MARCOS: PHILIPPINES NEVER AGAIN TO BE SUBSERVIENT TO ANY EXTERNAL FORCE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on the celebration of the 125th Independence Day vowed the Philippines would never be subservient again to any external force and reiterated the importance of addressing "un-freedoms" hounding Filipinos today.

In his speech, Marcos said independence was the means to achieve the country's development.

"The heroes of our liberation will be proud now that we have thrown off the ominous yolk of domination, never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny," Marcos said during his Independence Day speech at the Quirino Grandstand.

"We have stayed the course and adhered to the ideals of a free independent country, popular, representative, and responsible," he said.

But the President stressed the importance of solving urgent problems that Filipinos face, including poverty, hunger, and inequality which "stand the way of human development."

These can be addressed, he said, through "wise policies" that government would implement "with vigor and consistency," such as the country's Philippine Development Plan to boost job creation and curb poverty until the end of his term in 2028.

"We will strive to remove the un-freedoms. We will aim to feed the hungry, free the bound, and banish poverty," Marcos said.

"I will be with you on that long and uphill road to achieve that dream of freedom, freedom from hunger, freedom from neglect, and freedom from fear."

In a separate message released earlier in the day, Marcos urged the public to assert their liberty. He also lauded Filipinos' courage in the face of "new oppressors and challenges."

"It is in our core to defend what is ours," Marcos said.

CELEBRATING 125TH INDEPENDENCE DAY IN KAWIT, CAVITE

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, meanwhile, led the Independence Day rites in Kawit, Cavite. This was where former President Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippine independence on June 12, 1898

In his message, Bersamin urged Filipinos to honor the Philippine flag and those who fought for the country’s independence from Spain.

“I appeal to all Filipinos to look at our national flag and national anthem with sincerest affection and genuine respect,” Bersamin said in speech delivered at the balcony where the Philippine flag was first officially unfurled 125 years ago.

“We owe to them our existence as a free and independent nation. They deserve our lasting homage and gratitude as a nation,” he said.

Bersamin underscored that Filipinos “are blessed that the Philippines is independent, sovereign and free."

“Independence is essential to the existence of every nation. A nation without it is either ruled by another or is a dependency or protectorate,” the former Chief Justice said.

“That nation lacks identity… and has no freedom to move forward… We should not therefore lose our independence," he said.

Aguinaldo first declared the Philippines’ independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine through a 21-page proclamation signed by 97 compatriots who represented different provinces in the country, Bersamin noted.

It is also where the Philippine National Anthem, composed by Julian Felipe, was first played without the official lyrics, he said.

LAVA FLOWS DOWN MAYON

LEGAZPI - The Philippines’ most active volcano was gently spewing lava down its slopes Monday, alerting tens of thousands of people they may have to quickly flee a violent and life-threatening explosion.

More than 12,600 people have left the mostly poor farming communities within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius of Mayon Volcano’s crater in mandatory evacuations since volcanic activity increased last week. But thousands more remain within the permanent danger zone below Mayon, an area long declared off-limits to people but where generations have lived and farmed because they have nowhere else to go.

With the volcano beginning to expel lava Sunday night, the high-risk zone around Mayon may be expanded should the eruption turn violent, said Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Bacolcol said if that happens, people in any expanded danger zone should be prepared to evacuate to emergency shelters.

“What we are seeing now is an effusive eruption,” Bacolcol told The Associated Press. “We are looking at this on a day-to-day basis.”

From a distance, Associated Press journalists watched lava flow down the volcano's southeastern gullies for hours Sunday night. People hurriedly stepped out of restaurants and bars in a seaside district of Legazpi, the capital of northeastern Albay province about 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) from Mayon, many of them snapping pictures of the volcano that's a popular tourist draw known for its picturesque conical shape.

Albay was placed under a state of emergency Friday to allow for quicker distribution of any disaster relief funds in the event of a major eruption.

The volcano had been raised to alert level three on a five-step system Thursday, warning that the volcano was in a state of high unrest and a hazardous eruption is possible in weeks or days.

With lava flowing down from the volcano gently, Bacolcol said the alert level would stay at three but it could be moved up higher if the eruption turns perilous.

The highest alert, level five, would mean a violent and life-threatening eruption is underway with ash plumes shooting into the sky and superheated pyroclastic streams endangering more communities at Mayon's lush foothills.

Mayon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. It last erupted violently in 2018, displacing tens of thousands of villagers. In 1814, Mayon’s eruption buried entire villages and reportedly left more than 1,000 people dead.

NO FLYING OVER MAYON, TAAL AND KANLAON: CAAP

MANILA - Aircraft are still advised to avoid flying close to the summits of the Mayon, Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said on Monday.

With Mayon on Alert Level 3, CAAP said it has sent a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that they should avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

CAAP said there was no altitude limit to the prohibition on flying over Mayon, and that the ban is effective until 9 a.m. Tuesday as it continued to monitor activity on the Philippines’ most active volcano.

