Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) is moving west-northwest toward southern China after exiting the Philippine area of responsibility, the state weather bureau said on Saturday, Oct. 4.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted all the tropical wind signals advisory.

However, they said Paolo’s outer rain bands may still bring storm to gale-force gusts over Batanes, northern Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Zambales, and Bataan.

Moderate to rough seas are expected over the seaboards of Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, mainland Cagayan, Isabela and Bataan. The bureau warned that small vessels and motorbancas should avoid sailing in these conditions.

Pagasa located Paolo’s center at 440 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur. It retained its momentum, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, gusts of up to 135 kph, and was moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

Paolo may re-intensify into a typhoon while moving over the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility now has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. /das

The United Nations (UN) marks 80 years of its founding in a state of uncertainty with its credibility increasingly in question.

The UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) high-level week was dominated by Palestine and the war in Gaza. This brought into sharp focus the UN’s failure to live up to its core mission and primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. True, it is the big powers who are to blame for the UN’s paralysis in stopping the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. But UN inaction and lack of activist diplomacy on issues of war and peace have left its reputation damaged.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned that trust in global institutions is at a breaking point with ailing multilateral organizations in need of urgent reform. The loss of faith in multilateralism, he has said, is because people see ‘broken promises, unmet commitments, double standards, and vast inequalities’.

Although multilateralism has been under stress for, well, over a decade, United States President Donald Trump’s conduct has accelerated this trend and magnified the pressure. US disengagement from the UN is reflected in its exit from the World Health Organization, Unesco, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and decision to stop funding and withdraw from the Human Rights Council. Trump’s unilateralist actions have also shown contempt for the principles of the UN Charter.

Other big states and regional powers have also played their part by acting in defiance of international law and violating the UN Charter. In a recent essay in The Economist coauthored with Helen Clark, former UNSG Ban Ki-moon wrote: ‘The UN is slipping into dysfunction as some of its traditional champions, notably the United States, retreat from multilateral cooperation, cut funding, and disregard the rule of law when it suits them.’

The contrast could not have been sharper during UNGA’s high-level week. Kicking off the debate, Guterres said the world needed the UN’s ‘unique legitimacy’ and convening power.

Just before he spoke, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said multilateralism is at a new crossroads and lamented the UN’s weakening authority while calling on it to revive its role as a ‘promoter of equality, peace, sustainable development, diversity, and tolerance’.

In fact, the common refrain in speeches at the debate was the UN’s ineffectiveness at a time when it is needed most to deal with multiple challenges.

Beyond these speeches, the widespread view across the world is that the UN has become increasingly irrelevant as it acts as a bystander in wars and crises. If the UN is seen as failing to deliver on its core goal of maintaining international peace and security, the rest of what it does (some of it quite well; say, on the development pillar of its mandate and humanitarian initiatives) fades into insignificance.

That is the Security Council’s responsibility but deadlock and rivalry between the big powers-its five veto-wielding permanent members-prevents the Council from acting. Nothing illustrates this better than the two main wars of the moment in Gaza and Ukraine.

The US has been the obstacle in ending the war Israel imposed on Gaza, exercising the veto six times in the past two years to scotch ceasefire resolutions. This marks a continuity in Washington’s policy which over decades has seen it use the veto 51 times to shield Israel. On Ukraine, Russia has used the veto several times on resolutions against its 2022 invasion. This has left the Security Council completely logjammed.

In any case, what is consequential to the UN’s effectiveness and credibility is reform of the Security Council. What lies at the heart of UN dysfunction is the council’s paralysis. As usual, calls for its reform were heard from world leaders during UNGA. Negotiations have been going on in the UNGA for over 20 years but with little progress except agreement on expanding the Council.

The principal disagreement is between countries that aspire for permanent seats for themselves and others who oppose more permanent members and, instead, propose enlarging the Council by adding more elected, nonpermanent members. This has put the G4-Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil-at odds with the Uniting for Consensus countries led by Italy and including Pakistan.

Even if the impasse is overcome, reform is a complicated process that requires amendment of the UN Charter. This involves the UNGA adopting a resolution by a two-thirds majority, which then has to be ratified by at least two-thirds of the UN membership as well as the P5. This makes reform a remote possibility. It will be up to the UNGA to mount pressure on the big powers to allow the council to function. Unfortunately, the prospect of that too is not bright. The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families now have easier access to free medical consultations and medicine as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) launched its ‘Alagang Owwa Botika’ program on Friday.

