PHILIPPINES, SAUDI INK $4.26 BILLION INVESTMENT DEALS

RIYADH - The Philippines and Saudi Arabia have signed investment deals totaling over $4.26 billion, with a focus on the construction and human resource services industries. These agreements are expected to generate thousands of job opportunities for Filipinos. President Marcos, who witnessed the signings, highlighted that these deals would benefit over 15,000 Filipinos across various professions in the construction sector. In addition, they involve the establishment of a large-scale training facility for Filipino workers, aiming to train at least 2,000 individuals annually, with a long-term goal of over 50,000 trainees in the next five years.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing billions of dollars in various sectors in the Philippines, including finance, energy, petrochemicals, tourism, and more. Saudi Arabian Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih also noted the demand for Filipino healthcare workers in the kingdom.

President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' economic achievements and its commitment to supporting Saudi investors, pointing out the country's sustained economic growth, stable investment grades, and substantial foreign direct investment.

PALACE: SAUDI INVESTORS INTERESTED IN MAHARLIKA

RIYADH - Two major Saudi financial institutions, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Jada, have expressed interest in the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the Philippines' first sovereign wealth fund. This was announced during a meeting between Saudi business leaders and President Marcos in Riyadh. Marcos hopes the Philippines can learn from Saudi Arabia's experience in managing sovereign wealth funds. The MIF is designed to drive long-term economic development through investments in high-impact sectors. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno assured that the MIF's establishment would proceed as scheduled. The MIF is expected to attract capital from both domestic and global investors and offer opportunities in various sectors, including green and blue investments and cutting-edge technologies. The Saudi Ministry of Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih expressed Saudi businessmen's interest in the MIF and the desire to connect with international investors. President Marcos emphasized that the MIF is being improved to make it as close to perfect and ideal as possible, denying that it was put on hold. The MIF is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

18 MORE FILIPINOS FROM ISRAEL RETURN TO PH

MANILA — Eighteen overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Israel arrived in the Philippines Friday afternoon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The returning OFWs include 14 caregivers and 4 hotel workers.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), this is the second batch of OFW repatriates from Israel.

“Meron tayong 18 dumating, mga OFWs galing sa Israel and sa 189 na yun, yung 10 ay talagang tapos na po yung kontrata nila, 'yung 8 ay voluntary na gusto na nilang i-terminate yung contract. Pinayagan naman sila ng mga employers,” DMW Usec. Maria Allones said.

The DMW said part of this batch is a Filipino worker who was left in Abu Dhabi after failing to receive medical clearance to board the flight to Manila due to high blood pressure.

Allones said they received P50,000 from DMW, another P50,000 from DFA and P20, 000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Other government agencies like TESDA, according to Allones, will offer vocational courses for repatriated OFWs who are willing to enroll.

According to DMW, this is part of a whole-of-government approach of providing immediate assistance and other forms of support, including psycho-social counseling, stress debriefing, medical referral, and reintegration services.

Meanwhile, Allones said the Health Department will offer medical assistance to all the repatriates, most of them are still in trauma.

MARCOS OPTIMISTIC LABOR ISSUE WITH KUWAIT WILL BE FIXED

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said he IS optimistic the Philippines would be able to address its labor issues with Kuwait, which has led to visa problems for overseas Filipinos.

Malacañang said the conversation between Marcos Jr and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah happened during the sidelines of the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh.

"The words that he used, 'Do not listen to them. I do not agree with what they have been doing.' And, in fact, he said, ‘I do not want…There is no reason for you to apologize to us,’” Marcos Jr told reporters.

"The crown prince, the President said, apologized to him instead, saying he disagreed with what his people were doing," the Palace added in a statement.

Marcos Jr. said the Kuwaiti Crown Prince promised their side "will fix it and we will make it because we love the Philippines."

The president said that the prince told him that Philippine support for Kuwait during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s presidency was a factor.

"Sabi niya, ‘He always supported Kuwait. He always supported us and we know that you will also always support us, that’s why we will fix this," Marcos said.

No other details were immediately available.

MARCOS TELLS FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN RIYADH: YOU ARE PH'A INVALUABLE ASSETS

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – After his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in Riyadh for their invaluable contributions to the Philippines. He acknowledged the challenges and sacrifices overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) endure but commended their determination and resilience. Marcos highlighted the strong relationship between the Philippines and the GCC countries, emphasizing the praise from leaders for the excellent skills and hard work of Filipinos.

He discussed the significance of the ASEAN-GCC Summit, emphasizing the aim to promote friendship and enhance relations between different countries, as both ASEAN and the Middle East are vibrant economic regions. He expressed the intention to share the OFW experience and bring technical expertise back to the Philippines, reassuring OFWs that the government is committed to providing solutions to improve their lives.

One of these solutions is the OFW Pass, a digital technology solution simplifying document requirements for incoming and outgoing OFWs. President Marcos encouraged Filipinos in the Kingdom, expressing anticipation for their return and the progress of reintegration programs in the Philippines.

