PBBM CERTIFIES PROPOSED 2024 NATIONAL BUDGET BILL AS URGENT

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the passage of the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, Mr. Marcos said the immediate enactment of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) was needed to maintain continuous government operations following the end of the fiscal year 2023 and to expedite the funding for various programs.

Certifying the bill as urgent would ensure budgetary preparedness, which will enable the government to perform its constitutional mandate, Mr. Marcos added.

This certification from the President allows the approval of a bill on the second and third reading on the same day. The proposed 2024 national budget is 9.5% higher compared to this year’s P5.268 trillion.

Meanwhile, the Marcos administration wants to allocate P38.75 billion for its digitalization efforts in 2024, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday.

MARCOS CERTIFIES AS URGENT BILL AGAINST AGRI ECONOMIC SABOTAGE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is seeking the speedy passage of a bill imposing grave punishment on agricultural economic sabotage, a document showed Thursday.

Marcos Jr. certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 2432 in a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Bills certified as urgent bypass the requirement for three readings on three separate days before passage, but only under specific circumstances.

Senate Bill 2432 repeals the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. The new measure seeks to punish economic sabotage or the smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel of agricultural and fishery products with life imprisonment and a fine thrice the value of the goods, Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

Any government employee found to be an accomplice in the crime will be perpetually disqualified from holding public office, will not be able to participate in any public election, and will have their employment benefits forfeited, the bill added.

It also gives authorities the right to confiscate agri-fishery products and the properties used to commit economic sabotage, such as vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and warehouses.

The President, also the concurrent agriculture chief, had blamed the high prices of sugar, onions, and rice on smugglers and hoarders.

MARCOS CALLED FOR CIVILIAN-LED APPROACH TO AYUNGIN SHOAL, NTF-WPS SAYS

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a "civilianized" approach to managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal, according to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. This approach, explained by Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the NTF-WPS, aims to keep tensions low in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). It involves Coast Guard engagement with their Chinese counterparts, with Navy support.

During the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session, Marcos expressed concerns about unresolved territorial disputes and escalating tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing his vision for a "sea of peace, stability, and prosperity."

Beijing claims ownership over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 arbitration ruling against its claim. China's assertion of historic sovereignty also overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of several ASEAN nations.

China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have engaged in provocative actions, including using water cannons against Philippine ships during resupply missions. Ayungin Shoal, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, is a submerged reef that underscores the country's sovereignty.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship intentionally grounded by the Philippine Navy in 1999, serves as the country's outpost in the West Philippine Sea. A handful of Filipino marines stationed on the ship rely on resupply missions to maintain their remote posting.

As of September 12, the Department of Foreign Affairs has lodged 43 diplomatic protests against China's actions in the West Philippine Sea this year.

SHARI’A DIGITAL ACCESS BILL PASSES 3RD READING

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the bill giving Muslim Filipinos better digital access to Shari’a courts.

The bill amended several provisions of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9997).

House Bill (HB) 9045 or An Act Providing Muslim Filipinos better access to Shari’a courts received an overwhelming 251 affirmative votes from legislators, which paves the way for the “digital transformation” of court services by the Muslim tribunals.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the commission was tasked to “coordinate” with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Supreme Court in creating a “digital platform that allows paperless filing of routine documents.”

He said these include marriage certificate, birth certificate, death certificate, among many others.

The bill also allowed the Muslim agency to “enter into Public-Private Partnerships” to facilitate the filing of documents that will fulfill its mandate, but with a stern warning that all documents “shall be treated with confidentiality and the right to privacy of the parties shall (also) be observed.”

Its Legal Affairs Bureau was also designated to help Muslim-Filipinos with “legal education” and assist them in cases of litigation, act as the “legal counsel” of the Commission, and investigate cases involving its personnel and submit all the appropriate recommendations.

At the same time, the NCMF’s Bureau of Legal Affairs was tasked to ensure that all Muslim Filipinos should have “equitable access” to Shari’a Courts, and “facilitate submission of documents for Muslim Filipino litigants who are in a region where there is no existing Shari’a Court.”

Its powers and functions also include assisting the Philippine Statistics Authority in conducting census on the actual population of Muslim-Filipinos in the country, and preparing as well an “annual report” on the Muslim-Filipino population.

“The PSA and the Commission shall coordinate on the collection of statistical data for Muslim Filipinos in the national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels. The annual report shall include the latest census of population of Muslim-Filipinos, Muslim births, marriages, and deaths for the year,” read a portion of HB 9045.

A “mechanism” should also be in place, in coordination with the SC, for purposes of filing or submission of legal documents to the Shari’a Circuit and District Courts, including those provided under Presidential Decree 1083, or the “Code on Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.”

