ASEAN SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS REGIONAL CONCERNS AND COOPERATION

Jakarta, INDONESIA - In recent developments at the ASEAN Summit, regional leaders and officials voiced concerns and discussed various issues that have been affecting the Indo-Pacific region. These topics ranged from maritime security and territorial disputes to enhancing cooperation among member states and with external partners. The summit provided a platform for leaders to address pressing matters, share their perspectives, and explore potential solutions to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

ASEAN Raises Concerns About South China Sea Incidents

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed concerns over "serious incidents" in the South China Sea that have increased tensions, eroded trust, and may undermine peace and stability in the region. The statement did not name specific countries but emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Japan, US, and Philippines Vow Cooperation Over South China Sea

Japan, the United States, and the Philippines agreed to address unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea. The leaders pledged to strengthen their cooperation during the ASEAN summits, aiming to counter China's growing military activities and territorial claims in the region.

President Marcos Jr. Discusses Cooperation with China

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines will continue to push for cooperation with China and work toward more partnerships and collaboration. He also emphasized the need for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea anchored on international law.

Marcos and Kamala Harris Discuss Maritime Security

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with United States Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the maritime security environment in the South China Sea and opportunities to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and the strength of the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

CHINA WARNS AGAINST 'NEW COLD WAR' AS BIG POWERS MEET IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

JAKARTA, Indonesia — China's premier said on Wednesday major powers must keep their differences under control and avoid "a new Cold War", in a thinly veiled reference to Washington, as top Asian and US officials gathered for talks in Indonesia.

Beijing has expressed concern about US-backed blocs forming on its doorstep, while facing disputes with other powers in the region over the South China Sea and other issues.

"Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interferences," Li Qiang said at the start of an ASEAN-plus-three meeting with Japan and South Korea in Jakarta.

"To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War."

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) is holding separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Canada on Wednesday, providing an arena for big powers to lobby the bloc and their rivalries to play out.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is attending in place of President Joe Biden, while Li was taking part instead of President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese premier's comments came after Beijing's Defence Minister Li Shangfu in June warned against establishing NATO-like alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, calling for "inclusive cooperation" instead of "small cliques" at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

TRUDEAU INVITES MARCOS JR. TO VISIT CANADA IN 2024

JAKARTA — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit Canada next year, Malacañang said on Wednesday, hours after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Trudeau extended the invitation so that Marcos Jr. could celebrate the Philippines and Canada’s 75 years of diplomatic relations in the Northern American country, a statement from the Presidential Communications Office said.

“Trudeau extended the invitation as he expressed gladness to sit down again with President Marcos for an opportunity to talk about the ties and connections between Canada and the Philippines,” the statement read.

GORING, HABAGAT AGRICULTURE DAMAGE CLIMBS TO P1.14 BILLION

Agricultural damage caused by Typhoon Goring and the southwest monsoon in the Philippines has increased to approximately P1.14 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The disaster has impacted 35,006 farmers and 44,928 hectares of agricultural land, resulting in a production loss of 51,283 metric tons. The hardest-hit regions include Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, with rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry all affected. The DA has distributed P100 million worth of seeds to affected farmers, and farmers can access a P25,000 loan through the Survival and Recovery Loan Program.

HANS CACDAC APPOINTED DMW OFFICER-IN-CHARGE: PALACE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has appointed Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Malacañang said Wednesday.

The Presidential Communications Office posted the announcement on its social media page.

Cacdac, an undersecretary of welfare and foreign employment at the DMW, was previously the administrator at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Before this, he was the head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Cacdac's appointment came two weeks after Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople passed away.

'EQUITABLE' SCREENING PUSHED IN PROPOSED REVIEW OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION PROGRAM

Lawmakers and private sector groups have expressed their openness to reviewing the free college tuition program in state universities and colleges (SUC). Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has called for changes to the program's implementation, citing concerns about efficiency and dropout rates. However, stakeholders emphasize the need for fairness in any screening process to qualify for the program.

Challenges of Screening Tests:

Justine Raagas from Philippine Business for Education highlights that screening tests may favor students from privileged backgrounds, potentially disadvantaging those from less fortunate backgrounds.

Raagas stresses the importance of data-driven decisions and alignment with labor market demands when revising education policies.

Support for Review:

Isabela Rep. Michael Dy III, Chair of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, agrees that a review is necessary to ensure that deserving students benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Senator Risa Hontiveros suggests that addressing rising prices and economic challenges should be a priority to reduce dropout rates instead of selective implementation.

Alternative Considerations:

Hontiveros suggests scrutinizing other government expenditures, such as confidential funds in various government agencies, to ensure efficient resource allocation.

The discussion centers on optimizing the free college tuition program while maintaining fairness and addressing economic challenges that affect students' ability to stay in school.

COMING SOON: A NEW LAW VS VIBER, TELEGRAM, WHATSAPP SCAMMERS?

Philippine authorities are eyeing a new law that will go after scammers on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp and similar freeware applications.

