Philippines News

THE Cebu provincial board of Cebu advised the public not to be easily deceived by “quick and easy” money offered by investment scammers.

Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco made this call through a resolution that was approved by the provincial board during its regular meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Soco urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase public awareness regarding the proliferation of investment scams that mostly target residents of mountain barangays.

The board member backed the SEC's decision to alert the public of questionable groups that solely take the hard-earned money of Cebuanos in that resolution.

"The proliferation and popularity of illegal investment activities, fraudulent machinations, Ponzi schemes in Cebu Province are a cause of alarm for business and commerce. For several years, numerous reports of illegal activities had and are continuing to victimize the public on investments with unbelievable and impossible returns and profits," Soco said in his resolution.

"It has always been our drive to protect people’s hard earned money. Beware of these fictitious, unscrupulous and dubious investment scams and money making activities," he added.

The SEC issued warnings to the public on how to identify investment scammers.

According to the department, that it is important to know the name of the business and the opportunities it provides before engaging in financial transactions.

The investor must also be aware of the company's address, landline number, and SEC registration.

"Do not be tricked or tempted by offers of promissory notes or post-dated checks which will be issued in your favor to allegedly ensure the payment of earnings and the reimbursement of your investments," according to SEC advisory.

If a business does not give information and is not registered with the SEC or does not have a license to operate, the SEC claims that the business is illegal.

The public is encouraged to check the SEC website, contact the Investor Protection Department at (888) 584-6337, or seek assistance from the police or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to ensure the transaction is lawful.

Soco thinks that through cooperating with the municipalities, mountain barangays, and other areas in the province of Cebu, the SEC may increase public awareness of its work.

"The efforts must get as far as the farthest municipalities and far-flung mountain barangays. SEC is encouraged to design more exhaustive and intensive information dissemination wherein populace of a larger number can have access to or will be reached," Soco said.(ANV, TPT)

JESSA Mae Aviso, 22, a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Cebu (UC), bagged three gold medals at the National Private School Athletic Association (Prisaa).

She was also named as MVP (Most Valuable Player) and won a silver medal in 4x100 meters relay.

Over 600 athletes are competing in Prisaa, which is being held until July 19 in Zamboanga City. The competition started on July 14.

Aviso won her third gold medal by finishing first in the women’s high jump. Her first two wins were in the women’s long jump and triple jump.

With a new personal best of 1.62 meters, Aviso came painstakingly close to breaking the Prisaa meet record by just one centimeter.

Former national athlete Katherine Khat Santos of the University of Baguio, who dashed 1.63 meters, currently holds the meet record.

A significant factor in Aviso’s success is the training she received from Daniel Noval, former national junior record holder in the 100-meter dash, and Paramount Grassroots Coach, Ilde Banzon, one of the most well-known coaches in Cebu’s history and is crucial to her development.

The trainings that she did are Sprintings, Core, Plyometrics, Jumps, Weights Ms. Running drills and Jumping Drills, Stairs.

“More on endurance and skills,” Aviso told SunStar in an interview Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Despite her busy schedule, she said she has become powerful and fearsome all due to her commitment to going through various trainings.

Prior to nationals, the Abellana Sports Complex closed, so they have to train in Danao Oval.

“I need to travel from Naga to Danao para maka training lang,” Aviso said.

Her inspiration in doing the student-athlete life is to help her family since she will get a full tuition fee from the school. UC offers athletic scholarship.

“Marami akong Idol sa Philippine Team gusto ko mapabilang sa ilaha (I have several idols in the Philippine team and I want to be part of the team),” Aviso said.

She added that time management is her key in handling both the student and athletic life. (Angel Leduna, CNU intern)

In a victory for transgender people in Japan, the country's Supreme Court ruled last week that the trade ministry violated a public service law by banning a transgender woman from using the women's bathroom at work.

In 2015, the woman challenged a decision by officials at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where she work

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Julius Neri Jr., former president of SunStar Publishing Inc., as the acting general manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).

Neri was also named as the MCIAA chief executive officer and member of Board of Directors.

Neri was appointed in July 2021 by then President Rodrigo Duterte as the general manager of MCIAA, replacing Steve Dicdican.

