CHINA SETS UP FLOATING BARRIER IN PANATAG SHOAL

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have strongly condemned the China Coast Guard's (CCG) recent installation of a 300-meter-long floating barrier in the southeast area of Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal). The installation was carried out by three CCG rigid hull inflatable boats and a service boat from the Chinese maritime militia upon the arrival of the BFAR vessel in the vicinity of the shoal.

Reports indicate that the CCG typically deploys such barriers when observing a significant number of Filipino fishermen operating in the area. During a routine maritime patrol, the BFAR vessel noted over 50 Filipino boats actively engaged in fishing activities within the region.

The BFAR provided various grocery items and fuel subsidies to support the Filipino fishermen, but four CCG vessels initiated 15 radio challenges in an attempt to expel the BFAR vessel and fishermen from the area. The CCG crew claimed that their presence violated international law and China's domestic laws.

The PCG and BFAR have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Filipino fishermen and collaborating with relevant government bodies to address these challenges, uphold maritime rights, and safeguard maritime domains.

The temporary barrier prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the shoal and affecting their fishing and livelihood activities.

Filipino fishermen have faced challenges, including being chased and water cannoned by Chinese vessels in the past, making their fishing efforts more difficult.

They emphasize their ownership of Panatag Shoal and express their desire for China to leave the area, as it has significantly impacted their fishing operations.

The fishermen struggle to make a profit due to overfishing by countries surrounding the waters, and China's actions have made the situation even tougher for them.

They anticipate having to spend more time at sea to catch enough fish to cover their costs, with some needing to stay for extended periods to improve their catch.

SENATORS CONDEMN CHINA'S FLOATING BARRIER IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA — Senators have strongly criticized China's Coast Guard for installing a barrier in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) that blocks Filipino fishing boats' access to the area and have called for the removal of the barrier.

Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned China's aggressive move and called for a review of the national policy toward China, emphasizing that the country should not allow such acts to go unpunished as it puts Filipino lives at risk.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva highlighted the adverse impact of the floating barrier on the livelihood of fishermen who rely on these seas, particularly those who are among the poorest sectors in the Philippines.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on West Philippine Sea matters, explained that China typically installs such barriers when monitoring a large number of fishermen in the area.

Senator Francis Tolentino expressed support for removing the barrier, emphasizing that it violates international law and should be promptly taken down.

A special Senate panel has initiated hearings on bills aimed at delineating the country's internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf. Bajo de Masinloc is located just 240 kilometers west of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan.

Despite a 2016 arbitration ruling that declared Beijing's claims over the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, as having no legal basis, China continues to assert control over these areas.

NO VOG, NO SIGN OF IMMINENT TAAL ERUPTION: PHIVOLCS

All's quiet over Taal Volcano on Monday as Phivolcs has yet to detect any volcanic smog or even earthquake activity from the volcano, the agency said.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said Taal's main crater remains clear, with no vog formed as of Monday morning. However, Phivolcs detected steam from the volcano reaching 2,400 meters and drifting north-northwest.

Vog formed inside Taal's main crater Sunday afternoon, which dissipated due to rains and strong winds.

Bacolcol noted Phivolcs has not detected any activity indicating a possible eruption of Taal.

"Walang indication na sasabog siya. In fact, between 5am kahapon and 5am today, wala tayong na-record na earthquake. In fact wala tayong na-record na volcanic earthquake for the third straight day, so hindi ito indikasyon na sasabog ang Taal volcano," he said.

Taal Volcano, the second most active volcano in the country, last erupted in January 2020, spewing ash up to 14 kilometers high with the ashfall reaching Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and parts of Southern Luzon.

Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in a nation hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a zone of intense seismic activity.

GOV'T SPENDING RISES TO P3.3 TRILLION FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST 2023: DOF

MANILA - Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government's spending level grew to P3.3 trillion from January to August, up 3.5 percent compared to last year.

