PH, MALAYSIA TO ADOPT NEW TACK TO RESOLVE WPS ISSUE AMICABLY

The Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to use “a new level of approach” on the West Philippine Sea issue through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve an amicable resolution, both countries’ leaders said in a joint statement Wednesday.

This means taking a position “at a multilateral level between ASEAN” that would “lead to an amicable resolution to this outstanding problem,” visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

Both the Philippines and Malaysia are claimants to contested territories in the South China Sea, which is being claimed in its entirety by China.

Aside from discussing the disputed waterway, Anwar said he and Mr. Marcos also tackled the two countries’ defense and security ties, which he said remain strong and growing.

The President and Malaysian premier agreed to boost security, trade, and investment exchanges in a historic bilateral meeting, as PM Anwar was the first foreign head of government to visit Manila under the Marcos administration.

“Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and I had a cordial and productive discussion on Philippines-Malaysia bilateral cooperation, reaffirming our two countries’ desire to revitalize relations as we traverse past the pandemic then through the years towards a new normal,” the President said in a statement.

“Your visit is a testament to our enduring friendship as ASEAN brothers, who share the same vision of prosperity and of peace,” he added.

Mr. Marcos congratulated Anwar, who then was newly sworn in as PM, in a telephone call last November and expressed hopes to work with the Malaysian leader, particularly as ASEAN tackles various challenges.

Anwar for his part said: “We did discuss the South China Sea issue and I shared President Marcos Jr.’s concern that due to the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, we should try and engage and take the position at a multilateral level between ASEAN so that we have a comprehensive approach and achieve an amicable resolution to this outstanding problem.”

Mr. Marcos said the two countries, as immediate neighbors, recognize the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region.

FACING UN HUMAN RIGHTS PANEL, REMULLA ‘DRAWS THE LINE’ VS ‘EXTERNAL CONFERENCE’ OF ICC

MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday made clear before the United Nations Human Rights Council that even as the country is initiating reforms in its justice and correctional system, it will not tolerate “external interference.”

“We draw the line, as any sovereign state must, when an international institution overreaches and departs from the boundaries of its creation. Upon this context, the Philippine Government rejects the ICC’s decision to resume investigations over alleged crimes committed during the anti-illegal drug campaign,” he said before a gathering of representatives of UN-member states in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The Philippines has a fully functioning justice system. Under the complementarity test, the ICC, therefore, has no jurisdiction over Filipino citizens whatsoever,” he asserted.

The International Criminal Court recently resumed its probe on the thousands of drug war killings in the Philippines, although the Philippines is appealing the ruling.

“Let me assure this Council and partners and civil society and reiterate: there is no culture of impunity in the Philippines. We are doubling our efforts in ensuring individuals who have breached the bounds of law, state actors included, meet justice,” he said.

“We make clear, extrajudicial killing has never been and will never be state policy. Indeed, the killings have occasionally attend the conduct of police operations. However, we submit that it is most unfair for anyone to think that all such deaths are state-sponsored EJKs,” he added.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber, in allowing the resumption of the ICC Prosecutor’s drug war probe, said Philippine domestic initiatives and proceedings “do not amount to tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps in a way that would sufficiently mirror the Court’s investigation.”

Among the reasons mentioned — the small number of cases being investigated by the Philippines compared to the thousands killed under the drug war. None of these involve high-ranking officials, according to the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber.

But Remulla insisted: “We have a working justice system that is a cornerstone of our accountability mechanism. Our prosecutors and courts are ready, able and willing to prosecute anyone if the evidence so warrants.”

MEDICAL HELICOPTER MISSING WITH 5 ON BOARD

MANILA — A search was underway in the Philippines Wednesday for a missing medical evacuation helicopter with five people on board, authorities said.

The aircraft was flying a patient from the remote Mangsee Islands to a hospital on the western island province of Palawan, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

It took off Wednesday morning to Brooke's Point municipality, but never arrived, CAAP said.

Most of the 150-kilometre (93-mile) journey is over the Sulu Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it had deployed a vessel to search waters between Balabac island, off southern Palawan, and Brooke's Point.

