Laos Newswire

MANILA: Residents of a coastal community in Ballesteros, Cagayan can now heave a sigh of relief as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has delivered a vital seawall along the shoreline, fortifying defense against flooding.

DPWH Regional Office II Director Reynaldo Alconcel said the project was completed along the coast of Barangay Sta. Cruz, spanning 260 linear meters.

The area has long been vulnerable to flooding.

‘As the region braces for future challenges especially this rainy season, the newly built barrier stands as a symbol of protection and resilience, embodying our collective effort to safeguard vulnerable communities against natural calamities,’ Alconcel said in a media release on Monday.

The DPWH Cagayan 2nd District Engineering Office implemented the seawall project worth PHP48.2 million, funded through the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Fitch Solutions unit BMI said the Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely lower key interest rates by 50 basis points (bps) by October this year.

In a report on Monday, BMI said the BSP will only start to reduce interest rates after the US Federal Reserve decides to cut rates.

“The BSP kept its benchmark policy rate unchanged at its June 27 meeting. While this did not come as a surprise to us, we are revising our policy rate forecast to incorporate just one 50 bps cut in October at the earliest,” BMI said.

The MB, which is BSP’s highest policymaking body, kept policy rates unchanged at 6.5 percent for six consecutive meetings.

“We still think that the Bank’s next move will be a cut and it will materialize only when the Fed embarks on policy easing of its own. The main difference from our last update is that we have revised our Fed outlook,” BMI said.

It forecasts the Fed to reduce interest rates by 50 bps starting in September.

According to BMI, while BSP Governo
r Eli Remolona Jr. hinted the possibility of a rate cut in August, “an early cut remains out of the question even if price pressures ease substantially.”

BMI said the reduced rice tariff can help lower headline inflation by up to 1.3 percentage points but this would take some time before the full impact feed through to rice prices.

It however noted that inflation is expected to settle at 3.2 percent this year which is well within the government’s target.

BMI said at present, the “biggest barrier to monetary loosening is currency stability.”

The Philippine peso has been hovering at more than 58 to a dollar in the past weeks.

“Constant fluctuations in US interest rate expectations have led to much volatility in many emerging market currencies. And the peso is no exception. As such, the BSP will be extremely mindful of a pre-emptive return to monetary loosening, for fear of exacerbating weakness in the already weak peso,” BMI said.

“This feeds into our expectations for the BSP to embark on its first cut on
ly in October at the earliest. The monetary cycles of both the Philippines and the Fed tend to track each other closely,” it said.

It however said the BSP may also cut rates earlier than expected if inflationary pressures recede faster.

For 2025, BMI forecasts the BSP to ease policy rates by another 150 bps.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday it is now preparing to file election offense cases against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

In an interview, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said he would talk to their Law Department to start looking into the pieces of evidence that can be used to file poll cases against Guo.

Garcia, meanwhile, said they are awaiting the report of the Senate’s investigation on the matter, as well as the quo warranto petition to be filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) against Guo.

‘Syempre mas maganda din talaga na mahintay namin ang mismong Senate committee report. Ano ba ang mga nakita nila na ebidensya at syempre yung sa OSG. Pero pwede namin gawing basehan ang nilalaman ng petition for quo warranto upang makita namin meron ba talagang misrepresentation (Of course, it would be better for us to wait for the Senate committee report. What are their findings and the pieces of evidence that they have, as well as that of the OSG. But we c
an also use as a basis the petition for quo warrant for us to determine whether was indeed a misrepresentation),” he said.

He said this is aside from perjury and falsification cases that can possibly be filed against Guo.

He said an election offense has a five-year prescriptive period.

‘Kung 2022 po ang violation, wala pang limang taon (If the violation was committed in 2022, it has not reached five years yet). Therefore, may jurisdiction pa kami na maghain ng kaso (we still have a jurisdiction for us to file a case). Kung nakaligtas ka sa (If you evaded) administrative liability, hindi ka nakakaligtas sa (you cannot be spared from) criminal liability,” Garcia said.

Comelec earlier said a misrepresentation case may be filed against Guo for making false claims in her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) when she ran in the May 2022 elections.

In her COC, she declared Tarlac City, Tarlac as her place of birth, and that she has been living in the Philippines for 35 years and two months.

Last week, the National B
ureau of Investigation said Guo’s fingerprints matched that of a Chinese woman named Guo Hua Ping, possibly indicating that they are the same person.

Reports said Guo Hua Ping entered the Philippines in 2003 when she was just 13 years old.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday extended his deepest gratitude to the valiant officers and personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) led by Lt Gen. Stephen Parreño, and vowed the administration’s continued support to the capability development of the ‘faithful guardians’ of the Philippine aerial domain.

In his speech during the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, President Marcos assured that ‘consistent efforts’ are being undertaken by the administration, such as acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems and pursuing base development programs.

‘We have likewise acquired additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, which have transformed our operational readiness and enhanced our operational reach,’ Marcos said.

‘Indeed, these assets contribute to an agile Air Force – capable of protecting our nation, our people, and our resources, and dedicated to ensure that we are re
ady to face challenges with advanced precision, speed, and force,’ he added.

