CHINA BLAMES PHILIPPINES FOR INCIDENTS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

China on Tuesday said the Philippines was responsible and had “entirely caused” recent incidents between vessels from the two nations in the South China Sea.

However, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said maritime disputes were not reflective of relations between the two neighbors, and added that China was willing to engage in dialogue with the Philippines to resolve issues.

Manila and Beijing recently traded accusations over a ship collision near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea which saw tensions over claims in the vital waterway escalate.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis, a ruling the United States supports but Beijing rejects.

PHILIPPINE TO PURSUE NEW TACK VS CHINA AGGRESSION – PRESIDENT MARCOS

MANILA — As current diplomatic efforts with China appear to be headed “in a poor direction,” the Philippines may have to consider a “paradigm shift” in dealing with its giant neighbor, which continues to aggressively assert its claim over Philippine territorial waters, President Marcos said over the weekend.

“We have to do something that we have not done before. We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move, as I say, we move the needle the other way. It’s going up, let’s move the needle back, so that paradigm shift is something that we have to formulate,” Marcos told Japanese media.

He said there was “very little progress” in current initiatives, judging from China’s continued acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“Well, to this point, we have resorted to the traditional methods of diplomacy where, should there be an incident, we send note verbal. Our embassy would send a démarche to the Foreign Affairs (Ministry) office in Beijing, but we have been doing this for many years now, with very little progress,” Marcos said. The President was in Tokyo for the 50th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit.

While his administration has yet to craft a new set of diplomatic policies in dealing with Beijing, Marcos said the Philippines would be engaging allied states to devise a joint resolution defining their responsibilities in the West Philippine Sea.

“We do not want to go the point where there are incidents that might cause an actual violent conflict. Maybe from a mistake or a misunderstanding and these things happen all the time,” the President said.

“And so, we have, in my review, it’s time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift,” he added.

JAPAN INVESTMENT PLEDGES TO CREATE 40,000 JOBS

MANILA — Over 40,000 jobs are expected to be generated from the P771.6 billion worth of investment pledges that President Marcos secured from Japanese investors during his Japan trip, Speaker Martin Romualdez announced yesterday.

“President Marcos has proven himself a champion for economic growth and jobs creation. These investment pledges secured in Japan are a testament to the international community’s confidence in the Philippines’ future under his leadership,” Romualdez said.

Taken together with the letters of intent signed last February and nine agreements inked on Monday, Malacañang said investment commitments from Japanese investors totaled $14 billion or P771.6 billion.

“The promised over 40,000 jobs are not just numbers. They represent families lifted out of poverty, brighter future for the youth and a stronger middle class. His dedication to attracting foreign investments translates directly into improved livelihood for our countrymen,” Romualdez said.

Marcos reported the signing of new agreements and investment pledges worth P14.5 billion in the Department of Trade and Industry-led business event on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo.

Malacañang also reported P169 billion worth of investments signed with Japanese investors in February.

MARCOS JR. TO FORM EL NIÑO TASK FORCE AS PH BRACES FOR DROUGHTS IN 2024

MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to revive a presidential task force that would focus on the Philippines' preparedness against the effects of El Niño, which is expected to hit the country in the first half of 2024, several Cabinet members said on Tuesday.

Marcos Jr. will sign an executive order which will reactivate a similar task force formed in 2001, said Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, one of the two chairpersons of the said El Niño panel.

"EO ito para mapaghandaan nang maaga at masolusyunan nang mabilisan ang magiging interventions at patuloy na monitoring at pag-aagap, paghahanda sa maaaring maging epekto ng El Niño," he told Palace reporters.

"This executive order will come out as soon as possible," he said, noting that the government would focus on "water security, food security, energy security, health security and public safety."

Among the short-term interventions that the government would roll out include the fast tracking of permits for "water projects… and infrastructure programs to make more secure our energy supply, particularly for critical infrastructure for standby power," Teodoro said.

