'123' DEAL WITH US TO JUMPSTART PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM: ENVOY

MANILA — The "123" agreement will jumpstart the Philippines' nuclear energy program and set the tone for how quickly the country could access related technology, Philippine ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday.

The Philippines and the United States last week signed the 123 deal that would facilitate cooperation between both countries on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The pact "will set the tone on how quickly we can get those nuclear technology and can start working with their... partners and jumpstart the nuclear program of the Department of Energy," Romualdez told ANC.

"That's the most important alternative energy that we're looking at because once we have that going, we can put that all over the Philippines and energy costs will start going down," he said.

The agreement will allow both countries to work together and use nuclear technologies to ensure that the Philippines has a sustainable and clean energy supply. It also provides the legal basis for the US to export nuclear technology to the Philippines for peaceful uses.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the agreement by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US State Secretary Antony Blinken at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

"[This involves] big investment in the beginning, but the return is absolutely wonderful," Romualdez said of nuclear energy.

Meanwhile, Romualdez said Marcos tapped Frederick Go, his adviser on investments and economic affairs, to "precisely monitor" the investment pledges to the Philippines.

Go will be "in charge of looking at all these investments that are supposed to be coming into the Philippines," Romualdez said.

Marcos told the Department of Trade and Industry to come out with a "scorecard" to monitor the investment pledges, the ambassador said.

The Palace on Monday said Marcos' APEC trip secured some $672.3 million in investment pledges in telecommunications, artificial intelligence for weather forecasting, semiconductor and electronics, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and renewable energy.

MANIBELA SETS NATIONWIDE TRANSPORT STRIKE NOV. 22-24

MANILA — Transport group Manibela is mounting its own nationwide transport strike from Wednesday through Friday amid concerns about the government's jeepney modernization program.

"Simula bukas ang Manibela at iba nating kasamahan ay kasama na na magtitigil pasada, nationwide," said Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena.

"Ina-announce natin ito, hindi lang dito sa [Metro Manila], sa buong Pilipinas nationwide. Ang Manibela ay magtitigil pasada bilang tugon sa ating hinaing na hindi po binibigyang pansin ng [Department of Transportation] at [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board]," Valbuena added.

This comes after another transport group PISTON pushed through with its 3-day transport strike which would end on Wednesday.

PISTON aired their frustration over issues on the need for operators to consolidate and join a cooperative or corporation to participate under the transport modernization program.

Authorities earlier clarified that traditional jeepneys would still be allowed to ply the roads as long as they joined a cooperative or corporation.

Transport regulators also said the consolidation of operators into coops or corporations is not synonymous with phaseout, which would take place much later in the implementation of the 10-component modernization plan.

Apart from issues with consolidation, PISTON earlier argued that it would be less expensive to just upgrade their existing jeepneys to make them more fuel efficient and environment friendly instead of buying new units.

Some drivers and operators also argued that "modern jeepneys" are too expensive and will deprive single-unit operators of route franchises that will then go to big corporations and to transport cooperatives.

NSC WARNS VS PLANNED 'CHRISTMAS CONVOY' AT AYUNGIN SHOAL

MANILA — The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed opposition to the planned "Christmas convoy" to Ayungin Shoal, cautioning against visits amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The NSC appreciated the intent but deemed the convoy ill-advised due to ongoing tensions with China. Organizers from the "Atin Ito" coalition confirmed the civilian-led convoy on December 5, aiming to bring holiday cheer and supplies to frontliners. Despite the NSC's discouragement, the coalition emphasized the mission's commitment to peace and responding to the needs of fisherfolk. Tensions at Ayungin Shoal often escalate during resupply missions, with recent incidents involving dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels. The NSC asserted that regular missions by the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard adequately supply troops, deeming the civilian Christmas convoy unnecessary at this time.

SENATE OKS P9.9-B DICT BUDGET; P280-M CONFI FUNDS IN REGULAR LINE ITEM BUDGET

The Senate has greenlit the Department of Information and Communications Technology's (DICT) proposed 2024 budget, totaling PHP 9.9 billion. During discussions, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel queried the DICT's initial request for PHP 300 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). Senator Grace Poe, the budget sponsor, disclosed that the CIF allocation was adjusted, with PHP 280 million reallocated as a regular line-item budget. This modification aims to enhance transparency, subjecting the funds to scrutiny by the Commission on Audit (COA). The remaining PHP 20 million from the CIF request was excluded from the budget.

Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about DICT's failure to submit yearend financial reports for three consecutive years. Senator Poe acknowledged the department's struggle with its book of accounts, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the issue. DICT is transitioning to the Electronic National Government Accounting System (ENGAS) and an electronic budget system, supported by COA, to improve financial monitoring. The Senate's approval underscores the commitment to transparency and effective financial oversight in government agencies.

SENATE APPROVES CHR'S P934-MILLION BUDGET FOR 2024

MANILA — The Senate approved the Commission on Human Rights' (CHR) P934-million budget after a one-week delay due to inquiries about the CHR's stance on abortion. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the budget sponsor, clarified that CHR is against abortion but supports amendments for extreme cases endangering the mother's life. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva expressed dismay over a video showing a CHR official urging him to pass the SOGIE bill. Villanueva criticized CHR chairperson Atty. Richard Paat Palpal-latoc for not reviewing the bill's status. Despite the concerns, the Senate approved both CHR's budget and the proposed P38.8-million budget for the Human Rights Violations Victims' Memorial Commission during deliberations.

SHEAR LINE DUMPS MORE THAN A MONTH'S RAIN IN NORTHERN SAMAR, TRIGGERING FLOODS

MANILA — The shear line, an area where cold and warm air meet, dumped six weeks worth of rain in Northern Samar and spawned floods on Tuesday, the state weather bureau said.

Within just 24 hours, between Monday 8 a.m. and Tuesday 8 a.m., PAGASA's station in Catarman town recorded 619 millimeters of rain, more than its normal November rainfall of 457.8 millimeters.

This was higher than the 24-hour amount of rain during the passage of Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, at 454.9 millimeters recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

Floods almost reached the second story of some houses in the towns of Catarman, Lope de Vega, and Catubig.

In Sorsogon, 185.0 millimeters of rain was recorded at the Juban station of PAGASA.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, red warning for heavy torrential rains was hoisted over Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portions of Samar and Eastern Samar.

Orange warning level for intense rains was raised over the rest of Samar and Eastern Samar. Lastly, yellow warning level for heavy rains was in effect over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Masbate, northeastern Iloilo, northern Negros Occidental, and northern Leyte.

Shear line rains have been battering the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas for around a week. A low pressure area that approached the region also added to the rains before it dissipated last Sunday.

PAGASA forecasts that the shear line will continue to bring heavy rains in Southern Luzon and Visayas until Wednesday.

NSC PROBES TIKTOK ON SECURITY THREAT, FOREIGN OWNERSHIP

MANILA - The National Security Council (NSC) in the Philippines is investigating social media platform TikTok for potential security threats and violations of foreign ownership restrictions in mass media. The NSC task force is examining TikTok's adherence to constitutional restrictions and its influence within the security sector. The investigation is set to conclude by December, after which the government will decide on potential bans, especially on official devices used by government officials in the security sector. With concerns about TikTok's influence on the general public, the government is exploring whether restrictions should extend beyond the security sector. The NSC noted recent bans in other countries and emphasized TikTok's popularity in the Philippines, where 39% of the population uses the platform. The investigation will determine if TikTok poses a threat to national security and if regulation or a ban is necessary. The Philippines' constitution prohibits foreign ownership of mass media to prevent undue influence. TikTok, owned by ByteDance Ltd., a Chinese company, raises concerns about Chinese government involvement. The investigation aims to ensure platforms with significant influence adhere to constitutional restrictions and safeguard national security.

SARANGANI VILLAGERS TOLD TO EVACUATE AFTER QUAKE SPAWNS LARGE FISSURES

Residents of Barangay Mudan in Glan, Sarangani Province were advised by local authorities to evacuate after the discovery of numerous, large cracks on the ground following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake.

Fear has gripped residents, especially after two individuals, a mother and child, were reported dead in their village after being buried in a landslide.

An ABS-CBN News team, accompanied by some residents, embarked on a two-hour trek to reach Sitio Malipayon, where numerous cracks on the mountain can be seen.

