17 KILLED IN ANTIQUE BUS ACCIDENT

Seventeen people, including a Kenyan national, died when a passenger bus careered off a road on a "killer curve" and plunged down a mountain in central Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

The bus was travelling in Hamtic municipality in Antique province when the crash happened Tuesday afternoon, provincial disaster agency head Roderick Train told AFP.

Four Kenyan nationals were among the passengers, who were mostly residents of Antique, Governor Rhodora Cadiao told local radio station DZRH.

"I call that place 'killer curve'... it was already the second Ceres bus that fell off there," she said, referring to the bus company.

"With the many number of deaths that road must be abandoned... and make another road to make that area safe."

The heavily forested ravine was around 30 metres (100 feet) deep, Cadiao said.

Seven people, including one of the Kenyan nationals, were in critical condition in hospital and four others were stable, Train said, describing the section of road as "accident prone".

The condition of the other two Kenyans is not clear.

"This is a mountain road, so the bus fell from a high place. That's why the impact caused many casualties," Train said.

"Based on the witnesses, it was a mechanical failure. The driver lost control, possible brake failure."

Cadiao visited the hospital where survivors were being treated for their injuries. She promised government assistance for medical and funeral expenses of victims.

Train said the search and rescue operation had finished and authorities would now focus on retrieving the bus.

PHILIPPINES STILL LAGS BEHIND WORLD IN MATH, READING AND SCIENCE — PISA 2022

The latest findings from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveal that Filipino students continue to perform poorly in math, reading, and science, with no significant improvement since 2018.

Despite reforms and preparations by the education department following the 2018 results, less than a quarter of Filipino students reached the minimum proficiency level in all three subjects in the 2022 test. The Philippines ranked below the global average in all categories, showcasing a marginal improvement from 2018.

The recent scores come after the education system's slow recovery from the pandemic's impact, including prolonged school closures and learning losses. The PISA 2022 results indicate no significant change in the Philippines' performance compared to 2018, remaining below the OECD average with only slight improvements in scores.

The country ranks among the lowest in mathematics, reading, and science, with a minimal increase in scores. The PISA test shows that only a small percentage of Filipino students achieved basic proficiency in mathematics, reading, and science, highlighting a lack of essential skills.

Gender differences reveal that, contrary to global trends, female Filipino students outperformed males in mathematics. While the K to 12 mathematics curriculum aimed to address previous shortcomings, it seems to have overcompensated, emphasizing problem-solving skills over routine mathematical processes.

However, experts caution against hasty conclusions, stating that it will take years to evaluate the true impact of the K to 12 curriculum on international test results. The Department of Education under Duterte has initiated the rollout of a new curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10, set to begin in phases from 2024.

3 FILIPINOS TRAPPED IN GAZA AMID ISRAELI ATTACKS

Israel’s continued offensive against Hamas in Gaza prevented three Filipinos in the conflict zone from crossing into Egypt.

Meanwhile, 17 Filipinos remain captives of Yemen’s Houthi rebels who are sympathetic to Hamas.

EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC IN NEXT 3 WEEKENDS: MMDA

Expect heavy traffic in the next three weekends before Christmas Day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said Wednesday.

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said he expects heavy traffic starting December 8 because of the long weekend. December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, is a special nonworking day.

The MMDA chief said he expects heavy traffic also on the December 15 weekend because of payday weekend and last minute Christmas shopping.

He said the December 22 weekend will start the rush of travelers going to the provinces before Christmas.

HOUSE PANEL CITES 2 SMNI HOSTS IN CONTEMPT

The House panel has cited two Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts for contempt during a congressional inquiry into alleged fake news. SMNI anchor Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz refused to disclose his source for erroneous information on House Speaker Martin Romualdez's travel expenses, citing journalistic protection. The panel argued that Celiz's refusal violated Section 11 and moved to cite him for contempt. SMNI host Lorraine Badoy, former anti-communist task force spokesperson, was also cited for contempt for inaccurately answering questions about advertisers. Both Celiz and Badoy will be detained at the House of Representatives until the committee report is adopted by the House plenary.

SHIP WITH FILIPINO CREW SEIZED BY YEMEN'S HOUTHIS TURNED INTO TOURIST ATTRACTION

The Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis last month, has been turned into a tourist attraction for Yemenis who flock in dozens to tour it off the coasts of the Houthi controlled Red Sea port of al-Salif where the vessel is anchored.

Houthis welcome visitors to board the ship that they reach by small fishing boats.

Visitors are allowed only to tour the ship's deck where they walk on large US and Israeli flags stretched on the deck's floor, and take selfies on its deck.

Houthi moral songs are also played on loudspeakers mounted on the vessel's towers.

Houthi media officer, Sameer Al-Rabit, said the ship has turned into a tourist attraction.

The crew of the Galaxy Leader have been allowed "modest contact" with their families while various countries push for their release, the vessel's owner said this week.

The Bahamas flagged car carrier was taken to the port of Hodeidah, and then to the nearby port of al-Salfi in the Houthi controlled north of Yemen after being boarded at sea on Nov. 19 by commandos with the group.

