MARCOS LAUNCHES 5-YEAR PLAN TO ADDRESS SENIORS’ NEEDS

MANILA — The Philippine government introduced a five-year development plan, the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (PPASC) 2023-2028, aimed at addressing the needs of the country's 9.2 million senior citizens. The plan focuses on creating an inclusive and age-friendly society, promoting financial security and digital literacy among the elderly. President Marcos urged ASEAN nations to prioritize aging population issues. The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is also advocating for amendments to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the passage of an Anti-Elder Abuse bill. NCSC Chairman Franklin Quijano emphasized the value of seniors' skills, expertise, and knowledge.

US, PHILIPPINES BEGIN ANNUAL DRILLS IN DISPUTED SOUTH CHINA SEA

MANILA - The United States and the Philippines launched annual joint naval war games on Monday, days after the latest diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.

More than a thousand sailors from the two allies are taking part in the annual "Samasama" (Tagalog for Together) anti-submarine, surface and electronic warfare drills off Manila and the south of Luzon, the main island of the Philippines.

China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety despite a 2016 international ruling that it has no legal basis, have become a growing concern for Washington and its regional allies.

US Pacific Command chief Vice Admiral Karl Thomas told sailors at an opening ceremony in Manila that the rights of all nations to ensure national sovereignty were "under attack every day on the high seas".

The "rules-based international order" that guaranteed regional peace for decades has been "ripped at and tagged at and tested to benefit not all nations but one nation," he said, without mentioning China specifically.

"There's no better way to ensure sovereignty and security than to sail and to operate together," Thomas said.

Asked at a news conference to whom he was referring, Thomas said it was important to maintain the right to sail through the area "free from worries about being attacked" or "intimidated".

PRESIDENT, VP’S APPROVAL RATINGS SEE STEEP DROP IN THIRD QUARTER

MANILA — The latest Pulse Asia survey revealed notable drops in the approval ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in the third quarter of the year. President Marcos' rating fell from 80% in June to 65% in September, with the biggest loss in Class E (29 percentage points). Vice President Duterte's rating decreased from 84% to 73%, particularly in Class ABC. The decline in their ratings is attributed to rising commodity prices and various issues such as the West Philippine Sea tensions, the rice crisis, inflation, and the use of confidential funds. Other officials' ratings also slid down in the survey conducted from September 10-14, 2023.

SENATE, HOUSE RETAIN MAJORITY APPROVAL IN PULSE ASIA POLL

MANILA — A Pulse Asia survey in September 2023 reveals that more than half of Filipino adults still approve of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Supreme Court garnered a 49% approval rate, a slight decrease from 53% in June. The House received a 54% approval rating (down from 58%), and the Senate had a 59% performance rating (down from 62%). While overall ratings remained relatively stable, regional differences were observed, with the Senate's rating increasing in Mindanao and decreasing in the Visayas. Ambivalence toward Senate and House performance was more pronounced in the Visayas. Among the ABC sectors, approval declined the most, with the Senate losing 22 percentage points, the House losing 24, and the Supreme Court losing seven.

OMBUDSMAN ORDERS FILING OF CRIMINAL CHARGE VS EX-SRA CHIEF OVER DELAYED PROCUREMENT

MANILA —       The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of a criminal case against former Sugar Regulatory Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica for violating the Government Procurement Reform Act. The case is related to the delayed procurement of farming equipment, specifically 25 units of Ripper Harrowers, which took nearly 3 years from the invitation to bid in 2017 to the issuance of a notice to proceed. Serafica could face imprisonment and has been dismissed from service with retirement benefits forfeiture. The Ombudsman dismissed a graft complaint against him but imposed a fine. Eight other officials were absolved of liability. Serafica resigned in 2022.

PH CONSULATE IN MILAN WORKING WITH ITALIAN AUTHORITIES ON ALLEGED RECRUITMENT SCAM

MANILA - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan said it has been working with Italian authorities to probe reports of fraud and illegal recruitment of Filipinos hoping to get a job in the country.

