PHILIPPINES, US DISCUSS REINFORCING COOPERATION

MANILA —  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke yesterday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo about the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea as the two top diplomats exchanged ideas on how to reinforce bilateral cooperation in the coming year.

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo about issues of mutual concern, including ongoing tensions in the South China Sea,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

“Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said “Secretary Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ abiding interest to protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, while maintaining peace and security and upholding the international rules-based order.”

Manalo emphasized the importance of open lines of communication and dialogue with other parties in pursuit of these objectives.

“Secretary Manalo and Secretary Blinken acknowledged the robust Philippines-United States alliance and bilateral relations, as well as discussed important opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in 2024,” the DFA said.

The phone call between Blinken and Manalo was held days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines to “act with caution.”

LTFRB BARES 3 SCENARIOS FOR JEEPNEY ROUTES AFTER DECEMBER 31

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has outlined three scenarios for jeepney routes post the December 31 deadline for operators to join the government's modernization program. Jeepney operators who haven't participated will only be permitted to operate in areas with insufficient consolidated units, giving the LTFRB time to find replacements. The government rejects extending the deadline for consolidated franchise applications, a requirement opposed by transport groups PISTON and Manibela.

The first scenario involves routes where at least 60% of units joined consolidation. In such cases, unconsolidated jeepneys will automatically be barred from operating, unable to renew their provisional authorities.

For routes with less than 60% consolidation but some participants, unconsolidated units get a special permit until January 31, 2024. The LTFRB aims to issue permits for adjacent routes.

On routes with no consolidation applications, unconsolidated units are allowed until the end of January, pending the process of assigning units from other routes. Special permits will be issued for reassigned units.

Despite the LTFRB's approach, Manibela's president, Mar Valbuena, expresses concern that reassigning units may lead to higher fares, insufficient to address an anticipated shortage after many jeepneys stop operating by January's end.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is prepared to offer one-time aid to jeepney drivers affected by the modernization program. Miramel Laxa, DSWD Director, suggests that affected drivers can avail of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), but emphasizes it is a one-time disbursement. Laxa recommends considering affected drivers for livelihood programs and grants from various government agencies.

Despite ongoing protests by PISTON and Manibela against the consolidation deadline, the Department of Transportation and LTFRB argue that forming cooperatives distributes modernization costs and eliminates competition among jeepneys for passengers. Additionally, cooperatives provide fixed wages, replacing the existing "boundary" system, benefiting single-unit operators.

SMNI ASKS COURT TO STOP NTC'S 30-DAY SUSPENSION ORDER

MANILA — SMNI, a Philippine network, has filed a petition with the Court of Appeals (CA) seeking to halt the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) 30-day suspension order for alleged franchise violations. The legal officers of SMNI, Mark Tolentino and Rolex Suplico, also hosts on the network, requested a temporary restraining order, asserting that the NTC's action violated constitutional principles. They argued that the suspension lacked due process and encroached on the separation of powers, as the NTC seemingly relinquished its quasi-judicial powers to the House of Representatives.

The House, in its investigations, found SMNI in violation of its franchise for alleged failure to secure congressional consent for share ownership changes, failure to distribute 30% ownership to the public, and spreading misinformation. The latter accusation stemmed from reports on SMNI about House Speaker Martin Romualdez's purported travel funds and threats against Rep. France Castro, which were later proven false. Suplico emphasized the closure's chilling effect on media, cautioning against criticizing government officials.

Tolentino highlighted that the suspension occurred before SMNI's separate case with the NTC had been heard, constituting a grave violation of the constitution. Suplico accused the NTC of unfairly punishing the entire network for the actions of a few programs. Despite the broadcast suspension, SMNI continues to operate in the digital space. The legal challenge asserts an abuse of power by the NTC and underscores the potential chilling effect on free expression in media.

2024 ‘LIKELY TO BE BETTER’ THAN 2023: ECONOMIST

MANILA - The Philippine economy is “more likely to be better” next year compared to this year, an economist said on Thursday.

RCBC Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said inflation is expected to further ease next year while interest rates are also likely to go down, both of which will support economic growth.

“Headline inflation would slow down back to the target of the central bank,” Ricafort said.

The Bangko Sentral may also begin cutting Interest rates next year, in step with the US Federal Reserve, he said.

“Maganda ‘yong tsansa na i-match locally. Kaya ‘pag magcut ng interest rates, magandang balita ‘yan sa mga borrowers natin,” Ricafort said.

He noted that to fight inflation, the BSP raised its benchmark rate by 450 basis points, from a historic low of 2 percent during the pandemic to 6.5 percent in just a year.

But with inflation easing, there will be room for the BSP to cut rates, which can help consumption and investments.

Inflation in November eased to 4.1 percent.

“Mabawasan man lang ng 100-150 basis points, makakatulong din ‘yon so gaganda lalo ang negosyo. Magpi-pick up lalo ang investments, dadami ang trabaho,” Ricafort said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in its recent Monetary Policy meeting last Dec. 14, has kept the country's interest rate steady at 6.5 percent.

BSP Gov. Eli Remolona said an interest rate cut is unlikely while inflation remains above target. But both the government and private sector analysts expect inflation to settle back within target in 2024.

Managing the El Nino phenomenon’s effect on agriculture, especially on rice production will also be a key to keep inflation within the target range, Ricafort said.

The Department of Finance also said falling oil prices, robust public spending, and structural reforms will drive growth in 2024.

BIR SLAPS 1% WITHHOLDING TAX ON ONLINE MERCHANTS

MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has officially imposed a one percent withholding tax on online platform providers as part of government efforts to tap digital transactions for economic growth.

In its latest revenue regulation, the BIR is imposing a withholding tax on gross remittances made by electronic marketplace operators and digital financial service providers to sellers or merchants for goods and services sold or paid through the former’s platform and facility.

In April this year, the BIR had sought comments from stakeholders on the new revenue measure.

It took the agency more than six months to come up with the final draft in October before issuing the regulation this December.

A withholding tax is a kind of tax on the salary earned by a certain employee. Based on the current framework, employers are required to deduct a certain percentage of their employee’s salary, which in turn will be remitted to the BIR.

The BIR will impose a withholding tax of one percent on one-half of the gross remittances of the online platform providers to the sellers of the goods and services.

The withholding tax imposed, however, will not apply if the annual total gross remittances to an online merchant for the past taxable year have not exceeded P500,000.

Also excluded are online sellers with cumulative gross remittances to an online merchant in a taxable year that have not yet exceeded P500,000, as well as those cooperatives duly registered with the BIR with a valid certificate of tax exemption.

Gross remittance is the total amount received by an e-marketplace operator or digital financial services provider from a buyer.

HOSPITALS ON CODE WHITE ALERT FOR NEW YEAR

MANILA — All Department of Health (DOH) hospitals are on “code white alert” starting today up to Jan. 2, 2024, putting all personnel especially those in emergency medicine, surgical and anesthesia specialties and nurses on active on-call status.

“We do this yearly to respond to the several incidents of fireworks-related injury (FWRI) as the public welcomes the New Year. Even though there are fewer cases now compared to those that have been recorded in the past years, it is better to still be prepared for any eventuality,” DOH Assistant Secretary Ariel Valencia said.

All necessary equipment, instruments, medical and surgical supplies, drugs and medicines needed to attend to emergencies have been prepositioned at the emergency department and additional tent for treatment area with portable sink and supplies placed just outside emergency department in case there will be a surge of patients, Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, medical center chief II of a Level 3 hospital in Central Luzon said.

The DOH assured the public that all Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health counterparts at the local government unit and hospitals are on standby and will activate and maintain the functions of the Operation Center/One Hospital Command 24/7 for the covered dates.

THE REST

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NEARLY ALL PINOYS WELCOMING 2024 'WITH HOPE': SWS

MANILA — Nearly all Filipinos are entering the year 2024 "with hope," a new survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) has found.

In its Dec. 8 to 11 poll, SWS found that 96 percent of adult Filipinos would welcome the New Year with hope rather than fear.

"This is a point above the 95 percent in 2022 and the highest since the pre-pandemic 96 percent in 2019," SWS said.

Meanwhile, 3 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents said they would face the New Year with fear, down by 2 points from 5 percent in 2022.

The SWS noted that hope for the coming new year has always been higher among those who expected a happy Christmas than those who expected a sad Christmas.

A similar survey by Pulse Asia released last week also found that almost all Filipinos would greet 2024 "with hope."

LPG PRICE HIKE LOOMS AT START OF 2024: STAKEHOLDER

MANILA - Cooking gas prices are expected to increase at the start of the new year due to higher shipping costs as a result of political tensions in the Red Sea, a stakeholder said.

Regasco President Arnel Ty said while there is likely no price movement in the contract price of liquified petroleum gas for January 1, 2024, shipping firms have advised customers in the Philippines of additional costs amounting to $60 per metric ton.

This is due to problems in the Panama and Suez Canals resulting in reduced trips of vessels and additional fuel consumption by using longer routes.

According to Ty, the situation in the Red Sea also contributed to the increase in shipping fees.

Ty says the $60 increase translates to a price hike of P3.50 per kilo or P38.50 per 11-kilogram tank.

An LPG dealer said there is no alert so far on the impending price increase but he advises consumers to buy as early as now or before the new year.

Meanwhile, based on the results of trading after 2 days, there is a slight price reduction in diesel and gasoline of around P0.30 per liter.

Only kerosene is likely to have a rollback next week since its price reduction has already reached more than P0.90/liter so far.

Department of Energy Director Rino Abad said diesel and gasoline prices can still go either way due to uncertainty in the market brought about by geopolitical tension in the Red Sea.

4-YEAR-OLD SWALLOWS WATUSI; FIREWORK-RELATED INJURIES CLIMB TO 88: DOH

MANILA — The Department of Health on Thursday reported the first case of watusi ingestion case this holiday season, as injuries related to fireworks reached 88 in total, 4 days before the New Year.

A 4-year old boy from Calabarzon accidentally swallowed watusi at home, the DOH said in its seventh day of monitoring for fireworks-related injuries.

In a statement, the DOH said that the family of the child "cannot be reached" at the moment.

"The DOH appeals to the parents and family of the patient to please return to the hospital for proper medical attention," the DOH said.

The DOH added that signs and symptoms of watusi poisoning may not be immediate, and may manifest in the next few hours and be persistent for a few days.

"Death is a risk," it added.

Watusi is deadly when ingested as it contains yellow phosphorous, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and TNT or trinitrotoluene, an explosive. Children often mistake the small, brightly colored firework for candy, the health department said.

Those who accidentally ingest watusi should be immediately brought to the hospital, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

“Wag pipiliting magsuka ang pasyente. Pero bigyan siya ng egg white. Ito ang bumabalot sa yellow phosphorous. Nababalutan niya ang lason. Pag nabalutan siya ng egg white, mas nadaling tanggalin. Hindi dapat tinatanggal sa bahay. Kaya una bigyan ng egg white pero dalhin sa ospital.” he said.

Watusi can also get lodged in the eye. If this happens, the DOH advises to immediately wash the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and to keep eyelids open while seeking medical assistance.

Of the 88 total injuries logged all over the country, around 30 percent came from Metro Manila. Other regions with the highest number of cases include Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

Majority of the injuries involved males who actively lit firecrackers at home or on the streets, the DOH noted.

These injuries were caused by what is considered as illegal firecrackers or those that are highly explosive.

The DOH earlier said that whether legal or not, all firecrackers could cause the same degree of damage, some of which have resulted in the amputation of body parts.

SAN JUAN, LA UNION BEACHES CLOSED

BAGUIO CITY — Beaches in San Juan town in La Union, dubbed as the surfing capital of the North, have been closed to tourists since Wednesday.

Mayor Arturo Valdriz ordered the closure after a 12-year-old boy and his nine-year-old cousin, both residents of Kibungan, Benguet, drowned on a beach in Barangay Taboc on Tuesday.

The victims, who have yet to be identified, were swept away by big waves.

In an amended executive order issued yesterday, Valdriz said surfing is allowed only at the Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa in Barangay Urbiztondo, the lone area declared to be safe for the water activity.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

PEPE DIOKNO URGES FILM INDUSTRY TO THINK BEYOND BOX OFFICE SUCCESS

MANILA — Filmmaker Pepe Diokno, who recently bagged the Best Director trophy at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival for "Gomburza," said the industry should rethink its metric for success often dictated by box office.

In an interview with ANC's Headstart, Diokno agreed with some moviegoers' observation that movie ticket prices have become too expensive.

"Honestly I also find ticket prices a little too high and I think they need to be rethought. I think as an industry our goal should be not just to increase box office. I think box office is not a good metric," Diokno said.

The filmmaker said a "better metric" would be to track admissions or the number of people going to the cinemas.

"And anytime we can increase the number of admissions, I think it's a good thing," he said.

"Even if you look at the highest grossing films in the Philippines, and you translate it into admissions, it will still show you that the penetration for cinema can still be improved," Diokno added.

The ultimate goal of films, according to Diokno, is to "foster a love again for cinema."

"We need a bigger segment of the population to come back to the cinemas... We need to love our own cinema so that it grows and grows," Diokno said.

MORE SCREENINGS

Meanwhile, Diokno also reported that following their MMFF success, cinemas showing Gomburza have more than doubled.

From 39 cinemas, the historical flick is now being screened in 86 theaters.

Aside from the Best Director trophy, Gomburza also bagged the Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, Best Actor, and Second Best Picture.

Gomburza has earned praise from notable personalities such as former Vice President Leni Robredo, National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, and historian Xiao Chua.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 27, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

21-9

26        26        32        28        112

Magic

18-12

25        21        29        17        92

Kia Center, Orlando, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Maxey PHI PG

23 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

F. Wagner ORL PF

24 PTS , 5 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Raptors

12-18

31        28        38        35        132

Wizards

5-25

25        25        31        21        102

Capital One Arena, Washington, DC

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

O. Anunoby TOR SF

26 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

J. Poole WAS SG

14 PTS , 4 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bucks

23-8

32        34        34        44        144

Nets

15-16

31        28        33        30        122

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF

32 PTS , 10 REB , 8 AST

J. Wilson BKN SF

22 PTS , 10 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Knicks

17-13

25        35        29        31        120

Thunder

20-9

38        31        24        36        129

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Randle NY PF

25 PTS , 9 REB , 2 AST

J. Williams OKC SG

36 PTS , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Suns

15-15

30        43        31        25        129

Rockets

15-14

24        31        29        29        113

Toyota Center, Houston, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

E. Gordon PHO SF

27 PTS , 1 AST

A. Sengun HOU C

24 PTS , 5 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Cavaliers

18-13

27        27        28        31        113

Mavericks

18-13

39        30        21        20        110

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. LeVert CLE SG

29 PTS , 2 REB , 7 AST

L. Doncic DAL PG

39 PTS , 7 REB , 6 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.48

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature. - Tom Robbins