He has served as a member of the MCIAA board representing the private sector since December 2016.

Marcos also named new appointments in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Finance, Bureau of Local Government Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Office of the President, Commission on Higher Education, Games and Amusement Board, Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary, and Presidential Communications Office. (SunStar Philippines)

AFTER seeing his live-in partner exchanging chat messages with her alleged boyfriend, who is in prison, he splashed hot water on her.

The incident took place in Sitio Ibabao, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, around 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Eleazar Amandoron, 43, a painter and welder, was taken into custody at the Mambaling Police Station following the incident.

Fely Cabusas, 43, his live-in partner who was temporarily released from jail on probation, suffered burns to her right face and chest.

Amandoron claimed in an interview with SunStar Cebu that he lost his patience after seeing Cabusas exchanging chat messages with her inmate boyfriend.

Besides, his live-in partner was allegedly drinking, and sniffing illegal substance with her friends inside their house while he was busy fixing their roof.

According to Amandoron, the victim also accused him of hiding her personal care items.

Amandoron claimed Cabusas told him to leave their house in the midst of their disagreement and threatened to leave on her own if he didn't.

He acknowledged the victim had even struck him.

Amandoron added that the victim allegedly muttered because she was ashamed after being reprimanded.

The perpetrator said that while he was looking for the victim's cosmetics, he also came upon a thermo jug, picked it up, and then poured its contents all over Cabusas.

"Sa kalagot nako dala sa selos kay daghang siyag lalaki! Dunay mihunghong naku gisugo ko sa Yawa nga bubua’g ininit tubig" dugang ni Amandoron.

(My envy over her many men caused me to become enraged, and a devil whispered to me to pour hot water).

Amandoron claimed that the harm the victim inflicted on him was too much.

He said he didn't regret what he did.

The couple has four children.(GPL, TPT)

THE “significant impact” of El Niño will be felt on the last quarter of 2023 until the first quarter of 2024, an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Engr. Al Quiblat, chief of Pagasa-Mactan Bureau, said in a news forum Tuesday that the “significant” effect of El Niño is expected to start in October this year.

"El Niño is already here but the significant impact of El Niño starts at the last quarter of this year, October, until the first quarter of next year," he said, adding that the phenomenon has 50 to 56 percent chance of developing into a stronger one.

"We are now facing the weak El Niño but there is a 50 to 56 percent chance of becoming a strong El Niño," he said.

He said the frequency of El Niño has increased due to climate change.

"Ang frequency sa El Niño nagkadaghan. Sa una, mga 10-15 years, karon ang naresult for a study is three to seven months," he said.

(The frequency of El Niño has increased. Before, it was only 10-15 years but now, a study says it’s three to seven months.)

He also stressed its possible effects, which include less monsoon activity in the southwest and northeast monsoons, less tropical cyclones entering the Philippine area of responsibility, and delayed onset of the rainy season, which normally starts in June.

Preparations

Amid this weather phenomenon, the Cebu City Government has laid out some interventions and actions to help the local farmers preserve and produce food despite the El Niño.

Cebu City has over 12,000 identified and registered farmers.

City Agriculturist Engr. Joelito Baclayon said land irrigation support has been given by the City Government to help farmers supplement ample amounts of water for continuous production of crops and livestock.

Also, half of the city’s 16,000 hectares of land has been allotted for residential development and other infrastructure, while the city is planning to distribute the vacant lands to farmers to be used for production.

"We also identified areas nga posible nga anha nato ibutang ang atoang gitawag nga production area wherein we can put in all the input assistance of each farmer to produce something, to cope up perhaps sa demand," Baclayon said.

(We also identified areas where we can possibly locate added areas for production wherein we can put in all the input assistance of each farmer to produce something, to cope up perhaps with demand.)

Advanced planting techniques are also being taught to farmers, such as hydroponics, which uses water-based solutions in growing crops, and aeroponics, which uses air-based solutions.

Baclayon said early maturing and heat resistant seeds such as corn, lettuce, and other common vegetables have been recommended to be planted during hot temperatures to sustain food needs.

