VOG FROM TAAL VOLCANO AFFECTS SOUTHERN METRO MANILA; HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED

Volcanic smog, known as vog, originating from Taal Volcano has impacted southern areas of Metro Manila, leading to the suspension of classes in some localities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that an average of 3,402 tons of volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission has been released from Taal Volcano daily since the beginning of September 2023. The agency also observed continuous upwelling at the Taal Main Crater Lake, generating steam plumes that rose 2,400 meters high and drifted west-northwest.

Despite these findings, Phivolcs clarified that the smog currently present in parts of Metro Manila is not related to Taal Volcano's recent activity. The vog has been predominantly drifting west-southwest of the volcano and is not moving toward Metro Manila.

The vog has raised concerns about air quality and health hazards, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents have been advised to take precautions, such as wearing face masks, and health experts have emphasized the importance of minimizing exposure to sulfuric content and dust particles from the vog.

The situation remains under monitoring, and authorities are working to assess the extent of the vog's impact on the region. Some schools have already suspended classes due to air quality concerns. Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 1 for Taal Volcano, indicating ongoing unrest and the potential for eruptive activity.

CHINA DENIES COLLECTING CORALS FROM WEST PH SEA; URGES PH TO 'STOP CREATING DRAMA'

MANILA - China on Thursday denied its involvement in the destruction of coral reefs in parts of the West Philippine Sea, saying the accusations have no factual basis.

"We urge relevant party of the Philippines to stop creating a political drama from fiction," a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry claimed.

China also said that if the Philippines is really concerned about the environment, then its should remove BRP Sierra Madre, which it said is an "illegally grounded warship".

"If the Philippines truly cares about the ecological environment of the South China Sea, it should tow away the illegally “grounded” warship at Ren’ai Jiao as soon as possible, stop it from discharging polluted water into the ocean and not let the rusting warship bring irrevocable harm to the ocean," they added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has suspected China of harvesting corals in Rozul Reef, before dumping the "processed" coral reefs in some parts of the West Philippine Sea.

Last month, China demanded the Philippines to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, claiming that the latter "promised" to tow it away.

The Philippines denied making such a promise to China.

CHINA ENVOY SAYS RELATIONS SHOULD NOT BE DEFINED BY SOUTH CHINA SEA

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, during the celebration of China's 74th Founding Anniversary, called for dialogue between the Philippines and China, emphasizing the importance of honoring the consensus between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stressed the need to focus on cooperation rather than being defined by South China Sea disputes, which should be peacefully managed through friendly consultations. Ambassador Huang also praised Vice President Sarah Duterte for her warm message in Mandarin Chinese and expressed hope for increased collaboration between the two countries, particularly in agriculture, trade, investments, science and technology, and education and youth development.

PHILIPPINES SIGNS HISTORIC UN HIGH SEAS TREATY

The Philippines joined over 60 other countries at the United Nations in signing the first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, known as the "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction" (BBNJ) treaty. This historic agreement introduces requirements for environmental impact studies on high seas activities. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, attending the UN General Assembly in New York, expressed pride in taking this step to protect the world's oceans for present and future generations. Sixty-seven countries, including major nations and the European Union, signed the treaty, with each country needing to ratify it domestically. It will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it. The treaty aims to establish meaningful protections for international waters, which cover nearly half the planet but have long been neglected in environmental discussions. It enables the creation of protected marine areas in international waters, crucial for protecting 30% of the world's oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed in a separate biodiversity accord. Environmental advocates hope it will enter into force by 2025, emphasizing the urgency to protect the oceans for their biodiversity and role in limiting climate change.

P120.5-BILLION REVENUE SEEN FROM NEW TAX MEASURES

MANILA — The national government sees additional revenues of at least P120.5 billion next year from 6 proposed tax measures pending in Congress, according to the House of Representatives' in-house think tank.

In its analysis of the national budget, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) listed the following tax measures with corresponding projected revenues for 2024.

-Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation: P8.5 billion

-VAT on digital services: P17 billion

-Excise tax on single-use plastics: P6.5 billion

-Rationalization of the mining fiscal regime: P12.4 billion

-Excise tax on pre-mixed alcoholic beverages: P0.4 billion

-Excise tax on sweetened beverages and junk food: P75.7 billion

-CPBRD did not state any revenue projection for the Ease of Paying Taxes Bill.

The estimated increase in real property tax revenues, which will accrue to local government units, is not included in total national government revenues.

CPBRD noted that most of the measures were approved in the House of Representatives and were pending in the Senate.

"Three reforms on the list are included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda for the 19th Congress," the think tank said.

The CPBRD said the revision of revenue targets in the fiscal program took into consideration the implementation of most of the priority measures.

It noted that the government appeared intent on generating new revenues by broadening the tax base.

BSP KEEPS BENCHMARK RATE STEADY AT 6.25 PERCENT

MANILA -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday kept its benchmark target reverse repurchase (RRP) rate steady at 6.25 percent even as inflation quickened in August.

