MARCOS JR.: LEARN FROM HISTORY

MANILA — President Marcos emphasized the importance of learning from history and urged Filipinos to seek information from various sources before making judgments. In a video message, he highlighted the need for politicians to prioritize serving the people over their parties or families. He encouraged people to be discerning in an age of technological misinformation.

Addressing a humanities student interested in history and politics, Marcos emphasized the value of studying both past and present events. He urged people to read widely and use critical thinking to discern truth from falsehood.

Critics have accused the Marcos family of distorting history and covering up human rights violations and corruption under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s administration. Despite these allegations, Marcos Jr. stated that his family has no reason to revise history and is only seeking to present their side of the story.

During the EDSA Revolution anniversary, Marcos Jr. called for reconciliation, echoing his previous statements about uniting for progress and peace. He emphasized that politics should serve the people and expressed his initial motivation for entering politics: to alleviate the suffering of Filipinos.

Protests during the anniversary expressed concerns about history repeating itself, with some demonstrators wearing attire pledging "never again." Despite criticisms, Marcos Jr. has been praised for steering away from Duterte's harsh drug war and for releasing political prisoners.

Marcos Jr.'s presidency has been seen as a transition from Duterte's authoritarianism, offering a democratic space for the country. Rights campaigner Leila de Lima, a critic of Duterte, was released from prison under Marcos Jr.'s administration, signaling a shift in governance style.

CHARTER CHANGE BEING USED FOR TERM EXTENSION, DUTERTE WARNS

CEBU CITY — Former President Rodrigo Duterte, speaking at a prayer rally in Cebu City on Sunday night, warned against attempts to change the 1987 Constitution, cautioning that such changes could be used to extend term limits. The rally, organized by the Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace, and Security, coincided with the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which saw protests against charter change across the country.

In his speech, Duterte emphasized the importance of not revising the Constitution to extend political tenures, stating, "We are comfortable with 6 years, 1 term," referring to the single 6-year term that the current charter allows presidents to serve. He also noted that relaxing economic provisions to attract foreign investors is not a sufficient reason for charter change.

While Duterte expressed support for constitutional changes that enhance Filipino lives, he stressed that proposed changes should not be influenced by self-interest. He criticized the People's Initiative campaign, suggesting it could be used to keep the administration in power.

Although both chambers of Congress have filed resolutions limiting constitutional changes to economic provisions, opponents, including former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, have warned that a constituent assembly could still decide to tinker with political provisions once convened. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that any changes will focus solely on economic matters.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte also called out the President for not speaking up on issues, claiming that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been speaking on his behalf.

PRESIDENT MARCOS VOWS TO INTENSIFY FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM AFTER CLASHES

ZAMBOANGA CITY — President Marcos has vowed to intensify the fight against terrorism following clashes with the Islamic State-linked group Dawlah Islamiya in Lanao del Norte. Six suspected terrorists have been killed since the clashes began on Feb. 18. Three more were killed in a recent encounter in Barangay Matampay, where three soldiers were wounded. The military recovered an M16 rifle at the scene.

The pursuit operation was launched after seven terrorists fled during an earlier firefight. Marcos paid tribute to the soldiers killed, promising to continue their fight and punish the enemies of peace. He assured their loved ones and the nation that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. Dawlah Islamiya is active in communities on the Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur boundary.

MINDORO OIL SPILL DAMAGE VALUED AT P41.2B — REPORT

MANILA — The sinking of oil tanker MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro last year caused at least P41.2 billion worth of damage to the environment and coastal communities, according to a report by a sustainability think tank.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank off Naujan town on Feb. 28, 2023, causing a massive oil spill that reached the coasts of provinces around the resource-rich Verde Island Passage (VIP).

The report of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) released Monday estimated that the oil spill's environmental damage amounted to around P40.1 billion.

Meanwhile, socio-economic losses totaled P1.1 billion.