"With that, ato na na identify ang mga production area, and the farmers that will produce, then we can somehow assure nga even naa tay taas-taas nga El Niño... naa gyud ta'y production," he said.

(With that, after identifying the production area, and the farmers that will produce, then we can somehow assure that even with the significant impact of El Niño, production can continue.)

Rain harvesting

In line with the preparations for El Niño, Quiblat encouraged the public to practice rain harvesting.

"Samtang naa tay mga pag-ulan, practice og implement og rain harvesting para magpundo na tag tubig sa umaabot nga last quarter until the first quarter of next year for the impact of El Niño in the Philippines," he said.

(While there is rain, practice implementing rain harvesting to conserve water for this year's last quarter until next year's first quarter for the impact of El Niño in the Philippines.)

He also said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has implemented measures to exercise and promote the conservation of water.

"DENR is monitoring the water consumption of every agency or offices of the government, a sort of monitoring to make them aware of and implement conservation measures," he said.

Farmers have also been encouraged to conserve water through biomass mulching, which mechanically shreds organic materials that will keep the soil from drying, Baclayon added.

Baclayon proposed an additional P80 million to the El Niño Mitigation Plan to assist all barangays in Cebu to mobilize the mentioned necessary interventions.

He said such plans only reflected what the farmers need, especially during El Niño when production is a challenge.

"The plan actually comes from the farmers gyud and then mao ni ang gibuhatan ug budgetary requirements," Baclayon said.

(The plan actually comes from the farmers themselves and then we made budgetary requirements.)

Weather advisories

According to Quiblat, when Pagasa issues a yellow alert, the local government units (LGUs) can decide whether to suspend the classes or not.

However, if it is a red or orange rainfall warning, classes should automatically be suspended.

Quiblat said the yellow warning indicates heavy rain of 7.5 millimeters (mm) to 15 mm and flooding is possible; orange alert indicates 15 mm to 30 mm of rain where flooding is threatening; and red warning indicates more than 30 mm of heavy rain that may result in serious flooding in some areas.

He urged the public to rely on Pagasa’s weather forecast to get accurate information.

“Anybody can be a forecaster with much information that you can get from the internet but please be careful of wrong interpretation,” he said.

He said the public can visit their main website and social media accounts to get updates on the weather conditions.

Improved facilities and equipment

Quiblat also assured the public that they have the improved facilities and equipment to gather weather and climate-related information.

He said the weather bureau is moving toward impact-based forecasting (IBF), which aims to provide accurate and precise information to the public.

"Pagasa is moving towards IBF, impact based forecasting. This is the new innovation of Pagasa. We are not only relying on the accuracy of the forecast on what the weather will be, padulong na ta on what the weather will do," he said.

He said they have also added more weather stations, upgraded their weather surveillance, data center, calibration center and sent forecasters into local and abroad trainings. (Camille Erika Butas, CNU Intern and Chrys Chelsea Bernales, UP Intern)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (CN) - Granting a request from its chief prosecutor, the International Criminal Court on Tuesday reactivated its investigation into the murder of thousands of suspected drug users in the Philippines. 

The world's only permanent court for atrocity crimes had first opened the investigat

Becoming a journalist in Rwanda is a brave undertaking. During his career, John Williams Ntwali, the founder of the YouTube channel Pax TV- IREME News and editor of the private The Chronicles newspaper, reported on issues few dared to go near, often giving a voice

OVER 5,000 voter registrations were delisted in Cebu City South District in one week, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, three months prior to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Data provided by Comelec Cebu City South District showed that as of July 18, 5,162 more voters were delisted, bringing the total to 11,377.

The office reported last week 6,215 delisted voters, as of July 10.

Of the 11,377 delisted registrations, about 5,856 voters were found with two registered biometrics, followed by 3,801 deceased voters, and 1,708 transferred individuals, and 12 overseas voters.

Election Assistant Officer II Meguni Tapia said they started delisting in July 2022, two months after the national elections.

"Daghan man mi Election Registration Boards (ERB). Tulo man ni ka ERB, bali nag delete mi katulo since July, after sa election. Nag rehistro man mi sa July, nag delete sad mi," he said.