National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan said organized syndicates have become very crafty and changed their scams following the passage of the SIM Registration Act. Over 118 million SIMs were registered this year.

"Lumilipat na nga daw po 'yung mga organized scammers sa mga over-the-top services [tulad ng] Viber, Telegram o WhatsApp. 'Yan din ang pinag-usapan sa Senado noong September 5, na maaaring magpasa ng batas para ma-include na po 'yung mga registration sa ganyang mga klase na over-the-top services," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier warned that SIM cards may be registered even with a fake ID, including one bearing a monkey's face.

Salvahan noted that under the SIM registration IRR, telcos must provide processes to verify the data or information provided to them.

A telco official earlier said the SIM registration law would be easier to implement if all Filipinos already completed their application for a national ID.

VEGETABLE PRICES STILL RISING AS DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY

Vegetable prices in the Philippines continue to rise as demand exceeds supply, an official of the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal Inc. said Thursday.

NVAT general manager Gilbert Cumila said wholesake prices of tomatoes at the NVAT are at P120-P130 a kilo while sultan bell peppers now go for P330-P360 a kilo.

"Halos lahat mataas pati talong na mura 2 weeks ago," he said.

Onion prices, meanwhile, remain steady while cabbage prices have dropped from P80 to P40/kg.

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THRIFT BANKS GROWING DESPITE TECH CHALLENGES: GROUP

MANILA — Philippine thrift banks are seeing strong growth despite the challenges posed by digitalization, the Chamber of Thrift Banks said Wednesday.

The group said the sector's total assets reached P943 billion by the end of May, a 5.3 percent increase from the P895 billion it had in the same period last year. It said this led to increased resources and overall stability.

Lending also grew to P616 billion from P537 billion the year before.

Deposit liabilities went up by a healthy 4.7 percent year-on-year to P713 billion, while total capital jumped to P151 billion from P135 billion in 2022.

The development comes despite challenges posed by digital transition, including concerns over cybersecurity, heightened competition from fintech firms, and evolving regulatory requirements.

“Favorable regulatory changes can fuel innovation, while a strong commitment to data security and privacy will bolster customer trust,” said Chamber of Thrift Banks President Cecilio San Pedro.

San Pedro also said the increase in lending showed thrift banks' commitment to serve its niches, which include small and medium enterprises, housing, and consumers.

San Pedro said thrift banks could further grow by boosting their digital infrastructure and developing mobile apps.

He said the banks could champion financial inclusion by designing accessible products for marginalized populations.

"By embracing these avenues and remaining adaptable to evolving customer needs and market trends, member-banks can position themselves for success in an increasingly dynamic and competitive banking landscape,” he added.

PNP FORMS TRACKER TEAM TO HUNT TEVES

MANILA - The Philippine National Police has formed a tracker team to actively pursue expelled congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. after a court issued a warrant of arrest against him over the Degamo murder case.

PNP Public Information Office acting chief P/Col. Jean Fajardo said Wednesday that they are coordinating with the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs and other government agencies to find Teves.

She said locating the former congressman will be difficult since he is overseas, but they will be coordinating with international police.

"Nonetheless, hindi ito nangangahulugan na wala na tayong pupwedeng magagawa. As of now po, ang inyong pambansang pulisya ay closely coordinating sa international police ... Alam naman natin na na-designate as terrorist si Cong. Teves at nag-aantay tayo ng advice sa DOJ sa mga designation as terrorist would somehow help us in pursuing our case, including service of WOA (warrant of arrest) including his co-accused in this case," she said.

30 FAMILIES HOMELESS IN QUIAPO FIRE

A fire in Quiapo, Manila, left approximately 30 families homeless as it gutted a three-story residential building. The fire, which reached the second alarm, started around 6:23 a.m. and is believed to have begun on the building's rooftop. The blaze was declared under control at around 7:18 a.m. and fully extinguished just before 8 a.m. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or injuries, but property damage is estimated at P225,000.

ELECTRICITY BILL SUBSIDY REGISTRATION EXTENDED 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended the registration period for the lifeline rate program, a subsidized electricity rate for low-income households struggling to pay their bills. This extension, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission, will now implement the program in January 2024. The lifeline rate program offers discounts ranging from 20 to 100 percent based on monthly electricity consumption (100 kilowatts per hour or lower). The initial rollout faced low registration, with only 47,171 registrants by August 30. Eligible customers can apply at Meralco Business Centers with the necessary documentation, and approved applications will receive the subsidy starting on January 1, 2024.

CEBU PACIFIC OFFERS PISO FARE IN 9.9 SEAT SALE

MANILA -- Cebu Pacific is offering P1 seats for selected flights as part of its 9.9 Super Seat Fest.

In a tweet, the budget carrier said seats to destinations like Bacolod, Coron, Bohol, Tacloban, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and other local destinations are available for a P1 base fare.

The piso fare is also available for flights to Jakarta, Macau, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, Taipei, and other Asian destinations.

