Philippines News

LUCIO Co-led The Keepers Holdings Inc. (Keepers), the largest imported liquor distribution in the Philippines, delivered another solid performance in the first half of 2023 with a net income of P1.16 billion, growing 18 percent versus the previous year due to the strong sales volume performance from imported brandy, wines and specialty beverages.

Keepers has recorded consolidated revenue amounting to P6.5 billion, a 19 percent growth versus the previous year on the back of a 10 percent growth in volume of cases sold for the period.

This was driven principally by Alfonso, the leading imported brandy in the market, which has already surpassed its pre-pandemic levels, premiumizing market and on-premise channel rebound.

For the year 2022, Keepers declared annual cash dividends amounting to P0.054 per common share which represents a 125 percent increase versus 2021, equivalent to 50 percent dividend payout of Keepers 2021 net income.

The Keepers is the company behind global brands that include Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, Suntory, Jinro, Jose Cuervo, Jim Beam, Penfolds, Red Bull and many others. (PR)

KODEGO, a Filipino study-now-pay-later education technology company, has partnered with consumer finance app BillEase to provide local learners with easier access to IT education through interest-free and cardless installments.

Through BillEase, learners can choose from competitive IT courses being offered at KodeGo and pay only the minimum upfront, then split the rest in easy installments.

KodeGo offers bootcamps on different IT courses to equip beginners, upskillers and career shifters with critical and highly sought-after skills while offering company-matching support to jumpstart and progress their IT careers.

The partnership between KodeGo and BillEase aligns perfectly with both companies’ objectives of broadening access to education and addressing the skills gap in the Philippines by providing equal opportunities for all.

In 2020, the Philippine Institute for Developing Studies reported that data science analytics skills remain underdeveloped among the Philippine workforce. (PR)

BPI Direct BanKo Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, is rolling out 10 BanKo-on-the-Go (BOTG) roving vehicles that will bring banking services closer to communities where access to easy and affordable banking is limited.

This is part of BanKo’s mission to promote financial inclusion by providing access to easy, convenient and affordable products and services to self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, informal workers and salaried individuals.

BOTG recently kicked off its first run and visited public markets in Metro Manila and Rizal Province, specifically in Taytay, Malabon, Pasig, Antipolo, Commonwealth and Dagonoy.

To make banking transactions even more convenient to both vendors and marketgoers alike, BOTG will visit these six public markets every week, making it a “BanKo Day” for that community.

BOTG will soon be deployed in nine other locations across the country, visiting six different markets per location for a total of 60 areas by yearend. BOTG will also offer financial consultations and literacy sessions to address clients’ needs. (PR)

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa introduces a succulent collection of culinary treasures in its “Find Your Shangri-La” campaign. These are not the routine everyday foodstuff but an exclusive breed of whimsical culinary creations as only Shang’s kitchen team can concoct!

Recently, the resort invited guests from around the world to embark on this innovative culinary campaign within Shangri-La’s exquisite properties. They have curated a themed menu consisting of a medley of enticing and exotic flavors for the discerning gourmand.

Standing among the esteemed properties participating in this event is Shangri-La Mactan-Cebu, where guests can indulge at renowned restaurants like the Lobby Lounge and Tea of Spring.

An absolute must-try is the “Daydreamer Cocktail,” a presentation at the Lobby Lounge, meticulously crafted by expert mixologists from Shangri-La Singapore. Its sour and sweet flavor, plus winning presentation, makes for a blissful reverie. It is available until the end of December this year.

The “Whimsical Menu” is part of the campaign featuring gastronomic delights, curated by esteemed executive Chinese chef LIiu Zhijun, whose exceptional thrust is blending local flavors with international techniques.

Be ready to satisfy your cravings with Bohol-farmed Prawns with Cebu Mangoes and Kataifi Noodles, Double-boiled Abalone and Dried Scallop served in a Coconut Shell. Here’s more: Red Lapu-Lapu-Grouper fillet with daubs of Gold Broth and Smoky A5 Wagyu Cube Roll in Merlot Black Pepper Sauce.

