CHINA SAYS IT 'DOES NOT SUPPORT' CYBERATTACKS DESPITE HACKING CLAIMS

MANILA — China on Wednesday said it does not condone or encourage "all forms of cyberattacks" as it seemingly addressed "false accusations" that it was behind a series of hacking incidents against government websites in the Philippines and United States.

"China is a major victim of cyberattack. We keep a firm stance against all forms of cyberattacks and resort to lawful methods in tackling them. China does not encourage, support or condone attacks launched by hackers," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Twitter.

Over the weekend, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that cybersecurity experts prevented the hacking of government websites and email addresses by hackers based in China. However, they could not tell if the attack was backed by the Chinese government.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice last week said it disrupted "a botnet of hundreds of US-based small office/home office routers hijacked by People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers."

But Wang said the "false accusations" only "jeopardize the collective response to the threats our world faces," as he called out the US for being the "very source of risks in the cyberspace."

"The US has proven itself to be the very source of risks and challenges in cyberspace. No country can insulate itself from US cyber attack threat... Cyberspace should not be a battlefield. It is not a grey area for the US to rise above the rules and act wantonly without any consequences," Wang said.

Some senators have sought an investigation into the alleged cyberattack by China-based hackers.

TULFO, HONTIVEROS ZERO IN ON ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT, SCAMMERS

MANILA -- The Senate Committee on Migrant Workers have started deliberating on four proposed measures that seek to promote financial literacy to overseas Filipino workers and protect potential OFWs against illegal recruiters.

These are Senate Bill 2078 or the “OFWs Financial Literacy Enhancement Act”; Senate Resolution 814 or “Illegal Recruitment Activities Conducted by Persons Located Outside of the Philippines”; Resolution 816 or “Massive Illegal Recruitment Schemes Perpetrated in Italy, Victimizing Hundreds of Filipinos by. Paying Exorbitant Fees for Non-Existent Jobs”; and Resolution 905 or “Alleged Illegal Practices of Pinoy Care Visa Center.”

During Wednesday’s hearing, Senate Migrant Committee Chairman Senator Raffy Tulfo pointed at the gravity of the scamming problem targeting OFWs.

“Talamak na panloloko sa ating mga kababayang nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Bakit marami pa ring nakakalusot at nakakapanloko sa ating mga OFWs? Dito sa una nating paguusap sa investment scam, bilyon-bilyong piso ang nalilikom ng mga scammers para ilagay sa mga junket operations ng casino. At ikinukubli sa isang kontrata na tinatawag na contract loan,” Tulfo pointed out.

“Halos araw-araw nakikita natin ang ganitong mga scams online. In fact, binabaha ang Facebook ng mga instant millionaires. May hawak na limpak-limpak-limpak na salapi. O dili kaya’y may larawan ng bagong sports car o mansion. Ang bilis nilang napapaniwala ang mga biktima at natatangayan ng pera sa bandang huli,” he added.

Among those duped include Filipinos who were promised a decent job in Italy and Canada, Tulfo said.

The committee then zeroed in on the case of around 400 victims who have been promised a decent employment in Italy and whose case remain unresolved, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros.

“Masakit pong umasa sa wala. At lalong masakit na ang perang pinaghirapang kitain o ipinangutang pa nga, para sana mag-apply at makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa, ay mawala na lang na parang bula. Ganyan po ang nangyari sa mga nabiktima nitong consultancy firm na Alpha Assistenza SRL. Pinangakuan sila ng work permit visa, ng pagkakataong makapaghanapbuhay sa Italya, pero mukhang pinagkakitaan at sinamantala lang ang kanilang pangarap na magkaroon ng magandang buhay,” Hontiveros said.

PH GROSS RESERVES DROP TO $103.4 BILLION IN JANUARY

MANILA -- The Philippines' gross international reserves in January fell slightly to $103.4 billion, down from the $103.8 billion recorded in December 2023.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral said the latest GIR level is more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.7 months' worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

This is also about 6 times the country's short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.9 times based on residual maturity.

The month-on-month decrease in gross reserves reflected mainly the government’s payments of its foreign currency debt obligations.

It also reflects the downward adjustments in the value of BSP's gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market.

Net international reserves, which refers to the difference between the BSP's reserve assets and reserve liabilities, slightly declined to $102.8 billion from $103.7 billion the month before, according to BSP data.

