RESURGENCE: 30 CHINESE FISHING VESSELS SWARM WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

The Philippine military on Thursday revealed a resurgence of Chinese swarming activity in the West Philippine Sea, with 30 Chinese fishing vessels spotted in Philippine waters.

Aerial patrols conducted by the Armed Forces Western Command on September 6 and 7 spotted 23 Chinese fishing vessels in Ioquis Reef located at the southern end of Reed Bank, an area northeast of the Spratly Islands thought to be rich in oil and gas.

"Additional swarming was observed in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where five Chinese fishing vessels were present, and in Baragatan (Nares) Bank, with two Chinese fishing vessels recorded," the Western Command said.

A routine air patrol conducted by the Philippine Navy last August 24 also rspotted 33 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul (Iroquis) Reef within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, "making this intrusion a violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction."

"Previous swarming incidents in the area have also been followed by reports of massive coral harvesting, further raising concerns about their harmful environmental impact," it said.

The same air patrol also reported swarming activity in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, which is also located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and serves as a marker for the approach to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

It said the area is where unauthorized Chinese shadowing of Philippine watercraft typically occurs.

"The repeated swarming incidents in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal emphasize the continuous violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its western border," it said.

The Armed Forces Western Command said the increase in Chinese swarming activity has been a source of tension in the West Philippine Sea with "potential implications for Philippines' maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment."

VP SARA DUTERTE NAMED CARETAKER WHILE MARCOS JR IN SINGAPORE

Vice President Sara Duterte has been designated as government caretaker while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is in Singapore, Presidential Communications Secretary Atty Cheloy Garafil confirmed to Palace reporters.

In a text message, Garafil said the Philippine leader will be meeting with a number of business groups on his second day of his visit.

Marcos Jr, who celebrated his birthday Wednesday, is also set to watch the finals of the 2023 F1 Singapore Grand Prix, upon the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Garafil said Marcos Jr will return to the Philippines on Sunday.

‘EXPLORE PH FOR INVESTMENTS’

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. courted investors in Singapore, emphasizing the Philippines' strategic location, tax benefits, and English-speaking workforce. He cited projections of 6% economic growth for 2023, driven by domestic demand and increased investments. With 110 million consumers, the Philippines offers growth opportunities. Despite global economic challenges, the country recorded a 7.6% GDP growth in 2022, the highest since 1976.

Marcos Jr. discussed the Philippines' push for self-sufficiency in agriculture and smart agriculture investments, acknowledging the need to reduce reliance on imports. Regulatory reforms have opened sectors like renewable energy and manufacturing for private investments. The government aims to balance contributions between services and manufacturing and transition to renewable energy.

He reassured investors about geopolitical stability and cooperation while inviting them to consider the Philippines as a strategic partner. Marcos Jr. will remain in Singapore for various engagements, including the 2023 Asia Summit and the F1 Grand Prix finals.

MARCOS SAYS MAHARLIKA FUND MAY FAIL IF POLITICIANS ARE INVOLVED

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Maharlika Investment Fund will be managed by professionals rather than the government to prevent political interference. Speaking at the 2023 Asia Summit in Singapore, he emphasized the fund's independence from political decisions, stating, "It is run by professional fund managers, as originally intended, to ensure financial efficiency."

The P500-billion fund will primarily source its initial capital from various government sources, including the central bank and gaming revenue. It will have the flexibility to invest in corporate bonds, equities, joint ventures, and infrastructure projects. Private financial institutions and corporations will also be allowed to participate.

Marcos highlighted that the fund would drive transformation in agriculture, energy, and business facilitation while reducing the need for loans, which the government is increasingly concerned about. He explained the rationale for utilizing reserves instead of increasing borrowings to support investments.

The Maharlika Investment Corporation is in the process of selecting its leadership team, with a deadline for applications set for September 27.

Marcos urged swift approval of the Maharlika bill, emphasizing its potential to generate additional funds for vital infrastructure projects. Concerns have been raised about the need for a sovereign wealth fund in a country facing poverty, along with worries about corruption. Business groups expressed concerns over the government's budget deficits and the potential impact on its credit rating.

Sovereign wealth funds typically originate from windfall profits from natural resources, such as oil or minerals.

PCG SPOKESMAN: DISHEARTENING TO HEAR DOUBTS CAST ON COAST GUARD CAPABILITIES

Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela expressed disappointment in doubters of the PCG's ability to protect Philippine waters independently. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Tarriela reiterated his unwavering support for the PCG, emphasizing their dedication to fulfilling their patriotic duty in the West Philippine Sea. He assured that they will continue to safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone without relying on external assistance, addressing concerns about their capabilities.

Senator Robinhood Padilla had raised questions about the presence of a US Navy aircraft during a military resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, suggesting it could escalate tensions. Military officials clarified that the aircraft was monitoring the mission, which faced opposition from the Chinese Coast Guard. Padilla also warned of a potential proxy war between the US and China, but Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro dismissed this notion, emphasizing the Philippines' territorial concerns at places like Scarborough Shoal. He refuted claims of a proxy war, highlighting that it's important to focus on the actual issues rather than speculative scenarios.