Inflation quickened to 5.3 percent after a six-month decline on the back of rising oil and crude prices.

Inflation has averaged 6.6 percent from January to August.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona said government still expects inflation to return its target range of 2 to 4 percent in the fourth quarter.

He noted, however, that their latest projections show a slightly higher inflation path.

"Average inflation is now seen to reach 5.8 percent in 2023 from 5.6 percent previously, while the forecast for 2024 likewise rose to 3.5 percent from 3.3 percent," he said.

Remolona said fare and power rate hikes may drive inflation upward.

He noted, however, that core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy items, has moderated.

Remolona admitted that he is considering hiking interest rates in November.

"How big it will be will depend on the data, how bad the data is with respect to inflation," he said.

The official also said rate cuts are off the table for 2023.

But when asked when rate cuts may come next year, when inflation is expected to ease, Remolona said, "For now, we see a kind of balance between demand and supply. So we’re close to the right level for interest rates."

"Whether there will be a cut next year, I think will depend on really bad news when it comes to, specially when it comes to output," he said.

BDO Capital Ed Francisco said he hopes rate cuts may come by the middle of next year.

‘CONGRESS PASSING BUDGET NEXT WEEK’

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has pledged that the House of Representatives will swiftly pass the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 on its third and final reading next week. This commitment comes as a direct result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s certification of the budget measure as urgent. Romualdez expressed gratitude for President Marcos' leadership and thanked his fellow lawmakers for their diligent efforts in refining the budget bill to address the nation's pressing needs. The House of Representatives is united in its commitment to pass the 2024 national budget and support government initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, social development, and the well-being of all Filipinos. With the President's certification, the House can pass the budget bill on the second and third reading on the same day. Once approved, the House will transmit the appropriations bill to the Senate. Congress will be in recess from September 30 to November 5.

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS' POWER OVER PASSPORT CONTROL UNDER REVIEW: LAWMAKER

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday said it was reviewing the discretionary power given to its officers in clearing Filipinos leaving the country.

During the justice department's budget deliberation at the House of Representatives for next year, Davao de Oro Second District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga said the immigration bureau was "examining whether or not to reduce the discretion of the officers given the power."

"For example, there is an immigration officer who will decide on the primary inspection whether or not the traveler, the tourist passenger, the overseas Filipino worker, the balik manggagawa will be subjected to secondary inspection," said Gonzaga.

"The purpose of that (review) is to reduce the discretion of the immigration officer with regard to the said guidelines," he added.

The lawmaker also disapproved the proposal to charge to the BI's immigration fees the payment of damage to offloaded travelers.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in August suspended new guidelines that would have tightened the rules for exiting travelers.

In a separate televised briefing, BI Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said it would not tolerate any unlawful act after a personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) was found swallowing allegedly stolen money.

"Medyo iba 'yung nature ng trabaho but sa immigration [but] we are ensuring the public na very strict ang direktiba ng komisyoner to ensure na ang lahat ng trabaho ay ginagawa nang tama," said Mabulac in a televised briefing.

GOVT MULLING CUT TO RICE IMPORT TARIFFS TO REDUCE PRICES: NEDA

MANILA — The Marcos administration is considering alternatives to the rice price ceiling, including a potential reduction in import tariffs. Executive Order No. 39, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., established price limits for rice, but these caps will only be lifted when better alternatives are identified and the objectives are met, according to NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. One alternative is lowering tariffs while world rice prices are increasing, although measures will be taken to safeguard farmers. Balisacan noted that the government would be the most affected by reduced tariff revenues. High rice prices are attributed to export bans by major rice-producing countries like India, as well as efforts by Thailand and Vietnam to protect their products.

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PALACE SHORTENS GOV'T WORK ON SEPT. 25 FOR FAMILY WEEK

MANILA — Malacañang has suspended government work in the executive branch on Sept. 25, Monday, from 3 p.m. in observance of National Family Week.

In signing Memorandum Circular No. 32, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin encouraged government employees in the executive branch to also "fully support the programs and activities relative to the observance of Family Week, as organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family."

Agencies or offices involved in the delivery of basic and health services, including disaster preparedness and response would still continue operations and render their tasks.

“The suspension of work in all branches of government, in independent commissions or bodies, and in the private sector is encouraged, so as to afford all Filipino families the full opportunity to celebrate the 31st National Family Week," the memorandum read.

Proclamation No. 60 (s. 1992) declared every last week of September as Family Week.

GOOD NEWS! DOE SEES CUT IN DIESEL, KEROSENE PRICES

There will be no 12th straight week in oil price hikes as the Department of Energy predicts a cut in diesel and kerosene prices next week.

"Malakas ang tsansa sa diesel at kerosene pero sa gasoline, bantayan pa natin," DOE Oil Management Bureau chief Rino Abad said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview Friday.

Abad said there could be a 50-60 centavo cut in diesel prices before the end of the month. "Pwedeng walang adjustment sa gasolina o may kaunting rollback pero alanganin," he said.