It is also 63 percent of the full-year expenditure program, Diokno said in his weekly chat with the media.

In August, expenditures grew 9.7 percent, reaching P443.6 billion, he said.

Total revenues for August, meanwhile, reached P310.6 billion, lower by 6.58 percent due to the decline in tax and non-tax revenues. But he said revenue collections from January to August grew to P2.58 trillion, up 9.03 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue's collection hit P1.71 trillion for the first 8 months of the year while the Bureau of Customs reached P581.5 billion in collection.

The national government's budget deficit for August 2023 reached P133 billion, up 84.63 percent, Diokno said.

Diokno said this was due to the 6.6 percent contraction in government receipts alongside a 10 percent growth in expenditures.

PHILIPPINES URGED TO FILE FRESH CASE VS CHINA OVER 'ILLEGAL' SCARBOROUGH BARRIER

MANILA — The Philippines should file a fresh case against China over its installation of barriers in the Bajo de Masinloc, also called Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea, former Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza said Monday.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday said they discovered last Friday the 300-meter-long barrier in the area that prevented Filipino fishermen from entering the traditional fishing ground.

Speaking on ANC's "Headstart," Jardeleza — who was part of the Aquino administration's legal team that took China to international court — said the latest action of Beijing is "completely illegal."

He suggested that the Office of the Solicitor General lodge a case against China anew before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

"What we can do since we are not a powerful country… my recommendation is for Office of the Solicitor General to file a new case to bring again China… for this illegal action," said Jardeleza, a former Supreme Court Associate Justice.

"Nobody has [exclusive] right over the fishing grounds of Scarborough Shoal because that's [a] common fishing ground for artisanal fishing meaning mga bangka (boats)… nt this commercial fishers... the logical next step is we file a new case."

The government, Jardeleza said, should also "couple the case with damages" due to China's recent alleged destructive activities affecting the environment and corals in parts of the West Philippine Sea.

"They cannot do anything to degrade the environment," he noted.

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NAIA PARKING BLAST 'ISOLATED CASE', NOT CAUSE FOR ALARM — OFFICIAL

MANILA — The weak explosion at the parking area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 over the weekend is not a cause for alarm, an airport security official said on Monday, as authorities launched an initiative aimed a strengthening safety in the area.

Based on initial investigation, the blast was not a terrorist act, Aviation Security Group Director PBGen Jack Limpayos Wanky said.

"It should not be a cause for alarm sa ating publiko dahil nakikita natin in our assessment, this is not the work of a terrorist group or whoever. Parang gusto lang mag-send ng message, pero hindi naman cause for alarm to public," he said at the launch of the Aviation Security Awareness Program (ASAP).

An improvised explosive device was thrown from the street into the parking area of NAIA Terminal 3 on Saturday morning, which caused a minor blast and hit some vehicles. No one was hurt.

Wanky said investigators found leads on who could have been behind the incident.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said this was an "isolated case."

RETAILERS URGE GOVERNMENT: LIFT RICE PRICE CAPS

MANILA — The government should lift the rice price ceiling as retail prices of the grains have started to decline amid the ongoing palay harvest, according to the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (Grecon).

“The inflow of rice in the market has improved because of the harvest. The harvest started for weeks already and it is expected to peak at the end of the month until October (2023). We observed that many retailers are now selling good quality rice at P41, P42 until P45 (per kilo),” Grecon national spokesman Orly Manuntag said yesterday.

Executive Order 39 imposed a P41 and P45 per kilo price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice on Sept. 5.

Meanwhile, sari-sari store owners affected by the price ceiling will receive cash assistance this week, Malacañang announced yesterday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, will distribute cash aid from Sept. 25-29 upon the directive of President Marcos.

DEPED STARTS TESTING REVISED K-10 CURRICULUM

MANILA — The Department of Education on Monday launched the pilot test of the Matatag Curriculum, or the revised K to 10 program, which reduces learning areas and focuses on foundational skills.