Economic managers boast of the country's strong macroeconomic fundamentals, which include hefty reserves.

EXCEPT FOR VICE PRESIDENT, DUTERTES SKIP PRESIDENT MARCOS EVENTS IN DAVAO

MANILA — President Marcos reminisced about fond memories in Davao City during a land title distribution event, where he was absent from Mayor Sebastian Duterte. Notably, all Dutertes except Vice President Sara were missing during Marcos's visit.

Despite recent tensions with former president Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos expressed appreciation for his time in Davao, highlighting enduring friendships. VP Sara, also Education Secretary, accompanied Marcos at various events, including the civil works contract signing for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.

While VP Sara and Marcos appeared together, incumbent Mayor Baste, critical of Marcos previously, did not attend. Despite tensions, Marcos affirmed his relationship with VP Sara, emphasizing continued cooperation.

During the event, Marcos underscored agrarian reform progress, distributing over 2,500 land titles and emphasizing support for farmers. Additionally, he inspected flood-affected areas and inaugurated water supply projects, demonstrating his administration's commitment to regional development.

VP Sara joined Marcos in a briefing on flooding issues, highlighting cooperation amid challenges. Despite political differences, the visit showcased collaborative efforts towards regional progress.

PNP WON’T ARREST DUTERTE

MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte can sleep soundly as the Philippine National Police (PNP) will not implement any warrant of arrest coming from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, said yesterday that they are taking the cue from President Marcos, who earlier said the Philippines does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over the country.

“They could issue a warrant of arrest to anyone, but the enforcement is another thing. Can they enforce it within the jurisdiction of the Philippine government?” Fajardo told a news briefing at Camp Crame.

“I think our President is very clear on that: they don’t have any jurisdiction here in our country,” she said.

Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque said the ex-president has information that he could be ordered arrested by the ICC at any time.

When asked if the PNP will not enforce an arrest warrant against Duterte from the ICC, Fajardo said: “Yes, because there is already a question of jurisdiction, because in our view, this is infringing on the sovereignty of our country.”

Fajardo said they have no idea where Roque got his information about Duterte’s impending arrest order.

She stressed that the PNP has not received any information about a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC.

Fajardo added the foreign affairs and justice departments have not coordinated with the PNP about Duterte.

THE REST

========

E-SCOOTERS IN BATANES? GLOBES' GOGORO EYES EXPANSION

MANILA -- Globe Telecom on Monday said its electric scooter business Gogoro is looking to open more battery swapping stations outside Metro Manila.

Gogoro Philippines, a joint venture between Ayala Corp and Globe's 917Ventures, allows electric scooter users to skip lengthy recharge times and simply swap used batteries for fully charged ones at designated stops called GoStations.

At a press briefing, Gogoro Philippines president and CEO Bernie Llamzon said they are bullish about the potential of their scooters in the market, and they’re looking to expand to more areas.

"We’re looking definitely [at] Cebu, Cagayan de Oro with some parts in Siargao, Dumaguete, Baguio, Tuguegarao, even Batanes actually," he said.

Llamzon said they already have 5 GoStations, and 6 more are undergoing construction.

These are in the UP Town Center in Quezon City, Ayala Malls Feliz, White Plains in Quezon City, the Seaoil Station along C5 northbound in Ortigas, and the Seaoil Station in EDSA near Guadalupe.

Llamzon said their scooters have been warmly received by their customers since they started commercial operations in December.

"Primarily they speak of the smart and the high-tech features that are not present in any of the two-wheel [vehicles] that they are used to riding. The riding comfort is another aspect that they like very much, including the ease of charging," he said.

PHILIPPINES TO LAUNCH RETAIL TREASURY BOND OFFER

MANILA — The Philippine government will launch this month its first retail bonds for 2024, with a minimum offering of 30 billion pesos ($534.24 million) at an auction set on February 13.

The peso-denominated five-year bonds will be sold up to February 23, the Bureau of Treasury said in a notice on Tuesday, with a swap offer for bonds expiring in 2024.

The government’s retail treasury bonds offer, which targets small investors, have become a regular feature of its fund-raising program.

CEBPAC, AIRASIA LAUNCH LUNAR NEW YEAR SEAT SALES

MANILA -- Budget carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are launching seat sales ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration.

