PHILIPPINES, AUSTRALIA TO INK 'NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP' TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES

The Philippines and Australia will forge a "new strategic partnership" to strengthen their ties, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday.

"The new strategic partnership that will be signed today will strengthen the bilateral ties that we’ve had for 77 years," Albanese said during a meeting in Malacañang with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Albanese added that the Philippines and Australia both believed in the "need to uphold international law" in the South China Sea.

The Australian leader also reiterated his support for the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated Beijing's expansive claims in waterway, which he said was "final and binding."

Marcos thanked Albanese, saying the latter "made very clear that the claims that are being made upon by a Philippine maritime territory are not valid, [have] not been recognized and [are] not in conjunction or sn consistent with international law."

"Friends and partners like you in that subject is very gratifying and encourages us to continue down that path," Marcos said.

PBBM HITS ‘DANGEROUS USE’ OF COAST GUARD, SEA MILITIA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on ASEAN members to unite against the "dangerous use" of coast guard and militia vessels in the South China Sea during the 18th East Asia Summit. He emphasized the Philippines' commitment to upholding its sovereignty and maritime rights and fostering a rules-based international order to ease tensions in the area. Marcos expressed concern about illegal fishing and the militarization of reclaimed features in the South China Sea. He praised progress in negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea but didn't single out China. On the sidelines of the summit, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines agreed to address unilateral attempts to change the status quo.

MARCOS JR. FLAGS STOCKPILING OF WEAPONS IN SOME COUNTRIES

JAKARTA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised concerns about weapon stockpiling in some nations, emphasizing their threat to global peace and security during the ASEAN-East Asia Summit. He called for North Korea to fully comply with UN Security Council resolutions and urged diplomatic solutions for the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for lasting peace.

Additionally, Marcos Jr. called on Myanmar to honor its commitment to allow ASEAN to send a special envoy amid civil unrest. He stressed the importance of inclusive participation and ASEAN's role in addressing the crisis. Tensions within the regional bloc rose after Thailand's foreign minister unilaterally met with Myanmar's imprisoned leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT CLIMB IN JULY FROM JUNE

The unemployment rate in the Philippines climbed to 4.8 percent in July from 4.5 percent in June, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

This means there were 2.27 million jobless Filipinos, said National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa.

The PSA however noted that this was an improvement from the 5.2 percent jobless rate in July last year, which saw 2.6 million workers unemployed.

The absolute number of Filipino workers who were jobless however was also lower, as the total number of people in the labor force contracted.

The underemployment rate also climbed to 15.9 percent in July from 12 percent in June, meaning 7.1 million Filipino workers saw their jobs or wages as insufficient.

This was also seen as better than the 13.8 percent unemployment rate July last year.

PH ONCE AGAIN ASIA’S LEADING DIVE DESTINATION

The Philippines has once again been named Asia's "leading dive destination" at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA), marking its fifth consecutive win. The award was received at the WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony in Vietnam on September 6. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted the country's commitment to sustainable tourism and collaboration with stakeholders. The award affirms the Philippines' rich biodiversity and natural beauty, attracting divers and tourists worldwide. Several other Philippine tourism stakeholders also won awards at the ceremony, including Okada Manila, Discovery Shores Boracay, Travelite Travel and Tours Co., and Seda Hotels. These awards further solidify the country's position in the global tourism industry. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively promoting diving tourism in the Philippines, with initiatives like creating a dive committee and improving safety standards through the installation of hyperbaric chambers. Additionally, the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) continues to promote the country's dive destinations and tourism offerings.

DOF EXEC WHO RESIGNED 'CLEARLY SET ON MALIGNING' MARCOS JR'S ADMIN: PALACE

Malacañang announced the "termination of appointment" for Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, citing her lack of support for the Marcos administration. This followed her resignation, which came after posting a social media message alluding to the law of supply and demand amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s rice price ceiling order. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that Magno had opposed administration policies even before President Marcos assumed office, and her termination was expected due to her lack of support for government programs. Magno had previously led discussions on military pension reform and advocated for higher mining taxes. Her resignation will take effect on September 16.

