Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Senate finance committee may reassign the agencies currently under the watch of Sen. Loren Legarda to other vice chairpersons if she remains on extended medical leave for the remainder of the budget hearings, panel chairperson Sen. JV Ejercito said Tuesday.

According to Ejercito, Legarda was informed of her assigned agencies and departments, which primarily concern culture, history, and the environment.

‘I did get a response from her, but we will see. She’s on extended medical leave. But if it really can’t be managed, then we will just make the proper adjustments,’ he said in a press briefing.

Legarda is among the eight vice chairpersons of the finance committee, which is tasked with scrutinizing the proposed 2027 national budget.

Legarda first filed a medical leave on Aug. 3, days after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that she, her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi were being investigated for plunder and graft.

The investigation concerns projects that Leviste’s solar power company committed to undertake but allegedly failed to accomplish under the franchise awarded by the government.

Since then, Legarda has filed medical leaves on Aug. 3 to 5, Aug. 11 to 12, and Aug. 17 to 19, later extending the last one until Sept. 2.

She just said ‘Thank you’

When asked whether Legarda had communicated when she would return, Ejercito said he had no additional information.

‘When I last texted her, when I sent her the agencies and departments assigned to her, she just said thank you. She didn’t mention anything else for now. All I know is that she’s on extended medical leave,’ he said.

Ejercito said the committee would make the necessary adjustments if Legarda is unable to participate in the budget hearings.

‘Perhaps we will have to divide the agencies among the different vice chairmen just in case she is unable to attend because of her medical leave,’ he added. ‘If there really is no choice, and if I am not the one to handle them, I will ask the other vice chairpersons to take on some of the agencies because it really won’t be manageable.’

Schedule of budget hearings

The possible reassignment comes as the Senate prepares for the September-October budget season, with the finance committee set to hold hearings throughout the two months, possibly simultaneously with plenary sessions, Ejercito said.

For the duration of the hearings, Senate rooms will be largely reserved for the panel’s proceedings.Other Senate committees would hold their hearings at the Philippine International Convention Center.

By November, the finance panel aims to have begun drafting its committee reports, Ejercito said.

The Inquirer sought comment from Legarda’s camp regarding the matter but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 6, which covers the City of Manila and Palawan, destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products with an estimated tax liability of P1.539 billion on Aug. 24 at the Digama Waste Management Facility in Porac, Pampanga.

‘Enforcement does not end with seizure. We must permanently remove illicit vape products from the market and hold accountable those behind their illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale,’ BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Revenue Region No. 6 Regional Director Remir Macatangay, BIR Manila has expanded its enforcement operations from individual retail establishments to warehouses.

‘We started with retail stores and expanded to warehouses. This led to our operation against Tap Fog Philippines, the largest single illicit vape enforcement operation conducted by the BIR to date. Some of the products seized in that operation were among those destroyed today,’ Macatangay said.

The destruction, the BIR statement said, should send a clear message: ‘Neither unlawful traders nor unfavorable weather conditions can hinder the BIR’s commitment to safeguarding government revenue, protecting compliant businesses, and keeping illicit vape products out of the market.’

Ahead of the peak holiday sales season, a leading group of Philippine retailers is renewing its push for the government to scrap the longstanding de minimis rule, which allows imported goods valued below P10,000 to enter the country free of duties and taxes.

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) chair Roberto Claudio Sr. said the group had already raised its concerns with government agencies, including the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as Congress, but has yet to secure a firm commitment to review the rule.

Claudio, founder of sporting goods giant Toby’s Sports, warned that some traditional retailers have closed or lost sales amid what he described as an uneven playing field that favors foreign online merchants over their domestic counterparts.

Even the government stands to lose tax revenues under the de minimis rule, he added.

In its position paper submitted to the DOF in March, the PRA estimated that of Philippine e-commerce’s P287 billion value in 2023, about P57.4 billion worth of goods could be entering the country annually under the de minimis threshold.

‘For so long as this situation exists, we are losing business to the online foreign merchants. So in the coming years, the government will suffer reduced taxes and duties revenue from the traditional retail players for so long as the de minimis rule exists,’ Claudio said in a message to the Inquirer.

PRA president Alice Liu said the impact of the rule could become more pronounced during the holiday season, a crucial sales period for retailers that are already grappling with mounting cost pressures.