Owwa Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan led the launch of the pharmacy program in Pasay City, designed to provide continued care and support to OFWs and their families even after they finish their stints abroad.

Caunan said the program is part of the ‘Alagang Owwa: Yakap at Gamot’ in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and private VidaCure Pharmacy.

Under Philhealth’s Yakap (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), beneficiaries can receive up to P20,000 worth of medicines per year from accredited pharmacies.

In the case of OFWs and their dependents, they may go directly to the Owwa head office in Pasay City or to the Gateway Mall in Quezon City. For those in the south, they may go to Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The free medical checkups at Owwa may be availed of every Friday with Yakap-accredited doctors.

Prescriptions issued during consultations can then be used to claim medicines at the Owwa ‘botika’ (pharmacy), also in Pasay City, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Kimberly Ondona Badong, who had just returned from Oman after developing hypertension, stressed the importance of expanding the program outside Metro Manila.

The mother of six said they live in Maguindanao and she hopes services would also be offered at Owwa regional offices.

In her speech, Caunan said the ‘Lab for All’ mobile medical and clinical laboratory truck donated by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos would also soon be deployed to deliver free diagnostic services such as X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests.

Caunan assured that the ‘Alagang Owwa Botika,’ which is still in the pilot stage, would soon be offered nationwide.

‘Let’s make every Friday a Yakap Day. We want our OFWs, active, retired or those who have returned for good, to feel that they remain cared for. Even when they are no longer earning abroad, they can still rely on government support for their health needs,’ she said.

From Mexico City to Manila, the United Kingdom to the United States, Taylor Swift fans hooted, sobbed happy tears and danced their way through the pop star’s latest album release, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’

Swift’s 12th studio offering dropped Friday, and her Swifties were more than ready for it. Many were dripping in the color orange to usher in her latest era at gatherings around the world. Some closed their eyes to take in the fresh dozen tracks amid the chaotic crowds around them.

José María Bastida, a writer, rocked an orange sequin tuxedo jacket at a watch party in a Mexico City restaurant serving Swift-themed cocktails, including a tequila heavy ‘Ophelia’s Juice’ and a liquored up ‘Showgirl Slushy.’

‘I feel like it’s super experimental,’ he said of the album, ‘because it’s supposed to bring a lot of new stuff and we haven’t seen that more sexy side of Taylor Swift.’

Fans snatch up ‘Showgirl’ in all its variants

In Los Angeles, the fervent lined up at midnight at a Target to snap up the new music on vinyl and CD. Maria-Elena Garcia rented a hotel room and drove in from Santa Barbara. ‘I like a lot of her values and like we have a lot similar values. For example, cats,’ she said.

In theaters, Swift is schooling AMC on how to treat her fans. The theater chain has granted special permission for moviegoers to sing and dance their way through screenings of ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,’ in select theaters for the weekend only. The film is screening around the world. Added bonus: No trailers beforehand.

Fiona Cela, 11, in London woke up at 4:30 a.m. to listen to the album. She then headed out with her mother to the studios of Global’s Capital radio, hoping for a glimpse of Swift as she gave an interview there. On her agenda after that: school.

‘Taylor as a person is just super kind and loving,’ she said, her wrists stacked with Swift-themed friendship bracelets. ‘Her music is so inspiring.’

Swifties celebrate at a special pub

At the Black Dog pub in London, thought to be the location for Swift’s song ‘Black Dog’ from her last album, vacationing American Natalie Richmond, 43, showed up to mark the occasion. Her two Swiftie daughters woke her up extra early to listen to the album.

‘We actually lived in Nashville early on so we’ve been following her ever since she began,’ Richmond said. ‘She’s relatable. She’s the person that everybody wants to be friends with. We all listen to her music and think I’d love to go out and hang out with her.’

Longtime Swiftie Helen Brabant-Bleakley showed up at the Black Dog to mark her 30th birthday, wearing a teal sash with gold lettering that read: ‘The Life of a Birthday Girl.’

‘My good friend Taylor Swift gave me the best present ever by dropping a new album,’ she said, noting she’s already picked a couple of favorite cuts from the album: ‘Father Figure’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor.’

