Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The state weather bureau on Wednesday issued a storm surge warning in parts of Aurora, Cagayan and Isabela as Tropical Cyclone Paolo approaches.

In its 2 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge is expected in the next 48 hours in the following coastal areas:

Aurora

Baler

Casiguran

Dilasag

Dinalungan

Dipaculao

Isabela

Dinapigue

Divilacan

Maconacon

Palanan

Cagayan

Baggao

Gattaran

Gonzaga

Lal-lo

Peñablanca

Santa Ana

Surge heights may reach 1 to 2 meters, said Pagasa.

Residents in coastal municipalities were advised to stay away from the shore, cancel maritime activities, and remain alert to further bulletins.

Alessandra De Rossi was revealed as the director of ‘Everyone Knows Every Juan,’ a dark comedy film in which she will take on multiple hats as actress and producer.

The De Rossi-helmed ‘Everyone Knows Every Juan’ was revealed by Viva Films in a media con on Tuesday, Sept. 30, where an ensemble cast will join her.

Joining the actress-director are Jaime Fabregas, Kelvin Miranda, Ronnie Lazaro, Angeli Bayani, Ruby Ruiz, Empoy Marquez, JM de Guzman, Gina Alajar, Joel Torre, Liza Lorena and Edu Manzano.

The film tells the story of siblings – portrayed by De Rossi, Manzano, Ruiz, Alajar and Torre – who reunited on the first death anniversary of their mother Juaning Sevilla (Lorena). De Rossi said she considers the film a deep dive into ‘adulting,’ showing events that happened in a single night. She also shared that she and her co-stars underwent a series of rehearsals since filming happened all at once.

‘Adulting kami, kasi senior yung mga stars ko. Kami yung adult version. Parang gan’un yun, one night lang kasi nangyari [‘yung kwento]. Wala kasing preview. Yung ‘My Amanda’ kasi, after every take, preview ka,’ she said.

(It’s adulting in a way because I’m working with senior actors. We’re the adult version, something like that. The story tells the story of events happening in one night. There is no preview. When I did ‘My Amanda,’ I would do a preview after every take.)

De Rossi marked her directorial debut with the 2021 film ‘My Amanda,’ which also starred Piolo Pascual.

Voting 15 affirmative, 3 negative, and two abstentions, the Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to place former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 144, signed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, emphasized that in view of the advanced age and deteriorating health of Duterte, the ICC should designate a physician or medical doctor to examine the former President and ascertain that he is fit to withstand regular detention – and should the medical findings prove that his detention will further worsen his medical condition, allow the former president to be detained under house arrest.

‘Such house arrest, or a similar appropriate arrangement, will be subject to conditions restricting liberty to be imposed by the ICC, presenting no risk to the integrity of the ongoing trial,’ the resolution reads.

In the same measure, the senators argued that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provided that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity o fthe human person.

‘The Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the ICC allows persons being tried there in interim release, subject to conditions restricting liberty, including staying at a particular address, not contacting directly or indirectly victims or witnesses, and responding when summoned b y an authority o r qualified person designated b y the ICC,’ it adds.

Meanwhile, in his sponsorship speech, Cayetano said the wheels of justice are already moving at present – may it be in the country or the ICC.

‘It is not against the tenet of human rights to allow any person, especially a former president, to be under house arrest or to be under a country supervised under ICI, especially in the condition of president Duterte who is 80 years old,’ said Cayetano.

Zubiri, for his part, said his personal stand on the issue does not have anything to do with politics. He said it is only based on his point of view as a son to a father who is now 85 years old and ailing.

Aside from Zubiri and Cayetano, the other senators who voted in favor of the resolution were Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Mark Villar.

Those who opposed the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan.

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained.

‘I am faced with two equally important issues affecting life and liberty,’ Sotto said.

‘To afford PRRD with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity. I am supportive of any efforts to bring home PRRD and to uplift his well-being during this crucial time,’ the Senate president said.

‘However, my choice or decision, in conscience, in my conscience, might even help in further dividing the nation. Therefore, I register an abstention,’ Sotto explained.

In explaining his vote, Sotto said he faced two equally important issues affecting life and liberty.