As such, Liu and Claudio said the PRA now wants the de minimis rule abolished for commercial shipments. This marks a shift from the group’s earlier position that the government should first lower the threshold because removing it completely would be ‘too aggressive of a step.’

‘Lowering the threshold amount will not solve the problem of fake and counterfeit products sold in almost all the marketplaces in the Philippines. We are proposing the complete abolition of the de minimis rule,’ Claudio said.

While Liu acknowledged that removing the exemption may be ‘unpopular’ with Filipino consumers because it could make some imported goods more expensive, she argued that the trade-off would be worth it if it helps protect jobs across the Philippine retail industry.

According to the PRA, the retail industry accounts for an estimated 16 percent to 18 percent of gross domestic product, employs 10 million to 12 million Filipinos and pays P780 billion in taxes.

‘We have to look beyond the immediate cost of an individual transaction and consider the broader economic impact,’ Liu told the Inquirer.

Looking ahead, Liu said she remained hopeful that the country’s economic managers would consider removing the rule to level the playing field between foreign and domestic retailers. ‘Government sometimes has to make policy decisions that balance immediate consumer benefits against the country’s longer-term economic interests,’ she said. ‘We believe this is one of those instances.’

Nxled swept defending champion PLDT, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, to barge into the win column in the PVL Invitational Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Licking the wounds of their four-set loss to Creamline less than 24 hours ago, the Chameleons found a much-needed spark from MJ Phillips and Lyann De Guzman to tie their victims at 1-1.

Phillips, a two-time Finals MVP, fired four aces, eight spikes, and a block, while De Guzman came off the bench with 10 points and nine digs.

The Filipino-American middle blocker nailed three aces and connected with De Guzman’s clutch kills for an 8-0 run and a 22-16 lead.

De Guzman and Jovelyn Fernandez sent Nxled to match point, 24-19, before Leila Cruz’s attack error sealed their win.

‘I think that simply confirms that we are playing pretty good volleyball. Yesterday, I should say that we played another pretty good match. We’re getting better,’ said Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti. ‘Today, definitely, the block and defense has worked better compared to yesterday. We served really, really much better. And this is a connection that helps a lot if you want to win against a very good team.’

Myla Pablo also stepped up with 12 points, highlighted by three blocks, and tallied nine digs as they continued to miss Brooke Van Sickle due to a shoulder injury. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan had nine points and 15 excellent receptions, while setter Gel Cayuna made 15 excellent sets on top of three points.

Nxled has a day to recover before facing EST Cola of Thailand on Thursday, while PLDT seeks to bounce back against Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

Savi Davison, coming off a 30-point performance in a victory over Thailand’s EST Cola on Monday, stayed hot with 20 points and 16 excellent receptions, but not enough to lift PLDT, which had 21 errors. Mika Reyes chipped in eight points.

Pump prices dropped in the first week of September, with Seaoil’s gasoline price reduced by 32 centavos per liter while its diesel and kerosene prices were cut by P3.83 and P3.84, respectively.

Shell Pilipinas said kerosene and diesel prices decreased by P3.80 while its gasoline prices fell by 30 centavos.

Jetti Petroleum’s diesel and gasoline prices went down by P3.90 and 40 centavos.

But prices of liquefied petroleum gas may increase by P3 per kilogram this month following the peso’s weakening and higher shipping costs, according to LPG Marketers Association founder Arnel Ty.

Leo Bellas, Jetti Petroleum president, said the lower prices could be attributed to renewed hopes for an end to the Middle East conflict.

Tropical depression Pilandok intensified into a tropical storm (international name: Krovanh) on Tuesday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

In its latest tropical cyclone formation outlook update issued at 10 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Pilandok developed into a tropical storm as of 8 a.m. inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Pilandok slightly gained strength with a maximum wind speed of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It was last located 1,060 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon as of 8 a.m.

3 weather disturbances

Meanwhile, three other weather disturbances are being monitored outside the PAR.

Tropical Storm Saudel was last spotted some 900 kilometers west of extreme Northern Luzon with a maximum wind speed of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

Pagasa also said that another tropical depression weakened into a low pressure area (LPA) and is unlikely to redevelop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Meantime, an LPA outside the country has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

The Philippine peso remains Asia’s ‘weakest link’ despite the central bank’s recent interest rate increase, as policymakers confront a delicate balancing act between bringing inflation under control and supporting an economy that has struggled to gain momentum.

