the National Police Commission’s (Napolcom) function, Abalos said that the panel is needed so that the government could address the drug problem more efficiently.

“Sa Napolcom, gaya ng sinabi ko, it’s a long process. You’ve got to file a case, you’re up against people who have so much money, so much power. Baka bago tayo matapos, hindi na ako nakaupo dito,” he said.

In a statement, Azurin said the review process of third-rank police officers would be "fair, objective, and judicious at all stages, making sure that zero tolerance for personal biases and political color shall be observed."

He also expressed his gratitude to Marcos and Abalos for designating him as the committee lead.

GOV'T EMPLOYEES WELCOME BILL FOR EARLIER OPTIONAL RETIREMENT: CSC

MANILA – Government employees are open to the House of Representatives’ move to lower their optional retirement age from 60 to 56.

Atty. Aileen Lizada of the Civil Service Commission said that a consultation of personnel across the country—conducted in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic—showed that they want the option to retire at a younger age.

“Bakit? Well number one, sinabi ko na ho, 26 year-old law ang ating batas. Number two, ang iba, pagod na po,” she said on TeleRadyo.

“Kasi kailangan po para maka-avail kayo ng retirement pay sa (Government Service Insurance System), kailangan umabot kayo ng 60 years old at 15 years, sabay dapat ang dalawa, and 15 years in service,” she explained.

Lizada noted that the Philippines has the oldest mandatory age and optional retirement age in the ASEAN.

“Bigyan ho natin ng oportunidad ang mga kawani ng gobyerno, yung mga remaining years nila na last nila productive pa naman din po sila, to try another factor sa buhay nila. Let us infuse young blood sa ating bureaucracy,” she added.

The lawyer noted that early retirement won’t affect the quality of service government has to offer.

“Before you retire, meron na rin hong proseso dyan by succession, meron hong mga promotion na nangyayari. And then the head of agency would know, ang (Human resources) ng mga agencies would know sino ang mga magre-retire and when, and they will also think about yung kanilang succession plan. Meron hong in place ang bureaucracy na ganoon.”

Lizada appealed to the Senate to consider a counterpart bill for the early retirement of government employees.

MARCOS GIVES DEPED A YEAR TO REVISE K TO 12 CURRICULUM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the Department of Education a year to complete its review of the K to 12 curriculum, DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said in a television interview.

“The President gave us a timeline of around a year to finish the review,” Poa told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

He said the review for the curriculum for kinder to Grade 10 has been concluded while the review for the senior high school grades has just started.

“We are trying to decongest our curriculum to focus on the essential subjects and the basics, like math, reading, science,” he said.

“We want to really look at literacy in a way that we’ll be able to inculcate not just foundational literacy but also functional literacy,” Poa added.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, committee chair and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said he agrees with Duterte’s plan to revise the curriculum to ensure graduates are more job-ready.

“Just like what Vice President Sara said, we need to start with curriculum adjustment. Because these are what [industries] are looking for—the competencies, skills, talents. We must equip our students with these and build their capacity.

That’s why we need to adjust the curriculum to make it simplified and attuned to the needs of the Filipino youth who want to get jobs after K to 12,” he said.

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METRO MANILA MAYORS APPROVE SINGLE TICKETING SYSTEM FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

MANILA — Metro Manila mayors on Wednesday approved a single ticketing system for traffic violations across the region.

The mayors, in a Metro Manila Council meeting, adopted a traffic code that that would standardize fines and penalties for 20 most common violations.

The system will allow motorists pay fines electronically, noted MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes. Driver's license will not be confiscated during apprehension, he added.

“This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than twenty years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists,” he said in a statement.

The standardized fines and penalties will be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office and local councils for adoption, the MMDA said.

"The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adapting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system," said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who also heads the MMC.

The system will cover penalties for the following traffic violations, the MMDA said.

Disregarding traffic signs

Illegal parking (attended and unattended)

Number coding UVVRP

Truck ban

Light truck ban

Reckless Driving

Unregistered motor vehicle

Driving without license

Tricycle ban

Obstruction

Dress code for motorcycle

Overloading

Defective motorcycle accessories

Unauthorized modification

Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)

Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones

Illegal counterflow

Overspeeding

MINOR INJURIES, DAMAGE TO HOUSES REPORTED AFTER DAVAO DE ORO QUAKE

MANIL — Minor injuries and damaged houses were reported after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck Mindanao on Wednesday evening, according to the country’s disaster agency.