PISTON: DON'T PUNISH STRIKERS, ADDRESS JEEPNEY DRIVERS' ISSUES

MANILA — Jeepney drivers have the right to strike and hold similar industrial actions, transport group PISTON said Saturday after the government regulator hinted at sanctions for those who joined the transport strike last Monday.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory board has played down the protest against what drivers and operators fear would lead to a phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

It also said it would check those who participated for potential franchise violations.

"Imbis na pakinggan at tugunan ang mga panawagan ng mga tsuper at operator kung bakit humahantong sa welga ang aming mga reklamo, mukhang mas gusto talaga ng gobyerno na atakehin ang kabuhayan at mga karapatan ng mga manggagawa," PISTON said.

PISTON, also known as Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, said the Philippines is a signatory to International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 87, which holds that the right to strike can only be restricted in extremely limited circumstances.

Citing the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, PISTON said that although public transport workers have an obligation to serve the riding public, "the imposition of minimum services must not result in strikes becoming ineffective in practice because of its limited impact."

The transport group also said that "no government should have such broad powers to restrict a worker's right to strike beyond ensuring the life, health, and safety of the whole or part of the population."

PHIVOLCS RECORDS 'SHORT-LIVED LAVA BURSTS' IN MAYO

MANILA — Phivolcs has recorded "short-lived lava bursts" on Mayon volcano in the past 24 hours, it said on Saturday but saw no reason to raise the alert level there from the current Alert 3.

State seismologists said the lava bursts from the Albay volcano were accompanied by seismic and infrasound signals past 6 p.m. on Friday.

Based on its 8 a.m. advisory, Phivolcs also recorded 31 volcanic earthquakes (which includes 23 tremor events), a pyroclastic density current event, and 87 rockfall events.

There were also rockfalls and pyroclastic density currents due to the collapse of the summit dome deposited debris within 4 kilometers of the crater.

Volcanic sulfure dioxide or SO2 emission, meanwhile, hit 592 tons per day, with plumes reaching 1,000 meters tall.

"Short-term observations from electronic tilt and GPS monitoring indicate inflation of the northwestern upper and middle slopes since late July 2023 and October 2023, respectively," Phivolcs said.

"Longer-term ground deformation parameters from [Exposure Database Module], precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring indicate that Mayon is still generally inflated relative to baseline levels," it added.

Despite these activities, Phivolcs said Mayon remained on Alert Level 3, or still in a relatively high level of unrest.

'SENIOR AGILA' CAMP OPPOSES HOLD DEPARTURE ORDER SOUGHT BY NBI

MANILA — The camp of alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario or "Senior Agila" on Friday opposed the precautionary hold departure order (HDO) being sought by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Despite Quilario and other respondents still being detained at the Senate, the NBI earlier filed the HDO before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Speaking to reporters after the clarificatory hearing as part of the preliminary investigation on the complaints, Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. lawyer Hillary Olga Reserva said they are opposing the NBI’s move.

“Of course we opposed but everything we laid down with regard to our opposition has been raised before the DOJ already,” Reserva said.

The victims and the respondents led by Quilario again faced the DOJ panel of prosecutors Friday afternoon.

Quilario filed a supplemental counter-affidavit before the panel.

“We are hoping that everything that we raised in the counter affidavit will be taken into consideration with the filing of this case,” Reserva said.

After the hearing, the DOJ said it has concluded the preliminary investigation on various complaints of qualified trafficking, kidnapping, serious illegal detention against Quilario and 12 other respondents, according to Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano.

“We remain committed to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, respecting the rights and welfare of all parties involved,” Clavano said.

Clavano also said the motion for precautionary HDO was also submitted for resolution after thorough arguments and counter-arguments by both parties.

The alleged cult, based in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, is being accused of several illegal activities.

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MORE THAN 250 HELD IN RAID ON ONLINE LENDING APP FIRM

MANILA — The PAOCC and PNP-ACG conducted a raid on an online lending application (OLA) office in Makati following numerous complaints on social media. Over 250 employees were held for questioning, accused of alleged harassment involving threatening messages and intimidation tactics. Complaints mentioned actions like intimidating clients, such as implying they would be reported to the barangay and using scare tactics.

A vlogger livestreamed the operation, leading to chaos outside the office. The vlogger's caption was initially misleading but was corrected, and police clarified that the employees were detained for questioning to determine their involvement in the reported harassment.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will conduct forensic analysis on seized equipment. The OLA may face complaints related to device misuse, aiding and abetting, and harassment.

P2-M WORTH OF COCAINE SEIZED AT NAIA; SUSPECT CLAIMS BOSS USED HIS ADDRESS

A 51-year-old man was arrested following a controlled delivery operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Authorities, including the NAIA-IADITG, PDEA, and Tanay police, intercepted two packages from Canada containing alleged cocaine. The drugs, approximately 428 grams in total with a street value of P2.26 million, were hidden in elongated plastic tubes that had been declared as paintings.