For as low as P88 one-way base fare, travelers can fly via Cebu Pacific to Boracay, Siargao, Coron, Bohol, Puerto Princesa and other local destinations.

They can also fly to Tokyo, Taipei, Shanghai, Hanoi, and other Asian destinations for P888 one-way base fare.

The sale is on from February 8 to 12. Passengers can fly any time from August 1 to December 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, AirAsia is offering flights for as low as P22 one-way base fare to Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, and other local destinations.

They can also fly to international destinations for as low as P802 (Macao) to P4,122 (Shanghai).

Customers can book their flights from January 29 to February 18, then fly from January 29 to July 31, 2024.

MAN PROPOSES TO GIRLFRIEND AT MRT 'LOVE TRAIN' LAUNCH

A man asked for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage at the launch of the MRT's "love train" on Thursday.

Cheers greeted the couple when Mac Tolentino knelt and asked his girlfriend to marry him. He said he was supposed to propose later in the day but when he saw MRT's Valentine’s Day setup, he knew it was the right time.

The MRT's "love train"', decorated with flower stickers and playful quotes, was launched ahead of Valentine's Day.

Transport officials handed out chocolates to passengers aboard the train as a pre-Valentine's treat.

DAVAO DE ORO LANDSLIDE BURIES 2 BUSES; 6 DEAD

In Maco, Davao de Oro, a landslide buried two buses on Tuesday, resulting in six deaths and 46 missing individuals, with three in critical condition. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 45 of 86 reported buried individuals rescued. The landslide affected 758 families, prompting the evacuation of around 600 residents to safer areas. Heavy rainfall preceded the incident. The military deployed teams and vehicles to assist in rescue operations, as affected roads remained impassable. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is yet to release an official report.

Drought in 24 provinces due to ‘strong’ El Niño — PAGASA

MANILA — According to PAGASA, the Philippines is facing a heightened risk of drought in 24 provinces by the end of February due to the strong El Niño phenomenon. These provinces, including Aurora, Cagayan, and Metro Manila, may experience significantly below-normal rainfall conditions.

Additionally, regions such as Batangas and Leyte may encounter dry spells, while areas like Bulacan and Zamboanga Sibugay could face dry conditions. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged government agencies to expedite water-related projects to address potential water shortages.

PAGASA forecasts near-average to warmer temperatures across most of the country, except in select regions where cooler temperatures are anticipated. Cold temperature surges may still occur, particularly in certain areas due to the northeast monsoon.

Various weather systems, including the northeast monsoon and localized thunderstorms, are expected to influence the country's weather this month. PAGASA also anticipates the possibility of up to one tropical cyclone in the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with El Niño likely persisting until the March-April-May season.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

DOMINIC ROQUE SAYS BEA ALONZO 'BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT', WANTS 'HATE' TO STOP

MANILA — Dominic Roque on Wednesday called Bea Alonzo "a beautiful person inside and out", as he appealed for an end to the "bashing" that followed reports that they had broken up.

"Bea's a beautiful person inside n out...no hate/bashing/negative things please...," Roque said in the caption of a reposted video with Alonzo.

Talk show host Boy Abunda recently confirmed the couple's breakup.

"Tama si Ogie Diaz, si kaibigang Ogie nung kanyang binalita ...As we talk today, yes, hiwalay po si Dominic at saka si Bea," the host said in his program "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda" on Tuesday.

But Abunda said Roque and Alonzo were still in the process of fixing their relationship.

"Sinusuyo ba si Bea? Are they still trying to talk? Siguro, maaari, dahil sino ba naman ang ayaw maayos ang ganitong klase ng problema," the talk show host said.

"As a matter of fact, from good sources ay kagabi or nu'ng isa gabi lamang nag-usap uli si Bea at si Dominic, they're trying to understand each other but they're going through a rough patch," he added.

"I am confirming na hiwalay sila ngayon. Last night or two nights nga, nag-usap ang dalawa. Ano ang status? Wala. I think kung tama ang aking source, (si) Bea, isinauli na ang kanyang engagement ring."

Alonzo first confirmed that she was dating Roque in April 2021. The actress announced her engagement to Roque in July 2023.

