CHINA ACCUSES PHILIPPINES OF 'MAKING PROVOCATIONS'

Beijing will not weaken its resolve to protect its territory sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, a spokesperson from the country's foreign ministry said on Monday (December 25).

However, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China was ready to "work with the Philippines to properly handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation".

"Firstly, China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. For some time, the Philippines has been making provocations on Renai Reef and other issues, and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it. That said, China’s door of dialogue remains open. We are ready to work with the Philippines to properly handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation. We hope the Philippines will step back from the brink and stop heading further down the wrong course at once."

The remarks followed a commentary published by Chinese state media on Monday which said the Philippines had relied on U.S. support to continually provoke China, with such "extremely dangerous" behaviour seriously harming regional peace and stability,

MARCOS: BRP SIERRA MADRE PURELY A PHILIPPINES CONCERN

MANILA — The condition of the BRP Sierra Madre – the dilapidated warship that serves as a Philippine Navy outpost at Ayungin Shoal – is a “purely Filipino concern,” President Marcos said, following reports that the US is providing advice on repairing the vessel.

In a recent interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Marcos said while the US has been helping the Philippines conduct sea patrols, the situation of the Sierra Madre is a problem that Filipinos aim to address themselves. ?

“As far as the Philippines is concerned, the situation with the Sierra Madre is a purely Filipino concern. Because of that, we have moved unilaterally in doing whatever it is we can to maintain the presence in Ayungin Shoal and ensure we can resupply our people there so that they can maintain our presence. The most I would say is that the Americans are conducting joint cruises in the vicinity,” Marcos said.

“But in the specific case of Ayungin Shoal, the Sierra Madre, we consider it a Philippine problem and we intend to solve that problem ourselves,” he added.

Marcos noted that the US, a treaty ally of the Philippines, is not the only country sending ships to conduct patrols in the area. ?“It’s also Japan. It’s also (South) Korea. It’s also Australia. Canada also sometimes comes in. Once in a while, some of the European countries send their own ships. So it’s really a concerted effort. It’s not just the US. Perhaps the US has the highest profile,” he said.

Ayungin Shoal is situated about 105 nautical miles from Palawan, the province nearest the West Philippine Sea or the area of the South China Sea inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. While Ayungin is within the Philippines’ EEZ and is part of the country’s continental shelf, China is also claiming the shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao.

YEARENDER: WE’VE DONE WELL: PALACE TOUTS ECONOMIC SUCCESS UNDER MARCOS

MANILA — The Philippine economy performed well in 2023 despite lingering external challenges, due largely to the administration’s business-friendly measures and continued public spending as well as President Marcos’ active promotion of the country as an attractive investment destination in his foreign trips, according to the government.

This year alone, the President embarked on 12 foreign trips, which the government said generated at least P757.33 billion in foreign investment approvals from January to October, which are expected to create thousands of jobs.

The country is one of the best performing economies among Southeast Asian nations, according to Marcos’ economic managers, posting a gross domestic product growth of 5.9 percent in the third quarter, outpacing its neighbors in Asia such as Vietnam (5.3 percent), Indonesia and China (4.9 percent), Malaysia (3.3 percent) and Singapore (0.7 percent).

“2023? We have done well. Given the circumstances, that’s a very challenging year to say the least. The world market was far more challenging than initially expected, say, at this time last year,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said at a recent Palace briefing when asked about the economy’s status this year.

“We have done well because if you look at the way we have performed in relation to those many other countries, we have remained among the top performers – economic performers in Asia,” he said, noting that this came despite multilateral agencies’ downgraded forecast for practically every country.

The Philippines remained the best performer in Southeast Asia, the chief of the National Economic and Development Authority said, citing a Dec. 13 report of the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

PHILIPPINES EXTENDS TARIFF CUTS ON IMPORTED RICE, OTHER FOOD ITEMS TO FIGHT INFLATION

MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the extension of reduced tariffs on rice and other food items until the end-2024 to keep prices stable amid a threat of dry weather in the coming months, his office said on Tuesday.