Passengers must book their flights from September 7-10 to avail of the promo, then travel anytime from April to August 31, 2024.

Cebu Pacific's net income reached P2.7 billion from April to June 2023, a reversal of the P1.9 billion net loss it recorded in the same period last year.

It is also expanding its fleet after facing complaints over flight delays and cancellations that have led to calls to suspend its franchise.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ALDEN RICHARDS, JULIA MONTES SURPRISED BY UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP AFTER WORKING ON MOVIE

MANILA – Alden Richards and Julia Montes, co-stars in the upcoming film "Five Break-Ups and a Romance," celebrated their unexpected deep friendship that blossomed during their collaboration. In an Instagram Live broadcast, they expressed their admiration for each other and the valuable connection they formed.

Richards praised Montes not only for her acting skills but also for her character. He emphasized how fulfilling it was to get to know her on a personal level through this project. Montes echoed these sentiments, highlighting the friendship as the most valuable aspect of their collaboration.

They discussed a recent movie excerpt they shared with their followers, focusing on a confrontational scene filmed on the first day of shooting. Both actors felt the scene's emotional intensity and discussed how their initial discomfort with each other enhanced their performance.

They also addressed a leaked kissing scene, expressing excitement and anticipation for audience feedback. Montes praised Richards' exceptional acting skills, emphasizing the joy of working on such a project.

While the film's release date remains undisclosed, their camaraderie and dedication to their roles have created high expectations for its release.

SPORTS

SULTAN KNOCKS DOWN AMERICAN FIGHTER TWICE IN BOXING RETURN

Jonas Sultan made an impressive comeback by dominating his opponent Frank Gonzales during their eight-round clash in Plant City, Florida.

Sultan showed no sign of rust, starting out in an aggressive pace to knock down Gonzales twice during their junior featherweight clash at the Whitesands Events Center.

The Filipino connected a heavy blow to deck the American in the second round before launching another barrage to stagger Gonzales again in the fifth.

As a result, all the judges awarded the Zamboanga Valientes-backed fighter a unanimous decision.

Sultan was accompanied in Florida by boxing coach Joven Jimenez, MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons and Brendan Gibbons.

The last time Sultan fought was in April 2022 when he lost a decision to Paul Butler in their WBO title clash.

With the victory, Sultan improved his record to 19-6.

"Masaya tayo at proud," said his supporter, Valientes co-owner Rolando Navarro Jr. "Medyo kinabahan tayo kasi isang taong hindi lumaban si Jonas."

"Pero nung makita ko sa round 2 ang bilis at lakas niya, sabi ko mananalo tayo dito."

Sultan's US campaign is supported by Zamboanga Valientes' Cory Navarro and Michael Venezuela. He is also backed by MLV Accounting, Go For Gold of Jeremy Go, Congressman's Mike Romero's Globalport.

'RELENTLESS' CANADA PROVES ARSENAL IN SEMIS BERTH-CLINCHING WIN VS SLOVENIA

MANILA – Canada's coach Jordi Fernández praised his team's elite capabilities as they secured their first-ever spot in the FIBA World Cup semifinals with a 100-89 win over Slovenia. NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett played key roles, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 31 points and Barrett contributing 24 points and nine rebounds.

While Slovenia, led by Luka Doncic, posed a significant threat, Canada managed to create separation in the third quarter, thanks in part to Dillon Brooks' 3-pointer. Fernández highlighted the team's balanced offensive and defensive efforts, singling out Gilgeous-Alexander's playmaking and scoring.

Fernández also praised other team members like Dillon Brooks for their defensive intensity in frustrating Doncic. Despite Doncic's ejection in the final minutes due to two technical fouls, Canada's depth and attitude were credited for their successful campaign in the tournament.

Canada now heads to the semifinals with confidence, looking to secure a coveted gold medal by facing Serbia on Friday. The USA and Germany will compete for the other finals berth.

GERMANS ESCAPE PAST LATVIANS

MANILA — Despite Dennis Schroder's shooting struggles (4-of-26), Germany managed to secure an 81-79 victory over Latvia in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals. The Wagner brothers, Franz and Moe, along with their teammates, stepped up to compensate for Schroder's off night.

The Wagners, who also play together in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, contributed 28 points and played a pivotal role in Germany's win. Johannes Thiemann had a perfect shooting performance, and Daniel Theis added nine points, including crucial free throws down the stretch.

Although Latvia made a late push, Germany maintained their lead, with Theis sealing the win with free throws. Schroder's late-game struggles didn't hinder Germany's victory.

In another quarterfinal match, Canada defeated Slovenia 100-89, ending Luka Doncic's and Slovenia's run in the tournament. Canada's bench played a significant role in the win, earning them a spot in the next round against Serbia.

Despite Schroder's poor shooting performance, Germany looks forward to facing the USA in the semifinals, with confidence in their star player's ability to bounce back.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition. - Alexander Smith