INFLATION EASES TO 4.9 PERCENT IN OCTOBER

MANILA -- Inflation eased in October to 4.9 percent, slower than the 6.1 percent recorded in September, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

This was even lower than the Bangko Sentral forecast of 5.1 to 5.9 percent.

The PSA said this was primarily due to slower increases in prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

“Food inflation at the national level slowed down to 7.1 percent in October 2023 from 10 percent in the previous month. In October 2022, food inflation was higher at 9.8 percent.

National Statistician and Undersecretary Dennis Mapa noted that rice prices had gone down in October with the regular milled variety retailing at P45.40 per kilo compared to P47.50 in September.

Well-milled rice meanwhile averaged P51 a kilo in October compared to P52.70 in September.

Maps said rice inflation was at 13.2 percent in October versus 17.9 percent in September.

But Mapa also acknowledged that the slower inflation last month was also partly due to “base effects” from last year when inflation was at a faster clip.

“So may base effect particular dun sa vegetables, mataas yung vegetables last year,” Mapa said.

The PSA said the national average inflation from January to October was now at 6.4 percent.

Core inflation, which strips out food and energy items prone to wild swings, meanwhile fell further to 5.3 percent in October 2023 from 5.9 percent in the previous month, the agency added.

“This brings the average core inflation from January to October 2023 to 7 percent.”

Mapa said barring any surprises, they expect inflation to continue easing.

“Unless there is another shock, the expectation is that it will go down,” he said.

The BSP made an off-cycle move last month, raising its benchmark rate by 25 basis points in a bid to tame inflation, which had quickened for the second straight month.

The central bank is set to meet again on Thursday next week to decide if further rate hikes are needed, or if it will hit pause on further adjustments.

Inflation and high interest rates have been blamed for weighing down the Philippine economy, whose growth slowed below expectations in the second quarter.

MARCOS TO AFP: MAXIMIZE, REASSESS TROOP DEPLOYMENT

MANILA — With the military shifting its focus to external threats, President Marcos has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to review its troop deployments to make them more “responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities.”

Marcos gave the directive to the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday in his message at the 67th founding anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite.

“As we move now from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we now have to bolster the country’s external defenses. And I exhort the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities,” the President said.

The NAVSOCOM, with its expertise in sea, air and land or SEAL operations, must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security, Marcos said.

The President’s order came in the light of China’s growing aggressiveness in the West Philippine Sea.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPHOLDS 'INTEGRITY, HONOR' AFTER ATTACKS FROM DUTERTE

House Speaker Martin Romualdez reconvened the House of Representatives and delivered an indirect response to former President Rodrigo Duterte's criticisms of the House, particularly its decision to reallocate confidential funds from Vice President Sara Duterte's offices. Romualdez emphasized the need to protect the country's interests and uphold the integrity of the institution. Although he did not mention names, Romualdez's speech was a veiled reference to the elder and younger Duterte, who were accused of maligning the chamber over the fund reallocation.

In his speech, Romualdez stressed that the House's actions and decisions are based on its duty to the country and not personal motivations. The Speaker cited the need for unity and equitable distribution of government resources, regardless of political affiliations, emphasizing that the politics of division has no place in the House.

In a show of support for Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. left the ruling party, PDP-Laban, and revealed that former President Duterte had made derogatory remarks about Speaker Romualdez. The House passed a resolution reaffirming support for Romualdez, gaining support from various political parties, underlining the Speaker's importance in their legislative agenda.

On the legislative front, the House has made significant progress in passing priority bills, with 47 out of 57 approved. This includes measures from President Marcos's legislative agenda. The House is on track to address the remaining bills before the Christmas break, with 10 pending priority bills and a few additional legislative items to address.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: SC URGED TO RULE ON OVP CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS

Atty. Barry Gutierrez, former spokesperson of former Vice-President Leni Robredo, and a group of petitioners are set to file a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court challenging the transfer of millions of pesos in confidential funds to the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) last year. The petitioners include Gutierrez, former Comelec officials Christian Monsod and Gus Lagman, ex-finance undersecretary Cielo Magno, among others. They aim to seek clarification on whether the Office of the President (OP) was authorized to transfer funds to the OVP, citing constitutional grounds. The petition does not focus on the liquidation of the funds but rather the legality of the transfer. If unauthorized, the money should be returned to the National Treasury. House Appropriations Committee Senior Vice Chair Stella Quimbo defended the legality of the fund transfer, arguing it was sourced from the contingent fund and had few limitations due to the inability to anticipate government expenses two years in advance.