For Asian currencies, the key question is increasingly whether inflation will remain persistent enough to warrant further monetary tightening, MUFG Bank Ltd. said in a note on Monday.

The dollar’s recent weakness had provided some support for Asian currencies, but that cushion may be fading, the global bank noted.

Last week’s market reaction to the Federal Reserve’s hawkish message following Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech at Jackson Hole suggests several Asian currencies could face a more difficult backdrop this week if increases in short-term US Treasury yields persist, the bank added.

‘The US dollar-peso has moved to fresh record highs despite hawkish rhetoric from the BSP,’ MUFG said, ‘The Philippine peso remains the region’s weakest link.’

The local currency breached the 62-per-dollar level for the first time last week, closing at 62.265 last Friday.

The decline came a day after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point to 5 percent at its Aug. 27 meeting, bringing the total increase in the current tightening cycle to 0.75 percentage point.

While the rate hike helped provide some support to the peso by making Philippine assets more attractive to foreign investors, analysts have said markets remained focused on broad US dollar strength, elevated oil prices and lingering uncertainty in global financial markets.

Consumer prices may have risen 6.1 percent from a year earlier, according to the median estimate of 13 economists polled by the Inquirer. If the forecast holds, inflation would slow from 6.2 percent in July and mark its fourth consecutive month of moderation.

In a separate note, economistst at United Overseas Bank said last week’s rate hike could be the last under the current phase of tightening. ‘Overall, forward guidance suggests that policy rates are approaching sufficiently restrictive territory,’ they said.

The Philippine sepak takraw team has been given a simple challenge ahead of the 20th Asian Games: Come home with a medal or give way to the next batch of players.

PSTAI president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero disclosed the agreement she had with members of the national team pending their departure for the Sept. 19 to Oct. 3 showcase.

‘I’d like to share that there is already a courtesy resignation on all athletes if they do not come home with a medal,’ Caballero revealed in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.

‘Ready sila. Handa rin sila because they have to give way din. I mean we have given them all the support they needed for so many years. So it’s only fair for the Filipino taxpayers who pay for their allowances and support. So kumbaga, we only expect the best performance from our athletes and coaches.’

Caballero said she is confident the team can meet the challenge after its recent performance at the ISTAF World Sepaktakraw Championship-39th Thai King’s Cup in Bangkok. The Philippine men’s regu team won a historic silver medal, while the women’s quadrant team took bronze.

The Philippines also ended a 33-year podium drought in sepak takraw at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning bronze medals in the men’s regu and men’s quadrant.

With the team having undergone extensive training ahead of the Asian Games, Caballero believes the players are ready to face the top teams in the region.

‘They are ready. They have extensively prepared for this, and I’m confident naman sa preparations ng ating coaching team,’ said the PSTAI chief.

‘It’s the same challenge presented to them by the NSA during the Kings’ Cup. They come home with no medal, no one’s going to the Asian Games. Simply because if you can’t beat anybody in the World Cup, wala rin kayong tatalunin sa Asiad. We are not going to be tourists when we go to Japan. So we mean business.’

Jom Lerry Rafael, who was part of the Philippine teams that won silver in the King’s Cup and bronze in Hangzhou, will lead the men’s campaign alongside Jason Huerte, Reynaldo Asilum, Ronsited Gabayeron and Glindel Phori.

The women’s team includes Mary Ann Lopez, Kristine Lapsit, Rachelle Palomar, Nieva Jane Salon, Heart Makiling and Rhea Mae Dela Cruz, among others.

The men’s regu team is grouped with Thailand and host Japan, while the women’s quadrant team will face Vietnam, Thailand and India.

‘So bugbugan na tayo kaagad,’ Caballero said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) flag officers to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity in their service.

In his speech during the oath-taking ceremony of 21 newly promoted officers, including one vice admiral, two rear admirals, and 18 commodores, Marcos commended them for protecting the country’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and responding to emergencies and disasters.

‘These are difficult, sometimes dangerous tasks. For these, we are all grateful for your sacrifice,’ he said.

