NONSTOP RAINS A BLESSING TO PH DAMS

Nonstop rains caused by the southwest monsoon and a tropical depression have been a blessing to dams that need replenishing amid the effect of the El Nino phenomenon.

PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain said strong rain in the past couple of days has arrested the decline in water level of some dams in Luzon.

As of 6 a.m., the water level of Angat Dam dipped slightly to 178.02 meters from 178.03 meters the previous day.

Angat Dam supplies raw water to Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.

Orendain said the 1 cm drop in water level recorded Friday is much lower than the 18 cm drop the previous day.

"'Yung mga pag-ulan ng ilang araw nagslow down ang pagbaba ng Angat Dam. Malaking tulong 'yun dahil kahapon umulan on the average ng 43 mm sa watershed...Malaking bagay 'yun," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

He added that accumulated rain in watershed areas could also increase Angat Dam's water level. "Pababa pa lang sa reservoir so may possibility na tumaas ang Angat Dam," he said.

He said another storm after tropical depression Dodong could also increase Angat's water level.

Orendain said Angat Dam needs 950 mm of rainfall - equivalent to some 3-4 storms in one month dumping rains in watersheds - in order to reach its normal high water level of 210 meters.

'SINCEREST APOLOGIES': SKYWAY OPERATOR SORRY FOR HEAVY FLOODING AT BICUTAN

MANILA — Skyway O&M Corp. expressed their apologies to motorists affected by the heavy flooding at Skyway At Grade (ground level) Bicutan in Parañaque City following moderate to heavy rains since Wednesday evening until today, resulting in heavy traffic on both directions of the expressway.

Standstill traffic was experienced today at the South Luzon Expressway southbound lane and nearby areas due to said flooding, a phenomenon the Toll Regulatory Board attributed to drainage improvement works of a nearby mall.

"Historically, this portion of the Skyway System has remained flood-free and we have consistently strived to maintain a smooth and reliable traffic flow for our valued users. Our maintenance teams conduct regular inspections at the drainage system to remove all obstructions such as sludge and garbage," according to the Skyway operator this Thursday.

"But over the past few months, the rise in floodwaters at the carriageway has become evident."

"These incidents were primarily due to a drainage system problem outside of the Skyway system, which we traced in February this year, due to ongoing construction works in the area that are unrelated to our operations and outside our direct control."

Motorists were reportedly incensed due to the incident, with TV5 reporters even experiencing over four hours of traffic in the SLEX southbound.

Skyway O&M Corp. says that they're already in constant coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government and private sector stakeholders to find a way to address the problem.

"In fact, we lent some of our equipment to help drain floodwater faster and deployed our maintenance teams to siphon off water from the carriageway," they continued.

PBBM UNVEILS ‘GREEN LANES’ FOR INVESTORS

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday stressed the need for reforms to streamline the process of investing in the country and launched “green lanes” for investors to make that happen.

During the official launch and signing of Executive Order No. 18 in Pasay City, Mr. Marcos remarked that to create a conducive business environment, the government should fix its bureaucratic processes.

“It is, indeed, long overdue to have reforms that will not only attract more investments into the country but will also create an environment conducive to business growth and development,” the President said.

EO No. 18 creates “green lanes” in government offices to facilitate and expedite the processing of investments.

Issued on Feb. 23, 2023, the EO is part of the administration’s eight-point agenda, which mandates all government offices, to expedite the processes involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, and certifications required to implement investments.

“I am confident that the green lanes will pave the way for the realization of many pledges that we have had—including those that I have personally received while abroad—ensuring that they will bear fruit for our people and our nation,” Mr. Marcos said.

According to the EO, the Board of Investments should establish a One-Stop-Action-Center for Strategic Investments which will serve as a single point of entry for all projects qualified as Strategic Investments.

Mr. Marcos said that the creation of “green lanes” will also attract foreign investors into the country.

SOLGEN GUEVARRA NOT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ICC RULING ON PHILIPPINE GOV’T APPEAL

MANILA — The Philippine Solicitor General is not too optimistic about a favorable ruling at the International Criminal Court with respect to its appeal against the resumption of the ICC’s probe on the drug war in the country.

“Yes, the ICC Appeals Chamber will rule on our appeal on July 18. Going by the series of ICC actions since 2017, we are not too sanguine about the forthcoming decision,” he said in a message to ABS-CBN News.

“We just want to exhaust all legal remedies available to us under the framework of the Rome Statute,” he added.

ICC says ruling on PH govt's ICC probe appeal out on July 18

Guevarra said only 2 things could happen on July 18.

“If the government’s appeal is upheld by the ICC Appeals Chamber, then that will be the end of the ICC’s investigation into the Philippine situation,” he said.

“If the appeal is dismissed, then the ICC prosecutor will simply continue what he has been doing all along; i.e., investigate alleged abuses in connection with the so-called war on drugs. There will be no further appeal available to either side. In any event, the Philippine government will ensure that state sovereignty will be protected and asserted at all times,” he added.