The “Whimsical Menu” promises an unforgettable dining experience and is available till Aug. 13 only at the Tea of Spring Restaurant.

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Following a cozy coffee afternoon, real estate lady Lucy Franco-Garcia invited us to view her latest project: A streamlined, multi-storied office and residential tower along P. Almendras St., Mabolo, Cebu City.

We were much-impressed with these facts: The ideally located structure, named LMSK building, features a spacious underground parking area and its own deep well, so no water shortage problems.

Its comfortable apartment units and well-planned office spaces are designed with maximum use in mind. For starry nights, there’s the roof deck.

Toasts, Lucy, for still another achievement!

THE Toledo City Government expressed confidence that the disposal of hazardous waste from the healthcare facilities in the city will now be safe and orderly.

This after the Preliminary Disinfection and Storage Facility (PDSF) located in Putingbato Sanitary Landfill and Ecopark was turned over by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (DENR-EMB 7) to the city government.

The facility will be used to collect all hazardous and solid wastes from the city's healthcare facilities, including clinics and health centers.

Mayor Marjorie "Joie" Perales Perales vowed to take good care of the equipment so that it will last for a long time and contribute to making the city a safe place to live.

According to EMB 7 Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera they also delivered solid waste equipment, such as shredders and bio-composters that will assist filter the garbage.

The facility will be managed by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.(ANV, TPT)

College is the last step of a student’s academic journey. Unless, of course, they are pursuing to take on further studies. Most, if not all, college students begin with the end goal in mind: Graduation. For a select few, they seek to be academic achievers, dreaming of the day that their institutions would confer upon them their well-deserved Latin honors.

However, reaching such goals requires a lot of effort. Is it all worth it?

University of the Philippines Cebu’s top graduate, Edsel Suhayon Codoy, shares his take on regrets in college. On July 21, 2023, UP Cebu had its annual graduation ceremony with Edsel as its second Summa Cum Laude since it became a constituent university in 2016.

In a conversation with Edsel, he shared his realizations throughout his college journey. Of all the things he shared, here’s what hits home:

“Have no regrets. By this, it does not mean leaving it all on the field to the point of losing count of valuable things. Simply, it’s about having no regrets and knowing that you did things out of bravery for your growth.”

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, it may seem like Edsel had given his all in college leaving him no room for “what-ifs.” In actuality, Edsel expresses the biggest regret he had: Chasing excellence all the time and losing what life has yet to offer him.

He regretted not doing anything aside from studying; not meeting new people outside class, not joining school organizations, and not having an immersive experience with the real world.

“I was chasing excellence all my life that I lost track of other things.”

For other college students who are merely content with surviving the academic demands of school, these words feel familiar. There’s always the fear of failing by trying things outside academics. It’s quite risky to gamble and try other things with the uncertainty of time. One will never know if risking trying new things will make him or break him.

However, Edsel emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks and having a growth mindset—something he wished he did in college. It may be a frightening experience, but doing so is important, so that at the end of the day young students will have no regrets. He added that even if people tried and fell short of their expectations, it’s fine. Being self-forgiving and not being too hard on ourselves is already enough.

In spite of his regrets, it cannot be denied that Edsel’s grit and perseverance led him to this achievement. His hard work led him to this exact moment. When asked about his message to students striving, he shared that “Hard work does not betray. It will pay off in due time.”

Edsel added that even though people fail to achieve something, at least there’s consolation from the hard work. Hard work will lead somewhere, even if it is not a destination people wanted in the first place. Perhaps, it is only through giving our all are we able to accept the results of our hard work with no regrets.

Edsel’s story is a testimony of how hard work led him to where he is standing today, in spite of “what-ifs” and “could-have-beens.”

