MARCOS LIFTS PRICE CEILING ON RICE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday lifted the price ceiling on rice, around a month it was implemented.

Marcos, concurrently the Philippine agriculture chief, said government would continue providing assistance to farmers and the poor after the price cap was removed.

"Tinatanggal na natin 'yung mga control pero hindi ibig sabihin na ganoon na lang dahil kailangan pa rin natin ayusin ang agricultural sector, kailangan pa rin natin tulungan ang mga pinakamahirap, pinakagutom para kahit papaano ay makaahon sila," said the President.

The Department of Agriculture earlier said the price cap could be lifted due to a drop in global prices of rice and an expected increase in supply due to the local harvest in the last quarter of the year.

Marcos in September set a price ceiling of P41 for regular milled rice and P45 for well-milled rice. The caps were as much as 25 percent lower than those quoted in Manila markets the week before.

The Philippines is expected to harvest 1.9 million metric tons of rice in October alone, the agriculture department said.

COAST GUARD: 3 KILLED IN RAMMING INCIDENT NEAR SCARBOROUGH

MANILA — Three fishers were killed after an unidentified commercial fishing vessel allegedly rammed a fishing boat off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the crew and their families that the government will seek accountability for the incident but also cautioned the public from speculation on what happened and who was involved.

In a statement, the PCG said the captain of the fishing boat Dearyn was among those killed when it sank after the collision 85 nautical miles — 157.42 kilometers — from Bajo de Masinloc.

Eleven members of the crew survived the incident, which happened around 4:20 a.m. last Monday.

A member of the crew told the Coast Guard that the fishing boat was moored to a payao — a floating fish aggregating device — when the collision happened.

The crew members brought the bodies of those killed to Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan using their service boats and arrived there on Tuesday morning.

Incident happened during bad weather

Alex Corpuz, the Coast Guard's station commander in Pangasinan, said the incident happened during bad weather.

It is possible, Corpuz said, that some crew members died due to "head trauma" from the collision.

"Ang sabi ng crew, madilim noon at medyo masama ang panahon at umuulan sa lugar. Ongoing yung investigation natin. May team tayo na pinapunta doon para malaman natin kung ano ang mga data na makukuha natin sa crew," Corpuz said over Radyo 630.

"Nakatali sila sa payao. Ang allegation, hindi sila nakaalis kaagad."

In a statement on social media site X, Marcos asked the public to refrain from making speculations on the incident.

Scarborough Shoal, where China last month put up a floating barrier that the Philippine Coast Guard removed , is a hotspot in the West Philippine Sea.

"Let us allow the PCG to do its job and investigate, and let us refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime," Marcos said.

"The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a still unidentified commercial vessel," he added.

He assured the victims and their families that the government would hold accountable those responsible for the incident.

SOUTH KOREA, PH TO TACKLE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA CONCERNS IN UPCOMING MEET

South Korea and the Philippines are set to discuss current developments and security over the West Philippine Sea in their upcoming maritime meeting, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa has said.

Lee said the two states will hold the 2nd Philippine-South Korea Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in Manila next week following their successful inaugural meeting in 2022.

“Amid the growing tension to the situation in this part of the world, we are expecting to cover a variety of issues ranging from protection of the maritime ecosystem, safety and security in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and the Korea-Philippine military-to-military and defense industry cooperation,” he told reporters on the sideline of Korea’s National Foundation Day reception in Taguig City on Tuesday night.

South Korea earlier joined the growing number of states calling out “actions that raise tensions” in the South China Sea shortly after the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard vessels last August. In explaining the move, Lee said the public statement was in line with the South Korean government’s “firm belief and standing position about the importance of peace and stability in this region”. “Since my arrival, I felt strongly (that) we should add our voice to the growing concern about the situation. So our embassy issued a statement,” he said.

The upcoming dialogue will reflect the two nations’ growing interest in further developing their maritime cooperation as they mark 75 years of bilateral relations in 2024, Lee said.