“Gusto namin malaman niyo na nasa isip namin kayo. At ang DepEd ay ginagawa ang lahat para kayo ay matuto at magkaroon ng magandang buhay,” DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong told students at Tinajeros National High School in Malabon, one of 35 schools selected for the pilot run.

“Nandito din kami para pasalamatan ang mga teachers na talagang nagsisikap para kayo ay matuto,” she added, as other DepEd officials supervised the revised curriculum's launch.

Changes in the curriculum will be first implemented in Grade 7. At Tinajeros National High School, there are around 681 Grade 7 learners from 19 sections.

School principal Dr. Ma. Victoria De Gulan said she believed the Matatag curriculum would improve the education system.

“Lahat po ng essential learning competencies lamang po ang mga hinarvest kaya naniniwala kami na maa-advance lalo ang ating mag-aaral. Ito po ay pinag-aralan ng mga eksperto at naniniwala po kami na sila ay may mga puntos na inilatag para sa pagbabagong ito na DepEd Matatag,” she said.

The Malabon city government said it would support the needs of the schools testing the curriculum.

“We’re very proud, pero challenging din dahil kami ang napili... At the end of the day naman po, kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating mga anak, ‘yun po ang gagawin natin, no matter how big the challenge is,” Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said.

MAKATI SAYS TAGUIG REJECTED DEALS ON TRANSFERS OF HEALTH FACILITIES

MANILA — Makati City has accused Taguig City of being unreasonable in rejecting an agreement for the transfer of data, services, and health facilities in areas affected by a Supreme Court decision. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza stated that they proposed an agreement to facilitate the smooth transfer of Makati-owned health facilities to Taguig, including eight barangay health centers and the Ospital ng Makati.

The agreement also includes a credit line from Makati to Taguig for the Ospital ng Makati, ensuring continued access to healthcare services for affected residents without immediate upfront payments. Taguig City's rejection of this agreement was criticized by Makati, claiming it was done "without valid reason."

Makati Mayor Abby Binay offered Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano the option to lease, buy the land, and improve the eight health centers appraised by the Commission on Audit, but this offer was also rejected. The Taguig government also declined a proposed data sharing agreement with Makati City, aimed at safeguarding the privacy of patients.

The longstanding territorial dispute between Taguig and Makati, including the renowned BGC financial district, was settled by a Supreme Court ruling in December 2021 in favor of Taguig City. Makati City's motion for reconsideration was subsequently denied in September the following year.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

HOLLYWOOD WRITERS, STUDIOS REACH TENTATIVE DEAL TO END STRIKE

LOS ANGELES — Striking writers whose industrial action has brought Hollywood to a standstill said Sunday they had reached a deal with studios that could see them go back to work.

"We have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 (minimum basic agreement), which is to say an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contrct language," said a letter the Writers Guild of America sent to members.

"We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership."

The letter, which AFP has seen, gave no details on the agreement, saying they were being ironed out and that the final say would be given to the membership, who downed their pens in early May.

"To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing," it said.

MORE FILIPINOS ABROAD CAN NOW WATCH ABS-CBN SHOWS VIA YOUTUBE

MANILA – Filipinos in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand can now watch ABS-CBN's Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube, live or on-demand, making it easier to feel connected to home while living abroad.

This expansion follows earlier access to viewers in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and other parts of Asia.

Kapamilyas may now feel the action, thrill, drama, and romance in ABS-CBN’s primetime programs “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” “The Iron Heart,” and “Senior High.”

The mystery and revenge-driven stories get even more intense in ABS-CBN’s afternoon offerings “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso,” which begins its new chapter with Maricel Soriano, Elisse Joson, Alexa Ilacad, Charlie Dizon, and Loisa Andalio, and “Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin,” where the lives of JC De Vera, Ria Atayde, Tony Labrusca, and Jane Oineza get entangled as the truth starts to unfold.