The Commission on Audit (COA), the guardian of our public funds, has highlighted and identified as “irregular” the several transactions that Lapu-Lapu City undertook last year.

The transactions that COA deemed irregular were the absence of signatures of eight Typhoon Odette victims and 46 persons who received financial assistance twice, either receiving P5,000 or P2,000, for a total of P221,000, as this deprived the other equally deserving beneficiaries.

It also questioned the purchase of overpriced alcohol amounting to almost P181,000 and payments of P4.751 million for supplies, meals, accommodation and various maintenance and other expenses made through reimbursement instead of direct procurement from suppliers, depriving the City Government of an advantage in competitive prices. (SunStar Cebu)

State auditors also discovered that the cash aid was marked as fully liquidated in the account book of the disbursing officer and in the subsidiary ledger. Ahem, something smells fishy, Mayor Ahong Chan.

According to COA, “the absence of the signatures of the payees on the payroll creates doubt as to the actual payment made to the concerned payees. In case payees could not receive payments personally, they are allowed to authorize in writing, persons specifically allowed by law and regulations to represent them.”

I wonder who the disbursing officer will ask to sign the payroll now that the COA audit team recommended (or ordered?) the City to let beneficiaries sign the payroll as an acknowledgment receipt. Did the eight beneficiaries, who supposedly received the aid without signing for it, really receive the aid? Just asking.

Is alcohol expensive? In Lapu-Lapu City, yes, according to COA. State auditors found that the City’s procurement of alcohol worth P180,779.85 was “overpriced” based on the Department of Health circular, “Price Freeze of Essential Emergency Medicines and Medical Devices due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Heath Event.” Maybe, Mayor Ahong’s trusted people bought the alcohol after the price freeze was lifted.

According to a SunStar report, the trusted people of Mayor Ahong failed to notice the DOH circular. The alcohol purchase violated Section 5 of COA Circular 2012-003, which defines excessive expenditures.

Let me quote the reply of Lapu-Lapu City as reported in SunStar Cebu: “The City explained that during the purchase, it had not received a copy of the said circular. The Bids and Awards Committee also made sure that the purchase of the alcohol was not ‘unreasonably high and excessive’ in accordance with the City’s expenditures.”

“From one supplier to the next, the committee remained attentive to the different prices of the medical supplies and, to the best of their discretion, chose the most inexpensive ones available. Yet, admittedly but inadvertently, they failed to recognize the applicable department issuances due to the urgency of the matter because of the pandemic,” the City said.

What is more telling in the COA report is the City’s reimbursement of purchases of supplies, meals, accommodation and various maintenance and other expenses that amounted to P4.751 million. This practice, according to COA, violates the Local Government Code on procurement that mandates public bidding.

COA has ordered Mayor Chan to stop the practice, and directed the city accountant and city treasurer to ensure that all payments are done in check paid directly to the creditor.

King Solomon, in deciding the dispute between two mothers in the Book of Genesis, looked beyond technicalities and subtleties of human laws and human reasoning. He employed wisdom, conscience and a moral compass to come up with the right, wise judgment.

Thus, the problem was solved, quickly and easily. Solomon found out who the real mother was. Sanity prevailed over “legalism” (and politics).

Television and Production Exponents (Tape) Inc. is the registered/legal owner of the trademark Eat Bulaga. But who owns Eat Bulaga apart from the trademark? And to whom should the trademark go?

Obviously, TVJ vs. Tape is a battle that goes far more than a dispute over who owns the trademark. It is about the legitimacy and ethicality of ownership of the child or of the program. If the mother is the mother by blood, what is it in the child that the mother does not own, much less if the mother has never left/abandoned the child?

Now who’s the real mother of Eat Bulaga? Is it Tape who owns it on paper? Or is it Tito, Vic and Joey (TVJ) who themselves are the very heart and soul of Eat Bulaga; they who breathe and own every bit and part of it (not just the name) as originators and pioneers of the show in every sense/aspect of its existence? Tape, for its part, can only own and keep its Intellectual Property Office (IPO) paper at best -- but just for now that the IPO hasn’t decided yet on the case.

