US TURNS OVER TRAINING CENTER TO PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA — The US on Monday turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard a P250-million training facility that is expected to boost its capability to protect the country's waters.

The US-funded Specialized Education and Technical Building in Balagtas, Bulacan will help train coast guard personnel on navigation, law enforcement, and maintenance of ships, said PCG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

“They will have classroom instructions and may simulator tayo, meron tayong laboratory for the engine room. Lahat nandidito except for the physical water,” he said.

During the turnover, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the United States stands with the PCG in defending Philippine sovereign rights and in upholding a rules-based international order.

The US Coast Guard will be actively involved in training programs and projects in the facility that took 6 years to complete due to pandemic delays, Carlson said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen 6 years of buildup in the West Philippine Sea as well,” she said.

“It’s really important that we have a long term commitment to the Coast Guard, to the people of the Philippines because we are truly steadfast friends, we are partners in prosperity and we are ironclad allies and that’s a mutual defense treaty that we have.”

NOBEL WINNER MARIA RESSA ACQUITTED OF TAX EVASION: COURT

MANILA - Philippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted Tuesday of her final tax evasion charge, in the latest legal victory for the veteran journalist as she battles to stay out of prison.

Ressa, 59, smiled as the judge delivered the verdict in the years-long case, an AFP journalist inside the court room said.

The 59-year-old, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov in 2021, has been fighting multiple charges filed during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Ressa, a vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, has long maintained that the cases against her and the news website Rappler, which she co-founded in 2012, were politically motivated.

"You gotta have faith," Ressa told reporters outside the court after the acquittal.

Ressa and Rappler had faced five government charges of tax evasion stemming from the 2015 sale of Philippine depositary receipts, which is a way for companies to raise money from foreign investors.

In January, the Court of Tax Appeals First Division found Ressa and RHC not guilty on three counts of failure to supply correct information and one count of tax evasion, amounting to P141 million worth of taxes, including surcharge and interest.

The fifth charge was heard by a different court, which cleared her and Rappler of wrongdoing on Tuesday.

Despite the acquittals, Ressa and Rappler face an uncertain future as they battle another two court cases.

ENVOY SAYS US, PH MILITARY OFFICIALS PLANNING FRESH LARGE-SCALE EXERCISES

Senior Philippine and US military officials are scheduled to meet in the coming days in Manila to discuss assistance programs and large-scale exercises, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said Monday.

In her speech during the commissioning ceremony of two Philippine Navy patrol vessels, Carlson said the meeting is part of the annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) activity.

The US ambassador said the meeting is intended to set “a course of action through assistance programs, large-scale exercises, and hundreds of smaller exchanges between our two militaries.”

She said these engagements will help strengthen the US-Philippine alliance, build trust, and enhance interoperability for the protection of the two allied countries.

“As (United States) Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized in her meeting with [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] just last week in Jakarta, American support for the US-Philippine Alliance remains ironclad,” she said.

DEPED CONFIRMS PROPOSAL TO CHANGE 'DIKTADURANG MARCOS' IN CURRICULUM

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has clarified that there is no final order yet regarding proposed changes to the curriculum. The controversy arose when a letter regarding changes in terminology related to the Marcos regime circulated on social media.

According to Director Jocelyn Andaya from the DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development, the letter was an internal document for the curriculum review process. The suggested changes in terminology were made to organize the topics in the curriculum outline, but the name of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. will still be discussed during the lessons.

Andaya emphasized that teachers can use the terms they find appropriate in their discussions and teaching. She denied allegations of historical revisionism and highlighted that the curriculum covers various topics related to the Marcos regime and its impact.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) and Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) have expressed opposition to the proposed changes, with ACT arguing that the move may violate Republic Act No. 10368, which addresses the recognition of human rights violations during the Marcos regime.

COCOPEA: PRIVATE SCHOOLS GRANTED FLEXIBILITY IN DEPED CURRICULUM AMID 'MARCOS' CONTROVERSY

MANILA — Private schools in the Philippines have some flexibility in implementing the Department of Education's curriculum, which includes a proposed name change for the topic on the Martial Law period from "Diktadurang Marcos" to "Diktadura" in the Grade 6 curriculum. The Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations (COCOPEA) emphasized that while they adhere to the DepEd's standards, they have the discretion to offer additional subjects or topics. The DepEd clarified that the proposed curriculum change is not finalized and suggested that private schools can retain specific details if they find them necessary or appropriate in their curriculum. The controversy stems from concerns about historical accuracy and truth in discussing the Marcos regime, particularly in light of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s son's recent election.

RICE PRICE CAP OFF AFTER 2 WEEKS

The government is considering lifting price caps on regular and well-milled rice in two weeks, allowing market forces to determine pricing, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who initially expressed shock at the price ceiling announcement, now fully supports the decision, citing it as a temporary relief measure for high rice prices. Under Executive Order No. 39, the price of regular milled rice is set at P41.00 per kilogram, and well-milled rice at P45.00 per kilogram. The Trade Secretary suggested that the caps might be lifted within two weeks, as the wet season cropping is expected to replenish domestic rice supplies and potentially lower prices.

