BRAWNER TELLS AFP TO MAINTAIN ‘MAXIMUM TOLERANCE’ AMID CHINESE AGGRESSION

MANILA - United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown Jr. spoke with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on the phone on Monday to discuss assessments on the regional security environment.

The two agreed to remain in “close consultation.”

“We had a good conversation. Marami kaming napag-usapan, lalo na dahil sila ay treaty ally natin,” Brawner told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday.

“Merong EDCA sites, napag-usapan namin. Ang ating joint maritime and air patrols. Napag-usapan din ang ginagawa nating Balikatan Exercises. In general lang, kasi ang mga detalye ay pag-uusapan naman ng ating mga staff,” he added.

The two highest ranking military leaders of Manila and Washington also discussed China’s harassment of Philippine vessels conducting rotation and resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Binanggit niya [Brown] ang commitment ng US to continuously support the PH. Isa sa suporta na ibibigay nila ay sa tuwing may resupply mission, susuportahan tayo in terms of pagbibigay ng information sa atin. Hindi naman sila didikit sa atin at mag-eescort, pero in terms of vital information we need, sila ang magbibigay,” Brawner said. “Para sa kanya, nakakabahala ang nangyaring harassment ng China, and they are closely watching.”

Despite continued harassment by Chinese vessels, the AFP chief reminded his men to exercise maximum tolerance.

“It is a duty of the commander to visit his troops in the field. In the WPS, our troops in Ayungin Shoal are the frontliners. Minabuti kong puntahan sila at makita ang sitwasyon nila so I would know how to support them further,” Brawner noted.

“I reminded them to practice maximum tolerance dahil bagama’t ganyan ang ginagawa sa ating pambubully, huwag tayong gumawa ng hakbangin na lalabag sa international law. Paiwas-iwas lang tayo as long as we stick to the mission of resupplying and rotating our troops… and protect fishermen and Filipinos in the WPS,” he said.

PH COULD ASK US TO ACCOMPANY RESUPPLY MISSIONS: EX-SC JUSTICE

MANILA — Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio proposed that the Philippines seek US assistance for resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, given China's repeated aggression. Carpio suggests a dual strategy involving the construction of a civilian structure like a lighthouse on Ayungin Shoal and requesting US accompaniment for resupply missions. He emphasizes the need for civilian activities, as resupply missions are considered military actions outside the arbitral tribunal's jurisdiction. Carpio suggests shifting to civilian endeavors and filing a case if China challenges this move. The Philippines can leverage its alliance with the US, a long-standing security partner.

HOUSE TO PUSH FOR CHARTER CHANGE IN 2024: SPEAKER

MANILA — The House of Representatives will push for amendments to the 1987 Constitution in 2024, Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

The chamber is exploring options that do not involve the Senate, where previous charter change proposals languished, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Dong Gonzales said.

The announcements were made during the Speaker's Christmas get-together with House media.

Romualdez noted that the House passed twin resolutions earlier this year which called for a constitutional convention to amend the constitution. The House has completed all its other priority legislation, he added.

"I believe 2024 will allow us again to revisit the whole issue of the constitution because I think it’s timely that we revisit and I say we’d like to focus very much on the economic provisions," Romualdez said.

"We would be studying this over the [Christmas] break. And perhaps there might be some initiatives even during the break that would prepare us for the ensuing year and perhaps what would be our legacy in the 19th Congress, which is to review and revisit the 1987 Constitution and make it more attuned, sensitive and responsive to the times," he said.

During a separate briefing in Iloilo, Romualdez bared plans to resolve the current impasse that kept charter change proposals approved by the House dying a natural death at the Senate: a people's initiative that would let voters decide if congressmen and senators have to vote together or separately to consider proposals to amend the constitution.

Former and current senators have insisted that the 2 chambers vote separately to prevent the 24-man Senate from being overwhelmed by votes from the much larger House, which currently has over 300 members.

The Senate also sat on proposals for a constitutional convention of elected delegates, which has to be called through a law passed by both chambers.

OFWS WARNED VS THIRD COUNTRY HIRING SCAM

OFWs, beware! There is a scam luring foreign workers to accept jobs in a third country that is not their original place of employment, only to find out that the promised benefits are a lie.