The vessel's crew is made up of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen.

The United States has blamed the Houthis for a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters since war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct. 7. Three vessels were attacked in the Red Sea area on Sunday.

At an assembly session on Monday of the UN shipping agency's highest governing body, the United States, the Bahamas and Japan called for the unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.

NEDA, DOF BACK PROPOSALS TO BAN POGOS

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF) are backing proposals to ban Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), citing their negative impact on the economy. NEDA revealed that POGOs accounted for 0.6% to 0.7% of GDP in 2019, dropping to 0.2% to 0.3% in 2022. The country could lose 0.8% to 1% of annual GDP if China blacklists tourist sites due to POGO operations. The DOF emphasized the "social costs" and "reputational risks" associated with POGOs, estimating a net cost of around P6.99 billion annually. POGCOR suggested intensifying monitoring and improving industry regulation instead of an outright ban. The panel will continue discussions on measures concerning POGOs in the Philippines.

MSU: WE ARE DEVASTED BUT NOT BROKEN

Since the establishment of the Mohammad Ali B. Dimaporo Gymnasium at Mindanao State University or MSU in Marawi City, regular Sunday masses have been held here for the Catholic residents, students, faculty members, and employees of the university.

And the bombing on December 3 that took place during one of these masses at the gymnasium, which resulted in the death of four people and injured over 50 others, shocked MSU.

Mindanao State University has identified and paid tribute to the victims, including faculty member Evangeline Aromin from MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, and resident Riza Daniel.

According to Atty. Shindik Abantas, secretary of the university and spokesperson for MSU, they are still in a state of shock over the severity of the bombing especially since two students and one faculty member were among the casualties.

"We are devastated but you know, kung terror groups ang kalaban, we eill not give them the success that they want. They want to devastate us, damage us or break us but we are not broken. We will not give them the victory that they want. MSU will stay," he said.

MSU, Abantas said, has faced various challenges like martial law, rebellion, the Marawi siege, and the pandemic, but it has never been defeated. Instead, the university always rises and becomes stronger in the face of every challenge, he said.

Although classes for MSU students are still suspended, the university's offices remain open.

Atty. Abantas admitted that the fear among the MSU community is still present, but they are addressing it through psychosocial intervention for students, faculty members, and employees.

THERE'S 'BIG' CHANCE SMNI FRANCHISE WILL BE REVOKED: PIMENTEL

MANILA — There is a "big" possibility that the broadcast franchise of SMNI News Channel will be revoked, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said Wednesday, citing the outlet's alleged violations.

"There is a really big possibility [of] revoking," Pimentel told ANC when asked about the chance that Congress, which has the exclusive authority over media franchises, will cancel SMNI's license.

The lawmaker said his colleagues passed on Tuesday a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission "to suspend the airing of SMNI."

"It is now up to the National Telecommunications Commission whether they will act on it," Pimentel noted.

He added that there is already a bill that is being passed to revoke the franchise of SMNI.

"Based on the two hearings I attended we have evidence proving that they violated several sections of their franchise and it is a ground we have every reason to revoke the franchise," he said.

SMNI, a media company allied with former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing a congressional inquiry for allegedly spreading lies about House Speaker Martin Romualdez's travel expenses, which allegedly reached P1.8 billion in just one year.

Pimentel said SMNI is also facing complaints for red-tagging personalities including former Vice-President Leni Robredo.

THE REST

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5.9 QUAKE HITS OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

MANILA — Operations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 as well as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) were suspended due to a magnitude 5.9 earthquake yesterday afternoon.

The temblor struck Occidental Mindoro and jolted parts of Metro Manila.

The LRT-2 management said they suspended train services for passengers’ safety and inspection of the railway.

The LRT-2 resumed operations at 5:07 p.m. No structural damage was reported.

The LRT-1 stopped operations at around 4:25 p.m. as part of safety procedures. Train services resumed at 5:21 p.m.

The MRT-3 also halted train operations due to the temblor.

The engineering and operations teams of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) checked the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s terminal facilities following the earthquake.

MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said no damage was reported on the airport’s runway and terminals.

At the Senate, the earthquake cut short the meeting of Sen. Francis Tolentino with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz.

Tolentino said they were supposed to talk about the swarming of Chinese vessels around Julian Felipe Reef in Palawan.

Philippine National Police officers and non-uniformed personnel evacuated their offices at Camp Crame following the earthquake.

TIMING OF RECENT SUCCESSIVE QUAKES A COINCIDENCE, SAYS PHIVOLCS

MANILA — The timing of a string of powerful quakes that recently rattled parts of the country was a “coincidence”, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday.

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook Metro Manila on Tuesday, sending people rushing out of buildings and briefly halting train services in the city.

It comes following aftershocks triggered by a magnitude 7.4 quake late Saturday in Mindanao that briefly triggered a tsunami warning.

Asked why quake appeared to be occurring successively, Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said, “Nagkataon lang po ‘yan.”