FLAIR FOR DRAMA? HONTIVEROS HITS BACK AT VP SARA AFTER 'PERSONAL ATTACK'

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Risa Hontiveros engaged in a personal exchange over the controversy surrounding the 2022 confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Duterte accused Hontiveros of having a "flair for drama" in her criticism of the confidential fund transfer. In response, Hontiveros defended her actions and questioned the need for a large undisclosed fund in the OVP. Critics argue that there was no item for confidential funds in the OVP's 2022 budget, but Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin claimed compliance with Special Provision No. 1. Hontiveros called for transparency and urged Duterte to address the questions instead of resorting to personal attacks.

COMELEC SEEKS RETURN OF P5.7-B BUDGET FOR 2025 TWIN POLLS

The Commission on Elections is urging lawmakers to restore a P5.7 billion preparatory budget needed for the twin elections in 2025.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the additional budget is needed to prepare for both the May 2025 midterm elections and the 2025 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

"Hindi naman namin inaasahan na ipapasok at magkakaroon ng eleksyon na iyan," he said.

The Comelec has a proposed P27.34 billion budget for 2024 under the National Expenditure Program, about P17.34 billion less than the P44.77 billion funding the Commission requested.

The proposed budget for next year also does not have provision for internet voting for overseas Filipinos, which the Comelec said will need P794.4 million.

The Comelec budget for voter education was also slashed by around half, according to Garcia.

PHILIPPINES OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO QUAKE-HIT MOROCCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences to Morocco following a devastating earthquake, offering support to the nation. He conveyed the deep sadness of the Filipino people over the tragedy that claimed over 2,000 lives. He pledged solidarity and prayers for the affected families and stated that the Philippines is ready to provide assistance for Morocco's swift recovery. The earthquake in Morocco resulted in over 2,862 casualties and left 2,562 people injured, with ongoing rescue efforts to find survivors.

THINK TANK FLAGS FUNDING DEFICIENCY FOR 205 LAWS

A congressional think tank has identified a funding deficiency for 205 laws, with 163 laws (79.5%) remaining unfunded and the rest partially unfunded, according to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department. Of these laws, 159 had no specified funding requirement, while the remaining 46 required P915.4 billion in funds. Some of the reasons for the lack of enforcement of these laws include resource shortages, low priority from implementing agencies, missing costing estimates or indicated funding requirements, and the absence of implementing rules and regulations. The Department of Public Works and Highways was flagged for low budget utilization. The CPBRD noted that these laws could have been funded, given the low budget utilization rates in other agencies.

PBBM MARKS DAD’S 106TH BIRTHDAY WITH VOW FOR BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE

In celebrating his father’s 106th birth anniversary, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to honor his father’s memory through public service.

In a brief speech after a mass celebrating his late father’s birth anniversary, President Marcos said that his father served as his mentor and gave him guidance whenever things got tough.

“I think the best way to honor his memory will be [to] stay true to the passion. There is still much to do. What’s important is making life better for the Filipinos,” the President said in a mix of English and Filipino on Monday during the Marcos Day celebration in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

The Chief Executive also urged young leaders and government officials to emulate the values, ideals, and vision of his father for the country.

“So as we remember and pay tribute to his memory, let this gathering serve as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of unity that he so passionately espoused for our people. In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province, of our nation,” he added.

He also thanked all those who joined the Marcos family and the Ilocanos in celebrating Marcos Day, which has been celebrated for many years.

President Marcos Sr. was born on Sept. 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. He served as the country’s 10th president from 1965 to 1986.

Last month, the Palace issued Proclamation No. 327, or the declaration of Sept. 11 as a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte.

TONY LEACHON QUITS DOH SPECIAL ADVISER POST

MANILA — Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has resigned from his position as special adviser for non-communicable diseases at the Department of Health (DOH) due to "personal reasons."

"I have made this decision after careful consideration," Leachon wrote in his resignation letter, dated September 11, addressed to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. "And it is based on personal reasons that I believe are best for me, my family, and my future."

Leachon's resignation comes after Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin questioned his appointment as DOH special adviser during the budget deliberations of the agency at the House of Representatives, saying he could not be considered a health expert.

In a statement Tuesday confirming his departure from the agency, Leachon said the House hearing last week was an "eye-opener."

He said it was "not good to be defending one's qualifications in the public eye."

"At this stage, I do not have to prove anything anymore. Well, you may find it difficult to cope with the situation, but eventually you will learn to value yourself and not run after people, positions, and relationships that are not meant for you," he said.

"My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me. I want to spare my family from this matter."

