PHILIPPINES PURSUES OIL EXPLORATION DESPITE DEADLOCK WITH CHINA

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed the Philippines' commitment to advancing oil exploration projects in the West Philippine Sea despite stalled negotiations with China. Despite three years of talks, no substantial progress has been made, and Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for consistency with the Philippines' understanding that the area falls within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In 2018, both countries signed an agreement for joint oil exploration, but subsequent negotiations were hindered after reports of harassment against Philippine survey vessels by Chinese ships. Tensions escalated with Chinese actions against Filipino vessels in Ayungin Shoal.

Earlier this year, Marcos Jr. expressed the Philippines' intent to resume negotiations with China on joint oil and gas exploration. However, the recent incidents strained relations between the two nations. Reed Bank, located within the Philippine EEZ, is a critical area for exploration. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned about the potential consequences of losing resources at Reed Bank to China, affecting power prices in Luzon. Reed Bank is believed to hold significant oil and natural gas reserves.

While Marcos Jr. did not specify if the Philippines was seeking new partners, he stressed the importance of ensuring a stable fuel supply during the transition to renewable energy. With a focus on the growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), the President acknowledged its increasing importance for the country. Marcos Jr. expressed the challenges in transitioning to renewables and highlighted the need for a gradual shift to bring in the necessary infrastructure and allow technology development. Despite these challenges, the Philippines is prioritizing a mix of renewables and LNG for a sustainable energy future. In May, Marcos Jr. extended a contract allowing two oil giants to extract natural gas from the Malampaya gas field, emphasizing the importance of a reliable and affordable power supply for the nation's industrialization.

The President's commitment to moving the exploration process forward aligns with the country's strategic energy goals, emphasizing the critical role of securing a stable and diversified fuel supply during the transition period.

AFP DENIES MANILA PROVOKING BEIJING IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday denied accusations that the Philippines is provoking China in the West Philippine Sea.

Chinese state media recently claimed that the Philippines is repeatedly infringing on China's territory in the South China Sea, spreading false information, and colluding with extraterritorial forces to cause trouble.

In a televised briefing, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar reiterated that the Philippines continuously abides by international law, as he pointed out that it is China who is conducting dangerous actions in the West Philippine Sea that have repeatedly placed seafarers lives in danger.

“Hindi po tayo nagsisimula ng gulo, tayo ay sumusunod sa international law at tayo ay ini-implement ang ating domestic law. Ibig sabihin, hanggang saan ba ang ating territorial waters, hanggang saan ang ating exclusive economic zone, na kung saan meron tayong sovereign rights at jurisdiction,” Aguilar said.

“Sinusunod natin ang batas, hindi tayo nagsasagawa ng mga activities na naglalagay sa panganib sa ibang naglalayag, tulad ng kanilang ginagawa. Nagko-conduct sila ng shadowing, nagko-conduct ng mga dangerous maneuvers, gumagamit pa sila ng water cannons, at nagre-resulta pa sa collision at sea. So lahat ng mga violations, sila ang may kagagawan.”

China's Communist Party mouthpiece, the People's Daily, earlier claimed in a commentary Monday that the Philippines has relied on US support to continually provoke China, pointing out that such "extremely dangerous" behavior is seriously harming the peace and stability in the region.

PALACE SAYS P294 BILLION WORTH OF INVESTMENTS 'ACTUALIZED' FROM MARCOS TRIPS

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s foreign trips have yielded nearly P300 billion worth of investments in the country, Malacanang said, citing the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

According to the DTI, Marcos' presidential and state visits have resulted in $5.28 billion or P294 billion worth of "actualized" investments, the Presidential Communications Office said in a news release Tuesday.

Marcos' foreign trips have actualized $4.089 billion (P227.72 billion) investments for 8 projects, $790.58 million (P44.02 billion) for 11 projects, and $398.17 million (P22.17 billion) for 9 projects, as of December 21, DTI-Board of Investments (BOI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.