PH, US RENEW PACT TO BOOST BUREAUCRACY

The Philippines and the United States have renewed their partnership to undertake needed programs aimed at improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for digital transformation in government.

This came after Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez paid a courtesy visit to US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson at the US Embassy on June 9.

In a Facebook post, the ARTA described the meeting as a “significant milestone” in ARTA’s partnership with the US Government for regulatory reforms.

Perez and Carlson reportedly engaged in fruitful discussions, exploring collaborations and sharing insights to foster an environment encouraging investment and sustainable economic growth.

“ARTA is committed to strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and the United States as steadfast friends, equal partners, and enduring allies for bureaucratic efficiency,” the agency said.

According to the agency, the assistance provided by the US Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) enabled ARTA to swiftly implement programs to enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines and promote transparency and efficiency in government processes.

Among such programs are the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Manual, the Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS), and Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management System (ARTEMIS).

‘VOTER EDUCATION’ SET FOR 4PS BENEFICIARIES

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines plans to collaborate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to conduct "voter education" for over a million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The Comelec expressed its interest in signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DSWD to enhance voter education programs for 4Ps beneficiaries and their families. The program aims to provide orientations and instructions on nation-building, patriotism, and responsible voting to the targeted households. Topics covered in the seminars include the importance of being a voter, the voter registration process, the qualifications and duties of elected officials, and combating disinformation in elections. This initiative is part of the government's national poverty reduction strategy, the 4Ps program, which provides cash grants to beneficiaries who meet certain conditions. The Comelec has been conducting voter education seminars nationwide and hopes that educating 4Ps beneficiaries will help mitigate vote-buying, a prevalent issue among disadvantaged communities.

TEACHERS WANT MAXIMUM SERVICE CREDIT LIMIT REMOVED

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in the Philippines has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to remove the 15-day maximum service credit limit imposed on teachers who work beyond regular workdays. The ACT chairperson, Vladimer Quetua, expressed concerns that many teachers are reporting that their service credits are not being honored by DepEd if they exceed 15 days. Quetua emphasized that the hard work of teachers is being wasted and highlighted the upcoming National Learning Camp, for which teachers will be required to work during their vacation. The ACT is urging DepEd to provide just compensation and corresponding service credits for the time and efforts teachers contribute to the program. While Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 41 s. 1998 grants service credit to teachers for work performed outside regular workdays, DepEd Order No. 53 s. 2003 limits the number of vacation service credits to 15 workdays per year. The ACT argues that it is unfair to restrict service credits to 15 days when teachers have worked beyond that limit and demands a 25 percent overtime premium or additional service credits for such work. The group also seeks the resolution of unpaid service credits and overtime premiums from the previous school year and calls for the urgent removal of the 15-day service credit limit.

MERALCO APOLOGIZES FOR NAIA OUTAGE

MANILA — Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has issued an apology for the power interruption that occurred at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) on June 9. The interruption was caused by a personnel error from Meralco's subsidiary, MServ, which was conducting testing activities as part of a comprehensive technical audit to improve NAIA-3's electrical system. An MServ personnel accidentally left grounding conductors attached to an electrical equipment during the testing, triggering an electrical fault and subsequent power outage. Meralco assures the Manila International Airport Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the public that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The affected facilities were promptly isolated, and power was restored on the same day. Meralco has submitted specific recommendations to enhance the smoothness of future audit and testing activities, including stricter implementation of toolbox meetings and joint inspections prior to the energization of facilities. The company remains committed to collaborating with the government in transportation infrastructure development.

PALACE EXTENDS DE LEMOS’ TERM AS NBI CHIEF

MANILA — President Marcos has extended the term of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo de Lemos, who reached the age of 65 on June 8.

De Lemos will continue in his role until the predetermined end date of his appointment, which aligns with the end of the President’s term.

An experienced lawyer and public servant, De Lemos assumed the role of NBI chief in August last year.

He also serves as a regular lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy, providing specialized knowledge on the use of deadly force in security training for judges.

De Lemos once headed the NBI as officer-in-charge after he was tapped by then-justice secretary and currently detained former senator Leila de Lima in 2013.

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PACQUIAO TOP SENATE BET IN SWS SURVEY

MANILA — Filipino boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao topped the voter preferences for senators, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The top 12 former and incumbent senators in the voter preferences also include Bong Revilla (second), Tito Sotto (third), Bong Go (fourth), Manuel Villar (fifth), Lito Lapid (sixth), Ronald dela Rosa (seventh), Imee Marcos (eighth), Erwin Tulfo (ninth), Panfilo Lacson (11th) and Pia Cayetano (12th).

Former president Rodrigo Duterte was also among the top 12 preferred senators, ranked 10th.

In the 13th to 31st preferred senators are former Manila mayor Isko Moreno, former vice presidents Leni Robredo and Jejomar Binay; lawyer Chel Diokno; and former senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis Pangilinan and Richard Gordon.

The national survey, conducted from April 15-18, 2023, was commissioned by former LPGMA party-list representative and Republic Gas Corp. president Arnel Ty.