‘To afford [former president Duterte] with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity,’ said Sotto.

The Senate president said he is supportive of any efforts to bring home the ex-chief executive and ‘uplift his well-being during this crucial time.’

He, however, noted that his choice ‘in [his] conscience might even help in further dividing the nation.’

This, according to Sotto, is why he abstained.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros – who was among the three senators who voted against the measure – emphasized that there are no indications that the ICC is neglecting the health and well-being of the people in their custody.

She then proceeded to emphasize that the drug war’s atrocities are not mere hallucinations.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday it rescued 10 Chinese after their tugboat lost engine power off Palawan.

The vessel identified as M/Tug Virgo was reported adrift about 43 nautical miles off Coron on Monday.

Coast Guard District Palawan dispatched BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), which located the tugboat the following day near Linapacan town. According to the PCG, all 10 crew members were declared to be in good condition after undergoing medical checks.

The vessel’s master told authorities they had departed Malaysia and were bound for China when the engine failed.

To prevent further risk, the Coast Guard vessel began towing the tugboat on Monday toward El Nido, Palawan, where it is awaiting assistance from its shipping company, which has arranged repairs and a rescue tug.

‘This successful operation highlights the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to safeguard lives and vessels at sea, whether foreign or domestic, within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction,’ the PCG said in a statement.

The incident adds to a series of maritime emergencies in Philippine waters this year, with the Coast Guard noting it routinely responds to vessels in distress regardless of flag or nationality.

The low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) intensified into Tropical Depression Paolo at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the state weather bureau said.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced it will begin issuing bulletins on the tropical cyclone at 11 a.m.

In its 5 a.m. forecast, it said the then-LPA (designated as 09g) was last spotted 1,080 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.

The LPA entered the PAR on Tuesday night.

The House of Representatives is coordinating with local government units and authorities from areas affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said on Wednesday.

Dy, in a statement, said the House leadership is also asking district representatives about how best to assist residents in quake-stricken areas.

‘We are currently conducting coordination talks with agencies and local government units to ensure that the assistance needed would be immediately provided, particularly quick medical service and basic needs for areas hard hit by the earthquake,’ Dy said in Filipino.

‘We are currently coordinating with the representatives of affected districts to support their goal of bringing help to their constituent[s],’ he added.

Dy said the House extends its sympathies to the families of those who died.

As of posting time, the Office of Civil Defense said the death toll could reach at least 60, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said that the death toll has risen to 61.

‘Congress sends its heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones and to all those affected by the earthquake in Cebu and nearby provinces,’ Dy said, speaking in Filipino.

‘Your Congress is ready to be a partner in crafting the needed programs to respond to those affected by this calamity, and to ensure that the country is ready for similar incidents in the future,’ he added.

Late Tuesday night, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the waters northeast of Bogo, Cebu, damaging heritage churches and other structures and knocking out power in parts of the central Philippines.

In Bogo alone, at least 27 people were confirmed dead, according to the PDRRMO.

Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to 6.9. The tectonic tremor was recorded at a shallow depth of five kilometers.

Phivolcs warned of a possible ‘minor sea-level disturbance’ and urged residents of Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran to avoid coastal areas. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat.

‘Our people are not alone in this tragedy. The people and the entire House of Representatives are with you in helping you recover,’ Dy noted.

Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia will officially square off in the PBA’s 50th season opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The league released the full schedule of the Philippine Cup eliminations on Wednesday during a press conference held at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

But the faceoff between Ginebra and Magnolia had long been an open secret, with both teams actually made aware of the anticipated faceoff.

LA Tenorio is set for his Magnolia coaching debut against his former team, but there’s also the possibility of seeing action for the Hotshots after being placed on the injured/reserve list.

Ginebra will start the season reeling from the departure of Jamie Malonzo to Japan but will also parade new players in rookie Sonny Estil and veteran Norbert Torres.

The game is set at 7:30 p.m. after the Leo Awards at 3 p.m. at nearby Novotel Manila and the opening ceremonies at 5 p.m.

The opener is one of four playdates at the Big Dome, with the majority of the eliminations to be held at the two Ynares Centers in Antipolo and Montalban.