The operation took place in Tanay, Rizal, where the suspect and the consignee were apprehended. The suspect claimed to be unaware of the drugs and stated that his employer had asked him to use his address for the delivery.

In addition to the confiscated drugs, authorities seized several items, including a blue clipboard, a parcel receipt, a driver's license, a Philippine national ID, and a cellphone.

The suspect will face charges for the importation of dangerous drugs, while the investigation continues.

64 MORE YEARS IN PRISON FOR NAPOLES, SANDIGANBAYAN RULES

MANILA — Businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles has been sentenced to 64 years in prison by the Sandiganbayan. The court found her guilty on four counts, including malversation of public funds, linked to the unauthorized disbursement of P20 million from former South Cotabato Rep. Arthur Pingoy's Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). In a 3-2 vote, Napoles was given 40 years for malversation and an additional 24 years for graft, totaling 64 years. Other individuals, including former National Agribusiness Corp. officials and an executive from the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc., were also found guilty. As part of their graft convictions, they must reimburse P20.9 million to the government. In addition, an extra P20.9 million must be paid by Napoles and her co-accused. However, Pingoy was acquitted. The Supreme Court declared PDAF unconstitutional in November 2013.

PAGASA ANNOUNCES START OF AMIHAN SEASON

MANILA — The country is expected to experience cooler months ahead as state weather bureau PAGASA on Friday announced the start of the 'Amihan' season.

In a statement, PAGASA said that the northeast monsoon season has begun based on its observation of strong northeasterly winds prevailing over Northern Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure in recent days.

There has also been gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon, PAGASA stated.

“Amihan” is the cool weather experienced during the holiday season, wherein cool and dry northeast wind from Siberia and China blows down to Southeast Asia.

“With these developments, the northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air,” the state weather bureau said.

Episodes of a surge in cold temperature may also be expected in the next months, PAGASA stated.

An episode of wind and cold temperature surges may also be expected in the coming months.

The state weather bureau said that dry spells may still be experienced in areas where there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions due to El Niño.

“This may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other key sectors in the country,” PAGASA said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'FIVE BREAKUPS AND A ROMANCE' REVIEW: AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

Justine Ramos (Julia Montes) was working as a fashion brand manager in Singapore. One night while at a concert, she met Lance Sandoval (Alden Richards), a medical student who was there as a tourist. The attraction between them was instant and electric, so they got away from their friends to get to know each other better. Before long, their conversation led to a passionate kiss, and then all the way to a romp in the sheets.

It was supposed to have been a one-night stand, but Lance felt it was more and pursued Justine at her place of work the next day, even if he was already had tickets to return home for the next day. From their meeting in 2014 as the first chapter, the film would go up to five chapters, taking the audience on the rollercoaster ride of their love story, as it resumed in the Philippines, rose up, dipped down, and went through a pandemic.

The filmography of writer-director Irene Emma Villamor consists of love stories about a couple whose relationship went through a wringer. If you have seen "Meet Me at St. Gallen" and "Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story" (2018), "Ulan" (2019), "Of Vodka, Beers and Regret" (2020), and "Ikaw, Ako at ang Ending" (2021), you'd probably be able to venture a guess about how "Five Breakups" will turn out, and you'd likely be right.

As she had done so in all her previous films, Villamor can still conjure up a script with lines that hit home, that connect and ring true to any audience member in a romantic relationship, either good or bad, middle class or elitist. She seems to possess the same sensitivity about how men would talk and feel as she did about women. This writing talent was evident especially during that bitter argument of Chapter 2, or those reflective confessions of Chapter 5.

Villamor's visuals were lush and stunning, from cosmopolitan Singapore in the Prologue to idyllic Batangas in Chapter 3. It does not hurt that her camera loved her two lead actors, Richards and Montes, both without a bad angle and looked great together.

Beyond looks, they both imbued their characters with passion so palpable that you feel the exuberance of their thrill, pain of their regret and weight of their emotions.

SPORTS

PACQUIAO RETURNS TO BOXING TRAINING

Manny Pacquiao enjoyed a recent mitts session, apparently getting back shape again for "an important match."

Pacquiao posted a video of his boxing session on his social media accounts wherein he was shown doing boxing training.

“Always work hard. Never stop giving 100%,” said the former eight-division champion in his caption.

However, it is not clear if the 44-year-old is preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics or his supposed exhibition bout with Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek.

He earlier agreed to face Buakaw in “The Match of Legends” in the early part of 2014.

Pacquiao also voiced out his desire to fulfill his wish of competing in the Olympic Games.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has already relayed his request to the International Olympic Committee, that he be allowed to compete in Paris despite his age through the universality route.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it. - Arnold Glasow