(We have many Election Registration Boards (ERBs). We have ERBs and we have deleted three times since July, after the election. We did registrations in July and also deletion.)

In the North District, the Comelec office reported 2,682 delisted registrations from March 29 to July 12, 2023.

Of the number, 1,203 records were deleted due to two registered biometrics, 732 due to deaths and 716 had transferred to another city or municipality, and 31 overseas voters.

A Cebu City North District election assistant who asked not to be named said these delisted voters came from the district’s 46 barangays.

“Kato ganing nag conduct mi og registration, limpyo na jud siya ba. Amo last nga registration is December 12 to January 30 this year, unya mao ni siya ang result. Mao ni siya tanan jud. Mao ni siya mu cover para sa atong election. Latest ni siya nga update as of March to July,” she said.

The filing of the certificate of candidacy for BSKE will run from August 28 to September 2. Election Day will be on October 30, and precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (GK Marie Dejacto and Kimberly Goc-ong, CNU interns)

The judges in the ICC appeals chamber denied Tuesday the appeal of the Philippine government against the Pre-Trial Chamber’s authorization to resume the investigation into the drug killings when Duterte was president and, earlier, Davao City mayor.

THE informal occupants of the Capitol-owned lot in barangays Apas and Kalunasan in Cebu City would be assisted by the Cebu Provincial Government in applying for house loans.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia made this announcement during her meeting with the residents of Sitio CRCI in Barangay Apas and Barangay Kalunasan on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Capitol Social Hall.

It was decided that 114 families will be relocated from Sitio CRCI to another lot in Barangay Kalunasan owned by the Cebu province, while the around 300 families residing in Kalunasan would be offered the opportunity to purchase the lot.

The Cebu province will be selling the lots to the residents through Pag-Ibig’s socialized housing loan program with affordable and flexible financing term.

Garcia instructed the residents to reassemble on July 31, 2023, and to gather all the documents, including valid IDs, required for applying for housing loans.

CRCI is located beside the NFA regional headquarters along Gov. Mariano Cuenco Avenue in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. (EHP, TPT)

DANAO City in northern Cebu may soon have a solar-powered suspended transportation system that resembles an automobile.

This comes after the Danao City Government and Transit X LLC transportation company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, July 17, 2023, to build the country's first "revolutionary and futuristic" 24/7 podway mass transport network using solar electricity.

Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark Durano led the signing of MOU together with Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano, Danao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) officer-in-charge Red Durano and Transit X chief executive officer Dorothy Pinyoloya.

Transit X Founder and chief operating officer Michael David Stanley also took part in the signing virtually.

During the Danao City Investment Forum on July 8, the Transit X’s plan for a suspended transportation system was unveiled as one of the city's pipeline projects and was considered as a way to enhance mass transit that is environmentally sustainable.

Pinyoloya stated during the event that Transit X will make a $759 million initial investment for the manufacturing and installation of the city's podway.(EHP, TPT)

A LOW pressure area and southwest monsoons this week poured rain onto depleted Ipo and Angat dams. Maynilad, a water concessionaire that depends on the two reservoirs for its supply announced on July 16 the suspension of scheduled water interruptions indefinitely. Mean

Mansions prices have plunged up to 25% amid a real estate crisis, the outlet has said

French chateaus have slumped in price as a real estate crisis continues to affect the market, Le Figaro reported on Sunday. 

Over the past year, chateaus have shed 20-25% in value while traditional residential real estate

BROADWAY actress Lea Salonga reminded her fans to respect her personal space and not cross boundaries following an incident where Filipino fans entered her dressing room without permission.

The incident happened after her Broadway performance “Here Lies Love.” A video of the incident posted by Cristopher Retokelly Carpila on July 15, 2023 went viral online as it gained reactions from netizens.

In the viral video, the fans claimed to know the show's co-producer, G Tongi, but Salonga clarified that only those on the guest list are allowed backstage for security reasons.

She can be heard in the video telling the fans to wait outside for a photo opportunity with her.

"Thank you, but then again I have to be strict about this," said the actress.

Salonga still granted their request for a photo outside the dressing room area.