In a statement, the Consulate said it coordinated with Italian authorities as early as September 4, when they first received reports from relatives and representatives of Filipinos victimized by the said scheme.

Around 215 jobseekers from the Philippines were defrauded of as much as P180,000 each, or a total of P38.7 million.

Upon checking with Italian authorities, Consul General Elmer Cato said the Italian work permits given to the Filipino jobseekers were spurious.

Prefect Renato Saccone, the highest ranking Italian federal government representative in Milan, also created a task force to assist the Philippine consulate in filing appropriate cases against those involved.

The task force, likewise, will also work with lawyers to be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers.

As of Monday, 51 individuals have filed complaints with the Consulate against three individuals and two agencies. This number increased from 33 complainants last week.

6 NAVOTAS COPS FACING CHARGES FOR TEEN’S SLAY

State prosecutors have filed murder charges against six Navotas police officers involved in the death of 17-year-old Jerhode "Jemboy" Baltazar. The accused officers, including a master sergeant and staff sergeants, allegedly conspired to shoot Baltazar, resulting in gunshot wounds to the back of his head. No bail was recommended for the officers, who were assigned to the Navotas City Police Station. The decision to file murder charges underwent a thorough evaluation, and witnesses, including relatives, neighbors, and a forensic pathologist, have been identified. The incident occurred during a pursuit operation, where Baltazar was mistakenly targeted as a murder suspect.

NAPOLES, LAWMAKER ACQUITTED OF PLUNDER BUT CONVICTED FOR OTHER CRIMES

Janet Lim Napoles, known as the "pork barrel scam queen," and former lawmaker Edgar Valdez were acquitted of plunder charges related to the misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). However, both were convicted of other crimes. Napoles faced 9 counts of corruption of a public official, while Valdez was found guilty of 9 counts of direct bribery. Each received sentences ranging from 2 years and 4 months to 6 years and 1 day in jail for each count, along with a fine of P26,996,700. The court cited insufficient evidence for the acquittal on the plunder charges.

THE REST

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AS DIESEL PRICES SOAR, JEEPNEY DRIVERS PRAY FOR P1 FARE INCREASE

Jeepney drivers are pinning their hopes on the passage of a P1 provisional fare hike as diesel prices again rose on the first week of October.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier said it will announce this week its decision on the provisional jeepney fare hike.

"Very positive po kami na maibibigay ang provisional increase na P1," Pasang Masda president Robert "Ka Obet" Martin said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

He added that the provisional fare increase could be implemented as early as Friday this week or early next week.

For his part, STOP & GO national president Zaldy Ping Ay said the P1 provisional fare increase is too low considering a Department of Energy report that diesel prices will remain high until December this year.

He said drivers lose an average of P507 daily as a result of the recent pump price increases. The group is seeking a P2 provisional jeepney fare hike.

Jeepney operators are seeking a nationwide provisional fare increase instead of focusing on Metro Manila amid soaring pump prices.

Oil companies implemented Tuesday a P0.40/liter increase in diesel prices while gasoline prices dropped by P2 a liter.

In the interview, Martin criticized the oil price increases, which he said are way higher than the price cuts.

Both transport leaders also rejected a possible transport strike if the petition is not approved.

"Hindi solusyon ang tigil-pasada sa panahon na ito dahil ayaw natin mahirapan ang taumbayan," Martin said, adding strikes should only be done as a last resort.

GAS PRICES ROLLED BACK P2, KEROSENE DOWN, DIESEL UP

Oil firms are implementing a mixed price movement effective 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) with a price rollback of P2 per liter for gasoline and an increase for diesel by P0.40 per liter.

The oil firms also cut the price of kerosene by P0.50 per liter.

The mixed movement followed the increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P3.73 to P3.75 per kilo — equivalent to P41.03 to P41.25 per 11-kilo tank — effective October 1.

Petron Corp. also raised auto LPG prices by P2.09 per liter.