EO TRIGGERS DROP IN RICE PRICES

The significant reduction in global rice prices can be credited to the recent implementation of Executive Order (EO) 39, which imposed price ceilings on two rice varieties in the Philippines, according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. The world rice market price dropped by 21%, from $384 per metric ton in July to $332.4 per metric ton this month, as reported by US-based Markets Insider. Romualdez praised President Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr.'s EO 39 for delivering commendable results, both nationally and globally. He attributed the decline in world rice prices to mass cancellations of rice imports by Philippine traders and importers in response to government price ceilings, resulting in increased rice supply abroad. Romualdez and House ways and means committee chairman Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda emphasized the effectiveness of price caps in deterring hoarders and manipulators and addressing artificial price increases in the global rice market. Salceda also cautioned against over-importing to prevent neighboring countries from anticipating price hikes.

MICROFINANCE, OTHER INTERVENTIONS POSSIBLE FOR RICE TRADERS: DSWD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hinted at further assistance for local grain retailers affected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s rice price cap. The DSWD may provide up to P15,000 in financial aid per affected retailer by mid-September. The Grain Retailers Confederation of the Philippines criticized the amount as insufficient. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian mentioned potential interventions, including microfinance programs from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Gatchalian noted that President Marcos Jr. is aware of the challenges faced by small rice retailers and might issue additional instructions if necessary. The DSWD is waiting for the DTI's list of eligible retailers for government aid.

'WALA NAMANG NAMATAY': WHY GUN-TOTING EX-COP DIDN'T GET LIFETIME DRIVING BAN

Wilfredo Gonzales, the dismissed cop who was caught in a viral video cocking and pointing a gun at a cyclist, was not meted a lifetime driving ban because no one was killed in the incident, the Land Transportation Office said Friday.

The LTO earlier said it revoked Gonzales's driver's license and banned him from driving a motor vehicle for two years.

"We have to revoke kasi live pa 'yung lisensya ni Mr. Gonzales hanggang 2024 so we revoked that license and disqualified him from applying for a new license for the next 2 years," LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

"[Bakit hindi lifetime ban?] Ang nasa batas in case of death or injury, we can revoke the license up to 4 years lang pala. We have to temper it down, hindi naman 4 years kasi wala namang namatay o nasugatan. That is why it is only 2 years.

Gonzales, who was a policeman for two decades before his retirement in 2016, was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017 due to grave misconduct after he whipped out a gun during a separate altercation.

He was recently dismissed as an employee of the Supreme Court after the incident.

POLICE URGED TO FILE MORE CASES VS EX-COP IN VIRAL ROAD RAGE

Lawyer Raymond Fortun on Friday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to file more cases against Wilfredo Gonzales, a former cop who was caught on a viral video slapping and wielding a firearm against an unarmed cyclist in Quezon City last month.

Fortun said he believes that the alarm and scandal case filed by the Quezon City police against Gonzales was lacking, citing its lighter penalty.

"Kung titingnan natin ang ating CCTV footage meron pa pong ibang mga krimen na sa pananaw ko po ay nakamit," Fortun told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

"Unang-una, ‘yung frustrated homicide tapos slander by deed, ‘yung pananampal, pambabatok, and then ‘yung grave threats. Obvious naman na naglabas siya ng baril at kinasa pa ito," he added.

A barangay official said this week that Gonzales had faced multiple complaints for alleged violence, threats, and intimidation.

BUCOR: CONDOMS, PIGEONS USED TO SMUGGLE SHABU IN BILIBID

Bureau of Corrections Chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. sought Senate assistance in halting shabu smuggling at New Bilibid Prison (NBP). He disclosed that illegal drugs are concealed in condoms and placed in women's belongings, making it difficult to search female visitors without violating their rights. Some have even trained pigeons to smuggle shabu. Additionally, contraband items like firearms, grenades, mobile devices, vape, and cigarettes (sold at P7,000 per pack) have been seized.