DOJ VOWS AIRTIGHT CASES VS SURIGAO DEL NORTE 'CULT', 'SYNDICATE' LEADERS

MANILA - The Department of Justice is bent on pursuing the filing of cases against the Surigao Del Norte religious group led by Jay Rence Quilario alias Senior Aguila, which acts not only as a “cult” but also as a “syndicate”.

Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said they have started to move for the transfer of the filing of criminal complaints against the leaders of the cult from the provincial prosecutors office in Surigao to Manila.

“Meron talagang kulto and the reason why matatawag natin siyang kulto ay mayron talagang leader of the cult kung saan siya mismo ang nagsasabi na parang divine leader siya ng buong cult and mayron siyang story na binigay sa mga tao especially sa mga children to the effect na mayron malaking catastrophe or end of the world na daw kaya kailangan nilang lumipat doon sa bukid,” Clavano said.

“Tini-train sila na maging military agents of the cult. Kung hindi sila sumunod may physical na pang-aabuso, so the way they act para talagang sindikato and we can surmise na itong issue na ito is really a symptom of a deeper problem more, over and beyond the legal remedies that we are about to embark on."

The DOJ vowed to have “clear and airtight” cases against the leaders of the “cult” who allegedly subject their followers to sexual and physical abuse.

Clavano added that various motions for the inhibition of government prosecutors led to the possibility of creating an independent panel.

“Just because it has reached a level of national importance and it’s really a problem that is deeply rooted in that province it’s better to have siguro an independent panel of prosecutors look at the case so they can objectively assess the case and all the allegations inside the complaint,” Clavano said.

“We will look into all these allegations, we will look into these information and facts para makuha natin yong kabuuan ng storya ng issue, sana masampolan itong cult na ito para maiwasan in the future,” Clavano said.

ACTIVISTS' ABDUCTION CLAIMS AND AFP'S PERJURY CHARGES: GROWING TENSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are embroiled in a heated dispute following allegations made by two environmental activists, Jhed Reiyana Tamano and Jonila Castro, who claimed they were abducted and threatened by soldiers. This incident is seen as part of a broader conflict in the country.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla accused the activists of following a "new playbook" of communist rebels, suggesting an attempt to gain public sympathy. Tamano and Castro made these claims during a press conference organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, contradicting reports that they had voluntarily surrendered. According to Tamano, they were abducted while walking on the road on September 2 and were also allegedly coerced into signing affidavits stating they were leaving the communist movement.

Remulla countered these allegations, stating that they had proof of voluntary, handwritten statements from the activists and that the affidavits were signed in the presence of their parents. He cautioned against falling into what he called the CPP-NPA's trap of discrediting the government.

The AFP plans to file perjury charges against the activists, denying any involvement in their alleged abduction. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. revealed that they are also considering filing subornation of perjury charges against those who orchestrated what they perceive as a tactic to discredit the military.

Despite the AFP's plans, Kabataan Party List Rep. Raoul Manuel criticized the move, while Representative Mercedes Alvarez emphasized that there were witnesses present when the activists filed their affidavits. Tensions continue to rise, underscoring the ongoing conflicts and divisions within the Philippines.

DSWD CHIEF ASKS 20 EXECS TO FILE THEIR RESIGNATIONS

All 20 undersecretaries and assistant secretaries at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have been requested to submit their courtesy resignations by DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian as part of the government's rightsizing and streamlining program. During discussions about the proposed DSWD budget for 2024, Gatchalian mentioned that these officials would undergo evaluations.

In addition to their courtesy resignations, Gatchalian has mandated that these officials provide justifications for their suitability and the necessity of returning to their previous positions. The move was revealed following Senator Christopher Go's concerns about the excessive number of undersecretaries and assistant secretaries in the department.

Senator Imee Marcos expressed surprise at the revelation that less than 10 percent of DSWD positions are permanent. Gatchalian acknowledged the department's consistent growth over the years and the need for adjustments in its structure.

DSWD chief Gatchalian is working in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the rightsizing process. Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed dismay that job order and contract-of-service positions still exist at DSWD, with some employees working for 15 years without obtaining regular positions.

According to agency data, 53.4 percent of DSWD employees hold contractual and job order positions. Pol Vincent Perocho from DBM noted that the majority of non-permanent positions, around 12,055 contractual positions, are associated with the 4Ps social protection program.

Gatchalian mentioned that the department has been requesting additional permanent positions from DBM, but strict fiscal constraints have hindered the approval of their request.

THE REST

========

PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO MAIN INDEX

MANILA -- The Philippine Stock Exchange announced changes to its main index starting Tuesday, September 26.

In a memorandum, the state bourse said the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) is on its way out after it decided to go private.

MPIC said Wednesday that its tendered shares exceeded the required threshold needed for voluntary delisting.

Also out of the 30-member index is Aboitiz Power Corporation, after share buybacks brought its public float below the 20 percent threshold.

They will be replaced by Enrique Razon's Bloomberry Resorts and Century Pacific Food Inc.