The Office of the Civil Defense spokesperson Rafaelito Alejandro on Thursday said the agency’s regional offices and local disaster risk reduction and management offices are currently conducting assessment and monitoring after a quake hit New Bataan town in Davao de Oro.

“Only minor damage were reported as of reporting time, the majority were residential houses,” the OCD said, adding that several minor injuries were logged.

Meanwhile, lifelines such as supply of power, water and communication remain uninterrupted

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'WE ARE VERY MUCH IN LOVE': JINKEE PACQUIAO DENIES PREGNANCY, BREAKUP WITH MANNY

MANILA, Philippines — Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of former professional boxer Manny Pacquiao, has debunked rumors that she has broken up with the ex-senator and is pregnant with another child.

In an episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the host announced such gossip about Jinkee being pregnant and splitting with Manny was fake news.

"Hindi ako buntis, hindi kami magkahiwalay ni Manny. We are very much in love with each other and we are doing great," Boy paraphrased what Jinkee had told him, adding that the couple is investigating who began such rumors.

Actress and talent manager Annabelle Rama, a friend of the Pacquiaos, further debunked such rumors in an Instagram post where she showed support for the couple.

"Unang una, imposibleng mag-hiwalay ang mag-asawa dahil sa nakikita ko ang sweet nila and happy family," Annabelle wrote in the caption, adding that Jinkee was busy helping complete a three-hectare mansion that will become their dream home.

Annabelle concluded, "Kaya 'yung mga 'marites,' tigilan niyo na. Alam ko kung sino ang gumagawa ng chismis, mamatay ka sa inggit."

Jinkee thanked Annabelle for her support in the comments, even joking she looked fat in the photo the manager posted: "Hayaan mo na sila, God bless them! 'Vengeance is mine I will repay, says the Lord.'"

On her own Instagram account, Jinkee showed images of the mansion located in General Santos City, and even posted a photo of her with Manny.

The Pacquiaos have been married since 1999 and have five kids together — Emmanuel, Michael, Mary Divine, Queen Elizabeth, and Israel.

SPORTS

NLEX DEF. TNT, 110-108

NLEX Road Warriors (3-0) uses strong fourth quarter to escape past the TNT Tropang GIGA (2-1), 110-108 and grab their third straight win in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, February 1 at the PhilSports Arena.

The Scores:

NLEX 110 - Simmons 45, Anthony 15, Alas 13, Semerad 10, Trollano 9, Rosales 8, Nieto 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, pascual 0, Gabo 0.

TNT 108 – Hudson 39, Pogoy 21, Khobuntin 10, Castro 10, Montalbo 6, Tungcab 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Chua 3, K.Williams 2, M.Williams 2, Varilla 2, Marcelo 0.

Quarters: 28-31, 49-56, 78-91, 110-108

SAN MIGUEL DEF. BLACKWATER, 105-86

San Miguel Beermen (2-0) uses strong first half to beat the Blackwater Bossing (1-2), 105-86 and grab their second straight win in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, February 1 at the PhilSports Arena.

Jericho Cruz led the Beermen in scoring with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and 1-of-1 from the line along with three rebounds, three assists and a steal in 27 minutes of play.

SMB Import Cameron Clark had a near double-double of 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block while June Mar Fajardo finished with a double-double of 17 points, game-high 16 rebounds to go with four assists, two steals and a block.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 105 - Cruz 22, Clark 20, Fajardo 17, Perez 14, Lassiter 13, Enciso 9, Tautuaa 7, Ross 3, Bulanadi 0, Brondial 0.

BLACKWATER 86 – Glover 16, Torralba 11, Ilagan 10, Taha 8, Banal 8, Hill 8, Ular 6, Casio 6, Ayonayon 5, Amer 4, Suerte 2, Escoto 2, Digregorio 0.

Quarters: 33-24, 63-35, 83-68, 105-86

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 54.47

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Martin Luther King, Jr