‘So, to our newly promoted flag officers, lead by example. Uphold the highest standards of integrity. Prepare the next generation of Coast Guard leaders. Embrace innovation and modernization. Strengthen the partnerships that allow us to address challenges that no institution can tackle alone,’ the President added.

Marcos said the PCG’s responsibilities are among the most crucial in government, noting its role in patrolling the WPS and escorting and supporting maritime resupply missions.

‘The Coast Guard has also been keeping our ports and travelers safe. They inspect vessels and look after millions of passengers moving through our ports,’ he said.

‘They have protected our seas by conducting environmental inspections nationwide. And when it comes to enforcing our laws, such as going after illegal fishing, smuggling, and other threats, the Philippine Coast Guard is always among the first to respond,’ the President said.

He also highlighted the courage of PCG personnel, which he said is built through ‘training, discipline, preparation, and the readiness to act when service calls for it.’

‘This heroism is shown in the willingness to put the needs of others above your own, even when duty requires great personal risks,’ he said.

Marcos reminded the newly promoted officers to always remember whom they serve.

‘Serve in a way that honors the oath that you took today. Lead with courage and integrity. Always remember whom you serve,’ he said.

‘Ang bawat paglalayag at bawat pagbabantay ay para sa sambayanang Pilipino,’ the President added.

Gilas Pilipinas made sure to stay out of the way and let June Mar Fajardo have the spotlight to himself amid the joyous occasion of sweeping the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Once they presented him with the game ball following Sunday’s 68-56 win, Gilas players and coaches pushed Fajardo toward center court at the Mall of Asia Arena, allowing the fans to give him a warm round of applause followed by chants of ‘MVP!’

‘It feels good. It warms the heart,’ Fajardo said.

In that moment, there was no room for debate over whether Fajardo was just a big man who could dominate on the domestic front but couldn’t translate his success as a nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player to the international level.

And in that moment, too, there was only an expression of appreciation for always showing up and answering the call of national duty amid the rigors of playing nonstop basketball for both club and country.

‘Representing my country has been one of the greatest honors of my life,’ Fajardo said Monday in a social media post. ‘Every time I put on that PILIPINAS jersey, I knew I was playing for something much bigger than myself, for my family, my teammates, the people who believed in me, and everyone who supported us through every win and every loss.’

Fajardo made the homestand the final time he would don the No. 15 jersey for Gilas after 70 games across all Fiba competitions, plus several more in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

His national career, through thick and thin, spanned 13 years.

He made his debut at the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship, also at MOA, wearing jersey No. 12 and playing a bit part in that historic run that secured Gilas a trip to the 2014 Fiba World Cup.

That World Cup was held in Seville, Spain, and it was there that Fajardo had the first of a handful of great Gilas moments, coming through in overtime to help beat Senegal and avert a winless campaign.

He was lauded when he stepped away from the fracas in a massive brawl against Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, in 2018.

Fajardo won gold at the 2019 SEA Games at home but also had to endure the misery of being part of the Gilas team that fell short at the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam.

There were also the struggles at the 2019 and 2023 editions of the World Cup, yet he experienced the euphoria of winning gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, ending the country’s long wait for glory at the continental showcase.

He played well when Gilas beat then-world No. 5 Latvia on its home floor at the 2024 Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but there were also hardships in recent Fiba competitions, coupled with nagging ailments, thus making the Iran game the right time to bid adieu.

And he made sure his goodbye would amount to more than simply waving to everyone. Fajardo had a hand in the second-quarter rally, and his jump hook cut the gap to 29-25 after Gilas trailed 18-7 at the end of the opening period.

It was a move he had done several times for San Miguel Beer. But it felt like more than just a shot in the eyes of many, including coach Tim Cone.

‘That was huge,’ Cone said. ‘When he got the ball and made that turn and landed that jump hook, the crowd went absolutely crazy. And that kind of gave us that lift going into halftime.’

Fajardo wound up with six points and two rebounds in seven minutes, part of the supporting cast in the win that resuscitated Gilas’ hopes of making next year’s World Cup.

And it gave him and everyone else a perfect swansong moment. Apart from getting the game ball, Fajardo had his jersey signed by the entire team, and those mementos will be placed in his cabinet alongside the awards, plaques and medals he has collected throughout his career.

‘This is it. This is really my last game,’ he said. ‘That’s why I had this ball, and I plan to frame it.’