The total cost of damage was 800% higher than the government's estimate, according to CEED.

"Catastrophic oil spills like the one in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) are deadly, costly, and can forever change sensitive ecosystems," CEED executive director Gerry Arances said.

"The oil spill has also impoverished the people not just of Mindoro but other surrounding communities that depend on the resources of VIP for their survival," he added.

DOTR COLLECTS P19 MILION FINES FROM ILLEGAL PUVS

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has collected P19 million in fines during its nationwide crackdown on illegal or colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) from Feb. 1 to 22.

In a statement on Saturday, the DOTr said its Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) apprehended a total of 50 PUVs, including vans and buses.

The DOTr imposed a fine of P200,000 per van and P1 million per bus caught engaging in colorum operations.

The SAICT said that it is in close partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Land Transportation Office to crack down on illegal transport activities that pose risks to commuters and road users.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has directed law enforcers to spearhead the campaign against unauthorized PUVs to protect road users and also promote compliance with transportation regulations.

The DOTr said it is also coordinating with the Department of Health and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to crack down on supposed “colorum ambulances.”

MARIEL APOLOGIZES: IT’S VITAMIN C DRIP, NOT GLUTATHIONE

MANILA —  Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s actress-wife Mariel Rodriguez has apologized for turning the senator’s office into a health clinic, but clarified that she received a vitamin C drip and not whitening glutathione, as earlier reported.

Rodriguez released a statement through the senator asking for understanding from “all concerned, including members and staff of the Senate and the public.”

She clarified that it was never her intention to “malign nor undermine the integrity and dignity of the Senate.”

“I was at the Senate to show support for my husband’s bill. Despite my busy schedule as a wife, mother and online seller, I wanted to be there with him since his work is very important to him,” she said.

The host-actress drew criticism online after conducting an IV drip at Padilla’s Senate office.

In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Rodriguez shared photos of herself conducting intravenous infusion at the senator’s office while waiting for session to begin.

“To clarify, I received a vitamin C drip, not glutathione, under the medical supervision of a professional nurse. Having mentioned this, my intent was just to inspire others that even amidst various activities or wherever they are, they can still prioritize their health by taking vitamins,” Rodriguez said.

“I want to extend my sincerest apologies… We uphold the Senate’s dignity and integrity. Thank you for your understanding,” she added.

Gluta drips are said to help avoid chronic illnesses, slow down aging, improve athletic ability and clean one’s liver by having nutrients and hydration delivered directly into the bloodstream.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, recently noted some of its harmful effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved it as a treatment for advanced cancer patients – and even these patients need a doctor’s prescription.

Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the Senate ethics committee, said there is a need to look into the matter.

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QUAKES ROCK EASTERN SAMAR

MANILA — Two earthquakes with magnitudes 5 and 4.2 rocked areas in Eastern Samar yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the magnitude 5 quake occurred at 2:47 a.m. and its epicenter was located 12 kilometers south of Jipapad town.

State seismologists said the quake was tectonic in origin and may generate aftershocks.

Instrumental Intensity 2 was recorded in Villareal, Samar; Dulag, Leyte, and Mapanas, Northern Samar.

Instrumental Intensity 1 was logged in Basey, Samar.

A few minutes earlier, a magnitude 4.2 quake also rocked the province.

The temblor’s epicenter was located 14 kilometers south of Taft town.

It was not expected to cause damage to property or generate aftershocks.

PANAGBENGA LOGS HIGHER NUMBER OF FLOAT PARADE PARTICIPANT

BAGUIO CITY — Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City featured 34 flower-bedecked floats in its Float Parade from Session Road to the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Burnham Park. Among them, 29 competed in various categories, attracting around 30,000 local and foreign tourists. The street dancing parade on Saturday also saw a doubling of participants compared to the previous year. This year's number of entries nearly doubled, a historic record considering the usual average of 14 to 15 floats in previous years. Each float's decoration costs around P500,000, excluding the vehicle rental fee, with 95% of the decoration made of fresh flowers and greens. Despite the high cost of flowers, participants were not deterred from joining the parade.