Eat Bulaga has been around for over four decades and its name has been synonymous with TVJ from the very outset. In contrast, most television viewers have never heard of Tape but just until recently when its squabble with TVJ erupted in the media.

The longest-running noontime show was birthed, nurtured and made to grow and endure by TVJ from its infancy to its adult stage, until its 44th birthday this month of July, which would be celebrated on the 29th (sans the celebrants, oddly) by a new show that wrongly/unjustly and awkwardly uses the program’s title.

What I know about tapes is that they belong to dispensers and vice versa. The same is true with Eat Bulaga as belonging to TVJ and vice versa, regardless of Tape.

I don’t watch Eat Bulaga and the other noontime shows. My interest in writing on the issue is not in any way about fondness for Eat Bulaga or disdain for its copycat, but rather on sharing some tenable, sagacious thoughts surrounding a seemingly intricate, complex situation -- to enlighten everyone, with the hope that by doing so, I may contribute to the transformation of our justice system, should authorities or our magistrates get to read this.

The case of TVJ vs. Tape is a case wherein “justice” is pitted against “law.” And it is exactly the same case as in the numerous, countless court cases (past and present) wherein miscarriage of justice was and is being committed which resulted and would result in rendering wrong, preposterous, blind decisions.

THE Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) is on a full alert status for the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Business Advisory Council meetings that will be held at Nustar Convention Center in South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City from July 27 to July 29, 2023.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to join the event, that will be attended by around 150 delegates from all over the world.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO 7) Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, they raised the alert status from normal to full alert.

Pelare said they also coordinated with the host local government unit and the intelligence community to provide security, although they had not received any reports of security threats.

Since this is a significant event, Pelare revealed that they are closely monitoring for a possible protest that will be organized by the cause-oriented groups.

Pelare, however, declared that they have strict security measures in place and urged the militant groups to adhere to their policy if they wanted to stage a protest.

Hundreds of police officers will be stationed at SRP and other tourist hotspots in the Central Visayas, where the delegates are anticipated to travel after the conference, according to Pelare.

The Cebu City police will also assist in providing security to ensure the safety of the visitors.(AYB, TPT)

A MAN has been charged with parricide after he killed his own father in Sitio Upper Site, Barangay Pit-os, Cebu City around 6 p.m. on last Friday, July 21, 2023.

The victim, Renel Rogon Layson, 50, was watching television inside their home when his son Renan Jay, 21, attacked him.

The victim sustained a hack wound in the back and was rushed to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, where he expired at 7:50 a.m. of the following day, Saturday.

Responding policemen immediately arrested the suspect and charged him with parricide.

Renan Jay acknowledged to the crime but said that he committed it because his father had mauled his younger sister after raping her.

"Iya man gud gi rape ang akung manghod sir nya iya pa gyud kulatahon ang akung mga igsuon nga gagmay. Nakit-an man nako sir, nakadungog pa gyud ko," matod ni Renan Jay.

(He raped my younger sister, sir, and he even beat my younger siblings. I saw it, sir, and I heard it).

Renan Jay claimed that after witnessing his sister being raped, he slammed the door, left the house, and returned in the evening to kill his father.

However, the suspect's sister, who is about to graduate from education course, refuted the claim against their father, claiming that her brother was unaware of what he was talking and adding that their father is a good man.

"Wala na gyud mi masayod anang iyang mga rason, wala gyud na sila kulataha ni papa akung mga igsuon. Ang akung dakong pangutana nganong ingun ana iyang estorya gyud. Naa na gyud nay sayop sa iyang utok nadala na siguro na sa iyang gipang hithit," she said.

(We don't know what he was talking about, my father did not beat my siblings. My main concern is why he is speaking in that manner. There is something wrong in his brain, possibly as a result of sniffing).