DEFENSE CHIEF DEFENDS DEPED'S P150-MILLION CONFIDENTIAL FUND REQUEST

Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro on Thursday defended the P150-million confidential fund request of the Department of Education (DepEd), saying children are susceptible to exploitation.

For 2024, the DepEd — under Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte — proposed P150 million in confidential funds, saying basic education "is intertwined with national security."

Progressive lawmakers in Congress have insisted that surveillance activities should be left to intelligence gathering agencies.

Teodoro told ANC's "Headstart" that other agencies need confidential funds to vet suppliers, as well as uncover scams and "criminal acts" by their employees and other service providers.

"The youth are the most impressionable targets for potential influencing," Teodoro said when asked if he agreed with the DepEd's confidential funds.

"I mean they would be the most vulnerable targets for exploitation by malefactors or those who wish ill against this country."

But Teodoro pointed out that agencies requesting confidential funds have "the burden" to justify their proposals.

'NOT A WISE PRACTICE'

Teodoro said it was not a "wise practice" to rely on intelligence gathering conducted by the military.

"For example, if you use the armed forces in anti-smuggling [operations], which we do once in a while, or anti-drug operations, the temptation may be there and it may infect the intelligence gathering agency," he said.

"And our capabilities of the intelligence agencies are really limited to the threats of their major organizations," he added.

PINOY CEOS SEE PRICES GOING UP TOWARD YEAREND

A recent survey of local business owners revealed that prices of goods and services are expected to rise by year-end due to factors like expensive raw materials, higher salaries, and increased petroleum costs. However, despite these challenges, 83% of CEOs in the Philippines remain optimistic about their industries' prospects for the next 12 months, as per the Philippine CEO Survey 2023 conducted by PwC Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

According to MAP President Benedicta Du-Baladad, business leaders in the Philippines have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of threats such as inflation, macroeconomic instability, cyber risks, and supply chain constraints. Many have found new growth opportunities through creativity and innovation.

Despite the overall confidence, 42% of the surveyed CEOs plan to raise prices in the coming months. An economist predicts that Philippine inflation could reach 5.7% in September due to storm damage and oil price increases. However, inflation may ease in the fourth quarter, likely returning to around 4%, and reaching approximately 4.1% by December.

The upcoming holiday season typically sees increased spending in the Philippines, driven by Christmas and year-end bonuses. Consequently, the inflationary pressures could impact the prices of popular holiday goods like Christmas hams.

Moreover, basic goods like local chilies ("sili") have become costlier, with prices ranging from P500 to P720 per kilo in local markets due to recent storms damaging chili plantations. The government is exploring options to supplement the chili supply from regions unaffected by the storms to stabilize prices.

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PHILIPPINES IS NOW WORLD'S TOP RICE IMPORTER, SAYS USDA

MANILA — The Philippines has overtaken China as the world's top rice importer, according to the latest report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), as the country grapples with surging prices of the staple commodity.

The USDA's latest "Grain: World Markets and Trade" report estimated that the total rice importation of the Philippines for the 2022-2023 trade year could hit 3.9 million metric tons compared to China's 3.5 million metric tons.

For the 2023-2024 marketing period, the projected importation for the Philippines is at 3.8 million metric tons as compared to China's 3.5 million metric tons, the report showed.

Despite that, the USDA said it observed a delay in purchases due to the global prices.

"In 2008, top importer the Philippines continuously bought larger volumes as prices escalated; this year, it is delaying purchases, awaiting lower prices," the USDA report said.

India is a top rice exporter but the report said it sent "shockwaves" to the global rice market due to its export ban on milled white rice, among others. The second and third largest suppliers are Thailand and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization said that rice prices jumped 9.8 percent in August.

DEFENSE CHIEF WEIGHS IN ON TIKTOK BAN ON GOV'T DEVICES

MANILA — A potential ban of TikTok on government devices wouldn't be unique to the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro said Thursday, after a security official urged the government to study the proposal.

In other countries, Teodoro said that free messaging apps could not be used on government-issued phones, especially for "defense employees, armed forces and even contractors of defense department and agencies of other governments abroad."

Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, said previously that Manila should study banning the Chinese social media app for security sector officials.

"We should seriously consider for the security sector alone, not for the civilian agencies of government," Malaya said. "We will need to study this very carefully… based on national security consideration."

Several countries, including the United States and New Zealand, banned TikTok on government-issued devices over concerns that the Chinese Communist Party could use the popular app for spying or propaganda.

Teodoro said he would let the information and communications technology department as well as other agencies "vet whether or not" TikTok "is actually a threat."

"I know it is not unique and not only TikTok," he said.

Teodoro said he would let the information and communications technology department as well as other agencies "vet whether or not" TikTok "is actually a threat."

"I know it is not unique and not only TikTok," he said.