Marcos' office did not give further details about the nature of the said projects but quoted Rodolfo as saying that the projects were already registered with investment promotion agencies such as the BOI and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Rodolfo said that some of the projects are now operational and provide employment opportunities for Filipinos who are engaged in producing goods or delivering services.

He added that "some are already setting up or expanding their facilities – but are nevertheless already employing Filipinos as they already have set up or expanded their offices and physical presence in the Philippines."

AFP SAYS CPP-NPA'S CEASEFIRE DECLARATION 'EMPTY, MEANINGLESS'

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday dismissed the Communist Party of the Philippines’ unilateral declaration of a 2-day ceasefire as "empty" and "meaningless," noting that the group no longer has the capacity to commit atrocities or carry out hostile actions.

The CPP-NPA earlier declared the two-day suspension of hostilities with the AFP and the Philippine National Police from 12:01 a.m. of December 25 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26 to mark its 55th anniversary on Tuesday, December 26.

"Wala na pong maayos na leadership ang CPP-NPA at the national level, kaya kami ay nakapagtataka kung bakit nakapaglabas ng statement ang Central Committee samantalang watak-watak na sila,” AFP Spokesperson Col Medel Aguilar said in a televised briefing.

“Weakened na rin ang kakayahan ng NPA to launch atrocities, hostile actions, because marami sa kanila ang nagsusurrender.”

Aguilar says that from 89, the number of active guerrilla NPA fronts has now been reduced to only 13, which is operating in a weakened capacity.

Meanwhile, over 3,400 NPA members have surrendered to government authorities from January to September 2024.

“Ibig sabihin kulang sila sa personality, kulang sila sa kagamitan, and they are no longer able to perform their mission which is to recruit new members and generate resources. Wala na rin po silang mass base. Ibig sabihin, tunaw na rin ang mga pinagtataguan nilang communities, and at the same time yung mga mass organization nila tunaw na rin po. So wala na silang natatanggap na suporta,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aguilar reported that prior to the announcement, the AFP had an encounter with NPA fighters Saturday in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

"Ang nakalaban dito ng ating pwersa mismo ay ang Central Headquarters ng Suba Regional Committee 2 ng North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, at 9 po ang bodycount na nakuha natin, may apat na M-16 na narecover kasama ang isang M203," Aguilar said, adding that the NPA fighters were there to attempt to recover control of the area.

“But the problem is, may ginawa silang violent incident doon, may pinatay silang dalawang tao kaya ang mga tao ay galit sa kanila kaya nakukuha natin ang mga impormasyon na dapat nating malaman para magsagawa ng epektibong military operations.”

TARIFF CUTS ON RICE, PORK EXTENDED BY ONE YEAR

Philippine President Marcos has extended lower tariffs on rice, corn, and pork until the end of 2024, aiming to ensure affordability during El Niño and potential African swine fever outbreaks. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Executive Order (EO) 50 on behalf of Marcos, citing the need to manage inflation, ensure food security, and augment the supply of basic agricultural commodities. The lower tariff rates, implemented since late last year under EO 10, include a 35% rate for rice, 15-25% for pork, and 5-15% for corn, and will now remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The committee on tariff and related matters of the National Economic and Development Authority will conduct regular reviews.

PNR'S LEGAZPI-NAGA SERVICE RESUMES AFTER SIX YEARS

MANILA — The Philippine National Railways on Wednesday resumed its train services to and from Naga, Camarines Sur and Legazpi, Albay after a 6-year pause.

Ben Antonio, 70, was among the passengers in the route's inaugural trip.

"Maganda ngayon kasi napakalamig di ba. Yung tren noon di naman harap harapan di ba? Mas convenient," Antonio said.

The route was suspended in April 2017 due to a lack of train coaches and locomotives.

In a statement, the PNR said there would be 4 trips daily between Naga City, Camarines Sur and Legazpi City, Albay.

PNR said it would reopen three stations--Travesia, Daraga, and Legazpi--along the route. The trains will also pass through the Baao, Lourdes, Bato, Matacon, Oas, Bagtang, Washington Drive, and Capantawan, and stop at Naga, Pili, Iriga, Polangui, and Ligao.