"All of these interventions will receive top priority from the government," he added.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has been tasked to mount an "El Niño platform" which would "be used to collect data for interagency coordination and decision making," the Defense chief said.

"There will be information dissemination and localized distribution of information to affected areas and local government units so appropriate measures can be carried out as necessary," he said.

El Niño — which is expected to start in December 2023 and persist until mid-2024 — will peak in April 2024 and will affect nearly all provinces, said Science and Technology Sec. Renato Solidum.

"Sixty-three provinces will possibly experience drought conditions, while 12 provinces will experience dry spell conditions," he said, citing data from meteorological agencies.

The effects of El Niño will vary from one area to another depending on the preparedness of local governments and the individual efforts of each household, he said.

WHO CLASSIFIES JN.1 AS COVID-19 ‘VARIANT OF INTEREST’

The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest” but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

“Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” WHO said.

NEW DOH CHIEF URGED TO KEEP E-CIGARETTES IN CHECK

MANILA — Tobacco control advocates in the Philippines welcome the appointment of Teodoro Herbosa as Health Secretary, urging him to rigorously enforce regulations against e-cigarettes. HealthJustice Philippines, Parents Against Vape (PAV), Action for Economic Reforms (AER), and Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) issue a joint statement expressing confidence in Herbosa's commitment to strong tobacco control efforts. PAV specifically calls for programs to curb e-cigarette use, citing the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which found that one in seven Filipino students aged 13 to 15 currently use e-cigarettes. The groups urge Secretary Herbosa to push for strong law enforcement protecting youth from the harms of vaping and smoking. The Child Rights Network and PAV call on the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to issue guidelines preventing the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes within a 200-meter radius of schools.

LTO WANTS SCHOOLS TO TEACH ROAD SAFETY

MANILA — Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza is urging schools to include road safety in extracurricular activities to educate young students.

Administrators of elementary and high schools should consider including the Road Safety Interactive Center (RSIC) on their educational tours, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said yesterday.

The RSIC, which officially opened on Monday, can help students understand and follow road safety and traffic rules through modern technology and interactive infotainment, including driving simulators for two and four-wheeled vehicles, he noted.

“Elementary and high school students are the next generations of motorists. It is important that at their age, they are introduced to this kind of facility that focuses on road safety,” Mendoza said.

He said the RSIC also has a 4D mini-theater with informative videos on child safety, teen driving, pedestrian safety, vehicle theft prevention and types of public utility vehicles.

A committee will be tasked to schedule and receive bookings from various schools interested in visiting the RSIC.

THE REST

========

LRT, MRT OPERATING HOURS EXTENDED STARTING DEC. 20 UNTIL DEC. 23

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday announced the extension of operating hours of the MRT and LRT lines starting Wednesday until Saturday ahead of the Christmas rush.

MRT 3

From December 20 to 23, the last trip leaving North Avenue Station will be at 10:30 p.m. from the original 9:30 p.m., while the last trip from Taft Avenue Station will be 11:05 p.m. instead of 10:09 p.m.

LRT 1

For December 20 to 22, the last trip leaving Baclaran Station is at 10:45 p.m., while the last train from Fernando Poe Jr. Station is at 11:00 p.m.

On December 23, the last train is scheduled to depart from Baclaran and Fernando Poe Jr. stations at 10:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., respectively.

On Christmas Eve (December 24), the last train will leave Baclaran Station at 8:00 p.m. while the last train from Fernando Poe Jr. Station will leave at 8:15 p.m.

On New Year’s Eve (December 31), the last train from Baclaran Station will leave at 7:00 p.m., and at 7:15 p.m. from Fernando Poe. Jr. Station.

There will be no changes in the first trip for both northbound and southbound trips of LRT-1 which start at 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and 5:00 a.m. during weekends and holidays.

LRT 2

From December 20 to 23, the last trip leaving Antipolo Station will be at 10 p.m. from the original 9 p.m., while the last trip from Recto Station will be 10:30 p.m. instead of 9:30 p.m.