SECOND FILIPINO MARTYR IN ISRAELI-HAMAS CONFLICT ARRIVES HOME

Grace Prodigo Cabrera may have perished when Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz she was living in on October 7, killing and taking hostage victims in the daring raid, but her story as a hero will forever survive.

Cabrera was working as a caregiver in Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel, together with her sister Mary June, when Hamas militants entered the Israeli border and stormed several Israeli houses, killing 1,400 people in the process.

Cabrera, as told to Israeli media, kept her ward, 95-year old Aviva Sela, company throughout the ordeal. Sela’s daughter and former son-in-law were killed in the assault and her grandson is believed to have been kidnapped. Sela survived the ordeal.

Witnesses' accounts, according to the Times of Israel, including messages during the ordeal sent to Sela's daughter Osnat Weinberg, tell of how Cabrera stayed with Sela in a room trying to avoid the militants, and even when they were eventually captured.

Cabrera, however, was likely to have been taken captive and later shot, her body dumped somewhere and only recovered on October 19.

Cabrera was one of the three Filipinos reported missing during the Hamas attack in Israel.

Her story, together with the story of another caregiver, Angelyn Aguirre, who also saved her elderly ward but was unfortunately murdered, are just some of the stories of Filipino OFWs working in Israel who selflessly gave up their lives in order to protect others.

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'SENIOR AGILA', OTHERS FACE CRIMINAL CASES BEFORE SURIGAO COURT

MANILA — The leader of a religious group in Socorro, Surigao del Norte has been charged with multiple trafficking and child abuse cases before a Surigao del Norte court, the Department of Justice said Monday.

Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) leader Jey Rence Quilario, alias "Senior Agila", is facing qualified trafficking in persons, facilitation of child marriage, solemnization of child marriage and child abuse charges, based on the front page of the charge sheet or information shared with the media.

Charged with Senior Agila are 12 other accused:

- Mamerto Galanida

- Karren Sanico

- Janeth Ajoc

- Wenefredo Buntad

- Giovanni Lasala

- Ibrahim Adlao

- Jovelito Atchecoso

- Sergio Cubillan

- Daryl Buntad

- Jonry Elandag

- Yure Gary Portillo

- Florencio Quiban

“All from Sitio Kapihan, Socorro, Surigao…Still at large, cases have been filed, and we expect the courts to issue warrants,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

The DOJ however did not provide details on the basis for filing the charges and the participation of each accused.

“The thing speaks for itself… kung paano sila gumalaw na ang bata ay kanilang ginamit sa iba’t ibang pamamaraan at kung paano nila trinaffic itong mga ito,” he explained.

The Justice chief said the filing of the cases is “just the beginning.”

“Kasi marami pang angles na dapat…and of course sabi ko, preliminarily filed in Surigao because eventually we believe that the cases should be tried here in manila or another venue,” he added.

ROMUALDEZ SAYS READY TO FIGHT FOR HOUSE AMID BUDGET REALIGNMENTS

House Speaker Martin Romualdez affirmed his resolve to protect the House of Representatives from threats and attacks, emphasizing the institution's vital role in the nation's well-being. He called for unity, stating that they would not waver in fulfilling their duties despite differing perspectives and challenges. Romualdez stressed that their decisions were driven by the country's best interests rather than personal motives. While not specifying individuals, he referred to threats against the institution and its members, citing House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro's legal action against a former head of state. Romualdez underlined the House's commitment to unity and equitable resource allocation, defending budget adjustments and urging colleagues to remain undeterred by criticism. He emphasized the significance of aligning with the President's agenda to fulfill their sworn responsibilities.

KAGAWAD NA NANALO SA HALALAN BINARIL SA PASAY CITY

A recently elected Barangay Kagawad (councilor) in Pasay City was shot and killed in broad daylight, caught on CCTV. The victim, identified as Lina Camacho, had worked as a barangay treasurer for 13 years before running in the recent election. According to the Pasay City Police Station report, the incident occurred in the barangay hall. Two suspects on a motorcycle arrived, calmly looked outside the barangay hall, and opened fire, firing two shots. One bullet hit the victim's back, while the second bullet hit the glass door's railings. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the victim was declared dead at around 8 p.m.

Police are investigating the motive for the crime, with politics being one of the angles considered, as the victim had recently been elected as a barangay councilor. Another possible angle being looked into is related to loans or business. One of the suspects was arrested by the police but did not admit involvement in the crime. The man apologized to the victim's family. The police continue to search for the gunman, but they have already identified the suspect. The suspects will face murder charges.

SCATTERED RAINS IN EASTERN PARTS OF PH, HOT WEATHER IN OTHER AREAS DUE TO EASTERLIES

The Easterlies, the warm and moist winds blowing from the Pacific, will bring both hot weather and rainy weather Tuesday as the northeast monsoon (Amihan) remains weak.

Quezon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte will have scattered rains throughout the day, with possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains, the weather bureau said in its 4 a.m. weather forecast. Rainy conditions in these areas may continue until tomorrow.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have hot weather with possible isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. Meanwhile, Batanes and Babuyan Islands may have isolated light rains due to Amihan.

Weather forecaster Patrick del Mundo said generally fair and hot weather will prevail throughout the country from Thursday until Saturday.

He added that no low pressure area is being monitored within the Philippine area of responsibility and a weather disturbance is less likely to affect the country through the weekend.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'THIRD WORLD ROMANCE' TO STREAM ON NETFLIX ON NOV. 16

MANILA — The team-up film of Charlie Dizon and Carlo Aquino is set to stream on Netflix, Black Sheep revealed Monday.

In an Instagram post, Black Sheep said that "Third World Romance" will start streaming on the platform on November 16.

"Ang pag-ibig, pinaglalaban ... WYNNER tayong lahat dahil #ThirdWorldRomance streams on Netflix beginning Nov. 16!" Black Sheep said in the caption.

In the trailer, the two meet for the first time as Britney (Dizon) seeks shelter under Alvin's (Aquino) umbrella during a heavy downpour.

Since they are both heading out to avail of the government's pandemic assistance, Britney convinces Alvin that they should go together.

Subsequent scenes reveal that their chance meeting has led to a close friendship, and they also appear to find themselves working together at the same grocery store.

It becomes evident that their love story will unfold while they strive to support their families and make ends meet.

Aside from Aquino and Dizon, the film also stars Ana Abad Santos, Gardo Versoza, Archi Adamos, Iyah Mina, Esnyr Ranollo, Xilhouete, Brian Black, Lady Morgana, Junjun Quintana and Donna Cariaga.

JOMARI YLLANA, ABBY VIDUYA GET MARRIED IN LAS VEGAS

MANILA -- After four years of being together, actor-politician Jomari Yllana and former sexy actress Abby Viduya have finally tied the knot.

On Facebook, Viduya shared snaps taken from their wedding last November 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The intimate ceremony was witnessed by Andrei, Yllana's son with his former wife, actress Aiko Melendez.

Yllana proposed to Viduya, also known as Priscilla Almeda, in Hong Kong last August.

The former teen sweethearts reconnected in 2015 through social media. Their romance rekindled when Viduya visited Manila again in 2019.

Yllana rose to fame as one-third of the 1990s teen group Gwapings together with Mark Anthony Fernandez, Eric Fructuoso and later, with Jao Mapa.

SPORTS

GLOBALIZATION EVIDENT IN PBA

The various countries represented by the PBA’s 12 imports in the Commissioner’s Cup this season reflects the globalization of basketball with FIBA’s initiatives to grow the game world-wide clearly bearing fruit. The PBA had never rolled out an import cast that is as diverse. And this development comes at the heels of the FIBA World Cup where the Philippines was the primary host.