Drag queens lip-sync Swift as hundreds cheer

A Manila mall went full Swift with a drag show, games, raffles and performers. Hundreds of screaming fans dressed in showgirl gear braved rain to celebrate at an outdoor amphitheater.

Among them was Cyril Aviguetero, 18. With a red showgirl head piece complementing his outfit, he was most excited about Track 7, ‘Actually Romantic.’ Asked why, he mused: ‘I’m not sure, but I’m also trying to find what’s actually romantic in my life,’ he said.

Other Swift events were held around the Philippines.

Kansas City’s Union Station was lit up in orange and teal in celebration. Musician Chloe Rose entertained Swift fans with four hours of covers at a spot there ahead of the release as the crowd made friendship bracelets and sipped on themed cocktails.

Number balloons for ’12’ floated around as Rose sang and played guitar and keyboards. Fan Tara Pickarell showed up but chose solitude to later take in the new work. ‘I have to be in my own space to listen to it. I need my own little bubble.’

Pickarell is happy the album is pop heavy.

‘I do like her slower songs, but I’m excited to get back to like 1989 ‘Reputation’ vibes,’ she said.

Showgirl pop-up draws lines for photos with props

In New York, hundreds of fans lined up to walk through a three-day Spotify pop-up offering five showgirl-themed rooms. They took photos with feathery boas and other props.

‘I feel like there’s so few moments like this where you actually get to connect with other fans,’ said Ali Meehan. ‘Like we all kind of listen in our rooms, alone in our houses.’

This time around, Swift includes abundant nods to fiancé Travis Kelce amid the glitz, glamour and Las Vegas lechery of it all. This Swift isn’t waiting in the wings, and she’s definitely not holed up alone.

‘This is so different from the last album, but in a really good way,’ said Hannah Zuckerbraun, a fan in a Swift T-shirt among Target-goers in Los Angeles. ‘Like, it’s a lot happier sounding. I feel like it’s perfect and upbeat.’

Anti-drug operatives recovered 905 packs of ‘high-purity’ crystal meth (shabu) valued at P6.8 billion during a raid on a private property in Labrador, Pangasinan on Friday night, October 3.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Isagani Nerez told reporters that the packs had already been loaded into two vehicles, apparently bound for Metro Manila, when these were seized by PDEA agents.

‘If one pack weighs a kilo, then the total is more than one ton,’ Nerez said in an interview uploaded on social media by the Philippine News Agency.

He noted that the supply of shabu in Metro Manila has been dwindling because of its soaring price.

Authorities did not find anyone inside the property, which was being used as a warehouse but contained no illegal drug laboratory Labrador Mayor Noel Uson said the property was purchased only two months ago, but he had no information about the buyer or the previous owner.

The raid was carried out under a search warrant issued by Judge Vincent Lamug of Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Burgos town. Nerez credited Police Regional Office Ilocos Region director Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes and Pangasinan Provincial Police director Col. Arbel Mercullo with securing the warrant.

According to Nerez, the raid was linked to a buy-bust operation conducted Thursday along the highway in Labrador, where authorities seized 125 packs of shabu hidden inside a van.

Two high-value targets were arrested in that operation: alias ‘Monkey,’ 40, a Chinese national residing in Paliparan 3, Cavite City; and alias ‘Gardo,’ 54, of Mampang, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Nerez also disclosed that the 1.4 tons of shabu worth P10 billion intercepted in Zambales last June were bound for Pangasinan, suggesting that the suspects had a local contact in the province.

That same month, billions of pesos worth of shabu were also recovered floating off the coastal towns of western Pangasinan. /das

Lola Amour, BINI and Dionela are among the artists who earned the most nominations at the 38th Awit Awards, with the ‘Raining in Manila’ hitmakers leading with five nods, including the coveted Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Trailing behind the funk-pop band are BINI and Dionela, who tied with four nominations. Other artists recognized by the award-giving body, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), are SunKissed Lola, SB19 and BenandBen, to name a few.