Department of Migrant Workers OIC Hans Leo Cacdac said at least 128 OFWs victimized by third country hiring scammers have sought help from the Philippine labor attache in the United Arab Emirates this year.

The scheme goes like this: an OFW in Saudi Arabia goes back to the Philippines and then hears about an offer on Facebook or TikTok about a better job in another country.

Instead of using their reentry visa to go back to their place of employment, the "willing victim" decides to accept the job offer to the third country.

"May trabaho naman sila pero naaakit sa ibang lugar. Nalilinlang sila ng illegal agents...Pagdating doon hindi pala maganda ‘yung working conditions at ang sweldo hindi sapat," Cacdac said.

"Illegal 'yung buong arrangement."

PHILIPPINES RECORDS FEWER STORMS, FACES WORST DROUGHT IN DECADES

The Philippines experienced fewer storms in 2023 than in the past 25 years, with only 10 major storms making landfall or coming close. This is the lowest number since 1998 when 11 storms were recorded.The country typically faces around 20 major storms annually. Ana Solis, chief climatologist, suggests that climate change is likely a factor in the reduced storm activity.

Due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Philippines anticipates potentially the worst drought in decades from February to May 2024.

The drought conditions are expected to be comparable to the 1997-1998 El Nino, the country's worst-ever dry spell. Currently, 77 percent of the country's provinces are projected to experience drought by the end of May.

Government agencies are urged to prepare for water, food, and electricity shortages during this period. Secretary Renato Solidum emphasizes the need for proactive planning to address the anticipated challenges.             Manila may experience temperatures up to 38.3 degrees Celsius in April and May, with northern Luzon reaching up to 41 degrees Celsius, resembling figures from 1998.

HOUSE PANEL LIFTS DETENTION OF SMNI HOSTS BADOY, CELIZ

MANILA - Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz will not spend Christmas in detention at the House of Representatives.

They walked free before 7 p.m. on Tuesday after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises unanimously voted in a closed-door special meeting to lift the detention order against the two hosts, citing “humanitarian reasons”.

Committee Chairperson and Paranaque 2nd District Representative Gus Tambunting and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco signed the release order for the two SMNI hosts on Tuesday afternoon.

Last week, Celiz was cited in contempt by the House panel after he refused to disclose his source of erroneous information on House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s alleged P1.8 billion travel expenses. Badoy, meanwhile, was cited in contempt due to alleged discrepancies in her statements regarding her show’s advertisers.

Tambunting said Celiz on Monday gave him the name of his source. Celiz also wrote a letter to the panel seeking for reconsideration of the detention order against him and apologizing for his behavior during Tuesday’s hearing. Tambunting said Badoy was also “remorseful”.

“They are free to go. This is not a furlough. We lifted their detention. If they are needed in the future, we will just call them back,” the House panel chair told the media.

“Sinabi naman nila verbally sa akin na alam nilang may pagkukulang sila. As far as they are concerned, they are also both remorseful, at sila ay nagsisisi rin. Pasko ngayon, at for humanitarian reasons, hindi naman kailangan ‘yan ay magkaroon pa ng— humingi ng sorry o anuman. Kami na mismo ang nag-decide na sila ay pakawalan pareho. In the spirit of Christmas, we are giving them both the freedom to leave their detention cells,” he added.

Upon release, the two SMNI hosts asserted that constitutionally-guaranteed rights should be respected even by those in authority.

THE REST

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NO EXTENSION FOR PUV CONSOLIDATION DEADLINE AFTER 2-DAY STRIKE ANNOUNCEMENT

MANILA — President Marcos Jr. has declared that there will be no extension beyond the December 31 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV), despite the 2-day transport strike announced by Piston. The strike, scheduled for December 14 to 15, protests the impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys and UV Express units. Marcos emphasized that 70% of operators have already committed to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The government maintains the deadline after LTFRB concessions, but transport groups argue thousands will face unemployment without consolidation before 2024. Piston plans to proceed with the strike, claiming Marcos' 70% data is misleading.