JAPAN DONATES WASTE PROCESSING FACILITY TO COTABATO CITY

MANILA —The city government of Cotabato has received a mobile waste processing facility from the Japanese government.

The facility is equipped with a multi-purpose shredder and glass pulverizer, plastic melter and three bio-gas digesters.

The donation was part of an initiative titled “Accelerating Nationally Determined Contributions through Circular Economy in Cities,” a collaborative venture of the government of Japan, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Japan’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy.

The turnover ceremony was attended by Japanese embassy deputy chief of mission Kenichi Matsuda, Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao, UNDP Philippines deputy resident representative Edwine Carrie and city officials.

Matsuda expressed confidence that the project would enhance the city’s capacity in waste management and encourage sustainable practices among its communities toward shifting to a circular economy.

The initiative focuses on implementing circular economy solutions in five cities including Manila, Caloocan, Cotabato, Pasig and Quezon City through the provision of $290 million by the Japanese government.

LA UNION POSTS P1 BILLION IN TOURISM REVENUES

SAN FERNANDO, La Union — The provincial government of La Union recorded P1.04 billion in tourism revenues last year.

Data from the office of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica David showed the easing of restrictions imposed during the pandemic resulted in a surge in tourist arrivals, both foreign and local.

The amount exceeded the P897 million that the province posted in 2022.

Tourist arrivals in 2023 increased to 550,359 from 494,387 in 2022.

The month of April recorded the most tourist arrivals with 68,567, followed by June with 55,131 and May with 53,921.

Of the total figure, 543,909 were local tourists while 6,450 were foreigners.

Forty-nine percent of domestic tourists came from Metro Manila followed by Central Luzon with 14 percent, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with 13 and the Cordilleras, 10 percent.

The surfing site of Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan was the most popular tourist destination.

San Juan received 215,645 visitors in 2023 followed by Bauang with 100,762 and San Fernando, 97,726.

Among the province’s tourists attractions are the Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, Poro Point Lighthouse, Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, Immuki Island in Balaoan, Baluarte Watch Tower and Namacpacan Church in Luna town, and the grape farms of Bauang.

David reminded residents and business owners to be mindful of the impact of the surge of visitors to the environment.

She said environmental protection should always be a priority.

5 KILLED IN LEYTE BARANGAY HALL ATTACK

ORMOC — Five people, including Barangay Chairman Elizalde Tabon, were killed in an attack at a village hall in San Isidro, Leyte. The assailants, four unidentified men on motorcycles, shot Tabon, watchman Rusty Salazar, and councilman Paulo Al Mindero, who died at the scene. Two others died in the hospital. The victims were finalizing a list of beneficiaries for educational assistance when the suspects arrived.

The assistance was to be distributed by Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Tabon was a supporter of former congressman Vicente Veloso, the father of Veloso-Tuazon. Checkpoints were set up to catch the suspects. This attack is the latest in a series of killings in the province. Kagawad Tete Cajes was killed in Barangay Tag-abaca, Leyte, while Rolando Palacio, a kagawad in Tabango town, was killed in Barangay Tugas.

Earlier, Patricio Laude, chairman of Barangay Catmon in Ormoc, was shot dead near the house of kagawad Christopher Masimong, who was wounded. The Ormoc police have identified three persons of interest in Laude's killing, and charges have been filed in connection with the killings in the province's third district.

OIL PRICES SET TO ROLL BACK ON FEBRUARY 27

MANILA — Oil firms will implement a rollback in pump prices in the last week of February.

In separate advisories, CleanFuel, SeaOil and Shell announced an upcoming markdown in fuel prices scheduled for Tuesday.

Diesel prices - Down by P0.70 per liter

Gasoline prices - Down by P0.95  per liter

Kerosene prices will also decrease by P1.10 per liter.