Further details on the 38th edition of the Awit Awards’ awarding ceremony are yet to be announced.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year

‘Nene’ by SunKissed Lola

‘Heartache Generation’ by Ena Mori

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Love Is’ by The Ridleys

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Album of the Year

‘Talaarawan’ by BINI

‘Olaholah’ by SunKissed Lola

‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ by BenandBen

‘Alegorya’ by Munimuni

‘Superpower’ by Zild

‘Lola Amour’ by Lola Amour

Song of the Year

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Ikot’ by Over October

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe

‘Pagbigyan’ by Sugarcane

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Best Collaboration

”Pag Ang Puso ang Nagsabi’ by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano

‘Ligaw na Bullet’ by Denise Laurel and Skusta Clee

”Di Ko Kasalanan’ by Demi and GinsandMelodies

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Within’ by Ladine Roxas and Kris Lawrence

‘Sa Kahapon’ by Dilaw and Janine Berdin

Best Performance by a New Group Artist

‘Aminin’ by Naiba

‘Hi, Tita’ by Sala

‘Bituin’ by Letters from June

‘Walang Humpay’ by 12th Street

‘Alak’ by Karilyo

Best Performance by a New Solo Artist

‘Alintana’ by Muninn

‘Panggap’ by Plume

‘Sickreet’ by Ryannah J

”Di Maipagkakaila’ by Ia

‘Kahit ‘Di Ako Ang Gusto Mo’ by Patricia Heart

‘Seryoso’ by Lottie Bie

Best Performance by a Group Artist

‘Triumph’ by BenandBen

‘Tayo Na Lang’ by Nobita

‘Lampara’ by Press Hit Play

‘One Sided Love’ by G22

‘Sige, Sayaw!’ by Dear Dahlia

‘Nilalang’ by Dilaw

Best Performance by a Solo Artist

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘I’ll Be Somebody You Want’ by Jolianne

‘Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Dwta

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Alas Dos Na!!!’ by Janine Berdin

‘Fake Faces’ by Felip

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

Best RandB Recording

‘Tango’ by Jarlo Base

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Call Me What You Want’ by Elise Huang

‘Fighting for You’ by Thyro Alfaro and JP Bacallan

Best Jazz Recording

‘Superfunk’ by GundamFunk

‘Get It Right’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

‘What Is It All About?’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording

‘Subomoto (Hev Abi remix)’ by Zae and Hev Abi

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9

‘Utang Clan’ by Gloc-9

‘Ako Lang ‘To’ by XYVRL

‘Marikit sa Dilim’ by Juan Caoile, Kyleswish and Jawz

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI

‘Tension’ by Peyton

‘Eksena’ by YARA

‘Come Over’ by Pop Money Worldwide, Carrot Mayor, SHNTI and Aunt Robert

‘Hilo’ by Paul Pablo

Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘Ito Lamang’ by Project: Romeo

‘You’ll Never Feel Alone Again’ by Earl Generao

‘Nandiyan Pa Ba?’ by 6cyclemind and Gloc-9

‘Huling Liham’ by Paham and Dwta

Best World Music Recording

‘Sarung Banggi’ by Overheat and Camsur Made

‘You Did It’ by KAIA

‘Chinese Restaurant’ by Nicole Adeya

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Sabado’ by SinoSikat?

‘100 Mensahe’ by Dan Gil and Marga Jayy

Best Alternative Recording

‘Homeostasis’ by Barbie Almalbis

‘A Gentle Reminder to Rest’ by Amateurish

‘Bulaklak sa Buwan’ by Ely Buendia

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Wala Nang Saysay’ by Meds

Best Rock/Metal Recording

‘Orange’ by Amateurish

‘The Risk’ by Faspitch

‘Bawal Lumingon’ by CHNDTR

‘Dahas’ by Kjwan

‘Pano’ by Caren Tevanny

‘Dragon’ by Mayonnaise

Best Pop Recording

‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo’ by Itchyworms

‘Dilaw’ by Maki

‘Toyo’ by KZ Tandingan

‘Yoko Na’ by Josh Cullen and Al James

‘Hoodie’ by Dionela and Alisson Shore

Best Ballad Recording

‘Ethereal’ by Pappel

‘Lagi’ by Ica Frias

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Medyo Ako’ by Juan Karlos and Moira Dela Torre