In one area, a massive and lengthy crack resembling a wide gorge can be seen on the ground.

The extent of these cracks has yet to be measured.

Some have triggered landslides.

Coconut trees, which serve as a source of livelihood for residents, have been swallowed up by the ground.

In another part of the mountain, the ground has opened up and risen.

There are several long cracks that extend toward the huts used by coconut farmers.

However, there are reportedly even larger cracks in other parts of the mountain in Sitio Mabuhay, although the ABS-CBN News team did not reach these areas due to the four-hour hike required to get there.

According to witnesses who made it to the area, there are significant cracks on the ground.

Residents fear that the mountain could collapse, in the event of more strong earthquakes or heavy rainfall.

According to Sarangani local disaster response head Rene Punzalan, the large cracks on the ground in Barangay Mudan are a result of liquefaction.

Before the magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred on Friday, Sarangani experienced heavy rainfall, causing the ground to soften and create holes. When the earthquake hit, it led to the formation of fissures.

Punzalan has ordered residents living near the fissures to evacuate and has prohibited them from approaching the area.

HOW CHANGES TO PROCUREMENT LAW CAN HELP PH TECH STARTUPS

Tech startups in Metro Manila now have a valuation of $3.5 billion, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, citing an industry report.

The DTI is looking to grow the tech startup sector further to $10 billion in 5 years by expanding outside Manila. One way to help the sector is for the government to amend laws on procurement so that startups can take part in bidding for products and services.

Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba noted that it is difficult for startups to participate in government procurement because of the many requirements that smaller companies may not be able to fulfill easily.

"Government should be the first one to procure these products and this is actually being done in other countries," Aldaba said.

Some of the most promising new tech firms are taking part in the Philippine Startup Week being held in Makati this week.

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ILANG BAHAGI NORTHERN SAMAR BINAHA; MGA RESIDENTE HUMIHINGI NG SAKLOLO

Umabot ng lagpas-tao ang baha sa ilang bahagi ng Northern Samar, Martes, dulot ng halos walang tigil na pag-ulan na dala ng shear line na nakakaapekto sa Visayas.

Sa Barangay Cagogobngan sa bayan ng Catubig, halos abutin na ng baha ang ikalawang palapag ng mga bahay.

Ang mga residenteng walang bangka, lumangoy na lang para makatawid papunta sa lilikasang mas mataas na bahay.

Humingi naman ng saklolo ang ilang residente sa bayan ng Catarman dahil lagpas bubong na rin ang baha.

Kwento ng residente ng Barangay Ipil-ipil na si Melanie Rosila, biglang tumaas ang tubig alas-2 ng madaling araw.

Lumagpas ng bubong ng kanilang bahay ang baha kaya lumikas sila sa kapitbahay nila na mataas ang tahanan. Nababahala sila dahil patuloy ang pagbuhos ng ulan kung kaya patuloy pa rin ang pagtaas ng baha.

Nakakadagdag sa pagkabahala ni Rosila ang mga kasamang bata at sanggol.

Para masigurong ligtas ang sanggol, inilagay na lang ito sa isang planggana nang itinawid sa baha.

Pati ang pinaglalamayan nilang kabaong ng namatay na kaanak, inabot na rin ng baha.

Dagdag niya, may ilang ga residente pang na-trap sa baha sa kani-kanilang bahay. Pero hirap umano ang mga rescuer na mapuntahan sila dahil sa lakas ng agos ng baha.

Binaha rin ang downtown proper ng Catarman, kung saan inabot ng tubig ang mga sasakyan.

DNA SAMPLES IN ABANDONED SUV MATCH MISSING BEAUTY QUEEN'S FAMILY

MANILA - DNA samples from an abandoned SUV match those of the missing beauty queen, Catherine Camilon, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Philippines. The DNA found in hair strands and blood samples from the vehicle matches samples collected from Camilon's family. CIDG Director Police Major General Romeo Caramat Jr. confirmed that the evidence supports witness accounts of individuals carrying Camilon, providing further credibility to the ongoing investigation. Charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention remain until Camilon is located. CIDG operatives continue their search, with a focus on identifying the owner of the abandoned SUV. Two witnesses reported seeing three men carrying a bloodied woman from a Nissan Juke to a Honda CRV. Police Major Allan De Castro, the owner of the Juke, is currently under restrictive custody. Camilon was last seen by her family on October 12.