Leachon served as an adviser to the national coronavirus task force at the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

He works at the Manila Doctors' Hospital as an internist and cardiologist. He was a former director of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

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MARAWI BOARD SAYS 4,762 INDIVIDUALS FILE CLAIMS WORTH P17.5M

As of August 31, 2023, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has received 4,762 claims totaling P17,456,836,830. The MCB submitted this report to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022. The filing of claims began on July 4, with a projected total of 23,489 claimants by year-end. These claims include property damage or death claims filed under oath using verified claims application forms (VCAF). The MCB has processed 220 claims through secretary evaluation reports, with 120 claims amounting to PHP 395 million already being processed. The MCB aims to handle 200 claims per day, 150 recommendations per week, and 600 decisions per month.

PAL RAISES WARNING ON CARGO SCAM

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has issued a warning regarding a cargo scam syndicate. The airline cautioned the public to be vigilant about scams related to domestic cargo shipments, emphasizing that scammers are using PAL's name to lure people into making payments for fictitious shipments. These scams involve fraudulent messages sent via Facebook/Messenger, often presenting fake PAL cargo airway bills as "proof" of shipments. PAL stressed that such cargo shipments do not exist, and any related online payments would go to fraudsters. The airline advised people to only deal with legitimate cargo agents and shippers for air cargo transactions. PAL also mentioned that official cargo announcements and statements are communicated through Cargo Sales Bulletins and official emails from Account Executives. Additionally, the Port of Manila warned the public about a new "love scam" at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, involving scammers pretending to be foreigners who need money upon arrival, targeting social media users with fake images of customs officials. The Port of NAIA clarified that the Bureau of Customs does not collect fees or charges via Gcash or money remittance services, but payments are made through authorized agent banks or Customs cashiers.

BARMM GOV'T INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON UNREGISTERED VEHICLES

The Bangsamoro Ministry of Transportation and Communications is intensifying its campaign against undocumented vehicles in the region, including six provinces and three cities. Regional Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin Pangandaman Tago revealed that the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are collaborating to clear the roads in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of unregistered public and private vehicles. It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 unregistered passenger vehicles, private vehicles, and motorcycles in the autonomous region, lacking proper registration and insurance documents. The efforts are aimed at assisting vehicle owners in registering their vehicles correctly without punitive measures, as the BARMM covers various provinces and cities.

MERALCO EYES SMALL NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS; SAYS TO SEND FILIPINOS TO STUDY ABROAD

MANILA -- Meralco, a power distributor, is exploring the possibility of entering the nuclear power sector by utilizing small or micro modular reactors (MMRs), according to Chairman Manny Pangilinan. The company plans to conduct a feasibility study on MMRs, which are smaller nuclear plants designed for specific areas and can generate 5 to 15 megawatts of power. MMRs are ideal for island provinces, data centers, desalination, and scalable to larger plants. Safety is a priority, especially in a seismically active region like the Philippines. The investment cost and electricity rates will depend on the feasibility study. Meralco is also launching a scholarship program to send Filipinos abroad for nuclear energy education and aims to integrate nuclear power into the country's energy portfolio, alongside expanding its renewable energy projects. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources to enhance energy security, including the adoption of small modular nuclear technologies. The Department of Energy aims to achieve a 35% share of renewable energy in the total energy mix by 2030.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

GERALD ANDERSON, SAM MILBY AND JENNYLYN MERCADO TO STAR IN NEW FILM

MANILA -- After starring in the 2022 series "A Family Affair," Kapamilya leading men Gerald Anderson and Sam Milby are reuniting for a new movie, this time with Kapuso star Jennylyn Mercado.

The three are set to star in the upcoming film "All About My Wife."

This also marks Milby's reunion with Mercado after they starred in the 2015 romantic-comedy film "The Prenup."

The upcoming project was announced by Cornerstone Entertainment Inc., the talent agency of Milby, through a social media post.

"All About My Wife" is an adaptation of the 2012 Korean romantic-comedy movie and will be produced by CreaZion Studios.

The three stars will start filming soon.

SPORTS

PBA’S 48TH SEASON OPENING MOVED TO NOV. 5

THE Philippine Basketball Association has moved the opening of its 48th season from Oct. 15 to Nov 5, 2023 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Executives of the league made the decision to give players who will be included in the national team for the Asian Games enough time to rest and recover.

“Hindi biro ang sakripisyo nila kaya dapat lang bigyan natin sila ng sapat na panahon para makapagpahinga,” explained PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

“Gusto rin natin makapaghanda ang mga teams para sa darating na season.”

Nevertheless, Marcial said the Draft Combine and the Annual Draft will proceed as scheduled.

The Draft Combine is set on September 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City, while the Annual Draft will be held on September 17 at the Market Market in Taguig City.

A record 128 Aspirants have applied for the Draft, including 31 Fil-foreign players.

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There is the greatest practical benefit in making a few failures early in life. - Thomas Henry Huxley