The Department of Energy earlier said oil prices may have a “mixed movement” this week.

“Prices are still volatile and we need to manage our expectations,” DOE director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero said.

The latest price rollback resulted in a year-to-date net increase of P17.30 per liter for gasoline, P13.40 per liter for diesel, and P9.44 per liter for kerosene.

PALAWAN CONGRESSMAN EDWARD HAGEDORN PASSES AWAY AT 76

MANILA — Palawan 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn has passed away at the age of 76, as announced on his official social media page and by the Puerto Princesa City information office. He "died peacefully" on October 3. Hagedorn was known for his advocacy in environmental protection, tourism, agriculture, and peace and order. He served as mayor of Puerto Princesa City from 1992 to June 2013, during which the city's underground river was recognized as one of the world's new 7 wonders of nature. In June this year, he was found guilty of malversation of public property. Arrangements for public service have not been discussed by the family.

POWERFUL JENNY MAINTAINS STRENGTH OVER PHILIPPINE SEA

Typhoon Jenny has maintained its strength but is not on track to make landfall in the Philippines, weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

As of 4 .am., the center of the eye of the typhoon was estimated based on all available data at 350 km East of Basco, Batanes. Packing 165 kph winds and 205 kph gusts, Jenny is moving west northwest at 15 kph.

"This is a powerful typhoon," PAGASA weather forecaster Lorie Dela Cruz said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Powerful Jenny maintains strength over Philippine Sea

The weather bureau said Jenny is likely at or near its peak intensity, with a weakening trend forecast to begin today due to increasing dry air entrainment and vertical wind shear.

"Land interaction during its passage over the rugged terrain of southern Taiwan will further weaken the tropical cyclone. Once over the Taiwan Strait, additional cool dry air from the north will entrain into Jenny, resulting in continued weakening," PAGASA said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No 2 is hoisted over Batanes while TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over the following areas:

Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Santo Tomas, Dinapigue, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Gamu, Quirino, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Mallig), Apayao, the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong), the northern portion of Kalinga (Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal, City of Tabuk),Ilocos Norte

Batanes and Babuyan Islands will experience 50-100 mm forecast accumulated rainfall for today.

Jenny will also enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing gusty conditions for the next 3 days over the following areas not under any Wind Signal:

• Today: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and most of MIMAROPA and Western Visayas.

• Tomorrow: Bataan, the southern portion of Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Romblon, and most of Bicol Region.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

KRIS AQUINO CLEARS STATUS: 'I'M NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP'

Actress Kris Aquino took to Instagram to reiterate that she is not in a relationship.

Aquino shared about her current status as she gave an update about her health condition.

In her post, Aquino, who did not mention any name, said it was her sisters who urged her to clear up her current status.

"I AM NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP," Aquino wrote.

"We no longer communicate, and my sons and I feel more PEACEFUL. No details because I value my privacy and respect his, and I chose to only give the FACTS that should be addressed. Again, THANK YOU for your compassion to keep me & my family in your thoughts and prayers," she added.

Last July, Aquino took to social media to explain why she broke up with Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste.

“I didn't lie when I said a long distance relationship is difficult. BUT I saw he has many dreams left to fulfill and many obligations to the people who gave him their vote. Sadly, I'm in the battle of my life precisely because I'm doing all I can to save my life because my 2 sons still need me,” she said at the time.

Aquino acknowledged Leviste's full life beyond being responsible for her.

With this in mind, Aquino said she took it upon herself to just end it. Aquino stressed that they are not at odds with each other but are simply not meant to be together.

Health condition

Meanwhile, Aquino also announced that her health condition is improving.

"I don’t have my complete blood panel results yet BUT GUMANDA my inflammatory numbers… I don’t know what good I did but I know I’m surviving all the side effects of methotrexate and my biological injectable because God is listening to all your prayers for my healing," wrote Aquino, who is currently being treated in the United States.