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

”Di Ko Masabi’ by Stell

Best Instrumental Recording

‘Nang Buo Kong Buhay’ by Jay Gomez and Yvette Parcom

‘SuperFunk’ by Gundam Funk

‘See You on the Other Side’ by Lustbass and RJ Pineda

‘Good Nights’ by Lustbass

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

Best Inspirational Recording

‘Beautiful Day’ by The Company

‘Little World Changer’ by Belle Mariano

‘Ningas ng Pag-Asa’ by Jamie Rivera and 92AD

‘Dahil Sa’Yo’ by Viola Natividad

‘Face of God’ by December Avenue

Best Novelty Recording

‘Da Coconut Nut (DJ Sandy Remix)’ by Giani Sarita and DJ Sandy

‘Walang Label’ by Eugene Layug

‘Wala Akong Pake’ by Johan Kyle and ANNUHBAE

‘Art Song’ by Pinkmen

‘Atras Abante’ by Introvert Fiesta and Aji

Best Recording by a Child or for Children

‘Ang Init Init’ by Imogen

‘The Phonics Song’ by Teacher Cleo

‘Tadhana (Easy Lang)’ by Giani Sarita

‘Jesus, Best Friend’ by Ateneo Boys Choir

‘Nasa Palad Mo’ by Ateneo Boys Choir featuring Marcel Roy S. Navarro and Generoso R. Maquirang IV

Best Original Soundtrack

‘lyo’ from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ by Darren Espanto

‘Maskara’ from ‘Lavender Fields’ by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

‘Ulit Ulit’ from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ by Regine Velasquez

‘Uuwian’ from ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ by BGYO

‘Sa Akin Siya’ from ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ by Crystal Paras and Jeniffer Maravilla

‘Nagbago ang Daigdig’ from ‘My Guardian Alien’ by Zephanie

‘Aabutin ang Tadhana’ from ‘Chasing in the Wild’ by Hyacinth Callado

Best Christmas Recording

‘Hesus Aming Hari’ by Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, Caleb Santos, Jacob Sean Bacal, Naomi, Jessi Ferrer, Elizabeth Clemente and Ezekiel Clemente

‘Ganito ang Pasko’ by Sparkle Singers

‘Weather with You’ by Lucas Pison, Chezka

‘Noche Buena’ by Jan Roberts

‘Paskong Mag-Isa’ by Debonair District

Best Regional Recording

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

‘Ang Paghuwat’ by Morissette and Ferdinand Aragon

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

‘Buhi’ by Ferdinand Aragon

‘Dili Na Lang’ by Jolianne

‘Panata’ by Tothapi

Music Video of the Year

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Namumula’ by Maki; produced by Jonathan Bacala; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Cherry on Top’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; produced by 1032 Lab and lana Cris Forbes; directed by Alanshiii and XY Pintoy

‘Tagpi-tagping Piraso’ by Ely Buendia; produced by August Lyle Espino, Cedric Hornedo, Lemuel Francia and Geoffrey Collera; directed by August Lyle Espino

Best Cover Art

‘Patibong’ by Gracenote; RJ Villanueva and Darwin Hernandez

‘The Traveller across Dimensions’ by BenandBen; Jether Dane Guadalupe, Katrina Urmatam and Puppeteer Studios

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; Louis Duran and IC Forbes

‘I’m Okay’ by Moira Dela Torre; Equinox Manila Productions, Moira Dela Torre, Jason Maxx and Artu Nepomuceno

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe; Nica Angeles and Gian Bernardino

Best Remix Recording

‘Welcome to My World’ by Jonathan Manalo and Theo Martel

‘Love Is the Answer’ by Jonathan Manalo, Moy Ortiz and The Company

‘small town (crwn’s crying in the parking lot edit)’ by crwn

‘different. (kenyama remix)’ by kenyama

‘WHITE ROOM (Reimagined ver.)’ by ena mori

Best Musical Arrangement

‘Nobya’ by Franz Sacro and Choi Padilla

‘Bittersweet’ by Ashlee Mickaela Factor and Alyssa Janine Cruz

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Get It Right’ by Gabe Dandan

‘Umaycan’ by Kahlil Refuerzo

Best Engineered Recording

‘Pahinga’ by Nikhil Armanani

‘Nobya’ by Carlo Jay Cruz

‘Pauwi Na’ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Brian Lotho

‘Segundo, Siguro’ by Axel Fernandez

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Rene Serna

Since our rice industry is in a crisis, with our farmers losing their incomes as never before, the Department of Agriculture (DA) must now totally support the possibility of safeguards for our rice farmers’ survival. This will enable our farmers to once again earn an income as well as produce the rice we need for our own food security.

Last Sept. 2, the International Trade Committee of the public-private Philippine Council of Agriculture and Food (PCAF) unanimously approved the following resolution: to restore immediately the current 15 percent tariff on imported rice to 35 percent, and explore a higher tariff rate to adequately protect our rice farmers.