The DOE official noted there has been a tempering in oil prices in the past week despite lack of any policy changes. He said the pump price hikes could have reached peak saturation, allowing supply to meet demand.

ALLEGED CULT RECRUITS CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 12 INTO PRIVATE ARMY

Children as young as 12 years old, along with at least seven women, were reportedly recruited into the private army of an alleged cult in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, according to a former member named "Karl." In a video message shared by Senator Risa Hontiveros, Karl disclosed that the "Agila Squad," believed to be the private army of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI), consisted of around 107 members. Karl also revealed that they received weapons training and were told by the organization's leader, Jey Rence Quilario (aka Senior Agila), that sacrificing their lives or killing others for their cause was permissible as they were considered "Soldiers of God."

Another survivor, a 13-year-old girl named "Maymay," managed to escape the group with her parents to pursue an education. Senator Hontiveros had previously disclosed the alleged cult's existence, stating that minors as young as 15 years old were reportedly subjected to sexual abuse and forced marriages within the group. The revelation led to separate investigations by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian also ordered an inquiry into reports that the alleged cult was diverting half of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) financial aid meant for its members.

Albert Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines, strongly condemned the reported abuse and called for immediate and thorough investigations by the government, protection for the affected children, and the prosecution of the perpetrators.

4 AIRPORT SCREENERS PROBED OVER ALLEGED NAIA THIEVERY

MANILA — The Office for Transportation Security is now investigating 4 screening officers over the alleged theft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"As of yesterday, we have identified another one. So there are now 4 screening officers who are now being investigated and possibly [have] something to do with the incident," OTS administrator Ma.O. Aplasca told ANC's Headstart."

"We will seriously pursue the administrative case and even criminal case of all those involved in this particular incident," he added.

An airport security personnel on September 8 was caught on video swallowing what seems to be paper money allegedly stolen from a traveler.

The person however "continues to deny that she got any money," according to Aplasca.

But he said they have proof to support the accusations.

"Based on the evidence gathered by our investigators, I think we have enough evidence to charge her and her accomplice," Aplasca said.

"Based on our records this is the first incident that somebody swallowed a bill."

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

WHO WILL JOIN DONNY PANGILINAN IN ESPORTS-THEMED 'GG THE MOVIE'

MANILA – Actor Donny Pangilinan shared more details about his upcoming film, "GG (Good Game) The Movie," during a cast reveal event in Quezon City. Joining him in the esports-related movie are Baron Geisler, Johannes Isler, Iggy Boy Flores, and Gold Aceron. Donny's mother, Maricel Laxa, also plays a role in the film, and his family was actively involved in its production. Donny is not only the lead actor but also a major stakeholder and investor in the project.

The film aims to be relatable to a wide audience, not just gamers, and the production team worked with game consultants to ensure authenticity. They even created an original game called "Requiem" for the film. Donny expressed his newfound respect for professional gamers after working on the movie.

In the trailer, Donny's character is shown getting addicted to a computer game. Beyond this project, Donny is set to star in the upcoming ABS-CBN series "Can’t Buy Me Love" alongside Belle Mariano.

KATHRYN BERNARDO'S SPEECH AS OUTSTANDING ASIAN STAR PRIZE WINNER IN SOUTH KOREA

Screen superstar Kathryn Bernardo received the Outstanding Asian Star prize at the 18th Seoul International Drama Awards in South Korea on Thursday, September 21.

Bernardo, the lone Filipino recipient of the regional award, dedicated the recognition to the team behind "2 Good 2 Be True" and her co-stars in the ABS-CBN series, Ronaldo Valdez and Daniel Padilla.

Bernardo shared the stage with acclaimed Thai actor Gun Atthaphan, her fellow awardee.

SPORTS

BATANG GILAS BREAKS 'KOREAN CURSE,' MARCHES TO FIBA U16 ASIAN QUARTERFINALS

The Philippines crushed Korea, 95-71, to clinch a quarterfinals seat in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2023 in Qatar.

It was the first time a national youth squad defeated South Korea in FIBA competitions.

The Philippines had played against the Koreans in the U16 Asian Championship four times and in the U18 level five times. The South Koreans won all of those matches.

Kiefer Alas had 13 rebounds, 11 points and four assists for the Batang Gilas, which also got 25 big points from Joaquin Ludovice. Kurt Velasquez added 17, while Bonn Daja chipped in 13 markers to go with his 10 boards.

The nationals shot the lights out of the Koreans in the first quarter, leading by 10. The gap widened to as much as 34 points as the young Filipinos prevented their Korean counterparts from getting close to single-digits.

In the end, the Philippines nailed 12-of-26 attempts from three-point area against Korea.

Daniel Edi led South Korea with 18 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks. But the team was able to connect only 35.7 percent of their attempts from the field.

The Philippines will next take on Japan in the quarterfinals.

INDICATORS

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I will not deny that it is profitable to contemplate from time to time in the mind, as in a picture, the idea of a larger and better world; lest the mind, becoming wonted to the little things of everyday life, grow narrow and settle down altogether to mean businesses. - Thomas Burnet