Non-stop good vibes can also keep viewers company in “It’s Showtime” and “ASAP Natin ‘To,” while Filipinos can still be updated with the important news and relevant issues, locally and internationally, by streaming ABS-CBN News programs such as “TV Patrol” and “The World Tonight.”

The free offering on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel is part of the company’s commitment to providing entertaining and inspirational content to Filipinos living outside the Philippines.

This platform, which boasts over 45 million subscribers, maintains its top position in the media and entertainment category in Southeast Asia.

Kapamilya Online Live also provides binge-worthy entertainment with replays of ABS-CBN shows such as “Dolce Amore,” “Be My Lady,” “Los Bastardos,” and “Be Careful with My Heart.”

Through Kapamilya Online Live, viewers can catch up on the latest episodes of currently airing shows of up to 14 days of non-stop replays.

The livestreaming service also allows Kapamilyas to stay connected to Filipinos in different parts of the world by interacting in the live chat feature.

SPORTS

GILAS BOYS DROP DOWN TO BATTLE FOR BRONZE

MANILA — The Gilas Pilipinas boys’ amazing run came to an end, following a 92-36 blowout loss to Australia in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship semifinals yesterday at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar.

After a four-game win streak, Gilas was clamped down to just 10 points in the first half, including a meager three-point outing in the second period, that took the fight out of the squad.

With the loss to Australia, the Gilas teens were relegated to a battle for the bronze against China, which absorbed an 86-69 loss to New Zealand in the other semis pairing.

No player finished in double figures for the usually balanced Gilas unit with ace Kieffer Louie Alas bleeding for only two points on 1-of-7 shooting after averaging 18.6 points in the first four games.

Irus Chua and CJ Amos top scored with six points apiece for the Gilas boys failed to get into the game against the tall, mighty Aussies.

Gilas shot only 28.9 percent from the field, including 3-of-33 from the trey, compared to Australia’s efficient 57-percent clip.

Ranged against the back-to-back champion Aussies whose smallest player stands at 6-foot-3, Gilas was terribly beaten in rebounding.

The Aussies outrebounded the Filipinos, 73-31, leading to a 27-9 advantage in second-chance points, and 62-16 on points in the paint.

But the loss could not dampen the Filipino teens’ stellar campaign that netted them a sure ticket to the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey.

PATRICK PEREZ DELIVERS PH'S FIRST MEDAL IN ASIAN GAMES

Taekwondo's Patrick King Perez is the first Filipino athlete to win a medal in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

This, after he claimed bronze in the men's individual poomsae on Sunday at the Lin'an Sports Culture & Exhibition Centre.

Perez opened his campaign by beating Souksavanh Chanthilath of Laos, 7.700 to 7.440, in the round-of-16. He then assured himself of a medal with another win over Nepal's Prem Bahadur Limbu, 7.560 to 7.160, in the quarterfinals.

He missed out on a place in the finals after losing to second-seeded Ma Yun Zhong of Chinese Taipei in the semis, with Ma putting up a score of 7.450 to Perez's 6.910.

"I did my very best but I lost to a better player today," Perez said after the loss to Ma. "I could not believe I won a bronze, I am really happy."

Korea's Wanjin Kang eventually defeated Ma in the final, 7.730 to 7.480, for the gold medal.

The Philippines' other bet in poomsae, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, bowed to Korea's Yeayen Cha in the round-of-16, 7.680 to 7.560. Cha went on to win the gold medal.

hilippine Taekwondo Association Secretary-General Rocky Samson is hoping Perez’s bronze medal win will rub off on his teammates, especially those in the sparring category.

On Monday, Tokyo Olympian and Southeast Asian Games champion Kurt Bryan Barbosa will launch his gold medal bid against Uzbek Omonjon Otajonov in the men’s -58kg.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Too many of us are unable to live our dreams because we are busy living our fears. – Anonymous