PRIVACY BODY PROBES 'POSSIBLE NEGLIGENCE' IN PHILHEALTH RANSOMWARE ATTACK

MANILA — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is investigating potential negligence at state insurer PhilHealth following a recent cyberattack that could have exposed members' data. Atty. Michael Santos of the NPC mentioned that charges would depend on identifying officials who may have failed in their duty. Negligence could result in administrative fines of up to P5 million.

The NPC is examining whether appropriate security measures, both technical and organizational, were in place to protect PhilHealth's data processing system. They are also looking into actions that might constitute concealment.

The cyberattack occurred on September 22 and temporarily forced PhilHealth to operate manually. While the primary database remained intact, information such as names, addresses, dates of birth, sex, phone numbers, and PhilHealth identification numbers may have been compromised. However, PhilHealth clarified that data servers hosting members' information were unaffected.

In an update, PhilHealth announced that more systems have been restored, including the HCI Portal, Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS), and ePAR (electronic PhilHealth Acknowledgment Receipt). On September 29, access to the website, member portal, and eClaims system had already been restored.

The NPC's investigation aims to determine accountability for the incident and ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to safeguard sensitive information.

INFLATION, WAGE HIKES AND JOB CREATION TOP FILIPINOS' MOST URGENT CONCERNS: PULSE ASIA

MANILA — Inflation remains the top concern for Filipinos, according to a survey by Pulse Asia Research Inc. conducted from September 10 to 14. A total of 74 percent of respondents identified controlling inflation as their most urgent concern. Increasing worker pay ranked second at 49 percent, followed by job creation at 27 percent. Poverty reduction and fighting government corruption ranked fourth and fifth, at 25 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

The survey also revealed a 19 percentage point increase in disapproval of the government's handling of inflation. Pulse Asia Research Director Ana Maria Tabunda noted that controlling inflation is a consistent top concern, and Pulse Asia President Ronald Holmes emphasized that it has been a long-standing issue among Filipinos.

Inflation hit a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January, with food and fuel prices soaring. Although it eased to 4.7 percent in July, it rose again to 5.3 percent in August. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects inflation to settle between 5.3 and 6.1 percent in September.

Disapproval of the government's handling of poverty reduction increased by 8 percentage points, and disapproval of its handling of corruption increased by 6 percentage points. Other concerns included fighting criminality, addressing hunger, assisting farmers, enforcing the law, supporting small entrepreneurs, with terrorism being the least concerning issue.

PH CONSULATE IN MILAN SAYS 2 AGENCIES, 5 PEOPLE UNDER PROBE IN ALLEGED RECRUITMENT SCAM

The Philippine Consul General in Milan is investigating two agencies and five individuals in connection with an alleged recruitment scam. Over the past two months, they have been looking into reports of fraudulent job offers. The scam involves Filipinos offering non-existent jobs to fellow Filipinos already based in Milan, acting as middlemen between their contacts in the Philippines and Milan-based agencies. The Consulate General is encouraging victims to report their cases so that a class suit can be filed against the agencies and individuals involved. So far, 51 individuals have filed complaints representing approximately 215 jobseekers who were defrauded of up to P180,000 each, totaling P38.7 million. The Consulate General is working to put an end to these predatory practices and has coordinated with local Italian authorities on the matter.

ARREST WARRANT OUT VS COPS IN MURDER OF JEMBOY BALTAZAR

The Navotas City Regional Trial Court Branch 286 has issued a warrant of arrest against policemen accused in the murder of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar.

The arrest warrant was issued against PSSg Gerry Maliban, PSSg Antonio Bugayon, Jr., PEMS Roberto Balais, Jr, PSSg Nikko Esquilon, PCpl Edward Jade Blanco, Pat Benedict Mangada and John Does.

In the order signed by Judge Pedro Dabu, Jr., the warrant was issued after the evaluation of the resolution of the city prosecutor and supporting evidence such as the autopsy report, firearms identification report, among others.

“Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the court said.

In the information filed by the Navotas City prosecutor's office before the court, the accused supposedly conspired through a series of successive fires which led to the death of Baltazar last August 2.

The killing of Baltazar was supposed to be a case of mistaken identity where policemen conducting an operation resorted to “panic firing”.

COMELEC COOPERATING IN US MONEY LAUNDERING CASE AGAINST ANDY BAUTISTA

MANILA — The US government has sought assistance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the money laundering case against former poll chief Andy Bautista. Comelec chairman George Garcia stated that they cooperated fully with the US government's request, providing documents and conducting interviews as requested. Bautista is facing charges of money laundering and conspiracy after his estranged wife flagged alleged ill-gotten wealth worth P1 billion. The US government alleges that Bautista received bribes from an unnamed elections technology firm in exchange for securing contracts related to the 2016 polls. Comelec has formed a task force to investigate the bribery accusations and hopes the US government will share information to shed light on the case. Smartmatic, the election technology provider, denied involvement in any bribery schemes. Bautista has denied receiving any bribe money and expressed readiness to respond to the allegations.

THE REST

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PALACE DECLARES HOLIDAYS IN 5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared special non-working holidays in five local government units in the country.

The holidays were contained in separate proclamations signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Marcos last month.

Oct. 4 is a special non-working holiday in Infanta, Pangasinan, in celebration of the town’s 147th founding anniversary. The declaration was contained in Proclamation No. 349.

Proclamation No. 347 declared Oct. 5 a special non-working day in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur to allow residents to celebrate the town’s 139th founding anniversary.

Mountain Province will enjoy a similar holiday on Oct. 6 in observance of the Provincial Indigenous People’s Day.

Oct. 20 will be a special non-working day in Negros Oriental for the Buglasan Festival.

The city of Mati in Davao Oriental will observe a similar holiday on Oct. 27 for the Sambuokan Festival.

The holidays in Mountain Province, Negros Oriental and Mati City were stated in proclamation numbers 348, 350 and 351, respectively.

TEACHER ACCUSED OF SLAPPING STUDENT WHO DIED PLACED ON LEAVE

A grade school teacher accused of slapping a 5th grader, who later died, has been placed on leave pending an investigation, according to a Department of Education spokesperson. The teacher, from Peñafrancia Elementary School, has been temporarily replaced while the inquiry is ongoing.

Department of Education spokesperson Asec. Francis Bringas stated that the teacher is not allowed to return to work during this case of alleged child abuse or grave misconduct. He emphasized that corporal punishment by teachers is prohibited, and the teacher could face dismissal if found guilty.

However, Bringas noted that the teacher cannot be placed under preventive suspension until a formal charge is filed, which will only happen if prima facie evidence is discovered during the DepEd's fact-finding investigation.

The student's mother alleges that the teacher grabbed her 14-year-old son by the collar, pulled his hair, and slapped him for being noisy in class. The student complained of hearing problems and severe headaches after the incident. He was later hospitalized, fell into a coma, and passed away, with a doctor diagnosing bleeding in the brain.

Police are preparing to file charges of homicide and violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law against the teacher.

TYPHOON 'JENNY' TO KEEP ENHANCING HABAGAT

MANILA — Typhoon Jenny will continue enhancing the habagat, which would bring rains over parts of Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

Jenny was 210 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes at 10 a.m. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and up to 185 kph gusts, PAGASA said.

The southwest monsoon or habagat enhanced by Jenny will dump 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches) of rain over Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Palawan until Wednesday night, PAGASA said.

It said the typhoon would also bring 100 to 200 mm of rainfall in Batanes and 50-100 mm of rain in the northern portion of Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA kept wind Signal 3 hoisted over Itbayat, Batanes, where up to 117 kph winds were expected.

The weather agency also raised the following wind signals.

Signal 2

Rest of Batanes and the northern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Is., Calayan Is.)