Last week, oil companies observed an increase in pump prices. Diesel prices went up by P1.10 per liter and gasoline prices increased by P1.60 per liter.

Kerosene prices saw a rise of P1.05 per liter last week.

SeaOil and Shell price adjustments will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, while price adjustments for CleanFuel will be implemented at 4:01 p.m. on the same day.

Other oil firms have yet to announce their price adjustments.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MOM OF 2 CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE PASIG

MANILA — A few days before the formal presentation of the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines lineup, the Miss Universe Pasig Organization, through its directors Rochelle Romero and couple Curlee & Zarah Discaya, crowned their official representative in the person of Selena Antonio Reyes in the rooftop gallery of the St. Gerrard Construction Executive Building in downtown Pasig.

The 38-year-old mother of two is, so far, the oldest of the 59 official candidates. The other married entrant is Janet Lyn Hammond of Southern California, and Davao del Sur's Joanna Puyod Yulo is coming in as a single parent.

"There's no age limit when you want to achieve something in your life; or if you want to be someone. Now, I'm older, wiser and will bring something new to the table. Opportunity only comes once so why not try it now. Who can say if the age requirement stays the same now that a new co-owner is in the Miss Universe Organization.

"I'm excited to meet my co-candidates. I offer myself to the Universe as mother, wife, and athlete. The Miss Universe is the best platform where our voices are heard," shared the educator and fitness trainer during an intimate huddle after the sashing and crowning ceremonies.

Miss Universe Pasig 2023 Kali Navea Huff relinquished her crown to Selena, after the city's pageant organizers put on the official sash provided by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization.

Selena is married to Dino Reyes and is the proud mom to 11-year-old son, Theon, and 9-year-old daughter, Savi. Prior to her MUPH journey, Selena competed in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant of 2010 and the Century Tuna Superbods challenge. Prior to joining pageantry, she was a member of the national gymnastics team.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON FEB 24, 2024

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Magic

32-25

32        33        25        22        112

Pistons

8-48

30        25        30        24        109

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Celtics

45-12

30        32        35        19        116

Knicks

34-23

26        32        26        18        102

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nets

21-35

22        23        21        20        86

Timberwolves

40-17

23        19        28        31        101

Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

GILAS TOO MUCH FOR CHINESE TAIPEI, WINS BY 53

MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas simply could not be stopped.

In front of a thunderous and deafening home crowd, the Philippines demolished Chinese Taipei, 106-53, in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier group play Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Nationals started the game strong, jumping to a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter, 26-13.

The visitors cut the lead to eight, 26-18, at the start of the second frame with a 3-pointer by Sin-Kuan Lin and a floater by Ai-Che Yu.

Gilas then unleashed a backbreaking 16-0 run capped by a Carl Tamayo pull-up jumper to take an insurmountable 42-18 lead.

Chinese Taipei simply could not solve the Philippine puzzle, with Gilas being just too good both offensively and defensively.

A pair of rim-rattling dunks by Japeth Aguilar within the first minute of the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 45, 86-41, prompting the crowd to chant "Uwian na!"

The lead grew to as much as 54 points, 102-48, with a 3-pointer by Calvin Oftana.

Brownlee once again spearheaded Gilas with 26 points, including 11 in the first and 10 in the third quarter.

He also had 13 boards and five assists.

Kai Sotto continued to be a monster inside the paint, finishing with a double-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks blocks.

Oftana and Dwight Ramos had 13 and 12 markers, respectively.

All players who saw minutes on the floor scored a field goal.

Cheng Liu was the lone double-digit scorer of Chinese Taipei with 13 points.

Both Gilas and New Zealand end the first window of Group B play undefeated. The latter blew away Hong Kong, 88-49, earlier in the day.

The next window of the qualifiers will be in November.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Common people do not pray; they only beg. - George Bernard Shaw