SPORTS

MAGNOLIA DEF. SAN MIGUEL, 88-80 GAME 3 | PBA FINALS | FEBRUARY 7

MANILA — The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots have finally tallied a win in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

The Hotshots shackled the San Miguel Beermen, 88-80, in their Game 3 win on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Mark Barroca had 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Paul Lee scored his series-high of 12 markers alongside three boards and three dimes.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero credited their defense in the game, saying that holding SMB to shooting only 34% from the field was key to their victory.

“If we limit them to less than 90 points, we have a better chance of winning the game,” he said during postgame.

“Everyone stepped up defensively, and we hit some big shots, especially Aris Dionisio down the stretch,” he added.

Dionisio, Ian Sangalang and Tyler Bey had 11 markers each.

But for the one-time PBA champion coach, it was the two-day rest that really allowed Magnolia to play to their potential.

“The factor is the two-day rest. Naka-recover yung body namin. We had a hard time doing our defensive schemes because we are only humans, nakakaramdam rin ng pagod,” he said.

“Nagawa rin namin yung game plan. Malaking factor na may energy kami,” he added.

The Hotshots started the game strongly, holding SMB to only 15 points in comparison to their 24 after the first 12 minutes of action.

Jorge Gallent’s troops actually made it a ball game in the second until the early fourth quarter after the two squads exchanged baskets, but the Hotshots suddenly waxed hot all thanks to Barroca, Lee, and Dionisio.

Only ahead by three, 63-60, with still 11 minutes left in the game, the trio spearheaded a 13-2 run to distance themselves, 76-62, which was built on baskets from Barroca and three-pointers by Lee and Dionisio.

A Sangalang basket at the 5:55 mark extended Magnolia’s lead to its biggest at 16, 80-64, and that proved to be enough as the Hotshots finally halted San Miguel’s 11-game win streak.

This was SMB’s worst offensive game in the series so far for after averaging 106 points in the first two games, the Beermen were held to under 80 points.

This was on par with Magnolia’s points allowed per game during the eliminations at 87.9.

Bennie Boatwright led SMB in scoring with 27 points and 13 rebounds. CJ Perez followed with 16 points, while June Mar Farado and Jeron Teng contributed 11 and 10, respectively.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA — 88 – Barroca 20, Lee 12, Bey 11, Sangalang 11, Dionisio 11, Jalalon 10, Dela Rosa 7, Abueva 6, Escoto 0, Laput 0, Reavis 0

SAN MIGUEL — 80 – Boatwright 27, Perez 16, Fajardo 11, Teng 10, Trollano 7, Lassiter 4, Brondial 3, Ross 2, Enciso 0, Tautuaa 0

QUARTERS: 24-15, 42-39, 63-58, 88-80

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON FEB 6, 2024

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Rockets

23-27

39        36        24        30        129

Pacers

29-23

41        27        38        26        132

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Green HOU SG

30 PTS , 3 REB , 1 AST

P. Siakam IND PF

29 PTS , 4 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

28-23

31        34        30        24        119

Nets

20-30

24        23        30        30        107

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Irving DAL PG

36 PTS , 2 REB , 5 AST

M. Bridges BKN SF

28 PTS , 1 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Grizzlies

18-33

24        22        28        39        113

Knicks

33-18

33        37        27        26        123

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

V. Williams Jr. MEM SF

19 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST

D. DiVincenzo NY SG

32 PTS , 5 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Magic

27-24

19        30        26        20        95

Heat

27-24

26        30        40        25        121

Kaseya Center, Miami, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

P. Banchero ORL PF

23 PTS , 9 REB , 7 AST

J. Butler MIA SF

23 PTS , 8 REB , 8 AST

Final/OT

1          2          3          4          OT       T

Timberwolves

35-16

33        36        23        23        8          123

Bulls

24-27

22        25        36        32        14        129

United Center, Chicago, IL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Edwards MIN SG

38 PTS , 12 REB , 5 AST

C. White CHI PG

33 PTS , 5 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Thunder

35-16

33        35        24        25        117

Jazz

26-26

28        33        35        28        124

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

28 PTS , 4 REB , 7 AST

L. Markkanen UTA PF

33 PTS , 11 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bucks

33-18

23        26        24        33        106

Suns

30-21

22        26        31        35        114

Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

G. Antetokounmpo MIL PF

34 PTS , 10 REB , 6 AST

D. Booker PHO SG

32 PTS , 1 REB , 4 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.95

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. - John C. Maxwell