The request for a Tariff Commission hearing on an increased rice tariff was likewise approved. However, Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) stated that this would take time. He suggested that other methods be used because our farmers were suffering too much.

Alyansa Agrikultura had previously written to the Tariff Commission for a hearing on raising the rice tariff. To date, there has been no positive response.

Last Sept. 29, Montemayor, acting as the FFF national manager, filed a petition for safeguard measures. He was joined by Argel Joseph Cabatbat, acting as the chair of the Magsasaka Partylist.

Safeguard measures

I first learned about safeguard measures when I was chair of the Technical Working Group of the Cabinet-level Committee on Tariffs and Safeguard Measures. When I became president of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Asean Federation of Cement Manufacturers, we requested safeguard measures to protect the cement industry for its survival.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) further helped us by filing the safeguard measure ‘motu proprio.’ This means that ‘the action is initiated voluntarily by the authority itself.’ Therefore, the cement manufacturers would be significantly helped by the DTI.

What resulted was more complete data, much faster action and increased credibility. When the petition was submitted to the Tariff Commission, the safeguard was granted.

What is a safeguard in international trade terms? It is a temporary restriction that a country applies on imports of a certain product to protect an industry from serious injury (or such a threat) because of an import surge. This can take the form of an additional tariff. This is exactly what our rice farmers need now.

History

In 2019, the Philippines had to comply with its Worlf Trade Organization commitment to stop the quantitative restriction of rice imports. Instead, a 35-percent tariff was imposed.

At that time, both the Alyansa Agrikultura and the FFF filed separate petitions to the DA for a safeguard measure which would increase the rice tariff. This was because 35 percent was too low and would significantly harm our rice farmers.

Both petitions did not get even a response from the DA. As a result, though rice retail prices decreased by only 2 percent from its normal level, our rice farmers lost 23 percent of their income.

To make matters worse, when the government further brought this rate down to 15 percent in July 2024, the rice farmers suffered even more. Asking for the rice safeguard now is imperative. It meets the three conditions for a safeguard to be valid.

Three conditions

First, for evidence of an import surge, we used to import approximately one million tons a year. In 2025. We imported three million tons. In fact, the import volume we have this year is 5.4 million tons. This is double the 2.65 million rice supply gap stated by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

Second, for damage to industry, this is abundantly clear. For the first time, the average production cost per kilo is less than the farm-gate price. That means loss rather than profit. The cost is P14.28 a kilo, while the selling price is P11 a kilo. The damage has been disastrous.

Third, regarding the import surge being the cause for the damage to the rice industry, the landed import price forced the farmers to sell their palay at a much lower price. That is, to be able to compete with the cheap imported rice, as a result of the very low 15 percent tariff.

DA should not only review carefully the safeguard petition filed by Montemayor and Cabatbat. In addition, the DTI must consider using the more effective and much faster motu proprio mode. If the DTI used motu proprio to help the cement industry survive, the DA must do its own investigation, speed up the process and file a motu propio petition if the information they speedily collect warrants it. INQ

The Philippine government is pushing for tariff exemptions on local products not produced in the United States, as trade talks with Washington continue.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said tariff negotiators are aiming at this concession. This, even if US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy was not discussed in the recently concluded Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) agriculture and forestry ministers’ meeting in Manila.

‘They (US-Asean Business Council) have mentioned that there is openness, there’s a possibility of exemptions on certain products that are not produced, planted, manufactured or processed in the US,’ Tiu Laurel said on Thursday.

‘The Philippines will be pursuing that angle . as we knew about the position recently,’ he said in a press briefing on the 47th meeting of the Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry.

Tiu Laurel also said the US tariff was raised in informal talks.

‘But in general, the discussion on tariffs is mostly done over lunch by a simple question: have you resolved or have you closed . do you have a final agreement on the US tariffs with your country or the United States?’ he added.

Tiu Laurel earlier said the Philippines and its neighbors remain on a level playing field. That is, since the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Asean countries are relatively the same.

‘But of course, we are here to hopefully find ways to negotiate with America,’ he said.

‘The US delegation also mentioned that there might be certain exemptions to the imposed tariffs and that’s part of what we’ll look for during this meeting,’ he told reporters.

‘Mutually beneficial’

Angel Ignacio, undersecretary of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, did not provide additional details about trade discussions. Ignacio only said the government will work on securing ‘an optimal and mutually beneficial rate’ for both countries.