Signal 3

Rest of Babuyan Islands

Northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Lal-Lo, Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Claveria, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Lasam, Gattaran)

Northern portion of Apayao (Calanasan, Pudtol, Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora)

Northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Piddig, Bangui, Vintar, Burgos, Pagudpud, Bacarra, Adams, Pasuquin, Carasi, Dumalneg, Laoag City)

Moving at 15kph, Jenny is on track to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday, PAGASA said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MAXINE MEDINA, TIMMY LLANA GET MARRIED

MANILA -- Actress-beauty queen Maxine Medina has tied the knot with her fiance, diving instructor Timmy Llana.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2016 titleholder shared highlights of their special day on her Instagram Stories as she reposted snaps and videos from their guests.

Aside from entrepreneur Ben Chan, beauty-queen maker Jonas Gaffud attended and shared photos from the wedding.

It was April last year when Medina and Llana got engaged. The actress also shared on social media Llana’s proposal, including a glimpse of her diamond engagement ring.

BELLA POARCH NAMED ONE OF FORBES' TOP CREATORS IN 2023

Filipino-American TikTok sensation Bella Poarch has made Forbes' list of Top Creators in 2023, ranking 34th with earnings of $3.3 million this year. She boasts a social media following of 112 million with an average engagement rate of 0.65%. Poarch's digital career took off after her viral TikTok video in 2020, and she has since released an album, modeled for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty lingerie brand, and collaborated with brands like Steve Madden and Funko Pop. Forbes' top creator is Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), followed by Olajide Olatunji (KSI) and Jake Paul. Forbes used earnings, follower counts, engagement rates, and entrepreneurial activities to rank the creators. In March, Poarch won Favorite Social Music Star at the Kids' Choice Awards.

SPORTS

HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES OCTOBER 4

HANGZHOU, CHINA — The remaining Filipino athletes in contention in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 in 2023 try to advance their medal bids on Wednesday, October 4 in Hangzhou, China.

Gilas Pilipinas looks to seal a place in the final of men’s basketball while Eumir Marcial tries to secure his Paris berth by advancing to the final of men’s boxing.

Brownlee says Gilas up to task of taking down China in Asian Games semis

As the Philippines watched its sizeable lead get shredded by Iran’s young guns, Gilas Pilipinas turned to its poise, and—to nobody’s surprise—its indefatigable ace to avoid what would’ve been an unforgivable collapse in the 19th Asian Games men’s basketball tournament.

The ever-reliable Justin Brownlee hit a tough floater with 44 ticks remaining to cap a sensational outing and tow the Nationals past the Iranians, 84-83, for a spot in the continental meet’s Final Four—their first in over two decades.

More than the bronze, Elreen Ando wins confidence back in Paris quest

Sidetracked by a demoralizing meltdown in the continental championships a few months back, Elreen Ann Ando has just rediscovered her confidence—and the road back to the Paris Olympics.

The Tokyo Olympian from Cebu regained her bearings with a bronze medal effort in the 19th Asian Games , a timely confidence boost entering the final stretch of qualification for the quadrennial world showcase in the glitzy fashion capital.

Seeing Asian Games field gives PH lifters target to hit in Olympics

After getting a good look at the Chinese lifters they believe will be the ones to beat in the Paris Olympics, Filipino bets will resume work and figure out ways to overcome them.

John Febuar Ceniza narrowly missed the podium in the 19th Asian Games here, running second in the snatch only to falter in the clean and jerk to end up fourth in the men’s 61-kilogram category.

Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo measured herself against the best in the women’s 59-kg class where the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist found out that she’s still way behind after finishing a badly beaten fourth.

RANK   TEAM/NOC                              G         S          B          T            RANK BY TOTAL

1          People's Republic of China        161       90        46        297       1

2          Japan   33        47        50        130       3

3          Republic of Korea          32        42        65        139       2

4          India     15        26        28        69        4

21        PHILIPPINES    1          1          9          11        18

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 56.78

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof. - John Kenneth Galbraith