PH, US, JAPAN TO STRENGTHEN TRILATERAL COOPERATION AFTER CHINA’S ‘DANGEROUS’ ACTIONS

MANILA — The national security advisers of the Philippines, the United States and Japan have reaffirmed their decision to strengthen trilateral cooperation as China continues its aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.

According to a readout from the White House, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Japanese National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo, and Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año made a trilateral call on Wednesday “to reaffirm their commitment to freedom of navigation and international law in the South China Sea and East China Sea and the fundamental importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.“

The trio expressed concerns about China’s recent “dangerous and unlawful” actions in Second Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, both in the West Philippine Sea.

They urged China to honor the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which rejected its sweeping maritime claims in nearly the entirety of the South China Sea.

The officials called on Beijing “desist from further provocative behavior,” the statement added.

It also said Sullivan "reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments to both Japan and the Philippines."

The three security advisers "underscored the importance of enhancing trilateral cooperation and committed to continue implementing the initiatives they discussed at their June meeting."

These initiatives include trilateral efforts to "enhance defense and security capabilities, particularly on cyber security; maintain a free and open maritime order; enhance cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and maintain a free and equitable economic order,” the statement added.

AFP CHIEF CONFIRMS DISCUSSION WITH CHINESE ENVOY ON RESUPPLY MISSIONS, CHRISTMAS CONVOY

MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday confirmed that he had a discussion with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian regarding the resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Brawner, he asked Huang not to block the resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, especially the recently-concluded civilian mission.

“In fact, nag-usap kami ni Ambassador Huang, noong minsang nagkita kami, sinabi ko sa kanya na that is not your territory. In fact, sinabi ko, that is our Exclusive Economic Zone. So please do not block our resupply ships,” he told Teleradyo Serbisyo.

“At sinabihan ko rin siya na huwag nilang i-block ‘yung Christmas convoy. Sabi ko mga civilians ‘yun, do not block, they’re just merely bringing food and gifts to our soldiers and the communities in the West Philippine Sea,” Brawner added.

Brawner maintained that he had an “intellectual discussion” with Huang about the West Philippine Sea, with both parties reiterating their claims.

The Philippines said on Monday it had summoned China's envoy and flagged the possibility of expelling him following the most tense confrontations between the countries' vessels in years at flashpoint reefs in the disputed South China Sea.

China, for its part, said it had "lodged stern representations" with Manila over the incidents.

Following the incidents, Brawner spoke with United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown Jr. on the phone to discuss assessments on the regional security environment.

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.

PH VOTES IN FAVOR OF UN RESOLUTION FOR GAZA CEASEFIRE

MANILA - The Philippines has voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, a pivot from the country's previous abstention.

In his speech, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo said that while the country condemns the October 7 terrorists attacks perpetuated by Hamas, "the Philippines emphasizes adherence to International Humanitarian Law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats."

"It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage," he said.

He added: "We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Philippines believes that a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering. This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians, irrespective of their affiliation."

The Philippine representative urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians especially women and children.

It said the Philippines seeks to contribute to a solution that respects the rights and needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

"We advocate for a peaceful resolution that upholds international law and leads to lasting peace and security in the region," he said.

The UNGA adopted the resolution with 153 votes in favor, while 10 countries including the United States and Israel voted against.

The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations Riyad Mansour said the vote marked "a historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly."

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC GROWTH EXPECTED TO EASE IN 2024 — THINK TANK

MANILA — Despite robust third-quarter economic growth, the Philippine economy is expected to see a "moderate" outlook in 2024, according to a report by think tank ING. The potential strains in household spending, fiscal spending nearing its limits, and the ongoing tightening cycle of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas are cited as factors. While the third quarter saw an increase in government spending, concerns linger about its sustainability due to the limited capacity of fiscal authorities to increase spending with high debt levels. The report notes sluggish growth in household spending and predicts softer demand-led price pressures, but the BSP is expected to maintain a "hawkish" stance.

DUBAI DEAL HAILED AS 'BEGINNING OF END' FOR FOSSIL FUELS

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The world has approved a landmark call to transition away from fossil fuels, marking the beginning of the end for the age of oil. The COP28 summit in Dubai achieved a consensus among 194 countries and the European Union to "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner."

The agreement also calls for greater action in the critical decade, recommitting to achieving no net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While hailed as "transformational change" and long overdue, the final text faced criticism for being too weak from island nations and environmentalists who had previously called an earlier draft a "death warrant" for vulnerable Pacific nations.

However, the agreement did not block the deal, highlighting the delicate balance of obtaining consensus. The deal was praised as a sign that the world can come together for the common good, with the U.S. climate envoy, John Kerry, stating that it reflects the strongest and clearest call on 1.5 degrees seen to date. The Dubai summit also reached an agreement on setting up a loss and damage fund to compensate countries severely impacted by climate change.

Despite the achievement, at-risk countries maintain that far more action is needed, and challenges remain in translating commitments into tangible and immediate results.