The nationalities of those on board have not been released.

The helicopter was operated by the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services, a non-profit organization providing medical evacuation services in Palawan, the southern island of Mindanao and the main island of Luzon.

The group was started by American helicopter and fixed-wing pilot Dwayne Harris in 2007 and has five pilots and five aircraft, according to its website.

GLOBE, LYNK TEST LEO SATELLITE-TO-MOBILE CONNECTIVITY IN PH

MANILA — Globe Telecom said on Thursday it tested the low earth orbit (LOE) satellite connectivity for short messaging service (SMS) and emergency alert in partnership with Lynk Global.

In a statement, Globe said it was the first company in the country to test such satellite technology.

Field trial took place in Bataan from Feb. 16 to 20, 2023 with standard mobile phones connected directly to Lynk's LEO satellites successfully sending and receiving text messages.

“Globe is exploring new satellite technology solutions to reach more people, especially in far-flung areas that do not have any terrestrial network coverage. There are still places within the archipelago where people can benefit from additional mobile coverage," said Gerhard Tan, Director and Head of Network Strategy and Technology Enablement at Globe.

“Low Earth Orbit Satellites will dominate the space industry. It will create a strong wave of opportunity to connect the unconnected. This satellite technology will revolutionize basic cellular service and the internet in the country, enabling a digitally-connected Philippines," Tan said.

Lynk is set to launch its global commercial service in April, meant to provide periodic SMS services and cellular broadcast emergency alerts that are "roaming-like" from a network and user perspective, Globe said.

“Our network of satellites that work as cell towers in space paves the way for Globe to enhance their mobile coverage of the Philippines,” added James Alderdice, VP, Asia-Pacific at Lynk.

President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021 signed an executive order that gave telco providers wider access to satellite systems to boost services.

OIL SPILL MAY AFFECT 7 FISH SANCTUARIES IN ORIENTAL MINDORO, SAYS GOVERNOR

MANILA — An oil spill in waters off Oriental Mindoro may affect 7 fish sanctuaries in the province, its governor said Thursday.

A motor tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel partly sank off Romblon on Tuesday and drifted towards Naujan, Oriental Mindoro after it was battered by strong waves.

“Kung titingnan natin, 6 kilometers by 4 kilometers na yung lawak ng nasasakupan nung oil spill at ating nakikita na ito'y galing pa sa diesel. Ngunit, yung 6 by 4 kilometers na ito ay tila ba lumalapad,” Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor said.

“Nagkaroon na tayo ng pagtataya na maaaring umabot ito sa 7 fish sanctuary, marine protected areas natin dito sa Pola, ganoon din sa bayan ng Naujan, 2 sa bayan ng Pinamalayan at several barangays," he told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

The Philippine Coast Guard is helping local authorities contain the oil spill, the governor said.

"Nagsimula na rin kahapon ang pag-spray, around 2:30 in the afternoon, ng oil dispersants," Dolor said.

"Merong confirmation naman at meron assurance yung company ng MT Princess Empress na kung ano man ang posibleng maging damage nito ay nakahanda silang sagutin," he added.

The local government will assist fishermen who cannot earn a living due to the oil spill, Dolor said.

"Kung gaaano kalaki yung maapektuhan nito, sapagkat lumalaki na eh, nakahanda naman po ang pamahalaang panlalawigan na magbigay ng ayuda doon sa mga affected na mangingisda," he said.

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JEEPNEY PHASEOUT DEADLINE EXTENDED

MANILA — The government has moved the deadline for the phaseout of jeepneys under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to the end of the year, following threats of a nationwide transport strike.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz announced yesterday the delay in the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs), effectively allowing tens of thousands of jeepneys, UV Express Service units and multicabs to continue unhampered operations until the end of December.

But Guadiz downplayed the threats of transport groups to hold a week-long strike to protest the LTFRB’s moving the June deadline for PUV consolidation.

“To be honest, there is no pressure for us from the strike. More than 90 percent of the transport groups have signified support to the LTFRB,” he said.

The decision to extend the deadline, he said, was in response to pronouncements made by President Marcos and Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista and sentiments raised by senators.