Regarding the relocation of the national penitentiary from Muntinlupa due to concerns from nearby subdivisions, they are exploring options north and south of Metro Manila, considering visitation rights for inmates. Bilibid inmate Michael Cataroja mentioned "wonders" within the maximum security compound, where escapees often do not return alive or go missing.

'BENTAHAN NG BATO': SALE OF KIDNEYS ALARMS NKTI

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is sounding the alarm against the illegal sale of human kidneys following the arrest of a broker who had tried to sell the kidney of a friend on social media.

According to the victim "Carlo", he was enticed by the suspect to sell his kidney in exchange for P250,000. He said he needed the money to pay his rent. NKTI Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services Romina A. Danguilan said illegal organ trafficking of human kidneys shows the desperation of some patients looking for a donor as well as middlemen who are trying to take advantage of potential donors.

"Talaga hong nakakalusot, you can see and you can feel the desperation of our dialysis patients, that they don't like this life of dialysis. They want to go back to a more normal life. It's really a problem," she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Danguilan said the donation of a kidney should be done freely and not induced through the promise of monetary gain.

"'I'll give you my kidney if you give me a car. Bawal po iyun...Bawal ang may 3rd party like a broker. Middleman at broker pinakabawal. Do not deal with a 3rd party," she said.

"The kidney is a precious organ. Huwag po niyo ibebenta. Have respect for yourself. [Respetuhin natin ang ating katawan, hindi iyan isang bagay na itinitinda."

The NKTI official said donor support such as paying for a donor's PhilHealth premiums is allowed "but it is out of the compassion of the recipient."

She noted NKTI has strict rules on organ donation, with a multidisciplinary team checking the background of the potential donor.

The NKTI currently has 170 patients looking for a donor, with another 150 patients on the waiting list for a deceased donor.

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BI: RULES REVISED FOR PINOY TOURISTS

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will implement new regulations to lessen the requirements previously imposed on Filipinos with foreign partners departing to meet or marry abroad.

The BI said this streamlining plan follows the recommendations set by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) for departing Filipino tourists.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the agency has already coordinated with the CFO to address issues on the travel requirements for departing Filipino tourists, adding the new rule has been disseminated to their immigration officers nationwide.

The streamlined requirements were part of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities released by Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, but which implementation was suspended.

Under the new guidelines, Filipino fiancées, spouses, and other partners of foreign nationals holding tourist or other limited period of stay visas are no longer required to undergo the CFO’s guidance and counseling program (GCP).

However, the CFO clarified that the requirements for Filipinos departing with immigrant or with long-term permanent residence visas, spouse or partner visas, J1 visa holders bound for the United States of America, and au pair visa holders bound for Europe remain, which requires them to secure the GCP prior to departure.

The new rule is set to be implemented after the CFO signed a memorandum of agreement on the shared government information system on migration.

The MOA aims to provide a simplified and more efficient means of processing, collecting, verifying, and sharing information needed by both agencies through system interoperability and real-time data sharing.

MERALCO: POWER RATES TO GO UP IN SEPTEMBER

Meralco on Friday said it would raise power rates in September by P0.50 per kilowatt-hour.

The power distributor said rates would increase due to higher generation charges on the back of the weakening of the peso against the dollar.

This means power rates will increase by the following amounts:

200kwh - P100 increase

300kwh - P150 increase

400kwh - P200 increase

500kwh - P250 increase

Meralco cut power rates by P0.29 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in August following lower generation charges.