PAOCC TAKES ACTION VS ONLINE LOAN SCAMS

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is addressing the surge in online crimes, specifically bank loan scams. PAOCC Chief Gilbert Cruz revealed the commission's recent success in solving a case involving teachers who were victims of a car loan scam across several provinces. The victims were coerced into surrendering passports and providing online account details to secure a loan, resulting in 18 filed cases related to car loan scams. Teachers were promised a monthly income from their vehicles, but the cars were later sold through "pasalo" schemes, leaving both the teachers and subsequent buyers as victims. The PAOCC has taken legal action against two Chinese individuals and local "keyboard warriors" involved in the scams. The commission is actively pursuing cases against syndicates that may have victimized at least 80 teachers.

MMDA SAYS READY FOR IMPENDING 2-DAY TRANSPORT STRIKE

MANILA - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expressed confidence in their readiness for the two-day transport strike set to begin tomorrow, Thursday, until Friday.

MMDA says they are basing their strategy on recently-mounted transport strikes and transport members who signified their intent to join and those who did not.

"Kung pagbabasehan yung nakaraan, CAMANAVA area tinamaan and Paranaque. So yun pa rin ang tutukan natin," said MMDA Chairman Don Artes. "Although nagi-inventory kami ng sasama sa rally."

"Marami naman ang nag-signify na hindi sila sasama. Siguro, medyo nadadala na rin sila sa drivers natin, kahit operator, dahil sila naman po [ang] nawawalan ng kita kapag nagkakaroon ng strike," he added.

"At nakikita nila na nakaka-responde ang gobyerno. Dumating na tayo dun sa point na hindi na kayang i-hostage ng mga transport group ang pamahalaan at publiko, dahil natutugunan natin ang pangangailangan at naa-address natin yung epekto ng strike."

The difference this week is that the strike will coincide with the Christmas rush, the upcoming MMFF parade, and payday Friday.

MMDA said despite expected management of traffic, they do not take the transport strike lightly. The government has prepared free ride services to passengers who will be affected. Artes also said that the transport groups are no longer able to hold the government hostage to their demands.

“May konting abala ito sa agencies ng pamahalaan na tumutugon dito sa strike, lalong lalo na kami. Instead na nagf-focus kami sa traffic management dahil pabigat nang pabigat yung daloy ng traffic, mahahati yung attention namin dahil we will also monitor itong strike. Kasi we have to respond sa aming mga mananakay. Ito ay kumakain ito ng oras namin at effort, kahit maliit or malaki. Ganoon din kasi preparations namin,” Artes said.

The Department of Transportation remains firm on the deadline of the modernization program.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista says those who fail to consolidate will automatically lose their franchise because only a provisional authority was issued.

The MMDA said it will not suspend the number coding scheme and there is no recommendation to suspend classes. The MMDA advises motorists to plan their trips in advance.

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS BAWAL UNANG BUMATI NG 'MERRY CHRISTMAS': BI

MAYNILA — Nagpaalala si Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval ngayong Miyerkoles na ipinagbabawal ang immigration officers na unang bumati ng "Merry Christmas."

Sabi ni Sandoval sa TeleRadyo Serbisyo, "generic" lang na pagbati ang kanilang iminumungkahi sa mga opisyal ng immigration dahil hindi naman aniya lahat ay nagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan.

Puwede namang magsabi ng "Merry Christmas" kung una silang binati ng mga biyahero, paglilinaw ni Sandoval.

Babala niya, maaaring makasuhan ang immigration officer lalo na kung ang pagbati ay ginagamit para sa solicitation at pangingikil.

Bawal ring tumanggap ng kahit na anong regalo ang mga immigration officer ayon sa civil service rules, dagdag ng opisyal.

POWER INTERRUPTIONS PLUMMET BY 81% — NGCP

MANILA — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has reported an 81% reduction in power interruptions since taking control of the country's electricity grid in 2009. The improvement is attributed to increased substation capacity and expanded transmission line length. Substation capacity rose from 2,285 MVA to 31,190 MVA, and transmission lines increased from 1,357 ckm to 3,729 ckm between 2002 and 2008. NGCP's efforts led to a 3.39% decrease in consumers' electricity bills, down from the previous 53.1% generation charge and 21.81% distribution charge. NGCP now charges P3 per kilowatt-hour, a significant reduction from the pre-privatization rate of P5 per kilowatt-hour.

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WHAT DO FISHERMEN THINK ABOUT THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA?

MANILA — In the last year, tensions escalated in the West Philippine Sea, with numerous incidents involving Chinese vessels dominating headlines across media platforms.

Amid the uproar, some voices risk being drowned out and unheard.

During a visit to Masinloc, Zambales in September, Philstar.com had the chance to listen to the stories and sentiments of local fishermen regarding their experiences in the West Philippine Sea.

Among those Philstar.com met was William Laigue, a seasoned fisherman of over 40 years, who shared insights into the everyday life of fishermen in Masinloc.