The US government slapped a 19-percent tariff on Philippine exports to America, nearly the same import duty imposed on Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

According to an issuance promulgated by the White House, certain export items are excluded from the reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump such as desiccated coconuts, coconut meat and coconut oil.

Tiu Laurel said the high-level meeting held in Pasay City discussed increasing trade among the regional bloc ‘so that we can rely on each other first rather than rely on others that are far away.’ Aside from bolstering the region’s resilience to trade uncertainties, the agriculture chief said the gathering also tackled exploring other markets to promote Asean products. /rwd

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) apologized for its earlier post that included false information on actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal’s supposed death.

Famas had shared a tribute post dedicated to Rosal, 96, on its Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 4, but later removed it. The award-giving body then issued an apology, saying the information was false.

‘We sincerely apologize for an earlier post regarding the passing of Ms. Rosa Rosal,’ read the statement released via its Facebook page as well.

‘It has come to our attention that the information was false. Ms. Rosal remains with us, and we deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused her family, friends, and admirers,’ it continued.

Famas then underscored, ‘[We] value truth and integrity, and we will continue to be more vigilant in verifying information before releasing any public statement. We extend our heartfelt apologies to Ms. Rosal, her loved ones, and the public.’

Famas’ apology came after the family of Rosal dismissed claims that she had already died. The veteran actress’ family further noted that she is doing well. /ra

More legal experts and human rights groups have banded together to oppose the Senate resolution that seeks house arrest for former President Rodrigo Duterte while he faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Among the signatories of the joint statement released on Friday are the Philippine Coalition for the ICC, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity (iDefend), Ateneo Human Rights Center, Center for International Law, Philippine Human Rights Information Center, Movement Against Disinformation, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Coalition against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Medical Action Group, Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance, Alyansa para sa Karapatang Pantao, IDEALS, Network against Killings in the Philippines, Free Legal Assistance Group, Union of Peoples’ Lawyers Mindanao, and Balay Rehabilitation Center.

No basis

Among the legal experts who also signed the statement were Rep. Leila de Lima, dean Jose Mari Tirol, dean Manuel Quibod, professor Cirilo Yuro, Jr.; and lawyers Roel Dapiton, Larry Firmeza, Kchyrziahshayne Dinopol, Alyanna Cortum, Alfredo Arungayan III, Nestor Moreno, Cynthia Ng, Fitz Macalalag, John Maghopoy, and Ricardo Escanlar of the University of San Agustin College of Law.

In their statement, the groups stressed that the tribunal based in The Hague, the Netherlands is ‘insulated’ from the ‘special arrangements’ that the Senate is requesting for Duterte, who is detained at the ICC facility at the Scheveningen prison.

‘Independent of political pressure, the court operates in accordance with the Rome Statute and will determine the terms of Duterte’s detention and any interim release under articles 58 (1) and 60 (2),’ they said, referring to the provisions for the issuance of summons as well as initial proceedings in the ICC.

The group stressed that the house arrest request has no basis since Duterte, as an ICC detainee, is subject to regular health monitoring and evaluation based on international standards.

‘Principled course’

‘This includes frequent and unannounced monitoring and evaluation by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which in turn follows the framework of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules),’ they said.

The groups urged the Philippine government to instead take a ‘principled course’ that vows to cooperate with international institutions, and pressed the Senate to ‘desist from political overtures that compromise the safety and dignity of victims.’

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told Filipino reporters on Thursday that the tribunal cannot ‘speculate’ on the outcome of Duterte’s request for temporary liberty, and that it is up to the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) I judges ‘to make a decision on this matter.’

For its part, Hustisya, a group made up of families and relatives of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations, said the Senate resolution only aims to ‘shield power.’

‘It spits on the memory of the thousands of Filipinos slaughtered in Duterte’s so-called war on drugs and war against dissent, the poor dragged from their homes, the fathers executed in front of their children, the mothers and sisters who still grieve, the families who continue to search for answers,’ the group said in a statement on Thursday.

‘Instead of accountability, the Senate has chosen denial,’ it added.

For Cristina Palay, secretary general of Karapatan, the Senate resolution only proved that the upper chamber is ‘packed with Duterte lackeys and apologists.’ ‘This is a Senate bereft of integrity,’ she said.