The modified rates first approved in 2021 had already been extended this year due to high inflation, and Marcos said another extension was needed until the end of next year.

“The present economic condition warrants the continued application of the reduced tariff rates on rice, corn, and (pork)…to maintain affordable prices for the purpose of ensuring food security,” Marcos was quoted as saying in a statement.

Inflation was at 4.1% in November, easing for a second straight month, but has averaged 6.2% in the first 11 months of 2023, well outside the Philippine central bank’s 2%-4% target for the year.

The extension of the modified tariffs, Marcos said, is aimed at ensuring affordable prices of rice, corn and meat products with the looming effects of the El Nino dry weather phenomenon early next year and the continued threat of African Swine Fever.

The tariff rate for rice will remain at 35%, while import levies on corn will stay at 5%-15% and 15%-25% for pork products, according to the new executive order extending the modified tariff rates.

TRANSPORT GROUP CALLS ON COMMUTERS TO JOIN PROTEST VS PUV MODERNIZATION

MANILA — Manila-based transport group, Manibela, is urging passengers to join a protest against the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, specifically opposing the franchise consolidation requirement. The program mandates jeepney operators to consolidate individual franchises into a single franchise under a cooperative or corporation by December 31, 2023. Failure to comply may result in the revocation of permits to operate, affecting potentially thousands of traditional jeepneys by January.

Mar Valbuena, the leader of Manibela, estimates that around 40,000 jeepneys have yet to meet the consolidation requirement, posing a significant loss of transportation options for the public. Despite their bid to move the deadline and their ongoing petition to the Supreme Court, they have received no feedback from authorities. Valbuena expressed hope and willingness to wait for the court's decision but emphasized that, if rejected, protests might be the only recourse.

Valbuena called on commuters to consider joining the protest if the situation escalates. He also appealed to the government, including the President and the Supreme Court, to show understanding and compassion for drivers, operators, and all those affected by the PUV modernization program.

Another transport group, Piston, is also evaluating its options post-December 31 and is considering protesting at Malacañang, the official residence of the President. The fate of traditional jeepneys hangs in the balance as transport groups seek public support and legal intervention against the impending changes.

POPE CALLS FOR END TO GAZA WAR AS WORLD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

VATICAN CITY — People donned Santa caps on beaches, ski slopes and streets around the globe on Monday to celebrate Christmas, as Pope Francis called for an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine that this year have cast a shadow over one of the world's favorite holidays.

Red and white Santa outfits appeared on surfers from Australia to Florida, on bicyclists in the smog-filled streets of New Delhi and intrepid souls braving chilly Channel waters for a holiday dip near Britain's Dover.

In his annual Christmas Day "Urbi and Orbi" mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for an end "to war, to every war, to the very mindset of war, an aimless voyage, a defeat without victors, an inexcusable folly".

May peace "come in Israel and Palestine, where war is devastating the lives of those peoples", he said.

"I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage. I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation by an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid", he said.

"I implore peace for Ukraine. Let us renew our spiritual and human closeness to its embattled people", he said, also calling for the resolution of conflicts simmering in the Middle East, Africa and the Caucasus.

FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES JUMP TO 52: DOH

MANILA — The Philippines has tallied 52 cases of fireworks related injuries this holiday season, the Department of Health said on Tuesday, 6 days before New Year revelries.

Twenty-four of the cases were logged between Christmas Day and Dec. 26, 6 a.m., the DOH said.

Out of the total, 20 cases were tallied in Metro Manila, 6 in Central Luzon, and 5 in Soccsksargen, the agency said.

The patients were between 5 and 52 years old.

Five of the cases led to the amputation of mangled fingers and hands due to the use of illegal fireworks boga, plapla, five-star, and goodbye Philippines, and the legal whistle bomb, the DOH said.

Filipinos typically usher in the New Year with noisemakers and fireworks supposedly to ward off bad luck and scare away evil spirits.