He openly shared deep concern about China's presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Watch Philstar.com’s special report entitled “ "Wala na tayo magagawa":  West Philippine Sea sa mata ng mga mangingisda” on our YouTube and Facebook accounts.

67,000 MAKATI SENIORS RECEIVE FREE MEDICINES

MANILA — More than 67,000 senior citizens in Makati received free medicines from the city government this year.

“The medicines were specially delivered to our senior citizens so that it will be easier and quicker for them to avail themselves of the free medicines,” Mayor Abby Binay said.

According to the city government, the initiative aims to help the elderly avoid waiting in long lines.

EVENTS INDUSTRY 'BACK WITH A VENGEANCE' AFTER COVID-19 PANDEMIC: FIRM

MANILA —The events industry is "back with a vengeance" after it was shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic, an events management company said Thursday.

"It’s really back and it’s back with a vengeance," said Leo Mercado, head of productions at Secret Menu.

Secret Menu is Ayala Land and Make it Makati's partner in mounting the 2023 Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

"The requirements are bigger, as I’ve mentioned they want it more experiential, more immersive," he said.

Mercado said the “Christmas Nights with Countless Lights" show at Makati this year makes the audience feel like they're part of the attraction.

"What we did for this year’s Festival of Lights was to do a 3D mapping of the floor, of the courtyard. We matched the 3 medleys, there's Paskong Pinoy, there’s cosmic K-pop Christmas, and the big band holiday," he said.

"We added like a graphics of animals like turtles, butterfly, so that people can actually chase and make them land on their bodies. It’s very immersive, very experiential, so the audience are not just mere spectators but they’re actually part of the show."

GOVERNMENT COMPLETES ROAD PROJECT IN CAGAYAN

MANILA — A road project connecting the villages of Navagan and Binalan in Aparri, Cagayan has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The 517.97-lineal-meter concrete road will benefit farmers in the villages, according to Oscar Gumiran of the engineering office in the first district of Cagayan.

Gumiran said the project cost P9.78 million and was funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

“With the construction of a two-lane road, local farmers can now transport their goods more efficiently and quickly. The reduced travel time ensures that agricultural products arrive fresh in markets,” Gumiran said.

He said the completion of the project underscored the commitment of the DPWH to improve the economy and well-being of  the people in rural communities.

LPA TO ENTER PAR SATURDAY, DRENCH EASTERN VISAYAS, MINDANAO ON SUNDAY: PAGASA

A low pressure area may enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday and affect parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Sunday, weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday.

The LPA formed from a cloud cluster and was located 1,865 km east of Mindanao at 3:00 a.m.

Weather forecaster Rhea Torres said on TeleRadyo Serbisyo that the LPA has low chance of developing into a storm in the next two days.

She added that environmental conditions are not favorable for the weather disturbance to intensify to a super typhoon, especially with the presence of the northeast monsoon or Amihan in Luzon.

Amihan will bring cloudy skies and light rains in Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may have generally fair weather but with possible isolated light rains. Temperatures will be cooler in the morning but may reach 33°C around midday in the country's capital.

Amihan is seen to weaken before weekend and surge again by Sunday.

Visayas and Mindanao will continue to experience warm and humid conditions. Isolated thunderstorms may form in the afternoon or evening.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

GOLDEN GLOBES ANNOUNCE FIRST-TIMERS, HISTORY-MAKING NOMINEES

Twenty seven performers from films and TV shows became Golden Globe nominees for the first time after the list was revealed on Monday.

Nominees included Charles Melton of “May December,” Fantasia Barrino of “The Color Purple,” and Lily Gladstone of “Killers of the Flower Moon”.

Additionally, Steven Yeun and Ali Wong of the Netflix series “Beef” could become the first-ever Asian-American winners in the Limited Series Category.

The Golden Globes is one of the most anticipated Hollywood award shows recognized by entertainment fans around the world.

Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne explained the unique significance of its voting body.

"Not only are we starting a new partnership with CBS network," she said, "but our voting body has grown to 300 members from 75 countries, making the Golden Globes the most culturally diverse major awards body."

“The Entertainer” and “NCIS” star Wilmer Vaderrama announced the nominees in 27 categories.

This year’s changes include the addition of new categories, including Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Picture.

Also nominated are "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," "John Wick: Chapter 4," "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1," "Oppenheimer," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," and "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour."

The blockbuster movie “Barbie” received the most acclaim.

It received nine nominations, including Best Director for Greta Gerwig.

Asked what's the most important lesson she learned in filmmaking, Gerwig said it was "understanding that you have skill and you have some amount of expertise but that you're always only ever going to be a beginner."

She added: "And that's okay. That sort of fear and that excitement, that's not a sign that something's wrong. It's a sign that something's right."

Meanwhile, Meryl Streep still holds the record for most Golden Globes nominations.

The actress received her 33rd nomination for the series “Only Murders in the Building”.

The 81st Golden Globes will be held on Jan. 7.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences. - Dave Meurer