Renan Jay was previously detained in Abuyog Penal Farm in Leyte after allegedly stabbing his employer in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

He was released in June 2023 after serving his jail sentence, but his behavior is said to have changed, which his family believes was caused by the use of illegal drugs.(AYB, TPT)

IF YOU still missed the SIM registration deadline, you have a final grace period to comply with the law.

Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users who missed the July 25 deadline for SIM registration will already feel the impact of non-compliance, with their outgoing services and incoming calls deactivated.

But, as stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations of the SIM Registration Act, they still have five days- from July 26 to 30– to catch up and save their SIM from permanent deactivation. Their incoming SMS is still left active so they could receive a One-Time Pin for SIM registration.

"Globe recognizes the essential role of uninterrupted mobile and broadband services in our customers' daily lives. So, as provided for in the law, SIM users get this last chance to register their SIMs after missing the initial and extended registration deadlines. Our team is committed to assisting our customers who need help. We strongly urge everyone to seize this opportunity to avoid any inconvenience," said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

To reactivate your SIMs and restore full mobile services, customers have to connect to a WiFi network and complete their SIM registration via Globe's dedicated platform at https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg or through the GlobeOne app. Globe Stores and EasyHubs are also open to assist walk-in customers who need assistance. Reactivation of full mobile services will happen within 24 hours following.

Failure to reactivate during this five-day grace period will lead to permanent SIM deactivation. As a consequence, all services, including incoming and outgoing text messages, calls, and mobile data connectivity will no longer be available. This may also impact access to active mobile applications, including banking, transport, and other apps crucial for daily needs.

Starting July 31, 2023, all remaining load balances and promo registrations on unregistered SIMs will also be forfeited. Those with deactivated SIMs who need mobile services will have to purchase new SIMs, which will then also have to be registered to activate.

The SIM registration grace period is the final opportunity for customers to register their SIMs and secure their mobile services. Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customers are encouraged to act swiftly to avoid the consequences of permanent deactivation.

Customers are reminded that SIM registration is an integral part of the broader initiative to strengthen customer security and prevent fraud. Completing this step is necessary not only to retain their mobile services but to ensure their digital safety.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

Egay was last spotted 70 kilometers west northwest of Calayan in Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gusts of up to 240 kph. It was moving northwest at 10 kph. 

Manila [Philippines], July 26 (ANI): A strong Typoon 'Doksuri' caused widespread floods and landslides on Wednesday, killing at least one person in Philippines, CNN reported citing the authorities. Two people were injured as well. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Typhoon Doksuri, also known as Egay in the Philippines, has caused flooding in five different provinces and more than a

Lawmakers on Wednesday called on the House of Representatives to launch an investigation into the recent discovery of human remains inside a septic tank at the New Bilibid Prison.

A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly stealing construction materials intended for the building of a house.

The incident took place in Sitio Puntod, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City around 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

The suspect was identified as Handsome Tapang Ebon, 38, a resident of Sitio Lawis of the said barangay.

Jenny Managaytay, 30, and Jerry Mancao, both residents of Sitio Puntod, reported the incident to the police.

Police Major Jonathan Bethoven Taneo, chief of Mambaling Police Station 11, said Ebon took 20 2x2 pieces of wood worth P2,000, 10 steel bars worth P3,000 and five sheets of plywood worth P3,000.

Taneo said that Managaytay and Mancao noticed that Ebon kept coming back to get the construction materials, prompting them to seek police help.(BBT, TPT)

RECENT news that came out revealed that Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Chief Colonel Rommel Ochave was one of the 18 high-ranking police officers who submitted a courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO 7) Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, they have not yet received an order from Camp Crame and the Department of Interior and Local Government to replace Ochave, but he added that their office is ready to comply if there is one.