Hours after the incident, Salonga posted on Twitter, emphasizing that buying a ticket to a show does not entitle fans to all-access privileges.

She stressed that fans pay for the performance, not personal access to the artist.

While she doesn't swear at people, Salonga said she will protect her boundaries. She acknowledged that she may lose fans by enforcing her boundaries, but she stands by her decision.

"The money you pay for a theater/concert ticket does not mean all-access. You pay for that performer’s art, and that’s where it stops,” she said. “I’m not the type to cuss people out, but I will protect my territory and my boundaries. If I lose fans as a result, so be it.”

"When one of our lead producers and our dance captain saw the video and learned about what happened, they said, 'You were still very nice, if that were me I would’ve cussed at them and kicked them out',” Salonga said in another Twitter post.

"Just a reminder... I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you," she said.

Other local artists also commented on the incident, with some noting that Filipino fans can exhibit entitled behavior, believing artists owe them something. Salonga expressed frustration with this attitude.

Salonga clarified that the fans in the video were not known by the co-producer mentioned.

In her role in "Here Lies Love," Salonga led an all-Filipino cast, showcasing her talent and representing the Philippines in international theater. (Ian Christopher Ostulano, NWSSU Intern/LMY)

Bayan Muna Chairperson Neri Colmenares said that the signing of the Maharlika bill without furnishing the public with a copy of its final version was akin to keeping the measure shrouded in “secrecy.”

MANILA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Tuesday signed into law the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act, establishing the country's first-ever sovereign investment fund.

"For the first time in the history of the Philippines, we now have a sovereign wealth fund designed to drive economic development," Marcos said at the signing ceremony at the presidential palace, stressing

CEBU-BASED social enterprise Spring Rain Global (SRG) encouraged investors and philanthropists to serve communities in need, as it commenced its 15th year in assisting Philanthropic Development Offices in the Philippines and across the globe.

In a press conference held at Golden Prince Hotel on Monday, July 17, 2023, Dr. Glenda M. Antonio, founder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of SRG, said that for a decade and a half, it has successfully advocated 150 Philanthropic Development Offices in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and some cities in the Philippines.

Some of SRGs major hubs are located in Singapore for Asia Pacific and the United States in the west.

"In the birth of our 15th year milestone, about two years ago, we are proud to share that we have a patented framework called the Spring Rain Global 6-Pillar Capacitation Model," Antonio said.

"These include, Leadership and Governance, Program Development and Management, Philanthropy Development, Financial Planning, Database Management, and Ecosystem Building," she added.

The patented model aims to mentor other development organizations that will “hone them in sustainable ways in raising funds and networks through conferences, workshops, and training.”

The organization will also hold events relating to sports and music that intend to determine and guide its partner organizations on the latest trends in philanthropy and attract funders and donors.

"For the championship, P1 million (price). This is not a simple tournament. This is a philanthropy tournament. We are giving this kind of price, precisely because we wanted to help not only the players but the advocacy that they are representing," said Fr. Victor Gonzaga, SRG chairman of the Advisory Board.

SRG will also extend its network by launching a foundation that will provide positive relations to social development organizations in their capacity-building needs, which are often overlooked by other large organizations.

Meanwhile, a three-day conference headed by SRG will happen on July 24-26 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino with the theme, "Unity and Solidarity: Nurturing Towards a Stronger Ecosystem of Good." It will feature various international speakers globally.

Different sectoral groups are also expected to join the three-day-event that is going to be first hosted in the Philippines.

Interested attendees of the events may register through Spring Rain Global's official Facebook page. (Denise Mae Codis and Kimberly Goc-ong, CNU interns)

PROPERTY developer Megaworld is investing P1.5 billion to build Mactan Expo Center, a two-level standalone convention center inside its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The ground level of the expo center will feature a convention hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 people for theatre-type set-up, and 1,600 people for banquet-style set-up.

Construction of this project is scheduled this year and is slated for completion in 2025. (KOC)

Defenders of the Maharlika Investment Fund in Congress welcomed the president’s signing of the bill on Tuesday, drumming up confidence in its potential returns despite a public that remains divided on its benefits.