Also part of the schedule are the games in Dubai in late-October and Bahrain in mid-December.

Action will take a break from Nov. 17 until Dec. 4 due to Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the first window of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers. The eliminations conclude on Dec. 19.

The Visayas grid is placed on ‘yellow’ alert this Wednesday, Oct. 1, as several power plants went on forced outage following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that had shaken Cebu Tuesday night.

In an advisory, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said the Visayas grid would be under yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m.

In a yellow alert, the power supply can still meet demand, but it will serve as a warning that when a plant breaks down one way or another, it will result in brownouts.

The grid operator said a total of 27 power plants had tripped due to the earthquake, leading to 1,444.1 megawatt (MW) capacity loss from the grid. At least 10 transmission lines are also on outage.

Sixteen more power plants were not operational even prior to the incident.

The current available capacity is at 1,888 MW, while the peak demand is 1,839 MW.

The Luzon and Mindanao grids, meanwhile, are under normal operations. /dda

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday called on Congress to prioritize several measures, including amendments to school-based feeding programs and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act.

DepEd made the call during a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, which was presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘In the New Philippines, we must ensure that every student has adequate nutrition, quality teachers, safe schools, and equal opportunities-whether they study in public or private institutions. These proposals are concrete steps to make sure that not a single learner is left behind,’ Education Sec. Sonny Angara said in Filipino in a statement.

The priority education bills endorsed to Congress include:

Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037): Expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program to 160 feeding days and universal feeding for Kindergarten to Grade 3; inclusion of marginalized groups such as indigenous learners and adolescent mothers; allowance of milk-based substitutes for the Milk Feeding Program; weekly micronutrient supplementation for female learners; and establishment of Central Kitchens in every School Division Office, among others.

Amendments to the E-GASTPE Act (RA 8545): Institutionalization of anti-fraud mechanisms through centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and data- sharing with other agencies; expansion of voucher coverage to Kindergarten through Senior High School learners and teachers, among others.

Amendments to the Teacher Professionalization Act (RA 7836): Flexibility in creating distinct licensure examinations per teacher education program, diversification of the Board for Professional Teachers, and additional graduate quality assurance measures such as portfolio assessment and literacy and numeracy testing, among others.

Amendments to the Local Government Code – Special Education Fund (SEF): Raising the SEF levy from 1% to 2% of assessed property value and expanding allowable uses to cover operations of special education, IP and madrasah classes, open high schools, flexible learning, school site acquisition, and school building maintenance, among others.

Meanwhile, Angara also noted DepEd’s support of the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill to fast-track the construction of classrooms nationwide by providing flexibility and engaging more partners in the implementation.

According to Angara, strengthening these programs is essential to deliver better learning outcomes and to give every Filipino learner a fair chance at success.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said they need to know the address of former Marine Orly Regala Guteza so that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can serve him a subpoena.

Guteza is the former security aide of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. He was introduced before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last week by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Marcoleta said former Quezon City Third District Rep. Michael Defensor introduced him to Guteza.

In his affidavit, Guteza tagged former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the flood control controversy, saying he delivered several suitcases containing ‘trash,’ their code for cash, to the houses of both Co and Romualdez.

Remulla said the last time he talked with Guteza was in the Senate, where the secretary was able to get a copy of the former Marine’s affidavit, a part of which stated that he wanted to enter the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).

The appointment was scheduled for Guteza to be at the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Friday for an interview, but he failed to appear.

‘But here’s the thing: I talked with him to come here for that purpose. We’re going to ask for his address so we will have the NBI serve a subpoena, just to make everything crystal clear, right?’ Remulla asked.

However, since then, Remulla had no more communication with the ex-Marine.

‘Nothing,’ Remulla said when asked if he heard of Guteza again after the latter was a no-show at their supposed meeting last Friday.

‘We have no contact.So we are just hoping he is okay and that he can shed light on his affidavit,’ the secretary said.

Remulla said the people who presented Guteza in the Senate should stand by his testimony. ‘They shouldn’t let him go. Also, they should be responsible for him because a witness like that-it’s scary if they don’t bring him out again,’ he said. /apl