"We know of that news items circulating naa ang atoang (that our) provincial director sa Cebu Police Provincial Office Police Colonel Ochave naapil didto sa gipang-lista (is included in the list) accordingly, but as an office we are still waiting for the official instruction. As of now we cannot comment on his status because we are still waiting for the official order from the Philippine National Police (PNP)," Pelare said.

Pelare, however, explained that if there is a change in leadership, it will not affect their work since they have already prepared for it.

"Kining mga panghitabo sa (These events in the) PNP this is part of the process that we are undertaking and the PNP is a professional organization and will be compliant whatever the instruction of the higher headquarters," Pelare said. (AYB, TPT)

Conservation group Oceana stressed that the 1998 Fisheries Code—as amended by Republic Act 10654 in 2015—does not need to be reviewed because it already provides a science-based, participatory, and transparent mechanism to sustainably manage fisheries.

Filipino historian Nasser Sharief revealed the existing historical evidence illustrating the Philippines' jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea. This was affirmed by 16 sultans who, on behalf of the Iranun , declared ownership over the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

AMID the growing demand for affordable housing in the country, premier developer PrimaryHomes Inc. has launched its second Richwood Homes property in the Province of Bohol, the fifth of the Richwood Homes series.

“With the growing tourism and business sectors in Bohol, as well as the sustained OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) remittances, we are seeing a strong demand for affordable quality housing in the province,” Ramero Espina, the company’s vice president for sales and marketing, said during the launch of Richwood Homes Bohol Dos on July 7, 2023.

The Richwood Homes Series is the affordable residential house-and-lot offering of PrimaryHomes which mainly targets middle-income families and individuals looking for quality homes at reasonable prices.

A Richwood Homes Bohol Dos unit costs as low as P1.7 million. The project offers 50 square meter two-storey townhouse and duplex units with modern design and functionality-optimized layouts.

Located in an accessible location in San Isidro, Dauis, Panglao Island, the residential project is designed with the first-time homebuyers in mind, and built to suit the needs of starting families or even young professionals who want to live independently.

"Others can also take advantage of the steady demand for own abode among the younger market by getting a unit for rental, specially with the project's favorable location," Espina added. Convenient location The Richwood Homes Bohol Dos development would be near basic necessities such as commercial establishments, schools, and even Panglao Island's leisure destinations and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

The P1 billion worth, 951-unit project has already started construction and the first phase is is expected to be completed on the third quarter of the year.

Richwood Homes developments carry the mantra Tatak Primary, Tatak Quality.

"Like our other developments, our affordable housing offering is built with the same collaboration and synergy of the Primary Group of Builders, a conglomerate with a reputable track record of over 70 years in the construction industry, and over 30 years in real estate development," Espina said. Modern tech With the Primary Engineered Building System, the modern methodology used for the Richwood Homes series, the projects' construction utilizes a combination of durable pre-cast materials and LightStrong wall system to ensure cost-effective, time-efficient, top-quality construction.

This building technology takes into account forces such as heavy rains, strong winds, earthquakes and fire.

In tropical humid places, thermal insulation works by reducing the transfer of outside heat to the inside of the structure, keeping the cooler air within the structure and providing a cool and comfortable home environment. Live-work-play Richwood Homes provides live-work-play environment where homeowners can work-at-home while living comfortably.

The subdivision also features amenities perfect for community bonding activities like the multi-purpose hall, basketball court, open areas, and more managed by a reliable property management team for the peace of mind and convenience of the homeowners as well as the preservation of their investment.

With an easy homebuying process and flexible financing options, Richwood Homes Bohol Dos is undeniably a perfect choice for the first-time Boholano homebuyers. / DCL S

MANILA, 26th July, 2023 (WAM) -- Typhoon Doksuri ripped roofs off of homes, flooded villages, knocked out power and displaced more than 12,000 people Wednesday as it smashed into a small island and lashed northern Philippine provinces with ferocious winds and rain, Associated Press (AP) reported.

There were