PAGCOR BLASTS PLAGIARISM CLAIMS OVER NEW LOGO

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Thursday decried the recent circulation of screenshots on social media maliciously accusing the state casino regulator of plagiarizing the logo of a website called “Tripper”.

“The allegation made against PAGCOR is entirely false and driven bymalicious intent. Throughout its operations, PAGCOR has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The agency remains dedicated to fostering a safe and thriving gaming industry in the country,” it said.

The government firm said it is investigating the source “of thismalicious and baseless campaign and urges the public to exercise caution.”

“At the outset, the website is lacking showing of credibility and in fact, bears resemblance to a phishing site,” it added.

The agency urged everyone “to be vigilant and to obtain information from credible sources to combat the spread of false narratives and protect themselves from potential scams.”

“PAGCOR remains dedicated to responsible gaming, regulation of the Philippine gaming industry, and nation-building,” it added.

The agency appreciates the public’s support and maintains its commitment to excellence.

UN: PH STILL HIGH ON HIV/AIDS LIST

According to UNAIDS, the Philippines is one of the countries in the Asia Pacific region where HIV infections have rebounded in the past year. While cases have been declining in many countries, the Philippines, along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, has seen a resurgence, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24. The lack of comprehensive HIV prevention services for key populations and barriers posed by laws, stigma, and discrimination contribute to the slow progress in disease prevention. UNAIDS emphasizes the need for action to prevent a reversal of previous gains in HIV prevention. Key priorities include expanding prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, utilizing innovative solutions like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and virtual interventions, removing barriers to access services, prioritizing key populations, addressing financing challenges, implementing legal and policy reforms, and reducing stigma and discrimination. The Department of Health projects that HIV cases in the Philippines will reach approximately 364,000 by 2030.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS FILE APPEAL ON ‘NO PERMIT, NO EXAM’ SENATE BILL

Private school groups in the Philippines have written an open letter to lawmakers, urging them to reconsider the passing of Senate Bill 1359, which prohibits "No Permit, No Exam" policies. The groups, including the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, highlighted the dangers of the prohibition, stating that it would threaten the sustainability of private schools and potentially lead to closures. They emphasized that the policies already accommodate students who cannot pay tuition fees on time, allowing enrollment on an installment basis. The groups warned that a prohibition on NPNE policies would negatively impact the viability of schools, result in job losses for teachers and staff, and further burden the public education system with displaced students.

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AFP DEPLOYS MORE ASSETS TO KALAYAAN ISLAND GROUP FOR 'SOVEREIGNTY PATROLS'

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it has deployed additional assets to the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea amid continued Chinese incursions in the disputed waters.

Additional ships were deployed in the islands to hold sovereignty patrols, which AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said was part of the military's mission to "protect Filipinos and the state" together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"Nasa misyon po natin 'yan na mabigyan ng tamang proteksyon ang ating mga kababayan at ang estado. At ito ay ating ginagampanan sa pamamagitan ng pag-deploy ng karagdagang asset, kasama na rin po ang Philippine Coast Guard, to make sure that the rights and the safety of our people [in the West Philippine Sea] are protected," Aguilar said in a public briefing a day after the Philippines and other nations marked the 7th anniversary of the arbitral award on the South China Sea.

Aguilar did not disclose how many assets were deployed but assured that these would devote more time to patrol wider areas in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China Sea in which the Philippines says it has sovereign rights.

He added that sovereignty patrols would be done more often.

Asked if the increased deployment was meant to deter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, Aguilar said the move was not directed at any country.

"Ito po ay para sa ating proteksyon lamang," he said.

Meanwhile, the PCG said it continued delivering fishing boats and supplies for fisherfolk in the Kalayaan island group.

‘BLASPHEMOUS’: CHURCH, SOLONS LIVID OVER VIDEO

The use of Jesus Christ's image and costume for entertainment purposes has been criticized by the Catholic Church and lawmakers in the Philippines. A video showing Pura Luka Vega dressed as Jesus Christ at a party and singing a punk rock version of "Ama Namin" (The Lord's Prayer) went viral on social media, drawing millions of views in the predominantly Catholic country. While some legislators expressed strong condemnation, Vega, the drag performer, stated that the performance was not meant to disrespect anyone but rather to offer a drag art interpretation of worship. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called for an investigation into the video for possible charges under the Revised Penal Code. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III urged Vega to find alternative ways to gain recognition, while Senator Risa Hontiveros cautioned against using the incident to deny rights and protections to the LGBTQIA+ community. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito strongly condemned the act as blasphemy and a disrespect to his faith.

BORACAY REMAINS IN TRAVEL LIST TOP 10

Boracay stayed in the Top 10 of the “Favorite Islands in the World 2023” list by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

The island ranked no. 10, alongside the likes of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Islands and Maldives— one place down from last year’s list.

Boracay scored 92.94 percent on the list based on a survey taken by the site’s readers.

“The tiny island—just 4.5 miles long—is known as ‘the island that never sleeps’ for its parties and nightlife,” the article said. “One T+L reader called the island ‘the best leisure vacation destination.'”

