INFLATION SLOWS TO 4.1 PERCENT IN NOVEMBER

MANILA — Inflation eased to 4.1 percent in November amid slower increases in food prices, and lower transport costs as fuel prices fell, the state statistics bureau said on Tuesday.

This was slower than the 4.9 percent clip seen in October, and was within the 4 to 4.8 percent range forecast by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The PSA noted the lower year-on-year growth rate of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 5.7 percent in November from 7 percent in October.

“This was followed by transport with 0.8 percent annual decrease from 1 percent annual growth in October 2023,” the agency said in a statement.

November’s slower inflation clip brought the 11-month average to 6.2 percent, which was still above the government target of 2 to 4 percent inflation.

“Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, decelerated further to 4.7 percent in November 2023 from 5.3 percent in the previous month,” the PSA added.

The average core inflation from January to November 2023 to 6.8 percent, the agency added.

Inflation hit a 14-year peak of 8.7 percent in January as food and fuel prices surged.

A survey by Pulse Asia in September showed that inflation was the most urgent concern of Filipinos.

CHINA SAYS MILITIA BOATS IN WEST PH SEA 'JUSTIFIED, LAWFUL'

MANILA - China on Monday claimed that it is "justified and lawful" for its maritime militia boats to operate in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wengbin reacted to a question about the 135 Chinese militia vessels monitored in Julian Felipe Reef.

"Niu’e Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. Relevant waters of the South China Sea, including Niu’e Jiao and its adjacent waters, have always been important operating areas and shelters for Chinese fishing boats. It is justified and lawful for Chinese fishing boats to operate or shelter from wind in the area, and the Philippines is in no position to make irresponsible remarks," he said.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday said it monitored 111 Chinese vessels in the area on November 13. The number later increased to 125, and by December 2, Philippine authorities monitored over 135 vessels in the area.

Due to this development, National Security Adviser and Chair of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, General Eduardo Año, directed the PCG to carry out maritime patrol in the area.

On Saturday, PCG Commandant Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, deployed PCG vessels BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra to the area. The PCG issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessels but they received no response.

The Philippine government said it will dispatch a Coast Guard vessel in the area in response to the swarming of Chinese vessels.

The Philippines announced Friday that it was establishing a coast guard station on the largest island it holds in the South China Sea to improve the monitoring of Chinese vessels.

The coast guard station would be equipped with "advanced systems", including radar, satellite communication, coastal cameras and vessel traffic management, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said during a visit to Thitu Island.

The station has been built and is expected to be operational early next year.

PCG SPOKESMAN: ME, A CIA AGENT? I'M FLATTERED

A Philippine Coast Guard spokesman laughed off claims by pro-China groups that he is a CIA agent after he continued to expose Chinese vessels venturing inside Philippine waters.

"Actually na-flattered ako para sabihing CIA agent ako. Parang pang Hollywood movies lang. Nakakatawa lang, anong basis? Meron ba silang dokumento to prove that claim?" PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

A Philippine Star article earlier said a Twitter account exhibiting troll-like behavior first posted accusations that Tarriela worked for the US government’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) around two hours after the spokesman called Filipinos defending China as “unpatriotic” and “traitors.”

Tarriela said he has ignored trolls and fake news peddlers so as not to give them a platform.

"No matter how many lies they are going to write against me, it's ok with me kasi ang pinag-uusapan na natin bayan na natin," he said.

The spokesman earlier warned pro-China groups and individuals are using 3 "claims, arguments and accusations" to contradict factual reports from Philippine authorities.

The first claim is that speaking up against China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea will lead us into a war.

"FACT: Exposing China's aggression is not inciting war. By keeping our political leaders and countrymen aware of China’s violations of international law, we are safeguarding our country from political manipulation and disinformation," the spokesman said.

He said the second argument used by pro-China individuals is that the Philippines' transparency on Chinese aggression in the West Philippine is "solely influenced by the United States."

Finally, he said pro-China individuals are accusing those who are critical of China as being "anti-Filipino and pro-US."

MISSING PIPER PLANE IN ISABELA FOUND

A small Piper PA-32-300 plane reported missing in Isabela has been found, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said Tuesday.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said communication from an aerial search said they found the plane but declined to give more details until aerial accident investigators reach the area.

"Identified na 'yung area...Kaya lang ito nakita kasi bumukas na 'yung araw," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Bad weather hindered the search and rescue, he said.

CAAP earlier said the Piper PA-32-300 with registry number RP-C1234 went missing last Thursday, shortly after departing from Cauayan Airport. It was carrying a pilot and a lone passenger, the CAAP said in an advisory.