Fare starts at P15 and goes up to P155 for travelers heading to the train's last stop.

The route covers a distance of 101 kilometers with a travel time of around 3 hours and 4 minutes.

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‘CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS IN QUEZON CITY PEACEFUL’

MANILA — The celebration of Christmas in Quezon City on Monday was generally peaceful, police said yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said there was no untoward incident that marred the Christmas festivities in the city.

“The QCPD did not record any major untoward incident during the Christmas Day celebration,” Maranan said in a statement.

Up to 1,827 police officers ensured the safety and security of people who trooped to transportation hubs, markets, malls, churches, commercial establishments and other areas of convergence.

Among them were about 150 bicycle police who patrolled streets and areas that are usually visited by people during the Yuletide season.

Maranan lauded the city government under Mayor Joy Belmonte, church authorities, force multipliers and other stakeholders for keeping the public safe, especially during the nine-day Simbang Gabi or dawn masses.

“The entire force of Team QCPD is always prompt in the implementation of its tactical and strategic deployment to ensure public safety throughout the observance of the season,” he said.

The QCPD official urged people to remain vigilant against suspicious-looking individuals as police prepare to secure New Year’s Eve festivities.

“Any suspicious persons or activity that may be observed must be reported immediately to proper authorities for appropriate action,” Maranan said.

PH STOCK MARKET NOT SEEN MAKING BIG MOVES IN LAST 3 TRADING DAYS OF 2023

The Philippine stock market is not expected to make any big moves in the last 3 trading days of the year, an analyst said on Wednesday.

Mike Bengson, Head of Equity Research at AIA Philippines, also said that macroeconomic uncertainties "are still there" heading into the new year such as the slowing US economy.

He said that while the outlook for equities is not as bad as in the start of the year, there were still many concerns dampening the outlook.

"We have not yet reached that point for his asset class to be overweight at this level," Bengson said.

PART OF EDSA-ROXAS BOULEVARD FLYOVER CLOSED FOR REPAIRS UNTIL DEC. 30

The EDSA-Roxas Boulevard flyover’s northbound lane will be closed for repairs until Dec. 30, the Department of Public Works and Highways said on Wednesday.

The closure will give way to the installation of two expansion joints, DPWH-Metro Manila Director Loreta Malaluan told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

“Ito po ay kasama sa aming retrofitting…na para po sa inaasahan din po natin na Big One [earthquake]. Napakahalaga po nito, kailangan mapatibay natin ang mga tulay natin para na rin po sa safety ng ating commuting public,” she said.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said on Facebook.

Other possible roads that could be repaired in 2024 include EDSA, Commonwealth and Congressional Avenues, Malaluan said.

CHIKUNGUNYA CASES UP BY 384 PERCENT

MANILA — Cases of chikungunya in the country have increased by 384 percent, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Based on the latest disease surveillance report of the DOH, 2,691 cases were reported from Jan.1 to Oct. 28 compared to 552 during the same period last year.

The Cordillera Administrative Region logged 1,109 cases; Ilocos, 448, and Cagayan Valley, 338.

The Cordilleras also recorded the highest increase in cases at 32,567 percent or from three to 1,109 cases; Cagayan Valley, 16,800 percent or from two to 338, and Mimaropa, 3,056 percent or from nine to 284.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau said zero deaths were recorded in the past two years.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that like dengue, the chikungunya virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Chikungunya causes fever and severe joint pain. The other symptoms are muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.

The disease is not as fatal as dengue, but there is no vaccine or drug against chikungunya.

Severe cases and deaths from the illness are rare.

Chikungunya cases in the country have been increasing since last year.

The WHO had earlier warned the public on the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases due to climate change.

MARIKINA TO HOLD FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT

MANILA — Residents of Marikina will get to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a free concert, courtesy of the city government.

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said the concert will be held at the Marikina Sports Center on Dec. 31.

The concert, which will start at around 3 p.m., will feature artists such as Arthur Miguel, Gigi de Lana and the Mayonnaise band.

“Libre ito at imbitado ang lahat (It’s free and everyone is invited),” Teodoro said in a Facebook post.

Three years after the COVID pandemic, the city government will also bring back its fireworks display to welcome the new year.

75 FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES LOGGED AHEAD OF NEW YEAR: DOH

MANILA — The Philippines has tallied 75 cases of fireworks related injuries 5 days before New Year revelries, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.

The agency said the patients were between 6 and 55 years old, most of them male.

Out of the total, 23 cases were recorded from December 26 to the morning of December 27, the DOH said.

All of the new cases occurred in homes or on the streets. Most involved the use of illegal fireworks, the agency said.

The new cases included 2 amputations due to illegal pla-pla lit by male teenagers who lost their fingers, the DOH added.

The health department has recorded a total of 6 amputations due to fireworks this holiday season.

"Ang paputok ay hindi laruan. Maganda silang tingnan, ngunit nakamamatay na hawakan," the DOH reminded the public.

"Dapat magregalo ng kumpletong mga kamay at daliri sa kanilang mga anak ang bawat magulang. Ang mga ama at kuya ay dapat maging halimbawa para sa mga kabataang lalaki sa kanilang pamilya," it added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

DANIEL PADILLA TRYING TO WIN BACK KATHRYN BERNARDO — CRISTY FERMIN

MANILA — Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin claimed that Daniel Padilla is trying to win back Kathryn Bernardo.

In "Showbiz Now Na" YouTube channel, Cristy said that Daniel is talking with their common friends to help him win back Kathryn.

"Ito palang si Daniel Padilla nakikiusap sa kanilang common friends. Hindi na po namin iisa-isahin kung sino-sino ‘yung mga ka-tropa nila," Cristy said.

"Nilalapitan ni Daniel Padilla para pakiusapan, baka ma-win back pa niya si Kathryn,” she added.

Cristy, however, believed that Daniel and Kathryn's common friends will not help Daniel.

"Ako palagay ko pakikinggan siya o magpapahiram ng tenga ang mga kaibigan pero hindi aakto o aaksyon para sa kanilang pagbabalikan," she said.

"Kasi kaya nga magkakaibigan kayo e. Alam nila ang tunay na nangyari," she added.

Kathryn and Daniel attended the Asia Artist Awards 2023 held in Philippine Arena in Bulacan recently.

They were both awarded the Fabulous Award, alongside Korean stars NewJeans, Stray Kids and Lim Young-woong.

It was their second public appearance after announcing their breakup. Their first public appearance was during the ABS-CBN Christmas special.

'PARASITE' ACTOR LEE SUN-KYUN FOUND DEAD: REPORT

SEOUL — South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday in an apparent suicide, Yonhap news agency reported.

The actor was discovered inside a vehicle at a park in central Seoul, along with a burning charcoal briquette, Yonhap reported, citing police.

Lee had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs.

Previously celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following his drug scandal.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 25, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bucks

22-8

27        24        36        35        122

Knicks

17-12

36        26        36        31        129

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF

32 PTS , 13 REB , 6 AST

J. Brunson NY PG

38 PTS , 4 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Warriors

15-15

26        28        35        25        114

Nuggets

22-10

29        24        39        28        120

Ball Arena, Denver, CO

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Wiggins GS SF

22 PTS , 3 REB , 2 AST

J. Murray DEN PG

28 PTS , 5 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Celtics

23-6

32        26        41        27        126

Lakers

16-15

23        34        33        25        115

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Porzingis BOS C

28 PTS , 11 REB , 2 AST

A. Davis LAL PF

40 PTS , 13 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

20-9

22        27        37        27        113

Heat

18-12

26        37        23        33        119

Kaseya Center, Miami, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Harris PHI PF

27 PTS , 7 REB , 6 AST

J. Jaquez Jr. MIA SF

31 PTS , 10 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

18-12

36        28        27        37        128

Suns

14-15

24        30        38        22        114

Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Doncic DAL PG

50 PTS , 6 REB , 14 AST

G. Allen PHO SG

32 PTS , 4 REB , 4 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.40

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece -- by thought, choice, courage, and determination. - H. Jackson Brown