LGBTQIA GROUP WELCOMES VATICAN'S RULING ON BLESSING SAME-SEX COUPLES

MANILA — In a historic decision, Pope Francis has allowed Catholic priests to give blessings to individuals in relationships with "irregular" situations, including those who are unmarried, divorced, and same-sex couples.

In the document approved by the Pope, it is stated that one should not prevent or prohibit the church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek god's help through a simple blessing

But the document, published by the Vatican's faith department, does not change the Catholic church's stance on same-sex marriages or unions.

It is also emphasized that accepting individuals with irregular situations does not imply making their situation legally valid, but rather it shows that God embraces all genders.

The blessing is also clarified not to be a part of any regular ritual or liturgy of the church.

Father Douglas Badong of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Manila Parish explained that granting blessings to same-sex couples does not imply an equivalence to marriage.

"Kapag may tao na lumalapit na humihingi ng blessing, yun ang hindi pwede i-deny sa tao... Pag tinawag na blessing nagdadasal tayo para pabanalin at mamuhay ang tao ayon sa kagustuhan ng Diyos... Pero hindi ito blessing ng matrimony kaya yung union nananatiling kasal ng lalake at babae," he said.

The group Pantay expressed their appreciation for Pope Francis' decision, thanking him and stating that love is indeed a blessing.

'TRUE REPRESENTATIVE OF FILIPINO CUISINE': SINIGANG 97TH BEST DISH IN THE WORLD

MANILA — The Filipino sour soup Sinigang has been included in the 100 Best Dishes in the World list by Taste Atlas.

With a rating of 4.5, the online food database has included the popular soupy viand made sour by Sampalok (tamarind) or other sour fruits such as the Batuan in the Visayas and Kamias, Sinigang is hailed as the 97th best dish on the list for 2023-2024.

"With its sour lightness perfectly matching the harsh tropical heat of the country, Sinigang is a unique soup that is a true representative of Filipino cuisine," wrote Taste Atlas on its description of the dish on its web site.

Taste Atlas reviewed 395,205 user ratings out of its 10,927 cataloged dishes.

It also listed down the restaurants that offer the best Sinigang as reviewed by food critics. These include Locavore in Pasig, Romulo Cafe in Scout Tuason in Quezon City, Sentro 1771 in Makati, The Artistocrat in Manila, Abe Serendra in Bonifacio Global City, Fely J's restaurant in Makati, Manam Comfort Food in Esperanza St., Manila and Max's Restaurant in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

LPA MAY EXIT PAR THIS WEDNESDAY: PAGASA

The remnant low pressure area (LPA) of tropical depression Kabayan may exit the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday afternoon or evening, weather bureau PAGASA told ABS-CBN News in an interview.

The LPA was located 185 km south of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at 3:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Scattered rains will be experienced in Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Western Visayas, and MIMAROPA, especially Palawan.

A shear line, which forms when the cool northeast monsoon or Amihan meets the humid easterlies blowing from the Pacific, will also bring scattered rains in Aurora, CALABARZON, and the Bicol Region.

Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region will be cloudy with rains due to the Amihan.

Flooding and landslides are possible in the aforementioned areas, especially during occasions of moderate to heavy rains.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have generally fair weather with possible light rains from the Amihan while the rest of Visayas and Mindanao will be warm and humid with possible isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorm.

Batanes and northern coasts of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan including Babuyan Islands remain a no-sail zone due to big waves generated by Amihan.

No other weather disturbance is forecast to affect the country until the end of the year, PAGASA said last Monday.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

PH BET YLLANA ADUANA WINS MISS EARTH 2023 BEST BIKINI

Philippines' bet Yllana Aduana is the winner of Best Bikini in Miss Earth 2023.

According to Miss Earth, Aduana will double her voting points for a day for the Miss People's Choice.

The Miss People's Choice winner will be granted a direct entry to the semifinals, organizers added.

Aduana was earlier included in Top 5 of the Best Appearance award along with representatives from Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Aduana succeeded Jenny Ramp, who finished in the Top 20 of Miss Earth 2022.