BOY, 13, SHOT DEAD WHILE SELLING BALUT

A 13-year-old boy met an untimely demise after being shot dead by a still unidentified assailant in Villasis, Pangasinan last week.

Police said the victim, Charles Edward Serquiña, was selling balut with his mother, Carina, in Barangay Puelay when a motorcycle-riding gunman approached the 2 and shot Charles, killing him instantly.

Carina said her son had no enemies and that he was saving money so he could enroll in school.

"Wala po [kaming alam] kasi nagtitinda lang kami ng balut. Gabi-gabi po kasi may lamayan sa tabi ng bahay namin," she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Charles Edward Serquiña. Photo courtesy of Emeluz Manadero Villasor

Maj. Glenn Dulay, Villasis municipal police station police chief, said Charles Edward's death could have been a case of mistaken identity following reports that there was a disturbance at the wake between 2 people before the shooting.

He said Charles could have been mistaken for the intended target who was also present at the wake. "Si Charles Edward baka napagkamalan lang po," he said.

AUTHORITIES REPORT ANOTHER THEFT AT NAIA

Airport authorities reported that another theft involving a security screening officer (SSO) happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The incident is currently under investigation, and airport authorities are looking into all those involved in the incident.

Based on the CCTV footage at NAIA Terminal 1, a female security screening officer (SSO) apparently swallowed $300 bills taken from a departing Chinese passenger in an attempt to remove evidence.

The incident occurred when the passenger complained about losing his money after his bag passed through the security check area. The female employee of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) involved in the incident, along with her supervisor and an X-ray operator, have been identified by the airport authorities.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) expressed dismay over the recent incident. MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said airport frontliners whose actions completely negate MIAA’s efforts to improve the service levels in our airport, have no place in NAIA.

According to OTS, they have completed the initial investigation on their personnel, who are currently under preventive suspension, pending a more comprehensive investigation.

ITCZ IN MINDANAO, FAIR WEATHER IN METRO MANILA FOR NEXT 2-3 DAYS: PAGASA

An intertropical convergence zone will continue to affect Mindanao while fair weather conditions will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country in the next 2-3 days, weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Rhea Torres said the ITCZ will bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in Davao Region, Caraga, and Eastern Visayas, which could bring flash floods or landslides.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

KC CONCEPCION ATTENDS SOHO INT'L FILM FEST FOR 'ASIAN PERSUASION'

KC Concepcion took to social media to share that her experience at the Soho International Film Festival for her debut Hollywood movie.

On Instagram, the actress shared a reel documenting the first and second days of screening of her movie “Asian Persuasion” in the United States.

“I’ll remember this moment, when you all showed up for us at the @sohofilmfest screening days 1 & 2,” she said addressing her supporters who were in attendance.

“Thank you for your support of our humble, light-hearted romcom! Mahal ko kayo!!!” Concepcion continued.

“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.

“Asian Persuasion” was shot entirely in New York City in 2022, celebrating some of its most iconic landmarks and highlighting some of its lesser-known, less frequented cultural enclaves.

Aside from Concepcion and Basco, the movie features Kebin Krieder and Paolo Montalban.

The film had its world premiere at the SOHO International Film Festival in New York City on September 16 and 17. It will be theatrically released in the Philippines nationwide on November 29.

SPORTS

ASIAN GAMES: PH BOUNCES BACK, RIPS AFGHANISTAN IN MEN’S VOLLEY

MANILA – The Philippine men’s volleyball team vented their ire on hapless Afghanistan to clinch their first win in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Wednesday.

The Philippines recovered from a 0-3 loss against Indonesia yesterday with an overwhelming 25-23, 25-16, 25-12 victory over Afghanistan at the Deqing Sports Centre Gymnasium.

Bryan Bagunas once again paced the country with 16 points on 14 attacks, one block, and an ace while getting ample support from Steven Rotter, who had 13 points, for a 1-1 record in Pool F.

Ahead by just a point in the third set, 7-8, the Philippines stepped on the gas pedal through a fiery 8-0 run, sparked by a rejection by Lloyd Josafat, for a commanding 16-7 gap.

The team widened the gap into double digits as Josafat scored an ace, 20-8, and never looked back. Marck Espejo finished the game with a block and attack.

In the opening frame, the Philippines broke away from a 21-deadlock with a spike by Rotter. Bagunas would score back-to-back points, too, for a 24-21 separation.

Sayed Yousufi delayed the impending win of the Philippines in the first set with two blocks, 23-24, but Bagunas ended it with an attack.

No players from Afghanistan scored in double digits with Gulam Haidari leading the pack with just seven points.

The Philippines will next face the powerhouse Japan on September 21, Thursday, at 7 p.m.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 56.81

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A look of vitality and happiness, an interest in the world and an eagerness to participate in life, is what is called charm in the social milieu; but in the working world is called competence. - Judith Martin