New Year festivities are expected to ramp up as merry-goers seek to make up for lost time due to restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last three to four years.

The interior department has urged local authorities to promote community fireworks displays and refrain from lighting up fireworks at home.

THE REST

========

BAGUIO HAILED PHILIPPINES' MOST AFFORDABLE HOLIDAY DESTINATION

MANILA — Perhaps it is because at least two holidays take place during the same period or because the children are off from school at this time of the year, but the last 10 days of the year always turn out to be the peak of travel season.

This is a worldwide phenomenon observed by travel app Agoda. People are always on the lookout for the best deals, and Agoda, analyzing the average room rates of tourist destinations from December 22 to 31, has come up with a list of the 10 most affordable destinations around Asia Pacific for Christmas and New Year.

The top spot goes to Hat Yai in Thailand, followed by Yogyakarta in Indonesia, Kuching in Malaysia, Dalat in Vietnam, and Goa in India to round out the Top 5. Baguio, which is the Philippines’ most affordable destination for the yearend, makes it to NO. 6, followed by Nagoya in Japan, Taichung in Taiwan, Melbourne in Australia, and Busan in South Korea. Average room rates vary from P2,450 in Hat Yai to P9,000 in Busan, with Baguio turning out an average room rate of P5,400.

“The year 2023 has seen a great resurgence in travel across Asia as people reconnect with friends, family and loved ones and that special end-of-year holiday window is likely to be no different,” said Enric Casals, Associate Vice President, Agoda.

He added: “But whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with loved ones, traveling during peak season means higher demand, so finding that special bargain can make all the difference. By highlighting the tourist destinations with the most affordable average accommodation rates, Agoda helps travelers, whatever their budget, celebrate the year-end in style.”

Being the lowest priced tourist destinations, however, does not mean these places are boring, uninteresting. Not at all. These researched destinations have a lot to offer and each has its own attractions and charms. Here are some of the highlights:

LGBT COMMITTEE WELCOME BUT 'LACKS INCLUSIVITY': GROUPS

MANILA — The creation of a committee on LGBT affairs is appreciated but the panel needs to be more inclusive, advocacy groups said Monday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued Executive Order No. 51 to "strengthen existing mechanisms to address the continued discrimination being experienced by the members of the LGBTQIA+ community."

But Bahaghari chairperson Reyna Valmores told ABS-CBN News that the special committee will be led by national government agency officials and not by advocacy groups who could guide the panel and represent the sector.

Under EO 51, the special committee will be headed by the Department of Social Welfare secretary, with the secretaries of Migrant Workers and Labor and Employment serving as co-chairpersons.

It will also have three members with the rank of assistant secretary appointed by Marcos "from among the members of reputable organizations representing the LGBTQIA+ community."

"Bluntly speaking, the committees under Marcos Jr.'s EO 51 are far from inclusive," Valmores said.

"The compositions of both the Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs under EO 51 only clearly state government secretaries and heads as part of it, not concerned citizens, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations with a specialty and track record on LGBTQIA+ and human rights," Valmores told ABS-CBN News.

While welcoming the Palace initiative, Babaylanes executive director Jap Ignacio stressed that the committee should engage with the LGBT community to address their concerns.

"The committee should have mechanisms of meaningful engagement with the community (like) consultations ... while we welcome the formation of this inter-agency body, we need to ensure that there is meaningful representation of us in the community," Ignacio said.

"Inclusion should not merely stop (at) consultations or (listening to the) concerns of the community, but also give us opportunities to lead," he added.

2 HURT IN NAVOTAS SHOOTING RAMPAGE

MANILA — At least two persons were injured after a man went on a shooting rampage following a heated altercation in Barangay NBBS, Navotas yesterday morning.

Probers have yet to identify the victims. The assailant was a man known only as Ruben, 28, according to Navotas police chief Col. Mario Cortes.

Police said the suspect was engaged in a drinking session with his friends when a verbal tussle ensued.