"Praying more that in 18 to 20 months I’ll reach remission and after 6 months I’ll have my doctors’ clearances and we can go home. I miss my sisters, my cousins, my PH doctors, my close friends, and of course all of you…

"It’s already been 16 months. We’re already settled in our rental home -- location-wise, this is my long wished for vibe -- we have a pool in the back with an unobstructed view of the blue sea and with this super fresh, cool sea breeze… plus we’re only 10 minutes away from 1 of my doctors," she added.

SPORTS

HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES OCTOBER 2

The action continues for Team Philippines in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 in 2023 on Monday, October 2 in Hangzhou, China.

The Filipino athletes look to add to the medal haul of one gold, one silver, and seven bronze medals as of October 2, 10am.

Gilas Men and Women go for quarterfinal and semifinal berths, respectively, while hurdlers Eric Cray, Robyn Brown, Lauren Hoffman and John Tolentino compete in their respective events today.

Asian Games: PH bows out of contention in baseball

The Philippine men’s baseball team was eliminated from super round contention after being dealt a 2-0 loss by host China on Monday in the Hangzhou Asian Games at Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Center.

The Filipino batters couldn’t capitalize on a scoring situation before allowing China to produce a run each in the sixth and seventh innings that ultimately led to a second straight defeat in Group A.

Gilas Women ousted by South Korea in Asian Games

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Asian Games campaign ended at the hands of South Korea on Monday night following a 93-71 loss in Hangzhou, China.

The Koreans dealt damage from inside and out for an early lead that kept Gilas in catch-up mode for most of the game at Shaoxing Olympic Centre Gymnasium.

Asian Games: John Tolentino, Kristina Knott barely miss podium

John Tolentino breezed through the qualifying heats but couldn’t pull through in the medal race on Monday night.

The Filipino-Spanish hurdler crossed the line in fourth place, missing the bronze by a blink in the men’s 110m hurdles finale in the 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Asian Games: Elreen Ando bags weightlifting bronze

Elreen Ann Ando redeemed herself from a disastrous campaign in the continental championships by picking up a bronze medal in women’s weightlifting in the 19th Asian Games.

The Tokyo Olympian from Cebu lifted a total of 222 kilograms from a combined output of 96 in the snatch and 126 in the clean and jerk on Monday evening before an appreciative crowd at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium here.

Asian Games: Archer Amaya Cojuangco advances to quarterfinal

Amaya Cojuangco progressed to the quarterfinal after hurdling her two assignments in women’s archery compound on Monday in the 19th Asian Games.

Cojuangco edged Yi-Hsuan Chen in a round of 16 shoot-off after forcing a 144 deadlock in the fifth and final frame at the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre Qualification Field to move closer to the medal round.

Gilas Pilipinas made good on its promise to get back in the thick of the Asian Games medal race on Monday, picking apart Qatar, 80-41, at Zhejiang University Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China.

Gilas came out of the gates hard and put together a 33-14 edge at the end of the opening quarter. The Philippines protected that cushion the rest of the way to get back to the win column and arrange a quarterfinal duel against Iran on Tuesday.

PH Blu Girls miss out on Asian Games medal after heartbreaker

The Philippine Blu Girls suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Chinese Taipei after a baserunning blunder ended their bid to bring home a first-ever bronze medal in the women’s softball competitions of the Hangzhou Asian Games on Monday.

Sky Ellazar was caught on a rundown between second and third base for the final out in the top of the seventh and the Blu Girls were left in tears after watching the Taiwanese batters claim a podium finish at Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Center.

Hidilyn Diaz ‘still happy’ after fourth place at Asian Games

Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo is far from disappointed despite coming up short from climbing the podium in the 19th Asian Games on Monday.

Diaz-Naranjo, forced to make a switch to a heavier weight in her bid in next year’s Paris Olympics, finished fourth in the women’s 59kg category after lifting a total of 223 kilograms at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium.

ASIAN GAMES: MEDAL TALLY

Rank    Team/NOC                               G         S          B          T            Rank by Total

20        Philippines                                            1          1          8          10            18

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 56.77

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain