US, PHILIPPINES SIGN LANDMARK NUCLEAR DEAL
MANILA — The United States and the Philippines on Friday signed a landmark deal that would allow Washington to export nuclear technology and material to Manila, which is exploring the use of nuclear power to decarbonize and boost energy independence.
“The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.
Negotiations for the 123 Agreement started in November, 2022.
“We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines’ energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the United States,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a speech. “Nuclear energy is one area where we can show the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership truly works.”
U.S. Congress approval is needed for the deal, which will allow a peaceful transfer of nuclear material, equipment and information in adherence with non-proliferation requirements.
As of end-2022, the United States had 23 agreements covering 47 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and democratically governed Taiwan.
The Philippines wants to tap nuclear power as a viable alternative baseload power source as it seeks to retire coal plants to help meet climate goals and boost energy security. The Southeast Asian nation is vulnerable to volatile global oil prices, seasonal power outages, and high electricity rates.
Previous attempts to pursue nuclear energy in the Philippines were halted over safety concerns, but Marcos has discussed the possibility of reviving a mothballed nuclear power plant, built in response to an energy crisis during the rule of the late Philippines strongman and his namesake father.
Completed in 1984, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was mothballed two years later following the ouster of the older Marcos, the deadly Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and corruption allegations.
BIDEN REASSURES APEC SUMMIT, SAYS STABLE CHINA TIES BENEFIT WORLD
SAN FRANCISCO — US President Joe Biden assured Asia-Pacific economies at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in San Francisco, highlighting the commitment to the region. Following his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Biden expressed the importance of stable US-China relations for the global economy. The leaders pledged to avoid potential disruptions and agreed to restore military-to-military links. Biden emphasized the US commitment to the Pacific region and engaged in diplomatic talks with Xi, focusing on avoiding misunderstandings. The APEC summit discussed various issues, including artificial intelligence, climate resilience, and supply chains, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by the region. Despite ongoing tensions, Biden emphasized the significance of a stable relationship between the world's two largest economies for global well-being. The Biden administration is working to strengthen alliances in the APEC region, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, a trade pact aimed at fostering collaboration with like-minded democracies. Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Pyle confirmed ongoing US engagement in the critical region, emphasizing diplomatic and economic initiatives.
MARCOS JR. TO MEET XI JINPING, EYES DE-ESCALATION OF WEST PH SEA TENSIONS
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco Thursday afternoon to discuss ways to deescalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
"We will get the view of the Chinese President on what we can do to bring down the temperature, to not escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea," Marcos Jr. said in a video message
"And we will put all of these together so as we’ll be able to strategize for the near future on what the Philippines’ role will be or what is the proper Philippines’ role in the West Philippine Sea," he continued.
Marcos Jr’s meeting with Xi follows his discussion with US Vice President Kamala Harris before the start of the APEC conference on Wednesday, which he said touched on the Philippine assessment on the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
“We just generally chatted about --- she was very interested to know what our assessment was on the situation in the West Philippines Sea, and I just went through the narrative of what was --- what had happened in the past few months,” he said.
“And we tried to discuss some of the ways forward and I think that generally speaking, especially after my meeting with President Xi, which I’m going to have some time today. After that, we will put together the ways forward because we are continuously trying to maintain the peace. And now that’s what I see the mission of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine military, our fishermen, all of us. It is our basic fundamental mission here --- is to maintain the peace.”
LTFRB ASKS JEEPNEY DRIVERS TO CALL OFF TRANSPORT STRIKE
MANILA — The LTFRB appealed to PISTON to cancel its three-day transport strike scheduled for Monday, emphasizing potential franchise revocations for participating jeepney drivers. LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III urged a compromise, asserting the strike contradicts the privilege of franchise holders. PISTON President Mody Floranda insisted on strike continuation unless the government addresses concerns about the PUV modernization program, particularly the consolidation requirement affecting single-unit operators. Floranda expressed difficulties for cooperative members in identifying their units and properties due to consolidation. LTFRB defended the consolidation as crucial for modernization compliance. Guadiz assured alternative public transportation availability and minimal impact in provinces, suggesting no need to suspend classes or work from November 20 to 22 in the capital region.
DUTERTE TELLS CONGRESS: BE WARY OF AFP, PNP
Former President Rodrigo Duterte has urged vigilance, cautioning citizens to closely watch the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid recent political developments, particularly in the House of Representatives. Speaking on his Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa TV program, Duterte expressed unease over an apparent alliance between Speaker Martin Romualdez and ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, whom he alleges is a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Duterte hinted at Romualdez's outreach efforts to strengthen his 2028 presidential bid, forming an alliance with Castro and the progressive bloc, resulting in a complaint against him.
While denying involvement in destabilization, Duterte stressed the military and police's sensitivities due to past clashes with the CPP's armed wing, the New People’s Army. Addressing a subpoena from the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office over grave threat charges by Castro, Duterte quipped, "I might as well go to jail because France (Castro) is oppressing me," dismissing the allegations as communist tactics. Duterte's statements reflect a backdrop of shifting political alliances and tensions, prompting concerns about the country's future direction and its impact on the military and police.
REMULLA TELLS UN EXPERT TO 'BACK OFF' ON NTF-ELCAC
MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla criticized UN expert Ian Fry's recommendation to abolish the NTF-ELCAC, asserting that the UN should not interfere in the internal mechanisms of the Philippine government. Fry claimed that the NTF-ELCAC, which he says is red-tagging environmental defenders, has moved beyond its mandate and operates with impunity. The NTF-ELCAC strongly objected to Fry's recommendation, deeming the report incomplete as he did not address relevant issues with them. Environmental advocate Jonila Castro argued that the NTF-ELCAC's statement adds to its "lace of lies," emphasizing the urgent need to abolish the task force based on Fry's findings of abductions, fabricated cases, and killings.
NSC TAGS LGU WORKERS IN FOREIGNERS' PH IDS SCHEME
MANILA — The National Security Council (NSC) revealed a national security threat involving local government workers issuing Philippine IDs to foreigners. NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stated that the scheme begins with corrupt civil registrars in local government units issuing fake birth certificates sent to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Once recorded in the PSA, individuals can obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, leading to a passport and other documents like the National ID. Malaya emphasized that this poses a security risk, turning foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals without Filipino ties, into seemingly regular Filipinos. The NSC pledged to collaborate with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Statistics Authority on the issue, prompted by senators' calls for a thorough investigation into how foreigners acquired Philippine IDs.
DAMAGED POLYMER BANKNOTES CAN BE REPLACED: BSP
PSA: Damaged polymer 1,000-piso banknotes can still be accepted and replaced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or other commercial banks.
This is the assurance given by Nenette Malabrigo, Bangko Sentral currency policy and integrity department bank officer V, following reports that some supermarkets do not accept damaged or shrunk bills.
In the interview, Malabrigo confirmed that polymer banknotes can shrink if ironed or exposed to heat.
"Kapag pinlantsa, ito 'yung mga na-re-receive na talagang nagshrink siya or lumiit. Talagang nadeform na yung 1000 piso polymer," she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
"Tatanggapin 'yan ng Bangko Sentral through commercial bank at papalitan po natin na karapat-dapat na amount."
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OIL PRICES MAY HOLD STEADY OR SEE SLIGHT ROLLBACK, SAYS OFFICIAL
MANILA — Fuel prices may hold steady or see a slight decrease in the third week of November, a Department of Energy (DOE) official said on Friday.
"Base sa estimate na nakita natin, sa gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, either walang movement o may rollback na less than 50 centavos," Oil Industry Management Bureau Director III Rodela Romero said.
Oil prices fell earlier in November because demand from major consumers China and the US weakened, Romero noted.
"Pero na-counter agad ito ng announcement ng OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) na maganda naman daw ang demand," she told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
"Tapos ang IEA (International Energy Agency), ang forecast nila, tumataas din ang demand kasi pumapasok na naman sa eksena si India. Dati naman talagang mataas ang requirement ni India," the official added.
VICTORY LINER TO RAMP UP SECURITY CHECKS AFTER BUS SHOOTING
MANILA — Victory Liner said Friday it would tighten security checks after two passengers were shot dead inside one of the company's buses in Nueva Ecija province this week.
"Yung ating seguridad po ay titriplehin natin...Safety and security po kasi ang talagang dalawang mantra ng Victory Liner at ito po yung kung bakit kami tumagal sa industry," Victory Liner corporate communications officer Ricky Rivera told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
The victims, a 60-year old woman and her 55-year-old live-in partner, were repeatedly shot pointblank by two unidentified men while riding a bus in Barangay Minuli, Carranglan town.
The incident was captured by a dash cam and was uploaded on social media.
Rivera said the bus driver showed strong presence of mind when he drove the rest of his passengers to safety immediately after the shooting.
"Kahit na nagkaroon ng barilan doon, matagumpay po niyang naitawid yung iba pang pasahero sa safer place. Pansamantala pong natulala, pero yung kaniyang training nag-kick in…napaandar pa po niya yung behikulo. Siguro kung sa ibang driver yun, baka nag-panic na," he said.
Authorities are studying bringing back bus marshals after the shooting.
This is "a welcome development," Rivera said.
"Susunod po kami kung ano po yung mga rekomendasyon ng DOTr, ganoon na rin ng Philippine National Police, para mas maganda at mas maalwan sa ating mga kababayan itong darating na Christmas season…at maraming pauwi sa ating mga kababayan," he said.
However, the proposal could pose logistical problems, noted Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines executive director Alex Yague.
"Kung 4,000 na bus na galing ng probinsya papuntang Manila, galing Norte pa lang ‘yan, 4,000 rin yung galing south papuntang Manila, logistics issue ‘yan. Open naman kami na kausapin ang PNP paano natin ma-implement ‘yan kasi para sa seguridad ng pasahero ‘yan," Yague said.
"Siguro ang kailangan paigtingin natin d’yan yung seguridad sa mga terminal ng mga bus, police visibility, siguro yung mga security guards, kailangan mag-check ng bagahe," he said in a separate TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
LPA TO ENTER PHILIPPINE AREA ON FRIDAY, BRING RAINS THIS WEEKEND
MANILA — A low pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday and bring rains to parts of the country this weekend, PAGASA said.
The LPA was spotted 990 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at 3 a.m., the state weather bureau said.
PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA was unlikely to re-intensify into a tropical depression. It developed into a depression on Monday but weakened back into an LPA due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
The trough or extension of the LPA and the shear line, where cold and warm air meet, will bring scattered rains in Bicol Region, Northern and Eastern Samar, Caraga, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan.
The LPA will move closer to land this weekend and continue to bring rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, alongside the shear line.
Flooding and landslides are expected, especially in areas which experienced significant prior rains.
Meanwhile, the strong northeast monsoon or amihan continues to prevail over the rest of Luzon. Batanes and Cagayan will have cloudy skies and light rains, while Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will experience generally fair weather with a chance of passing light rains.
Cool weather will be felt in Northern and Central Luzon, especially in the morning and the evening. Baguio chilled at 15.4 degrees Celsius early morning Thursday, the city's lowest temperature this amihan season so far. Temperatures may dip further to 14-15°C this weekend.
Small sea vessels are not allowed to sail in the seaboards of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Northern Quezon, northern Camarines Norte, northern and eastern Catanduanes, eastern Albay and Sorsogon, northern and eastern Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, eastern Surigao del Norte, and Kalayaan Islands due to big waves generated by the amihan.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
'PILOT' MICHELLE DEE SOARS IN MISS UNIVERSE NAT'L COSTUME CONTEST
Philippine representative Michelle Marquez Dee soared during the national costume competition of the Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador early Friday morning (Manila time).
Dee wowed the audience and netizens with her elaborate pilot costume created by Filipino designer Michael Barassi, which "represents the Philippines itself — resilient, radiant and ready to embrace the Universe.“
"It's a bird, it's a plane it's Philippines! Crowned with a captain's hat this costume is a salute to the delegate's role as an Air Force reservist. This look is representative of her country -- resilient and radiant. There's no denying she's the queen of flying in the Philippines!" the host introduced Dee's costume in the segment.
According to Dee's Instagram page, her costume shows off the nation’s pride and heritage.
"With each thread woven into the 'solihiya' pattern, an iconic design used in the tropics of the Philippines, it embraces her body flawlessly — unfolding the story of the islands’ unity and artistry."
"Rising from her back, wings bear the colors of the Philippine flag and a mural of its most breathtaking sights while parading the country’s official tourism slogan: #LoveThePhilippines. Crowned with a captain’s hat, this is a salute to her role as an Air Force reservist and to our boundless adventures awaiting in the skies!" the post added.
Aside from being a beauty queen, model, entrepreneur and actress, Dee is also Philippine Army reservist and trained as part of of the Philippine Air Force.
Dee is aiming for the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe crown.
The Miss Universe 2023 pageant will be broadcast live from El Salvador on November 19, 9 a.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC.
SPORTS
NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 15, 2023
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Mavericks
9-3
41 30 33 26 130
Wizards
2-9
26 25 32 34 117
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
T. Hardaway Jr. DAL SG
31 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST
K. Kuzma WAS PF
22 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Celtics
9-2
37 20 26 34 117
76ers
8-3
22 36 17 32 107
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
J. Tatum BOS PF
29 PTS , 8 REB , 6 AST
T. Maxey PHI PG
20 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Bucks
7-4
36 34 30 28 128
Raptors
5-6
21 26 32 33 112
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
D. Lillard MIL PG
37 PTS , 4 REB , 13 AST
S. Barnes TOR SF
29 PTS , 9 REB , 7 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Knicks
6-5
33 24 30 29 116
Hawks
6-5
22 34 25 33 114
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
J. Randle NY PF
29 PTS , 10 REB , 8 AST
B. Bogdanovic ATL SG
28 PTS , 3 REB , 3 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Magic
6-5
21 29 23 23 96
Bulls
4-8
21 12 31 30 94
United Center, Chicago, IL
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
P. Banchero ORL PF
17 PTS , 9 REB , 3 AST
Z. LaVine CHI SG
19 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Timberwolves
8-3
29 25 28 33 115
Suns
5-6
35 41 34 23 133
Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
K. Towns MIN C
25 PTS , 7 REB , 2 AST
D. Booker PHO SG
31 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Cavaliers
5-6
30 25 28 26 109
Trail Blazers
3-8
25 22 28 20 95
Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, OR
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
D. Mitchell CLE SG
34 PTS , 6 REB , 4 AST
J. Grant POR PF
17 PTS , 3 REB , 2 AST
Final
1 2 3 4 T
Kings
6-4
38 34 32 21 125
Lakers
6-6
25 34 21 30 110
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
D. Sabonis SAC C
29 PTS , 16 REB , 7 AST
D. Russell LAL PG
28 PTS , 5 REB , 5 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 55.79
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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