DOH PLANNING PH-WIDE BREAST CANCER SCREENING

The Department of Health (DOH) will look to adopt organized screening for breast cancer in communities as more and more Filipino women succumb to the disease every day.

Breast cancer remains the top cause of death in Filipino women, the DOH said.

In a round table talk, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire discussed the department’s plans to incorporate organized screening in the country as part of the government’s universal healthcare plan.

“Organized screening would really be the key and I agree very much to that, because as part of the Department of Health, we are really for the prevention side of things. Now with this primary healthcare, meron po talaga tayong dapat gawin when it comes to breast cancer,” Vergeire said.

About 3 in every 100 women in the country are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. There are also 27,000 new cases of breast cancer reported every year, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

TROPICAL DEPRESSION DODONG MAKES LANDFALL IN ISABELA

MANILA - Tropical depression Dodong has made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela, PAGASA announced early Friday.

In its 5 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said Dodong was sighted in the vicinity of San Mariano, Isabela at 4 a.m. packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center with 55 kph gusts, It was moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 was raised in the following areas:

Cagayan

Isabela

Quirino

Nueva Vizcaya

Apayao

Kalinga

Abra

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Northern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, San Manuel, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Agno, Binmaley, Dagupan City, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Anda)

Northern and central portions of Aurora (Maria Aurora, San Luis, Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag)

PAGASA said wind speeds will reach 39 kph to 61 kph and may have minimal to minor threat to life and property.

It also projected 50-100 mm of rainshowers in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, and the northern portion of Aurora on Friday.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon enhanced by Dodong is expected to bring gusty conditions over the following areas:

Friday: Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and other areas of Central Luzon not under any wind signal.

Saturday: Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, CALABARZON, Zambales, Bataan, and Aurora.

Sunday: Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Cavite, Zambales, and Bataan.

The weather disturbance is likely to remain a tropical depression within the country's monitoring area. Dodong may intensify into a tropical storm by Saturday or Sunday as it exits the PAR, it added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

CAGAYAN DE ORO'S NIKKI DE MOURA WINS FIRST MISS GRAND PHILIPPINES PAGEANT

MANILA -- Cagayan de Oro's Nikki De Moura is now a part of history as the winner of the first Miss Grand Philippines pageant.

She bested 29 other contestants for the top crown of Miss Grand Philippines 2023 during the coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday.

The event, which was delayed by an hour, was also streamed live on ALV TV.

With her win, De Moura is now the Philippines' first representative to Miss Grand International under ALV Pageant Circle.

The country's franchise for Miss Grand International was previously held by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.

Other winners in the inaugural Miss Grand Philippines pageant include Michelle Arceo of Bagumbayan, Quezon City and Herlene Budol of Angono, Rizal, who won the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism titles, respectively.

Francine Reyes of Tarlac was proclaimed Miss Eco Teen Philippines, with Shanon Tampon of Caloocan City and Charie Sergio of Caluya, Antique as first and second runner-up.

The Philippines has yet to win a Miss Grand International crown. Two candidates have so far finished first runner-up: Nicole Cordoves in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo in 2020/2021.

Last year's representative, Roberta Tamondong, was appointed as fifth runner-up shortly after the Miss Grand International coronation night, where she ended her journey in the Top 20. She shares the title with four other candidates in the Top 10.

Tamondong replaced Yuvna Rinishta from Mauritius who, according to organizers, "made the decision to resign from her title."

SPORTS

USA BASKETBALL EXCITED TO BRING NATIONAL TEAM TO PH FOR FIBA

The USA Men's Basketball Team has announced its roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Highly decorated all-stars and rising young stars are among the 12 players who will head to the Philippines next month.

Grant Hill, managing director of USA Basketball, and Coach Steve Kerr, not only spoke about their squad, but also of the excitement of playing in the Philippines.

"This will be my first trip but I have friends who have coached and have played there professionally," said Kerr. "They rave about the passion of Filipino fans."

Kerr added: "We are well aware [that] it's going to be a great atmosphere and we're looking forward to representing USA Basketball and our country in a great way."

Hill visited the Philippines several times during his playing career in the mid 90s.

The Miami Heat's Filipino-American head coach Erik Spoelstra is also part of the coaching staff.

"Spoelstra certainly has roots in the Philippines, so he’s well aware of them," Hill said. "But I really don’t know if our guys fully understand the excitement that’ll be on display not just at the arena watching us play but at the hotel venturing throughout Manila if and when we have time."

Other NBA players are also expected to join their home countries. While Jordan Clarkson is in the Philippines' pool, the Fil-Am Utah Jazz guard has yet to confirm if and when he will join the rest of Gilas Pilipinas.

The Team USA's roster features three of Clarkson's current and former teammates — Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart.

Both played with Clarkson during his Los Angeles Lakers days, while Utah Jazz Center Walker Kessler is currently playing alongside Clarkson.

Clarkson's former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is also on Team USA's coaching staff.

The group phase begins on Aug. 25, with the Philippines playing their games at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, while Team USA will play at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My strength lies solely in my tenacity. - Louis Pasteur