The Philippines is aiming to bring home a fifth Miss Earth crown, after the triumphs of Karla Paula Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), Angelia Ong (2015), and Karen Ibasco (2017).

The coronation night will be held on December 22.

SPORTS

PHILIPPINES TO HOST ASIA PACIFIC PREDATOR LEAGUE 2024

MANILA – All is set for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024, which the Philippines will host for the first time in an offline setup.

The esports competition will happen on January 13 and 14 next year at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with 26 teams from across the Asia Pacific region battling for the coveted Predator Shield.

The teams will be battling for the titles in Dota 2 and Valorant, with the winners taking home $65,000, or about P3.6 million.

Second placers will get $20,000, while third and fourth place winners will receive $7,500.

The group stages will be held from January 10-11, while the playoffs and the finals will be from  January 13-14.

Made in Philippines topped the Dota 2 Philippine finals last month.

Oasis gaming, on the other hand, came out victorious in the Valorant Philippine championship.

The event will also have Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and Alodia Gosiengfiao in tow.

There will also be performances by Acer ambassadors, which will be headlined by SB19 and Sarah Geronimo, along withUrbandub, Al James, Ylona Garcia, UPeepz and Felip.

On the second day, KZ Tandingan, Sandwich, Franco, Spongecola, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Daloy Dance Company, Josh Cullen and Pablo will add spice to the esports tourney.

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 18, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bulls

11-17

25        30        26        27        108

76ers

18-8

24        20        25        35        104

Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. White CHI PG

24 PTS , 8 REB , 9 AST

J. Embiid PHI C

40 PTS , 14 REB , 6 AST

Final/OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Rockets

13-11

34        25        39        24        8          130

Cavaliers

15-12

33        24        42        23        13        135

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

F. VanVleet HOU PG

27 PTS , 8 REB , 17 AST

D. Mitchell CLE SG

37 PTS , 1 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Clippers

16-10

37        40        37        37        151

Pacers

13-12

38        28        28        33        127

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Harden LAC PG

35 PTS , 3 REB , 9 AST

B. Mathurin IND SF

34 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Hornets

7-18

27        25        29        18        99

Raptors

11-15

19        29        31        35        114

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Rozier CHA SG

22 PTS , 3 REB , 7 AST

P. Siakam TOR PF

27 PTS , 8 REB , 8 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pistons

2-25

25        27        32        40        124

Hawks

11-15

38        23        35        34        130

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Cunningham DET SG

43 PTS , 5 REB , 7 AST

T. Young ATL PG

31 PTS , 4 REB , 15 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Timberwolves

20-5

22        32        23        35        112

Heat

15-12

33        33        17        25        108

Kaseya Center, Miami, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Edwards MIN SG

32 PTS , 8 REB , 5 AST

T. Herro MIA PG

24 PTS , 3 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Grizzlies

6-19

26        27        13        31        97

Thunder

17-8

34        34        26        22        116

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Z. Williams MEM SF

19 PTS , 7 REB , 5 AST

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

30 PTS , 9 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nets

13-13

28        31        23        26        108

Jazz

10-17

28        26        34        37        125

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Thomas BKN SG

32 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST

T. Horton-Tucker UTA SG

27 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

16-10

20        39        21        24        104

Nuggets

18-10

28        40        30        32        130

Ball Arena, Denver, CO

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Doncic DAL PG

38 PTS , 11 REB , 8 AST

J. Murray DEN PG

22 PTS , 4 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Wizards

4-22

31        25        35        40        131

Kings

16-9

27        39        46        31        143

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Poole WAS SG

28 PTS , 2 AST

D. Fox SAC PG

30 PTS , 5 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Knicks

15-11

35        22        33        24        114

Lakers

15-12

27        31        22        29        109

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Brunson NY PG

29 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST

A. Davis LAL PF

32 PTS , 14 REB , 2 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.95

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong. – Unknown