HOUSE PARTY LEADERS BACK PEACE PROCESS WITH COMMUNIST REBELS AFTER VP REBUKE

MANILA — Political party leaders of the House of Representatives on Tuesday issued a joint statement in support of the peace process launched by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., a day after Vice President Sara Duterte opposed negotiations with communist rebels.

"As the united voice of the House of Representatives, representing all political parties, we collectively express our unwavering support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative for peace and national unity," the statement read.

"This historic move marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development."

The party leaders said Marcos' push for peace talks "transcends political boundaries and speaks to the core of our shared values as Filipinos."

"We are united in the belief that through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, we can overcome historical divides and build a more inclusive and peaceful nation," they said.

The party leaders also urged the public "to join us in this noble pursuit."

"It is only through our joint efforts that we can turn the aspirations of peace, unity, and progress into reality. In solidarity, we commend President Marcos for his visionary leadership. Together, as a united House of Representatives and as one nation, we look forward to a future marked by peace, unity, and prosperity for all Filipinos," they said.

The statement made no reference to Duterte's appeal against peace talks with communist rebels. It is the latest in a growing list of differences between the country's highest officials.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said Duterte's remarks were "detrimental to the pursuit of genuine peace negotiations" and "undermining the efforts to address the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines."

"The NDFP has demonstrated its commitment to engage in peace negotiations, and it is imperative that all parties involved uphold sincerity and respect in these discussions. Instead of promoting war, we call on the Vice President and those she represents to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict in the country," she added.

On Monday night, Speaker Martin Romualdez maintained that the peace talks was the right thing to do.

In her statement, the younger Duterte cited the alleged killings and urged Marcos to review the deal to restart peace talks. She also opposed the grant of amnesty to former rebels through proclamations recently signed by the President.

"Ang dapat nating gawin ay ipagpatuloy ang ating mga nasimulan sa NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) at mas palakasin pa ang mga ito. Panalo na tayo, lumalaban na ang mga komunidad," Duterte said.

"Mr. President, we can negotiate for peace and reconciliation and pursue meaningful development efforts in the Philippines without capitulating to the enemies. Hiling namin na kami ay mapakinggan," she added.

'PART OF US DIED WITH THEM': MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY MOURNS MARAWI BOMBING VICTIMS

MANILA — The Mindanao State University (MSU) on Tuesday condoled with the families of 4 Mass goers who were killed during a bomb attack in the campus last weekend.

The blast happened on Sunday during a morning Catholic service at MSU's gymnasium in Marawi, the country's largest Muslim city, which was besieged by militant groups in 2017.

In a Facebook post, the university offered "our deepest, sincerest condolences" to the families of the 4 people killed in the explosion, namely, Junrey Barbante, Janine Arenas, Evangeline Aromin, and Riza Daniel.

No other information on the victims was immediately available.

"We pray that your departed loved ones rest in peace and be given the justice they so deserve. We join you in your pain, and to be honest, a part of us, of every MSUan died along with them," MSU System President Basari Mapupuno said, addressing the victims' families.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the blast from an improvised explosive device.

HOUSE PANEL SET TO TACKLE SUSPENSION OF SMNI OPERATIONS

MANILA - PBA Party List Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles has filed House Resolution 1499 that urges the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend the operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation, also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

Nograles accused SMNI of violating the terms of its congressional franchise under Republic Act 11422.

"Pending the recommendation of the Committee on Legislative Franchises on the alleged violations of SMNI, it is the duty of the National Telecommunications Commission to immediately stop the deliberate dissemination of false information that may generate cynicism and mistrust on matters involving public interest," the resolution said.

The resolution said SMNI failed in its responsibility to the public by deliberately disseminating false information, specifically in the case of a claim by an SMNI anchor Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz, that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has a P1.8 billion travel fund that Celiz later admitted was erroneous.

"With the admission that the source of information was wrong and that the information was not vetted, in addition to the various complaints filed against the SMNI for fake news peddling and red-tagging, it is clear that SMNI violated its responsibility to the public not to use its stations or facilities for the deliberate dissemination of false information or willful misrepresentation to the detriment of the public interest," HR 1499 said.

Before adjourning the plenary session on Monday, the House authorized the franchise committee to act on the resolution.

The House of Representatives has tasked its Committee on Legislative Franchises to investigate the spread of claims that Romualdez spent over P1.8 billion in travel funds, which the chamber has called "baseless" and a "blatant attempt to spread misinformation."

An official from SMNI later apologized for the insinuation about Romualdez's travel fund.

MARCOS TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 FOR 3RD TIME

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, Malacañang confirmed early Tuesday.

The President will isolate for 5 days upon medical advice, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

“The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference,” the statement read.

“Updates on his health will be provided as available,” it read.

This is the third time Marcos Jr. tested positive for COVID-19.

He first contracted the disease in 2020, shortly after the virus was first detected in the Philippines.

