Author: Singapore News Gazette

MANILA: China's so-called 'new model' of conduct around Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is 'nothing more than a new invention,' the National Security Council (NSC) said Monday. In a seminar conducted by the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) for the media, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año maintained that there is 'no agreement whatsoever' in Ayungin Shoal between the Philippines and China. 'Now, this 'new model' announced by the Chinese Embassy is nothing more than a new invention. As the President has clearly stated, there is no agreement whatsoever about Ayungin Shoal and that we shall continue to do all activities within the bounds of international law and we shall brook no interference in our lawful actions,' Año said. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines previously said 'a new model for management of the Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) situation was also agreed upon by both sides early this year after rounds of serious communications with the Philippin e military.' Ayungin Shoal, some 115 nautical miles away from mainland Palawan, has been the latest flashpoint of China's aggression in the WPS where its coast guard and maritime militia have been engaging in dangerous attacks and maneuvers, including the use of water cannon, against Philippine vessels. The two countries have been locked in a longstanding territorial row amid China's expansion in the South China Sea, which it claims along with maritime features that are well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone like Ayungin Shoal. China's claim, anchored on the nine-dash line which is now a 10-dash-line, has already been rejected by the 2016 arbitral ruling, which it vehemently disregards. China's misinformation The NTF-WPS, which Año chairs, has been conducting seminars for members of the media as part of its aggressive communications strategy to combat fake news and misinformation that muddled the issue on China's continued bullying in the WPS. Año said 'corrosive narratives' being parroted by 'local apologists, propagandists, trolls, and fearmongers who are promoting a 'defeatist' attitude, are making the issue on WPS worse.' Acknowledging the power of the media to influence public opinion, Año then urged journalists not to fall into a trap which 'clearly seeks to sow division in our country and weaken our resolve in asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS," and join the government in upholding the Philippines rights in the disputed territory through factual reporting. Among the 'twisted and baseless narratives' that Filipinos must be aware of, according to Año, is the alleged 'gentleman's agreement' of China and the Philippines during the previous administration. 'These are clearly black propaganda used to create distractions, divisions, and conflict among our people,' Año said. 'It serves no purpose and has no bearing because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been very clear: 'This administration is not aware of any secret or gentleman's agreement and if there was such done under a previous administration, the same has been rescinded',' he added, quoting President Marcos' statement on the issue. Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Senate on Monday honored the 26 recipients of the 16th Ani ng Dangal Awards (ADA) and the nine Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees for representing the Philippines in the global artistic scene and their contributions to Philippine cultural heritage, respectively. In her sponsorship speech of Senate Resolution No. 958, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda noted that the ADA is not just a mere token of appreciation, but symbolizes the Filipino's character, creativity and innovativeness. She said each artist, performer, writer, filmmaker, and cultural advocate who received the ADA deserved to be honored as their work 'transcends our vast archipelago, delivering our cultural and artistic landscape throughout the globe.' 'Your work knows no boundaries, overcoming the language barrier, and touching the hearts and souls of people across the country and beyond,' Legarda said. The Filipino artists who received the ADA included Sam Manacsa, JT Trinidad, Stephen Lopez, Whammy Alcazaren, Kayla Abuda Galang, Nathan Carreon Lim, and Ma-an Asuncion-Dagnalan for winning prestigious awards in international film festivals. Meanwhile, Kristel de Catalina, Legit Status, La Salle Filipiniana Dance Company, Folk Jumpers, Rhea R. Marquez, Julius Jun M. Obero, Edelyn P. De Asis, HQ Dance Collective, and Halili-Cruz School of Ballet dancers showcased their exceptional talents in dance competitions worldwide. Jannina Eliana Pena, De La Salle University Chorale, Jose Emmanuel D. Aquino, Young Voices of the Philippines, Kammerchor Manila, and Anthony Villanueva brought honors to the country through their musical achievements; while Albert Emir Reyes and Domcar Calinawan Lagto excelled in visual arts competitions, winning top prizes in France and China. The nine GAMABA awardees, meanwhile, were congratulated and honored through Senate Resolution No. 959. In her sponsorship speech, Legarda noted that modernization, digitization, colonization, and neoliberalism pose challenges to preserving traditional arts , making GAMABA a crucial effort to safeguard and transmit them to the youth. GAMABA recognizes exceptional traditional artists, especially outside Metro Manila, ensuring the continuation of their skills. The nine GAMABA awardees were Adelita Romualdo Bagcal, an Ilocano master of oral traditions from Banna, Ilocos Norte; Rosie Godwino Sula, a Tboli chanter from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Abina Tawide Coguit, a Manobo embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas a Sama master of traditional dance from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Tboli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Bundos Bansil Fara; Marife Ravidas Ganahon, a Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Amparo Balansi Mabanag, a Ga'dang embroiderer from Paracelis, Mountain Province; Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, a Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental; and Tboli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Barbara Kibed Ofong. Source: Philippines News Agency

BUTUAN CITY: Seven high school students from Surigao City displayed their mathematical prowess and bagged awards during the Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad held in Bangkok on Sunday. Lance Suan, Miljohn Uzed Pomoy, Roman Nathaniel Galila, Kurt Kaylax Calado, Rud Russel Elandag, Arzel Matthew Go and Joseph Andrae Andoy were led by their coach, Gemma Orozco. Suan bagged the silver medal and Euler's Prize in Number Theory, while Pomoy pocketed a bronze. The five other delegates earned merit awards. Upon returning home, the students will resume preparations for the final round of the Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad slated in Quezon City next month. "The awards that would serve as inspiration to the other students in the city," Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao said in a statement. Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The 14-year-old girl who was first reported to have been gunned down by an intruder in Cebu province was a victim of accidental firing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on Monday. 'Ang totoo po aksidente po itong namatay dahil 'yung isang kapatid po niya ay nalaglag po ang baril mula bulsa at tumamang aksidente ang bala sa kapatid nya na during that time ay nakahiga po (The truth is it was an accident. A gun fell from the pocket of one of his brothers. It went off accidentally and the bullet hit the victim who was lying down at that time),' PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Earlier reports said the victim, a seventh grader, was working on her learning modules when shot dead in their house in Talisay City on the morning of April 26. Fajardo said charges of obstruction of justice and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide will be filed against the victim's brother, who had previous involvement in illegal drugs. She said the v ictim's father and sister-in-law will also be facing charges of obstruction of justice for concealing information. She said the teenager's father hid the unregistered revolver firearm, which has been subjected to ballistics examination. Fajardo said the family made up a story of an intruder and even destroyed a door to make it appear like a robbery case. Closed-circuit television camera recordings were recovered, containing the conversations of the involved persons. Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will offer free rides to all workers on May 1 during the morning and evening rush hours to mark Labor Day. In a statement Monday, LRT-2 operator Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said the Department of Labor and Employment requested the free service to recognize the sacrifices and contribution of Filipino workers to the economy. 'Hindi man po namin matatawaran ang inyong sakripisyo at ang inyong napakalaking ambag, sana ma-iparamdam namin sa pamamagitan nitong libreng sakay ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat (While we are incapable of giving something that is equal to your sacrifices and contributions, we wish to make you feel our gratitude through these free rides),' LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said. In a separate advisory, MRT-3 officer in charge, Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino said the free rides are a gift to workers who work daily to provide for their families. 'Ang kanilang mga sakripisyo ang aming inspirasyon upang patuloy na pagbutihin ang aming serbisyo. Ipinagmamalaki, pinasasalamatan, at sinasaluduhan po namin ang lahat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino (Their sacrifice is our inspiration to improve our services. We are proud, thankful, and we salute all Filipino workers),' Aquino said. The free rides in both rail services will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Workers must show company or government-issued identification to avail of free rides. Labor Day is an annual regular holiday in the Philippines. The first commemoration of Labor Day happened on May 1, 1903, organized by the Union Obrera Democratica de Filipinas, the country's first labor federation. Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Senators unanimously approved on Monday Senate Bill (SB) No. 2594 which seeks to create three more Shari'a Judicial Districts and 12 Shari'a Circuit Courts in the country. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the measure is a product of his discussion with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo during their dialogue with the officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Cagayan de Oro City. "For those people who are not aware, right now, the Shari'a courts are only in the BARMM region. Since we have a lot of brother Muslims all over the Philippines, this increase will now give them an opportunity to hear their cases where they reside, whether it is in Northern Luzon, Central Visayas, or in other areas of Mindanao," Zubiri said. Under Article 138 of Presidential Decree No. 1083 or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines, there are five Shari'a Judicial Districts - in Sulu; Tawi-Tawi; Basilan with Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and the cities of Dipolo g, Pagadian, and Zamboanga; Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur with cities of Iligan and Marawi; and