‘ENTERING FALSE INFO IN SIM LISTUP CAN LEAD TO JAIL TIME’

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals providing false information during mobile SIM card registration. Offenders may face 61 months to 2 years in jail or fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000. The NTC took action after the National Bureau of Investigation registered a SIM using a monkey's photo, prompting lawmakers to seek amendments to the SIM Registration Act. The NTC has ordered telco firms to submit data on similar incidents. Selling pre-registered SIMs without authorization may also lead to imprisonment or fines. Authorities are considering limiting the number of SIMs one can register.

DBM RELEASES P3 BILLION FOR FUEL SUBSIDY

The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of P3 billion in fuel subsidy for 1.36 million drivers nationwide.

The amount of subsidy to be received by drivers is as follows:

Modernized Public Utility Jeepney (MPUJ): P10,000

Modernized Utility Vehicle Express (MUVE): P10,000

Traditional PUJ: P6,500

Traditional UVE: P6,500

Public Utility Buses (PUB): P6,500

Minibuses: P6,500

Taxis: P6,500

Shuttle Services Taxis: P6,500

Transport Network Vehicle Services: P6,500

Tourist Transport Services: P6,500

School Transport Services: P6,500

Filcabs: P6,500

Tricycles: P1,000

Delivery Services: P1,200

Drivers around the country have been asking for fuel subsidy as oil prices have risen for 9 straight weeks.

Around 1.3 million public transport drivers and operators will receive fuel subsidies from the government.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES' IN JANELLA AND WIN’S MOVIE ‘UNDER PARALLEL SKIES’

Filmmaker Sigrid Bernardo has nothing but praise for Janella Salvador and Win Metawin, who star in her upcoming movie “Under Parallel Skies.”

“Working with two actors from different countries was a truly enriching experience. It allowed cultural exchange and brought a unique flavor to the film. Win and Janella brought their own perspectives, acting styles, and nuances to their characters, which added depth and authenticity to the story. It was interesting to witness the blending of their talents and see how they complemented each other on screen,” she told ABS-CBN News.

Bernardo remarked that shooting in different countries presents fresh challenges and prospects.

However, what distinguishes this film is its exploration of the cultural and scenic disparities among Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Thailand.

This not only highlights the similarities and distinctions among these three places but also infuses the narrative with greater depth and authenticity.

Asked about the inspiration behind her script, Bernardo said: “It could be drawn from personal experiences, real love stories, and the complexities of human relationships. Hong Kong is another character in the story. I am inspired by it’s bustling streets and the other places in Hong Kong which are serene and haven’t been discovered yet."

Ultimately, she wants to audience to know that love knows no boundaries when they watch “Under Parallel Skies.”

“Love knows no boundaries, whether they are cultural, geographical, or social. The film explores the power of love to transcend these barriers and bring people together. It delves into the complexities of relationships, the sacrifices we make for love, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with the ones we love.”

The movie follows the story of a man struggling from a painful past. As he tries to move forward, he later discovers that the woman currently in his life is connected to that past.

Co-produced by Richard Juan and Kristhoff Cagape, “Under Parallel Skies” is the first film of 28 Squared Studios in co-production with Two Infinity Entertainment.

SPORTS

LATVIANS TRIM ITALIANS FOR CRACK AT 5TH SPOT

It’s not for the coveted title anymore but Latvia’s amazing run in its FIBA Basketball World Cup debut took another page.

After falling short by a whisker from clinching a semifinal ticket, Latvia fended off Italy with a slim 87-82 win to stay on track for a possible fifth-place finish in the FIBA World Cup yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

LITHUANIA THWARTS DONCIC, SLOVENIA

Lithuania is sure of being the fifth or sixth best team in this year's FIBA World Cup after besting Slovenia, 100-84, Thursday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The balanced attack of Lithuania was just too much for the Luka Doncic-led Slovenia, as four Lithuanians finished in double digits.

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Until you have learned to be tolerant with those who do not always agree with you; until you have cultivated the habit of saying some kind word of those whom you do not admire; until you have formed the habit of looking for the good instead of the bad there is in others, you will be neither successful nor happy. - Napolean Hill