In 2022, Marcos Jr. contracted COVID-19 anew, but had a milder bout with the

virus.

“During this holiday season, President Marcos encourages the public to take precautions to safeguard their health, such as vaccinating and voluntary mask-wearing when entering crowded places,” the PCO said.

CASTRO ACCUSES DUTERTE OF SECOND DEATH THREAT

Filipino congresswoman France Castro has accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of threatening to kill her for a second time, filing a supplemental criminal complaint. The allegation stems from Duterte's comments during an October 10 interview and another on November 16. In the latter, Duterte discussed solving the insurgency issue and suggested that communists, including Castro, "should be killed." While Duterte did not appear at the prosecutor's office, two of his lawyers were present. Duterte, who often made threats during his presidency, can now be charged for alleged crimes as a private citizen. The prosecutor will determine if there's enough evidence to proceed.

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LTO SETTING UP FAST LANES FOR 24.7 MILLION UNREGISTERED VEHICLES

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II has directed LTO regional directors and district office heads to establish special lanes for the registration of delinquent motor vehicle owners. The initiative aims to register approximately 24.7 million motor vehicles with expired registration, constituting 65% of the total. Mendoza emphasized prioritizing those voluntarily registering their vehicles and implementing a "no registration, no travel" policy. The LTO has impounded hundreds of unregistered motor vehicles nationwide and is introducing a one-stop program to facilitate registration for delinquent vehicles and encourage compliance.

NCRPO, NAIA, PORTS ON ALERT AFTER MSU BLAST

Following the explosive incident at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Manila is on high alert. The NCRPO has increased police visibility in schools, churches, transportation terminals, and other crowded areas. Additional checkpoints have been set up around Metro Manila, and police personnel are actively monitoring and verifying potential threats of group activities. Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., NCRPO director, reassured the public of heightened security measures, emphasizing continuous monitoring of various convergence points. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has also implemented heightened security measures. Authorities are investigating potential involvement of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute terror group in the bombing incident.

DOJ LAUNCHES OWN HUMAN RIGHTS AND GENDER PROTECTION OFFICE

The Department of Justice launched its own human rights and gender protection office Monday.

Coinciding with the celebration of National Human Rights Consciousness Week, the DOJ inaugurated its Human Rights Office and Gender and Development Special Protection Office.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in his statement read by Undersecretary Brigido Dulay that consultations with other relevant government offices were done by the department before the creation of the two offices.

"This is monumental as it is novel, for, in the DOJ’s 126 years of existence, there are now dedicated offices meant to carry out this vision of a more humane and human rights-centric justice system that shall deliver 'real justice in real time,'" Remulla said.

Remulla stated that since last year, policies and programs have been instituted, among them, the setting of new guidelines for the recommendation of reduced bail amounts, mandatory autopsy of victims who died under suspicious circustances or suffered violent deaths, automatic dismissal of cases where there is no reasonable certainty of conviction.

“These polices and programs aim to instill in all our personnel a mindset to respect, promote and protect all human rights,” Remulla said.

Remulla also stressed that the creation of the DOJ’s own human rights and gender protection office proves that the Philippines upholds human rights.

He also noted that the creation of the DOJ offices happens this year, on the the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Indeed, our event today shows the world that the we are a country that promotes and protects human rights,” Remulla said.

HOLIDAYS SET IN 4 PHILIPPINES AREAS

MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang has declared special non-working holidays in four areas of the country to allow residents participate in activities that commemorate local historic events.

The local holidays were declared in separate proclamations signed on Nov. 29 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Marcos.

Proclamation 410 declared Jan. 4 a special non-working day in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro for the celebration of the town’s 119th founding anniversary.

Proclamation 411 declared Jan. 5 a holiday in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, which will celebrate its 438th founding anniversary.

The same date was also made a special non-working day in Bauang, La Union for the town’s 438th founding anniversary celebration as stated under Proclamation 412.

Malacanang also issued Proclamation No, 413, declaring Jan. 6 a special non-working day in Oroquieta City, which will celebrate its 54th charter and 94th anniversaries as capital of Misamis Occidental.

EASTERLIES TO BRING FAIR WEATHER WITH ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS

Generally fair weather conditions will be experienced across the country with possible isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms this Tuesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

This is due to the dominance of the Easterlies - the warm winds blowing from the Pacific - as the northeast monsoon or Amihan has temporarily weakened and retreated north.

Amihan usually peaks from late December to February, when cooler temperatures are felt not only in Northern Luzon but also in Metro Manila.

Today, temperatures could reach 33°C in Metro Manila, Olongapo, Davao, and Zamboanga City.

No weather disturbance is being monitored within and around the Philippine area of responsibility at the moment.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

People wish to be settled: only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson