INFLATION EASES TO 3.9 PERCENT IN DECEMBER

MANILA — Despite heightened holiday demand, inflation in the Philippines continued to ease for the third consecutive month, primarily attributed to slower increases in utility expenses and essential food prices. National Statistician and Philippine Statistics Authority chief Claire Dennis Mapa reported that December 2023's inflation dropped to 3.9%, down from 4.1% in November. This marks the third consecutive monthly decline since October 2023, where inflation was at 4.9%, reaching the slowest rate since February 2022.

December's inflation aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' forecasted range of 3.6% to 4.4%, but the year-to-date inflation at 6% remains above the government's target range of 2% to 4%. Core inflation also decreased to 4.4%, notably less than the 6.9% recorded in December 2022, with the 2023 average core inflation rate at 6.6%.

Inflation among the bottom 30% income households slightly increased to 5.0%, while BARMM recorded the highest regional inflation at 6.2%, and Region 2 had the lowest at 1.6%.

Food inflation dropped to 5.5% from 5.8% in November 2023, attributed to a year-on-year decrease in vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses by 9.2%. However, rice inflation surged to 19.6%, its highest level since March 2009 at 22.9%, prompting attention to Executive Order No. 50's role in maintaining reduced tariff rates for crucial agricultural commodities.

National Economic and Development Authority chief Arsenio Balisacan stressed the importance of augmenting domestic supply to alleviate inflationary pressures, particularly for low-income households.

DTI CONFIRMS 'SHRINKFLATION' CREEP IN PRIME COMMODITIES

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has denounced the practice of "shrinkflation," where the size of a product decreases while the price remains unchanged. According to DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles, this tactic constitutes a covert price increase, as consumers may unknowingly purchase smaller quantities at the same cost. Nograles emphasized the importance of transparent packaging to inform consumers about any changes in weight, content, or formulation.

To address this issue, consumers are encouraged to file complaints if manufacturers alter product weights without proper disclosure on the packaging. Nograles revealed that 63 out of 217 items have sought price adjustments, ranging from 25 to 50 centavos, with specific brands being affected. Consumers are advised to explore alternative options, brands, or variants to mitigate the impact on their choices.

In the context of broader economic trends, the Philippines experienced an average inflation rate of 6.2 percent from January to November, surpassing the government's target range of 2 to 4 percent. While government officials anticipate a slowdown in inflation next year, economists caution that geopolitical uncertainties could still contribute to inflationary pressures. Notably, inflation reached a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January, primarily driven by surges in food and fuel prices.

PH, US HOLD JOINT MARITIME TRAINING IN WEST PH SEA

MANILA - The Philippines and the United States concluded their second Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing cross-deck maneuvers and seamless collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). The joint exercise featured the deployment of Philippine vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and an AW109 helicopter, along with the US Carrier Strike Group-1 led by USS Carl Vinson.

General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, highlighted the exchange of best practices during the MCA, enhancing both armed forces' proficiency in maritime threat response. Meanwhile, China conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea, showcased through state media and the military. The drills included fighter jets taking off and firing missiles, coinciding with the Philippines-US joint military exercises and amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines in disputed waters.

In a related development, two Chinese navy vessels shadowed Philippines and U.S. ships conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Thursday, as tensions flare in the region over disputed territorial claims.

“We confirm the presence of two PLA-N (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels from a distance shadowing the participants of the Maritime Cooperative Activity,” said Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the Philippine military’s public affairs office.

The two-day maritime exercises involving Manila and Washington, which ended as planned on Thursday, were the second in less than two months in the West Philippine Sea – what Manila calls the waters in the South China Sea that fall within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The activities followed Beijing’s warning to the Philippines that any miscalculation in their escalating dispute in the South China Sea would bring a resolute response.

“We are hoping that China and other foreign countries will respect our sovereignty and right to conduct the activity that is following international law,” Trinidad said.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately comment.

The joint patrols were underway when China’s military said it would conduct routine patrols with its naval and air forces in the South China Sea from Wednesday to Thursday but did not say where exactly the patrols would be held.

PALACE: JAN. 9 HOLIDAY IN MANILA CITY FOR ‘TRASLACION’

MANILA — President Marcos has officially declared January 9 as a special non-working day in Manila to facilitate the observance of the traslacion of the Black Nazarene. This proclamation, outlined in Proclamation No. 434 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, aims to allow the city's residents full participation in the event and enjoyment of the celebration. The traslacion marks the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from Intramuros to Quiapo over 400 years ago and is renowned globally as one of the most significant Filipino fiestas, characterized by millions of people gathering in one religious event.

In anticipation of the traslacion, the Department of Health (DOH) has initiated a code white alert for DOH-run hospitals in the National Capital Region, effective until January 11. This alert, typical during events that could potentially lead to mass casualty incidents, involves the deployment of eight health emergency response teams strategically positioned along the traslacion route. The DOH strongly urges devotees to wear face masks, consider participating from home to mitigate health risks associated with crowding, and refrain from physical contact with religious images.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan supports the DOH's recommendations, encouraging the observance of proper social distancing and the use of face masks during the traslacion and Quiapo Church masses. The image of the Black Nazarene will be regularly sanitized during the procession, with modifications such as placing it in a glass case and prohibiting devotees from climbing the carriage. Manila-based employees opting not to work on January 9 may face a "no work, no pay" policy, while those working during the special non-working holiday are entitled to additional compensation.

ENERGY CHIEF BLAMES NGCP FOR PANAY BLACKOUT

MANILA - Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla attributes the extensive blackout in Panay Island to delays in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' (NGCP) interconnection project. Lotilla emphasizes that the power outage could have been prevented if the NGCP had completed the Panay-Negros-Cebu Interconnection Project as initially promised in August 2023. Despite the ongoing blackout crisis affecting Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo provinces, Lotilla points out that the NGCP failed to act promptly, leading to a collapse in the grid. According to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), NGCP missed a crucial 2-hour window to prevent the system from collapsing by implementing manual load dropping.

Lotilla highlights that the NGCP could have called on electric cooperatives in Panay to reduce their load, averting a complete system failure. The consequences of the blackout are severe, with Iloilo City estimating losses exceeding P1 billion. As lawmakers call for an investigation into the Panay blackout, the NGCP expects full power restoration by Friday, contingent on power plants delivering sufficient supply.

BATO TO SEEK DEPORTATION OF ICC INVESTIGATORS

MANILA — Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa announced his intention to seek the deportation of International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators allegedly present in the Philippines if the government does not authorize their entry. He emphasized that if the government allows their presence, he is willing to face them. Dela Rosa relies on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s assurance during a December dinner that ICC investigators would not be allowed entry, referring to any contrary move by the government as "laban-bawi" or a reversal.

In the event that the ICC probe continues and prompts former President Rodrigo Duterte to run for senator in the 2025 elections, Dela Rosa acknowledged the possibility, citing discussions within their party about Duterte's potential candidacy. However, he emphasized that the final decision rests with the former President.

THE REST

========

OIL SPILL HITS WATERS OFF DAVAO PORT

MANILA —  Spill booms and absorbent pads were laid out off the coast of Davao City after an oil spill was detected on Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the oil spill affected 200 cubic meters at Km 11 of Davsam Port.

Members of the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Force Oil Spill Response Team have recovered around 30 liters of sludge oil.

Initial investigation showed the sludge oil may have been swept by the strong current.

The PCG-Southeastern Mindanao district has yet to identify the source of the oil spill.       

2 ARMY INTEL AGENTS KILLED IN LANAO NORTE AMBUSH

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two Army intelligence operatives were killed in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday.

The victims were on a surveillance mission when they were waylaid in Barangay Lininding, Lt. Col. Victor Czar Villanueva said.

The two were not identified pending notification of their families. Their companion managed to escape and reported the incident to his unit.

Villanueva said pursuit operations for the suspects are ongoing.

The military said members of the Khatab group, a hit squad of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group, are believed to be behind the ambush.

The suspects also reportedly took a Glock 17, a caliber .45 pistol, magazines with bullets, two cell phones and the wallets of the soldiers.             

HOUSE PROBE SOUGHT ON 'CORRUPTION' ALLEGATIONS IN PUV MODERNIZATION PLAN

MANILA — House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Thursday that he has ordered the House of Representatives to look into possible irregularities that may have “tainted the conceptualization and planned implementation” of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle modernization program.

Romualdez said that he has directed the chairperson of the House transportation committee to conduct a probe into reports received by his office alleging current transport officials colluded with former officials to negotiate the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the traditional vehicles.

The House speaker also called on the Department of Transportation to undertake a “complete review” and extend the implementation of the program.

"The jeepney modernization program is not just about upgrading vehicles; it's a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable, and in tune with sustainable practices," Romualdez said.

Transport groups were required to consolidate into corporations and cooperatives last December 31, according to government rules. After this deadline, they have 27 months to switch to more eco-friendly vehicles. Those who failed to consolidate would only be allowed to operate their vehicles until January 31.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) rejected concerns of a substantial jeepney fare increase due to the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program. Transportation Undersecretary Timothy Batan emphasized that fare adjustments go through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) process and reassured that the ongoing implementation of the consolidation deadline is not expected to trigger fare hikes at this time.

Currently, the minimum jeepney fare stands at P13. IBON Foundation's Sonny Africa expressed fears of fares reaching P45 to P50 in the future, citing financial pressures on transport corporations and cooperatives to repay loans for modern jeepney units. Batan refuted these concerns, pointing out that some operators consolidated in 2017 and maintained a boarding fare of P11 for modernized jeepneys for a considerable period.

DILG TO SIT WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS, DOH TO RESOLVE MAKATI-TAGUIG ROW

MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) plans to convene with the mayors of Makati and Taguig to address the closure of health facilities in 10 Embo barangays. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasizes the importance of discussing technicalities and finding a resolution that prioritizes public service. Abalos is exploring options with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and aims to expedite the resolution.