ZAMBOANGA CITY STEPS UP SECURITY MEASURES

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Zamboanga City has heightened security measures along borders and ports to prevent potential terrorist attacks. Police have suspended leaves, and personnel are instructed to maximize their presence. Intelligence units are monitoring groups like Dawlah Islamiyah and remnants of Abu Sayyaf in Western Mindanao. Despite no intercepted threats, authorities are intensifying security measures. Increased police visibility is observed in public places to ensure a peaceful celebration of the holiday season. The measures are in response to the previous occurrence of sympathy attacks in the city.

DOTR SAYS EXCESS OF JEEPNEYS IN METRO MANILA

Jeepney operators not aligning with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program risk losing their franchise, warns the government. Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade stresses the automatic revocation of franchises for non-consolidated units. Those failing to join consolidated groups will be unable to operate legally, resulting in potential colorum violations. The government anticipates a transport strike by PISTON on December 14-15 but asserts readiness. PISTON predicts significant job losses for drivers and operators after December 31, with the government countering that there is a surplus of jeepneys in Metro Manila. Authorities emphasize the need for consolidation and the privileged nature of franchises.

HIGHER MRT-3 FARES LIKELY IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2024: DOTR

MRT-3 fares are set to go up by the first quarter of 2024, the head of the Department of Transportation confirmed Wednesday.

"Next year na 'yung MRT-3. I understand ipepresent 'yan sa LRTA board. Next year na natin pag-usapan...Hindi naman sila masyadong mahihirapan kung hindi natin kaagad ibibigay 'yung fare increase na hinihingi nila. Most probably first quarter, next year," DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

The MRT-3 management is seeking an additional P2.29 for the boarding fee and a P0.21 increase per kilometer.

If approved, the minimum fare will go up to P16 from the current P13 while an end-to-end trip from North Avenue station to Taft Avenue station would go up to P34 from the current P28.

The national government is currently subsidizing a significant portion of MRT-3 fares.

Handa tayo sa mahabang bakasyon. By Dec 15 yung PCG will be all over the PH.

HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED ALONG NLEX DUE TO 2023 ASIA ARTIST AWARDS

Motorists passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on Thursday, December 14 may experience slow-moving traffic due to the 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA), the NLEX management said Tuesday.

The star-studded event, to be graced by popular K-pop and K-drama stars, will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

"Please expect high volume of traffic during the event and allow more time for travel" the NLEX Corp. said in an advisory.

NLEX Corp. advised motorists headed to Bocaue and Santa Maria to "take alternate routes" through exits in Marilao, Bocaue or Tambubong.

"Traffic personnel will be deployed along NLEX-covered area to provide assistance," it added.

This is the first time that the Philippines will host the AAA, which will be graced by 58 musical acts and other celebrities from South Korea, China and Japan, according to organizers.

Among the K-pop acts who will appear at the event are Seventeen BSS, Stray Kids and NewJeans, while Korean actors such as Kim Seon-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong have also confirmed their attendance.

PALACE DECLARES DECEMBER 26 A SPECIAL NON-WORKING DAY

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday declared December 26 as a special non-working day to allow Filipinos the “full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

Proclamation No. 425, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 12, states that a longer weekend will “encourage families to get together” and “promote domestic tourism.”

This year’s Christmas Day (December 25), a regular holiday, will fall on a Monday.

Malacañang has not issued a similar circular for January 2 (which falls on a Tuesday) as of posting.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also directed the Department of Labor and Employment to issue the appropriate circular for the implementation of the proclamation in the private sector.

BREWING STORM FAR EAST OF MINDANAO MAY ENTER PAR THIS WEEKEND

Weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a cloud cluster in Central Pacific that may form into a low pressure area (LPA) within 24 hours and enter the Philippine area of responsibility this weekend.

The weather disturbance may bring widespread rains in Visayas and Mindanao early next week, weather forecaster Benison Estareja warned.

He urged the public to continue monitoring updates on this potential system.

But this Wednesday, the northeast monsoon or Amihan will affect Northern and Central Luzon, PAGASA said in its morning weather forecast. Cool weather will be mostly felt at night and in the morning.

Cloudy skies and light rains will be experienced over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and even Quezon province.