“In compliance with the advice of Sec. Jaime Bautista and the pronouncement of President Bongbong Marcos, we extended the consolidation of jeepneys from June 30 to the end of December 2023,” Guadiz, speaking in Filipino, told a press briefing.

“This is in response to the request of the transport sector and the instruction of the secretary,” he added.

BPI WEALTH WINS BID FOR P1 BILLION PAG-IBIG FUND PORTFOLIO

MANILA - The Bank of the Philippine Island's wealth management arm BPI Wealth said it won the bid to manage an additional Pag-IBIG Fund P1 billion portfolio.

BPI Wealth was tapped by Pag-IBIG following a "rigorous" 4-month bidding process to manage the additional investment mandate which brought its total managed fund to P2 billion, the company said in a statement.

Pag-IBIG in 2019 outsourced the fund management of its P5 billion portfolio.

With the recent awarding, BPI Wealth said it is now managing the biggest portion of Pag-IBIG's equity investment portfolio that is outsourced to domestic fund managers.

“Financial inclusion has always been at the heart of BPI’s mission. Through this renewed partnership between Pag-IBIG Fund and BPI, we are given the opportunity to further contribute to nation-building by growing the funds that enable Filipinos to live their dreams of having their own homes," said BPI Wealth President and CEO Maria Theresa Marcial.

Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services Cluster Atty. Robert John Cosico said the firm has full trust and confidence in its partnership with BPI.

MARCOS ASSURES HAZING VICTIM’S FAMILY OF JUSTICE

MANILA — President Marcos yesterday assured the family of slain Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig of justice, saying there should be no violence within student organizations.

“I extend my sympathies to John Matthew Salilig’s family during this extremely difficult time and assure them that justice will be served. John was a child, a brother, a friend, a classmate and a son of this nation, with a bright future ahead of him,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“It is not through violence that we can measure the strength of our brotherhood. There should be no room for violence in our student organizations which our children consider family, and in our schools which they consider their second home,” he added.

P.5-M reward

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez yesterday offered a reward of P500,000 for anyone who can give information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for the death of Salilig.

5 SUSPECTS IN SALILIG HAZING FAIL TO SECURE PAO LAWYER

Five suspects in the alleged hazing death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig failed Thursday to secure a lawyer from the Public Attorney's Office due to conflict of interest.

A lawyer at the Public Attorney's Office in Biñan said PAO will be rendering its services to the complainant in the Salilig case.

"Ibig sabihin nun, hindi na kami pwedeng mag-assist sa mga suspects, sa mga respondents in this investigation...May conflict of interest na po," the PAO official said. She added that the six could still avail of the services of private lawyers.

Salilig, 24, was found dead in Imus City, Cavite on Tuesday after attending welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, his brother said.

A medico-legal examination showed Salilig died due to severe blunt force trauma in the lower extremities.

P/Lt. Col. Virgilio M. Jopia, Binan acting chief of police, earlier said fraternity members considered burning Salilig's body or leaving him at a hospital before deciding to bury the corpse.

Police earlier invited 6 "persons of interest" for questioning in relation to Salilig's death. A 7th person, the father of one of the 6, was also placed under custody.

Jopia, however, said the 6 are now considered suspects and will face charges of violating the Anti-Hazing Law after a witness identified them as the ones who conducted the hazing rites against Salilig. The 7th person will be facing a complaint for obstruction of justice.

Of the 7 under police custody, 2 have already retained lawyers.

The witness, a fellow hazing victim from Adamson University, earlier said he was paddled at least 70 times during the hazing rites last February 18. He said Salilig soiled himself in the middle of the hazing.

"Sabi nila, since we have a hazing law sa batas natin, ang ibibigay na lang ay 12 to 24, marami na ang 24. Nagbibilang ako that time, ang huling bilang ko ay 47 but marami pa. If I will estimate that, 70 plus. Lahat po sila full swing tapos may isa na nagbigay ng 'thank you' hit," the witness said.

He added: "Narinig ko someone was asking, 'Ano, okay ka lang?' Sabi niya, 'Okay lang ako, natatae lang ako.'"

AMOEBIASIS KILLS 2, DOWNS HUNDREDS IN SAN CARLOS, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

The city of San Carlos, Negros Occidental has declared a state of health emergency after hundreds of people were hospitalized this February due to amoebiasis.

Joe Alingasa, incident management team spokesman in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, said the mayor's office declared the state of health emergency after the local hospital treated 469 cases of suspected amoebiasis in 18 barangays from February 1-March 1.

Of the cases, 60 percent were confirmed to be amoebiasis while the rest were cases of acute gastroenteritis.

Two children - both 3-year-old boys - have died due to amoebiasis.

According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is spread through human feces.

Alingasa said local health authorities have traced the infections to contaminated water sources as well as streetfood sold at a school in Barangay Buluangan.

"Unfortunately, maraming water sources after the rainy season...contaminated ng e coli and coliform," he said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

‘AN INCONVENIENT LOVE' ENTERS NETFLIX GLOBAL TOP 10

MANILA — The Star Cinema film "An Inconvenient Love" is now the ninth most watched non-English film on Netflix less than a week after its February 23 debut.

The good news was shared by ABS-CBN's movie outfit through a social media post on Wednesday.

The romantic-comedy film starring popular Kapamilya love team Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano entered the Netflix Global 10, with a total of 1.96 million hours streamed worldwide for the week counting Feb. 24 to 26.

The film was also the No. 1 movie Netflix Philippines in the same week.

Directed by Petersen Vargas, "An Inconvenient Love" was originally released in cinemas last November 23. The movie marked the return of ABS-CBN Films to physical venues over two years since the first pandemic lockdown.

Written by Enrico Santos and Daisy Cayanan, the film tells the story of "two young lovers agree to a casual relationship, but this convenient arrangement grows complicated as their romance reaches an expiration date."

Joining Mariano and Pangilinan in the cast are Tirso Cruz III, Lara Quigaman, Teresa Loyzaga, Maxene Magalona, JC Alcantara, Adrian Lindayag, Brian Sy, Iana Bernardez, Vance Larena, Krissy Achino, and Sheenly Gener.

“An Inconvenient Love” marks the second film of Mariano and Pangilinan as a tandem, following the success of their series “He’s Into Her” and their debut movie “Love Is Color Blind.”

SPORTS

PHOENIX DEF. RAIN OR SHINE, 114-106

Phoenix Super LPG (4-5) defeated import-less Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-7), 114-106 to grab their fourth win and stay alive in the playoffs hunt of the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, March 1 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 114 - Serrano 17, Garcia 17, Perkins 16, Maxwell 15, Tio 14, Muyang 8, Manganti 7, Mocon 7, Lalata 6, Jazul 3, Lojera 3, Alejandro 1, Camacho 0, Adamos 0, Go 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 106 – Santillan 14, Torres 14, Belga 13, Nambatac 11, Mamuyac 10, Borboran 8, Ildefonso 7, Nieto 6, Yap 5, Norwood 5, Caracut 5, Demusis 5, Asistio 3, Ponferada 0, Clarito 0.

Quarters: 29-14, 67-46, 89-76, 114-106

GINEBRA DEF. MERALCO, 112-107

Barangay Ginebra (5-2) defeated Meralco Bolts (5-4), 112-107 to grab their fifth win in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, March 1 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Christian Standhardinger led the GinKings with a near triple-double of 31 points (13/18fg, 5/10ft) along with ten rebounds and seven assists in 40 minutes of play. Justin Brownlee had a solid game of 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and perfect 4-of-4 from the line to go with seven rebounds, six assists and a block.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 112 - Standhardinger 31, Brownlee 29, Malonzo 16, Gray 12, Pinto 12, Thompson 7, Pringle 5, Dillinger 0.

MERALCO 107 – McDaniels 28, Maliksi 23, Newsome 15, Black 14, Hodge 10, Quinto 10, Banchero 5, Almazan 2, Caram 0, Jose 0.

Quarters: 32-37, 54-61, 76-80, 112-107

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 54.98

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one. - Elbert Hubbard