Makati closed health centers due to the expiration of licenses in barangays now under Taguig's jurisdiction. The Department of Health (DOH) assures that any owner and operator can apply for a health facility license, extending the 2024 application deadline to January 15 for continued public access to healthcare. The DOH is open to amending and reissuing licenses under a new name if ownership changes occur.

DILG TO LGUS: CONDUCT CLEANUP DRIVES

MANILA — Local chief executives and barangay officials have been tasked to conduct cleanup drives in their respective areas tomorrow in support of the Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas program of the national government.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will launch the Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan or Kalinisan program on Jan. 6 in a bid to provide a safe and healthy environment for all residents.

The launch of the program will coincide with the annual Community Development Day, which aims to foster and promote the Filipino tradition of bayanihan.

“All barangays, to be led by the newly elected and appointed barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, are enjoined to observe the day fittingly by conducting their Kalinisan Day activities,” DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-011 read.

Simultaneous activities such as coastal cleanups, canal dredging, purging of trees and dismantling of possible breeding places of mosquitoes will be conducted.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ENRIQUE GIL TO LIZA SOBERANO: 'I'LL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR BACK'

MANILA -- Actor Enrique Gil has turned to social media to mark the 26th birthday of actress Liza Soberano.

On Instagram Stories, the Kapamilya actor uploaded a photo of him and Soberano as he shared his sweet message for the latter's special day.

"Happy Birthday our dear Hopie!!! I'll always have your back no matter what. Wish I was there to celebrate your special day," Gil shared.

On Thursday, Soberano marked her birthday by uploading new photos taken by celebrity photographer Shaira Luna.

In July 2023, despite talent manager Ogie Diaz's claim that Gil and Soberano had already ended their relationship, the actor asserted that they are still doing well.

What’s important, Gil said, is that they remain happy and supportive of each other.

Soberano and Gil, also known as LizQuen, rose to fame as a love team with their hit teleserye "Forevermore" in 2014. They also worked together in "Dolce Amore" in 2016, "Bagani" in 2018, and were last seen as a screen couple in "Make It with You" in 2020.

On the big screen, they co-starred in "She's The One" in 2013 followed by "Just The Way You Are" and "Everyday I Love You" in 2015, "My Ex and Whys" in 2017, and "Alone/Together" in 2019.

While they are no longer onscreen partners, both Soberano and Gil are actively pursuing acting projects separately.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON JAN 3, 2024

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bucks

24-10

31        37        29        33        130

Pacers

19-14

33        33        47        29        142

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF

26 PTS , 11 REB , 8 AST

T. Haliburton IND PG

31 PTS , 2 REB , 12 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Wizards

6-27

31        24        20        26        101

Cavaliers

19-15

34        33        34        39        140

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Kuzma WAS PF

16 PTS , 2 REB , 3 AST

M. Strus CLE SG

24 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Thunder

23-10

25        34        44        35        138

Hawks

14-19

39        37        40        25        141

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

33 PTS , 13 REB , 8 AST

J. Johnson ATL SF

28 PTS , 7 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nets

15-20

22        28        25        26        101

Rockets

17-15

26        23        38        25        112

Toyota Center, Houston, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

M. Bridges BKN SF

15 PTS , 4 REB , 3 AST

A. Sengun HOU C

30 PTS , 8 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pelicans

21-14

27        32        33        25        117

Timberwolves

24-9

24        22        25        35        106

Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Z. Williamson NO PF

27 PTS , 4 REB , 6 AST

A. Edwards MIN SG

35 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Raptors

14-20

30        32        31        23        116

Grizzlies

11-23

29        19        28        35        111

FedExForum, Memphis, TN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

I. Quickley TOR PG

26 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST

J. Morant MEM PG

28 PTS , 8 REB , 9 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bulls

15-21

24        31        23        22        100

Knicks

19-15

26        25        35        30        116

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. DeRozan CHI SG

28 PTS , 3 REB , 4 AST

J. Randle NY PF

35 PTS , 6 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Trail Blazers

9-24

25        22        27        23        97

Mavericks

20-15

35        43        24        24        126

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Sharpe POR SG

16 PTS , 4 REB

L. Doncic DAL PG

41 PTS , 6 REB , 5 AST

Final/OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Pistons

3-31

33        35        41        29        10        148

Jazz

16-19

26        40        38        34        16        154

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

B. Bogdanovic DET SF

36 PTS , 7 REB , 5 AST

J. Clarkson UTA PG

36 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Clippers

21-12

35        35        37        24        131

Suns

18-16

20        31        40        31        122

Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

P. George LAC SF

33 PTS , 7 REB , 3 AST

D. Booker PHO SG

35 PTS , 2 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Heat

20-14

25        28        19        38        110

Lakers

17-18

18        27        22        29        96

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Herro MIA PG

21 PTS , 6 REB , 4 AST

A. Davis LAL PF

29 PTS , 18 REB , 6 AST

Final/2OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Magic

19-15

30        25        34        29        17        135

Kings

20-13

27        40        24        27        20        138

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

P. Banchero ORL PF

43 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST

M. Monk SAC SG

37 PTS , 3 REB , 9 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.50

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done. - Louis D. Brandeis