PSA: 46 MILLION NATIONAL IDS ALREADY PRINTED

The Philippine Statistics Authority has already printed 46 million national IDs for the 80.5 million Filipinos who registered to the Philippine Identification System.

Fred Sollesta, PSA PhilSys Registry Office OIC and Deputy National Statistician, said PhilPost has already distributed 39 million national IDs. About 1 million physical cards are set to be delivered in the National Capital Region.

"'Yung ID na pini-print natin sa [Bangko Sentral] ito 'yung medyo may delay tayo kasi nakapagprint tayo ng 46 million out of 80 million registrants," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

"'Yung intervention ng PSA dito, nag issue kami ng ePhil ID na another form of credential na pareho lang ang gamit sa ating physical card na iniimprenta sa BSP."

He admitted the Bangko Sentral's printers were unable to handle the large volume of physical cards that needed to be printed.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology earlier said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is losing patience over the slow rollout of national IDs.

The National Economic Development Authority last month said the management and production of digital national IDs had been transferred to the DICT from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

DBM RELEASES P11.6 BILLION FOR DEPED PERFORMANCE-BASED BONUS

MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P11.6 billion for the 2021 performance-based bonus of 920,073 employees of public schools nationwide.

In a statement, the DBM said the Department of Education submitted their final evaluation and assessment documents to the DBM from April to August 2023.

"This could be attributed to the strikingly high number of eligible personnel at around 900,000 employees in the DepEd, and the voluminous documents being submitted for the purpose," the DBM said.

Meanwhile, the DBM said they returned the documentary requirements for the bonuses of non-teaching personnel due to discrepancies like duplicate entries, incorrect information., and some of them not being listed under the DepEd’s Personnel Services Itemization and Plantilla of Personnel.

The DBM said these documents will be processed once these have been revalidated.

P33 WAGE HIKE FOR C. VISAYAS WORKERS OKAYED

Minimum wage in Central Visayas will rise by P33 per day starting October 1, as announced by DOLE. This follows previous increases in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon. The wage board approved the increase due to rising living costs, resulting in new daily rates ranging from P420 to P468 for non-agricultural establishments in Class A to C areas, and P415 to P458 for smaller establishments. These rates represent a 7.6% to 8.6% increase and translate to a 23% boost in wage-related benefits, benefiting 346,946 minimum wage earners directly and around 399,572 higher earners indirectly through enterprise-level adjustments.

Calabarzon also saw wage hikes, effective from September 24, with daily rates of P520 for non-agricultural workers and P385 for smaller businesses. Some agricultural workers receive an additional P89 due to local reclassification. These adjustments are expected to benefit over 719,000 minimum wage earners and lead to a 23% increase in wage-related benefits. Around 1.6 million higher earners may indirectly benefit from wage distortion corrections.

FISHERS SAY NO PCG ESCORT TO SCARBOROUGH

A fishermen's group claimed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) does not escort them to Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese ships routinely obstruct their access to abundant fishing grounds. According to Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fisherman's Association, their only interaction with the PCG is logging out at the Masinloc station, but they are not escorted to fish in the area. Despite assurances in 2016, no escort has been provided, with the PCG citing concerns that their presence might escalate tensions with Chinese ships.

The PCG did not respond to inquiries from Manila Standard. Cuaresma's group, consisting of 40 members, last fished in Scarborough Shoal in May, encountering intimidation from Chinese vessels. They expressed support for a government plan to train fishermen as part of a reserve force in response to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. This move is seen as a way to protect valuable marine resources and the economy.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

SHARON CUNETA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR DAUGHTER KC'S HOLLYWOOD FILM

MANILA -- Screen veteran Sharon Cuneta took to social media to express her support for her eldest daughter KC Concepcion.

In her Instagram post, Cuneta reposted a social media update of her daughter KC promoting her first international movie "Asian Persuasion."

In the caption, Cuneta appealed to her fans and followers in the United States to watch her daughter's film.

"America! My first-born is starring in her first Hollywood movie and I hope you can watch it! God be with you anak. Please take care of yourself," Cuneta wrote.

In the comment section of Cuneta's post, Concepcion left her sweet message for her mother.

"Like I always tell you mama, tho I’m not perfect, everything I do is for you," Concepcion wrote.

Concepcion is the daughter of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. She has siblings with Cuneta’s second family with former senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan: Frankie, Miel, and Miguel.

The actress flew to the Philippines just recently to promote “Asian Persuasion” which is directed by Tony and Grammy winner Jhett Tolentino.

“Asian Persuasion” follows the story of a down-on-his-luck chef, Mickey de Los Santos (Dante Basco), who cooks up a crazy scheme to marry off his ex-wife, Avery Chua (Concepcion), by setting her up with a fake internet dating profile in an attempt to find her a suitor to re-marry in order to avoid his substantial alimony obligations.

With the help of his trusted wingman, Mickey gets off to a hot start until he realizes he wants a second chance with Avery. He, however, might be too late.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The ability to see beauty is the beginning of our moral sensibility. What we believe is beautiful we will not wantonly destroy. - Sean Parker Dennison