Maguindanao with Cotabato province, Sultan Kudarat, and the city of Cotabato. Each has one Shari'a District Court presided over by one judge. If passed into law, SB 2594 will establish a 6th Shari'a Judicial District with five Shari'a Circuit Courts to cover the provinces of Bukidnon; Misamis Oriental; Misamis Occidental; Camiguin with the cities of Cagayan de Oro; and provinces within Regions XI and XIII. The provinces within Regions VI, VII and VIII will be under the 7th Shari'a Judicial District with three Shari'a Circuit Courts; while the provinces within the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, II, III, IV-A will be under the 8th Shari'a Judicial District with four Shari'a Circuit Courts including in the National Capital Region. A 6th Shari'a District Court will also be created to be based in Davao City, another one in Cebu City as the 7th Shari'a District Court, and the 8th Shari'a District Co urt in the City of Manila. 'Muslim Filipinos are now one step closer to having better access to the specialized knowledge and expertise of Shari'a judges promoting fair and equal treatment of Muslims under the law, with the goal of promoting inclusive, impartial, speedy, and quality justice to all regardless of the people's geographic location," Senator Francis Tolentino, the measure's sponsor, said. Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla, who co-authored the measure, thanked his colleagues and the Supreme Court for their contribution in the drafting the measure. Source: Philippines News Agency

BACOLOD CITY: The municipality of E. B. Magalona in Negros Occidental has put the spotlight on its famous products - blue crabs and coffee - in celebrating 35 years of its main fiesta, the Ugyonan Festival, which is being held until May 1. The northern Negros town is known as the province's blue crab capital for its abundant blue-swimming crab production and organic coffee grown in the forest of Barangay Canlusong. 'We're very proud to show the many interesting cuisines that can be made using blue crabs, and drinks and desserts using Canlusong coffee,' Mayor Marvin Malacon said in a statement on Monday. These were showcased during the 1st Saravia Culinary Contest participated in by teams from both the town's coastal and uplands barangays at the public plaza on April 27. The competition honors the former name of E. B. Magalona, which is Saravia. In the Crab Category where two dishes were required per entry, the champion's prize went to the Ugyonan Crab Curry and Ugyonan Tempura of Poblacion 2 created by J ohn Russil Bausing, Andrei Lois Soberano, and Mark Lester Villarin. The Crab Shala and Crab Samosa of Barangay Alicante's Joan Borlan, Rosie Joy Reyes, and Christella Polines placed first runner-up, while the Crab Cake and Crab Rangoon of Barangay Latasan's Franche Louis Ortequesa, Jules Romero, and Michaela Divinagracia was second runner-up. Under the Coffee Category, Barangay Cudangdang's Orange Canlusong Cold Brew Coffee Spritz and Biscuit Crumb Canlusong Pudding made by Benjansun Beronilla and Jethro Trocio topped the drink and dessert entries. Barangay Alacaygan's Gateau de Kape and Ala Coffee Mousse Drink of Melanie Pelayo and Joey Esclabanan was first runner-up while Barangay Consing's Sea Salt Cream Cold Brew and Coffee Cheesecake created by Sophia Jemella and Annabelle Jontongco, was second runner-up. 'Indeed, what better venue to highlight these than through a culinary contest during the Ugyonan Festival,' Malacon said. The Canlusong organic coffee, which has four varieties - robusta, excelsa, arabica and liberica, comes from the beans of coffee trees growing wild in the forest of Barangay Canlusong at an elevation of more than 1,600 feet above sea level. These coffee trees are nurtured by local farmers, who harvest and pack the coffee beans using sustainable and environment-friendly practices. 'Our blue crabs and Canlusong coffee have international buyers,' the mayor said. Source: Philippines News Agency

LAOAG CITY: The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) on Monday announced a five-year plan to upgrade its distribution system to solve perennial power outages in the province, which is expected to cost around PHP3 billion. The average daily electricity demand of the cooperative's 183,000 members rose to 67 megawatts from 40 megawatts due to El Niño phenomenon, acting general manager Cipriano Martinez said in a press conference at the INEC main office in Dingras said. 'Whatever it takes, we will do that (upgrading of the system) to become efficient in distribution,' Martinez said, citing the plan to take out a loan from the National Electrification Administration (NEA). Engineer Jenner Pablo, INEC Construction, Operation and Maintenance Division manager, said at least three of their substations are nearly reaching 100 percent capacity and the other transformers are overloaded, hence, the need to make some adjustments to address the situation temporarily. However, this takes time, thus the power outages in affected substations such as in Dingras, Marcos and Tanggaoan in Vintar. To ensure the reliability of the distribution system and cater to the increasing power demand of consumers, Pablo said, there is a need to add more substations and increase the capacity of existing substations and transformers to avoid overloading or underloading. To date, INEC has 11 existing substations but the one in Badoc is currently under the rebuilding stage after it was damaged last year, while the one in Bacarra is expected to be completed in six months. "Aside from the two (substations in Badoc and Bacarra), we need to put up three more substations in Pagudpud, Laoag and Nueva Era,' Martinez added. A new substation in San Nicolas town is also being prepared for commissioning in time for the opening of the SM Laoag at the end of this year. Source: Philippines News Agency