HUNGER RISES SLIGHTY IN NCR; DIPS IN VISAYAS: SWS

According to the latest Social Weather Stations survey conducted from September 28 to October 1, 2023, 9.8% of Filipino families faced involuntary hunger in the past three months. This figure is slightly lower than the 10.4% reported in June 2023 and remains consistent with the 9.8% recorded in March 2023. Hunger was most prevalent in Metro Manila at 17.3%, followed by Balance Luzon at 10.3%, the Visayas at 6.7%, and Mindanao at 6.7%. The survey indicates a 2.6-point decrease in hunger incidence in the Visayas, while Metro Manila experienced a 1.6-point increase. The overall hunger rate includes Moderate Hunger at 8.4% and Severe Hunger at 1.3%. In Metro Manila, Moderate Hunger rose from 12% in June to 13.3% in September, while Severe Hunger hardly changed from 3.7% to 4.0%. The survey also found that 48% of Filipino families rated themselves as "Poor," and 34% considered themselves "Food-Poor." The Overall Hunger rate fell among the Self-Rated Poor from 10.8% in June to 7.7% in September.

SPORTS

LYCEUM INAUGURATES PH’S FIRST-EVER ESPORTS ARENA

MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines University unveiled the country's first-ever LPU ESports Arena at its Intramuros campus. As the first educational institution in the Philippines to offer esports as an academic degree, the arena reinforces Lyceum's dedication to innovation and technology, providing a platform for students to excel in the rapidly growing esports industry. The four-year BS ESports program offers two tracks: Game Design and Development and ESports Management. The arena, equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, lighting, production room, and green room for streaming, is described as an "arena with a twist of education" by LPU’s ICT Director Noel Punongbayan. The initiative, initially met with hesitance, reflects Lyceum's commitment to advancing academic and industry integration. The facility, powered by Asus, is located on the 3rd floor of LPU’s main building.

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 19, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

10-3

23        38        33        27        121

Nets

6-7

22        27        22        28        99

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Embiid PHI C

32 PTS , 12 REB , 9 AST

L. Walker IV BKN SG

26 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pistons

2-12

20        25        27        41        113

Raptors

6-7

32        37        35        38        142

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Umude DET SG

19 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST

P. Siakam TOR PF

23 PTS , 7 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Magic

8-5

42        36        29        21        128

Pacers

7-5

21        23        34        38        116

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

P. Banchero ORL PF

24 PTS , 3 REB

J. Nwora IND SG

19 PTS , 5 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nuggets

9-4

27        31        17        34        109

Cavaliers

7-6

29        37        26        29        121

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

M. Porter Jr. DEN SF

21 PTS , 6 REB

D. Garland CLE PG

26 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Kings

8-4

35        35        37        22        129

Mavericks

9-5

36        29        31        17        113

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Sabonis SAC C

32 PTS , 13 REB , 6 AST

L. Doncic DAL PG

25 PTS , 10 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Celtics

11-2

26        30        23        23        102

Grizzlies

3-10

27        26        23        24        100

FedExForum, Memphis, TN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Porzingis BOS C

26 PTS , 8 REB , 1 AST

D. Bane MEM SG

30 PTS , 2 REB , 8 AST

Final/2OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Suns

7-6

30        31        24        30        25        140

Jazz

4-9

30        26        28        31        22        137

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Durant PHO PF

39 PTS , 8 REB , 10 AST

L. Markkanen UTA SF

38 PTS , 17 REB

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Thunder

10-4

33        43        25        33        134

Trail Blazers

3-10

21        22        23        25        91

Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, OR

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

28 PTS , 3 REB , 4 AST

J. Grant POR PF

14 PTS , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Rockets

6-5

28        27        20        29        104

Lakers

8-6

20        29        32        24        105

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Brooks HOU SF

24 PTS , 1 REB , 2 AST

L. James LAL SF

37 PTS , 6 REB , 8 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.55

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The Hopi Indians of Arizona believe that our daily rituals and prayers literally keep this world spinning on its axis. For me, feeding the seagulls is one of those everyday prayers. - Brenda Peterson