Ilocos Region and the rest of Cordillera and Central Luzon will have fair conditions with occasions of isolated light rains.

However, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will continue to be warm and humid due to the Easterlies blowing from the Pacific Ocean.

Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur may experience rains before midday. There may also be localized thunderstorms in other parts of the archipelago, especially in the afternoon or evening.

Amihan may temporarily weaken by Friday but surge again this weekend and also bring rains over the northern and eastern parts of Luzon, Estareja added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MARIAN RIVERA CONFIRMS RECONCILIATION WITH HEART EVANGELISTA

Marian Rivera confirmed on Tuesday (December 11) that she has reconciled with fellow actress Heart Evangelista, after photos of them hugging made the rounds on social media.

"Masaya ako na maayos kaming dalawa," she said, declining to give details as to how they reconciled. "Ayoko na i-elaborate. Basta masaya ako na maayos kaming dalawa."

Rivera and Evangelista, who co-starred in the 2011 remake of "Temptation Island," were first reported to be at odds that year, but neither ever went on record to confirm the cause of the conflict.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 11, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Cavaliers

13-10

29        25        15        25        94

Magic

16-7

22        29        30        23        104

Amway Center, Orlando, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Garland CLE PG

36 PTS , 6 REB , 5 AST

P. Banchero ORL PF

20 PTS , 10 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pacers

13-8

33        33        32        33        131

Pistons

2-21

36        25        32        30        123

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

B. Mathurin IND SF

30 PTS , 7 REB , 8 AST

C. Cunningham DET SG

23 PTS , 6 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Heat

13-10

29        30        30        27        116

Hornets

7-14

24        26        27        37        114

Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Robinson MIA SG

24 PTS , 7 REB , 4 AST

T. Rozier CHA SG

34 PTS , 2 REB , 13 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Wizards

3-19

27        19        21        34        101

76ers

15-7

43        32        37        34        146

Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Kuzma WAS PF

21 PTS , 9 REB , 1 AST

J. Embiid PHI C

34 PTS , 10 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nuggets

15-9

28        37        38        26        129

Hawks

9-13

36        26        24        36        122

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Murray DEN PG

29 PTS , 9 REB , 4 AST

B. Bogdanovic ATL SG

40 PTS , 3 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Raptors

9-14

35        25        37        33        130

Knicks

13-9

35        31        32        38        136

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

O. Anunoby TOR SF

29 PTS , 5 REB , 2 AST

J. Randle NY PF

34 PTS , 8 REB , 5 AST

Final/OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Bulls

9-15

32        33        24        29        11        129

Bucks

16-7

37        37        17        27        15        133

Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. DeRozan CHI SG

41 PTS , 2 REB , 11 AST

G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF

32 PTS , 12 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

14-8

29        38        29        24        120

Grizzlies

6-16

24        27        28        34        113

FedExForum, Memphis, TN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Doncic DAL PG

35 PTS , 8 REB , 6 AST

J. Jackson Jr. MEM PF

41 PTS , 4 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Timberwolves

17-5

29        23        34        21        107

Pelicans

13-11

29        30        31        31        121

Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

N. Reid MIN C

17 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

Z. Williamson NO PF

36 PTS , 5 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Spurs

3-19

21        26        15        20        82

Rockets

11-9

19        32        18        24        93

Toyota Center, Houston, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

V. Wembanyama SA PF

15 PTS , 18 REB , 3 AST

T. Eason HOU PF

18 PTS , 14 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Jazz

7-16

20        32        23        45        120

Thunder

15-7

34        32        45        23        134

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. George UTA SG

30 PTS , 3 REB , 7 AST

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

30 PTS , 4 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nets

12-10

18        30        37        33        118

Kings

13-8

26        28        44        33        131

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

M. Bridges BKN SF

22 PTS , 5 REB , 5 AST

D. Fox SAC PG

29 PTS , 3 REB , 8 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Trail Blazers

6-16

32        33        34        28        127

Clippers

12-10

43        23        39        27        132

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Simons POR SG

38 PTS , 1 REB , 4 AST

K. Leonard LAC SF

34 PTS , 6 REB , 5 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.57

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Fear not those who argue but those who dodge. - Marie von Ebner Eschenbach