“Ibig lang pong sabihin, the Philippines is tectonically active. We have 6 trenches and 175 active fault segments. There is always the possibility po na sabay-sabay po ‘yan o magkakasunod po yung paglindol,” he told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

AIA PHILIPPINES INTRODUCES NEW FUND TO UNLOCK GROWTH POTENTIAL OF SAVINGS

MANILA — AIA Philippines responds to the ongoing financial uncertainty by introducing the AIA Global Dynamic Income-Paying Fund. According to the AIA Household Savings Behaviour Study in 2021, Filipinos are increasingly saving to manage uncertainty and secure financial stability for themselves and their families. The new fund aims to maximize savings growth while providing additional financial benefits immediately.

The AIA Global Dynamic Income-Paying Fund allows customers to remain invested while potentially receiving quarterly dividend payouts. Importantly, these payouts are not considered withdrawals from the policy's account value, offering an added benefit for customers. This unique feature enhances the growth potential of long-term savings while ensuring protection.

Ideal for investors seeking to maximize savings growth with the possibility of additional income, the fund will be managed by experts from AIAIM Singapore, bringing extensive experience in handling over US$244 billion across various asset classes. Tennyson Paras, Head of Products at AIA Philippines, emphasizes that this innovative solution caters to adventurous investors looking for potential rewards while expanding their investment portfolios.

AIA Philippines remains committed to providing innovative long-term savings solutions that combine protection, helping customers achieve healthier, longer, and better lives. Interested investors can access the fund through AIA Philippines' single-pay product Peso Money Tree Income-Paying, offering 125% of the face amount for a minimum premium of P125,000.

QUEZON CITY CRIME RATE DROPS BY 65 PERCENT

MANILA — The crime volume in Quezon City decreased by at least 65 percent in the past three months, police announced yesterday.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) recorded 23 cases of focus crimes from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.

The figure is lower compared to 66 crimes documented from Sept. 11 to Sept. 17, for a drop of 66.15 percent.

The focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, car theft and motorcycle theft, which police are monitoring in assessing the peace and order situation in the country.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan lauded his men for their efforts in keeping Quezon City residents safe from criminals.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

HEAVEN PERALEJO TO STAR WITH ALDEN RICHARDS IN NEW MOVIE

MANILA — Heaven Peralejo is going to star in a movie to be directed by Alden Richards.

The actress revealed the news during her launch as the Ginebra Calendar Girl for 2024.

“Exciting!” the actress said as reported by GMA News.

“Alden is… he's a first-time director pero he knows what he wants. He's really like one of the best directors I've ever had," she added.

The actress added that the actor is the type to collaborate when on set.

Heaven recently celebrated her 24th birthday, where Alden was spotted as one of the attendees in one of the social media posts.

Alden, meanwhile, posted a reel of him directing on set. He simply captioned it with the hashtag #OOO. Their movie is reportedly titled "Out of Order."

In the comments section of Alden's post, Heaven left a comment.

"WOOO LETS GO DIREK!!" she wrote.

SPORTS

MESSI NAMED TIME'S 'ATHLETE OF THE YEAR'

LOS ANGELES, United States -- Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine's "Athlete of the Year" for 2023 after a trailblazing season marked by an eighth Ballon d'Or award and his ground-breaking move to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.

Time said the Argentine superstar had already had a transformative impact on the American sporting landscape, which has been historically slow to embrace football.

"Lionel Messi this year managed to do what once seemed impossible, when he signed with Inter Miami: turning the US into a soccer country," Time commented.

The 36-year-old Messi made his debut for Miami in July following an acrimonious departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

The World Cup-winner also rebuffed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in favor of a new chapter in MLS.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made an instant impact on Miami's fortunes, playing a pivotal role in helping the team win the expanded Leagues Cup, a cross-border competition for teams from MLS and Mexico's top flight.

Messi finished the campaign with 11 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions, but an injury towards the end of the season meant he was unable to help Miami force their way into the playoffs.

Messi was quoted by Time as saying that his first preference after PSG had been a fairytale return to Barcelona, but that move stalled over the club's finances.

"I tried to return, and it did not happen," Messi said, adding that he was also "thinking a lot" about joining the wave of overseas players who have headed to the Saudi Pro League.

"It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me," Messi told the magazine.

Time said Messi's arrival had driven a surge in attendances, ticket prices, merchandise sales and viewership, revealing that on the day of his debut, subscriptions to Apple TV -- which retains exclusive rights to MLS -- had jumped by 110,000, a 1,700% increase over the previous day.

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 4, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Celtics

15-5

24        31        23        34        112

Pacers

11-8

22        26        37        37        122

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Tatum BOS PF

32 PTS , 12 REB , 6 AST

T. Haliburton IND PG

26 PTS , 10 REB , 13 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pelicans

12-10

35        34        31        27        127

Kings

11-8

36        25        30        26        117

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

B. Ingram NO SF

30 PTS , 8 REB , 6 AST

D. Fox SAC PG

30 PTS , 5 REB , 4 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.32

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There isn't any formula or method. You learn to love by loving, by paying attention and doing what one thereby discovers has to be done. - Aldous Huxley