The survey used face-to-face computer-assisted personal interviews with 1,200 adult respondents.

CODING TO TRAINING: PHILIPPINES TACKLES ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Telecom giant PLDT in the Philippines has developed a pioneering child protection platform that blocks millions of attempts by subscribers to access child sexual abuse material daily. Since November 2022, PLDT has blocked over 1.3 billion attempts. The Philippines was identified as the world's top source of online child sexual exploitation content. Poverty is a contributing factor, with an estimated two million Filipino children falling victim to online sexual abuse and exploitation. However, data privacy laws in the country limit what internet service providers can access, potentially shielding some crimes.

Role of Tech Companies and Internet Service Providers

PLDT and Globe Telecom, the country's top competitor, have partnered with the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation to enhance online child protection. The foundation assigns unique "hashes" to confirmed child sexual abuse material, enabling companies to block such content without violating data privacy laws. Blocking alone is not sufficient, as the crime is borderless. Bringing suspects to court is essential. Civil society organizations emphasize the importance of community engagement, particularly in poor areas, where criminals exploit vulnerable children. Projects like Project SCROL aim to build a system for justice access and reporting, partnering with telecoms companies, internet service providers, and tech firms.

Creating a Cleaner Cyberspace

PLDT's chief information security officer suggests establishing a "global chain of trust" among telecoms companies and internet service providers worldwide to eliminate harmful websites and domains propagating child sexual abuse online.

DIESEL, GASOLINE PRICE HIKES SET ON JUNE 13

MANILA - Gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices are set to increase again on Tuesday, June 13.

Caltex announced that will implement the following price hikes at 12:01 a.m.

Gasoline P1.20

Diesel P1.40

Kerosene P1.30

Shell meanwhile said it will implement similar price hikes at 6 a.m.

ICleanFuel said similar price hikes on its gasoline and diesel products will take effect at 4:01 p.m.

FORMER SENATOR, MILITARY GENERAL RODOLFO BIAZON DIES AT 88

MANILA — Former senator and military general Rodolfo Biazon has passed away at the age of 88, his son Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said Monday.

The elder Biazon died after battling lung cancer for almost a year, having been diagnosed with the disease in July 2022 and undergoing treatment since.

"This year, however, he caught pneumonia twice, the second being more serious than the first which had further weakened his lungs," the younger Biazon said in a tweet.

"He courageously fought his last battle like a Marine would, but it is the Lord's will that prevails.... We send off a warrior and gentleman, secure in the knowledge that the faithful servant has fought the good fight and has finished the race," he added, referring to his father's time as general of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

Biazon also noted that his father died on Independence Day, which was "perfectly fitting" for a former Philippine military officer.

Funeral and wake arrangements have yet to be announced.

‘CHEDENG’ EXITS PH BUT DUMPS RAIN, CAUSES FLOODING IN LUZON

Typhoon Chedeng continued to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and brought heavy rains to Metro Manila and parts of Luzon hours before its expected exit from the Philippine area of responsibility late Sunday night.

In Valenzuela City, at least 29 families had to be evacuated because of flash floods over the weekend.

Meanwhile, an Orange Rainfall Warning was raised over both Zambales and Bataan provinces, slowing vehicles to a crawl on the expressway connecting the former American bases in Clark and Subic and its arterial roads.

Streets in Bulacan, particularly in Meycauayan City, were also inundated, but there were no reports of injuries or evacuations throughout Central Luzon.

The state weather bureau said Chedeng (international name Guchol) has weakened into a severe tropical storm as of Sunday afternoon as it bent northward toward Japan.

Despite this, Chedeng would continue to enhance the habagat and bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas.

PAGASA said the Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan could expect monsoon rains (heavy to at times intense rains) while Metro Manila, Abra, Benguet, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro and Northern Palawan, including Calamian and Cuyo Islands,could experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the effect of Chedeng on habagat would decrease as it moved further away from the country.

On social media, netizens shared how the historic San Agustin Churchin Paoay, Ilocos Norte was barely visible amid a midday thunderstorm,its grounds drenched.

In the city of Manila, motorists and pedestrians dealt with gutter-deep floods along Taft and Rizal Avenues, while residents of Quezon City along Valencia St. suffered the same.

SPORTS

'INCREDIBLE' AS HISTORY-MAKING DJOKOVIC WINS RECORD 23RD GRAND SLAM TITLE

Novak Djokovic made history by winning his 23rd men's Grand Slam title, surpassing Rafael Nadal's record of 22. Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in the French Open final to claim his third title at Roland Garros. With this victory, Djokovic now holds 10 Australian Open titles, seven at Wimbledon, and three at the US Open. He becomes the first man to win each of the four majors at least three times and is halfway to achieving the calendar Grand Slam. Djokovic expressed his motivation to continue making history and has his sights set on surpassing Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles. The 36-year-old Serb is showing no signs of slowing down and is determined to win more titles.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right. - Isaac Asimov