The imports include Barangay Ginebra’s 6-5 1/2 Tony Bishop, a Dallas-born naturalized player who has suited up for Panama since 2014. An import who saw action for Puerto Rico in the recent FIBA World Cup is Blackwater’s 6-7 9/16 Chris Ortiz. Other national players are Converge’s 6-5 13/16 Tom Vodanovich (New Zealand), Meralco’s 6-6 3/4 Suleiman Braimoh (Nigeria), San Miguel Beer’s 6-5 1/2 Ivan Aska (Virgin Islands), Terrafirma’s 6-7 5/8 Thomas De Thaey (Belgium U16, U18, U20), TNT’s 6-8 3/4 Quincy Miller (USA U18) and Phoenix’ 6-7 3/8 Jonathan Williams (USA U17). NLEX’ 6-8 3/8 Thomas Robinson was born in Washington, DC and became a naturalized Lebanese citizen in 2021. Although eligible to play for the Cedars, Robinson hasn’t been called up. Two naturalized imports waiting in the wings are Ginebra’s 6-4 5/8 Justin Brownlee (Philippines) and TNT’s 6-5 5/8 Rondae Hollis Jefferson (Jordan). The only imports with no national team experience are Magnolia’s 6-6 3/8 Tyler Bey, NorthPort’s 6-4 15/16 Venkatesha (Venky) Jois of Australia and Rain or Shine’s 6-7 7/8 DaJuan Summers.

Jefferson would’ve played for TNT in the season-opening game against Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday but is still recovering from acute gastritis. A bad case of food poisoning knocked out Jefferson from TNT’s EASL rematch with the Chiba Jets in Sta. Rosa last Wednesday. TNT suited up its second EASL import Quincy Miller for the Hotshots game after securing his release from Converge the day before. Miller played for the FiberXers in the Commissioner’s Cup last season. Jefferson said he’ll be ready to go after skipping one or two more games. The scuttlebutt is Miller badly wants to play in TNT’s coming clash with Converge at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday.

In the previous Commissioner’s Cup, Miller was benched a game for showing up late for practice the morning after his birthday party. Converge was on a seven-game win streak and with Miller out, the FiberXers lost a 112-97 decision to NorthPort. Converge was never the same again and dropped its next three games even with Miller back in harness, bowing out of the quarterfinals. Miller’s birthday is on Nov. 18 and it doesn’t look like he’ll celebrate like he did last year.

Miller is the tallest import while Jois is the shortest. When Brownlee is activated, he’ll be the shortest. The senior import is Summers, 35 and the youngest is Bey, 25. Nine of the 12 imports are 30 and over, indicating long years of experience. For instance, Jois, 30, has played in Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, Estonia, Serbia, Australia, Japan and Germany. His father is Indian and mother, Australian. He played four years for US NCAA D-1 Eastern Washington University, averaging in double figure points every season.

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 5, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Suns

3-4

28        30        34        28        120

Pistons

2-5

27        22        31        26        106

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Durant PHO PF

41 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST

C. Cunningham DET SG

26 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST

Final/OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Raptors

3-4

22        13        36        39        13        123

Spurs

3-3

26        28        32        24        6          116

Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Barnes TOR SF

30 PTS , 11 REB , 6 AST

K. Johnson SA SF

26 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Warriors

5-2

30        15        32        27        104

Cavaliers

3-4

29        28        29        29        115

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Curry GS PG

28 PTS , 2 REB , 4 AST

D. Mitchell CLE SG

31 PTS , 2 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Hornets

2-4

31        31        22        34        118

Mavericks

5-1

26        24        33        41        124

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Ball CHA PG

30 PTS , 10 REB , 13 AST

L. Doncic DAL PG

23 PTS , 12 REB , 9 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Grizzlies

1-6

30        33        19        30        112

Trail Blazers

3-4

32        23        31        14        100

Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, OR

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Bane MEM SG

30 PTS , 8 REB , 5 AST

J. Grant POR PF

27 PTS , 3 REB , 3 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.91

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. - Rudyard Kiplin