The suspect got hold of a 12-gauge shotgun and opened fire, hitting the victims. The assailant fled after the shooting.

Members of the Navotas police sub-station 4 conducted a follow-up operation resulting in the suspect’s arrest.

Police said they recovered the gun used by the suspect, who is being held at the city police detention facility pending inquest proceedings.

The victims were brought to the Tondo Medical Center for treatment.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

HOW STARS CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS 2023

MANILA — Filipino celebrities had different ways to celebrate Christmas this 2023.

For Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza, it was their first holiday celebration as a married couple.

The Filipino family tradition of watching films under the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Christmas day is also back.

"Rewind" stars Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera took the opportunity to spend their time with their viewers.

Gerald Anderson went overseas with Julia Barretto and her family.

Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano also had a special moment their child Isabella Rose and her first Christmas.

SPORTS

PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP 2023-24

GINEBRA DEF. TNT, 86-78 (PBA) DECEMBER 25

Barangay Ginebra (6-3) defeated the import-less TNT Tropang GIGA (4-5), 86-78, to secure their sixth win and two straight victory in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Christmas Day, December 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In his second game back from injury, Scottie Thompson hit crucial three-pointers in the final two minutes, enabling the Kings to overcome the Tropang Giga. Despite the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and ace guard Jayson Castro, the Tropang Giga put up a tough challenge.

Christian Standhardinger led Ginebra in scoring with a double-double of 22 points (9/14FG), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Tony Bishop Jr. also had his own double-double of 15 points (5/8FG), 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block while Scottie Thompson finished with 12 points (2/3 3pts), along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and a steal. Maverick Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar each added 11 points.

According to Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is out for the conference, and his older brother Rahlir is stepping in as his replacement. “Hindi na puwedeng bumalik si Rondae because he is injured. We are putting in Rahlir, his brother. He is very fragile. He cannot turn his neck and I talked to his doctor yesterday and ‘yung injury na spinal cord na ganun, you don’t take it lightly. Even if wala nang pain, it’s a physical game. It can be jarred again and re-injure that neck again. We are going the conservative part and protect Rondae’s career.” coach Jojo Lastimosa said.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 86 - Standhardinger 22, Bishop 15, Thompson 12, J. Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Malonzo 7, Pringle 6, Tenorio 2, David 0, Onwubere 0.

TNT 78 – Oftana 27, Ponferrada 14, Khobuntin 13, Williams 7, Aurin 6, Montalbo 5, Galinato 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Tolomia 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 13-21, 37-37, 59-65, 86-78.

SAN MIGUEL DEF. PHOENIX, 117-96 (PBA) DECEMBER 25

San Miguel Beermen (6-3) used a strong fourth quarter to beat the Phoenix Super LPG (7-2), 117-96, securing their third consecutive win and ending Phoenix's 6-game win streak in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Christmas Day, December 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

At the end of the third quarter, the Beermen were trailing by one, 79-80. However, in the final frame, San Miguel outscored Phoenix 38-16, securing their sixth win.

Bennie Boatwright Jr. made a solid PBA debut, leading the Beermen with a double-double performance of 26 points (9/26 FG, 6/14 2pts, 3/12 3pts, 5/6 FT), 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Terrence Romeo had an impressive game, contributing 22 points (10/20 FG, 2/9 3pts), 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals while CJ Perez with an all-around game of 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 117 - Boatwright 26, Romeo 22, Perez 20, Cruz 15, Trollano 12, Brondial 8, Lassiter 6, Tautuaa 4, Mallilin 2, Ross 2.

PHOENIX 96 – Williams 37, Jazul 14, Manganti 11, Mocon 10, Tio 6, Rivero 5, Alejandro 4, Garcia 4, Muyang 3, Tuffin 2, Verano 0, Camacho 0, Lalata 0, Daves 0, Rangel 0.

Quarters: 30-34, 54-58, 79-80, 117-96.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

No time. Saddest words ever spoken or written. - Og Mandino