President Marcos also recognized the PAF for soaring through the skies, ‘gallantly embodying the Filipinos’ enduring spirit of freedom,’ and assured its personnel of his administration’s support for their welfare and well-being.

‘As your Commander-in-Chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely,’ he said.

‘Let it be known that your unparalleled dedication and noble duty to our nation are hereby recognized,’ he added.

President Marcos said the government has taken significant steps that complement and boost the administration’s vision for a stronger and more capable Air Force through increased maritime domain awareness within the Philippine Air Force Defense Identification Zone.

‘We have also heightened our international defense and security engagements by susta
ining our talks with our foreign military counterparts and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises,’ he said.

President Marcos said the significant steps taken by the government to boost PAF capability are a testament of the government’s stern resolve to contribute to the global peace and security.

‘In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations,’ he added.

The President urged the PAF to move forward guided by the ideals of a Bagong Pilipinas and remain united in their mission ‘to protect our skies, defend our lands, and serve the Filipino people.’

‘Together, let us fortify our efforts to build a stronger Air Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines that will serve as an instrument for peace and for unity, a catalyst for nation-building, and a vanguard of stability.’

Show of capability

During Mon
day’s celebration, the PAF showcased its ability to seize control of enemy-occupied territory, where a scenario featured fighter jets neutralizing enemy aircraft and launching bomb-run to destroy enemy command and control infrastructure.

This was followed by targeted surface attacks from PAF’s A29B Super Tucano aircraft while Black Hawk helicopters, equipped with Fast Rope Insertion and Extrication Systems (FRIES) deployed special operations forces for rapid infiltration.

The show also highlighted the Ground Based Air Defense System’s (GBADS) swift detection and destruction of short to medium-range aerial threats.

A formation flight of T-41 and SF-260 aircraft also formed the number “77,” symbolizing the PAF’s 77 years.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) on Monday received pledges from its 31 partners to plant more than 2.7 million trees nationwide in 2025 to ensure the steady supply of water in the country in the years ahead.

The pledge was announced during the 2nd Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) and awarding ceremony held at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) office in Balara, Quezon City.

During the ceremony, the MWSS and AMTC honored their partners and individuals who planted millions of trees in 2023.

AMTC is targeting to plant 10 million trees by 2030. To date, AMTC has planted 7.8 million trees since 2017.

The awardees for 2023 received certificates of recognition for fulfilling their pledges to plant trees nationwide.

Recipients of the Champion of Trees Award and Million Trees Achiever that have planted over a million trees from 2017 to 2023 were San Miguel Corporation, Manila Water, Maynilad and Sta. Ana International Corporation.

One Million Tree Foundation’s origin tr
aces back to the Annual Million Tree Challenge, launched on Feb. 18, 2017 by then MWSS administrator Gen. Reynaldo Velasco (ret.)

The foundation rehabilitated seven critical watersheds, namely Angat, Ipo, Kaliwa, La Mesa, Laguna Lake, Umiray, and Upper Marikina, including Manila Bay.

It is advocating for the planting of bamboos along river banks; and narra and ylang-ylang trees in other areas

Bamboos help absorb excess water, cut soil losses, and minimize soil erosion.

The foundation is not only concerned with tree-planting, reforestation, and environmental sustainability but also to provide livelihood opportunities, particularly those in the communities through its tree-planting advocacy.

MWSS plans

Meanwhile, the MWSS has drawn up a roadmap designed to protect and preserve the country’s rich natural resources, particularly water, according to its administrator, Leonor Cleofas.

‘The MWSS’ mission as the prime mover of water security in Metro Manila, parts of Cavite and Rizal, and the province of Bulac
an is shared with its environmental and social arm, the Million Trees Foundation,’ Cleofas said on the sidelines of the AMTC awarding ceremony.

Cleofas said ‘the seed we have planted in 2017 has grown and branched and has since touched so many lives, instilling in each and every one of us the importance of taking care of our environment.’

Cleofas said that there is a 25-year Integrated Watershed Management Roadmap for Angat, Ipo and La Mesa.

A similar roadmap is being prepared for the Umiray-Kaliwa-Kanan Watersheds and will also be undertaken covering the Laguna de Bay and Upper Marikina Watersheds.

‘These efforts are integral steps towards achieving an integrated watershed management roadmap, a merging of local and scientific knowledge and encouraging collaboration at every level of society,’ she said.

Source: Philippines News Agency

JAKARTA: An Indonesian health official has addressed concerns following a recent report on an infant’s death in Sukabumi, West Java, after receiving double immunization.

“Double immunization, administering recommended vaccines at one visit, is a safe practice,” Prima Yosephine, the Director of Immunization Management at the Ministry of Health, said Sunday.

She emphasized that the national immunization program, including both routine and catch-up schedules, follows the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Double immunization is just as safe and effective as single immunization, she said.

Yosephine said multiple immunizations in one visit are crucial to protecting children from various diseases as early as possible.

“The amount of antigens in vaccines is minimal compared to what our bodies encounter daily, and it does not overburden the immune system,” she pointed out.

A report from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aligns with this, showing that receiving a combina
tion of vaccines at once does not lead to chronic health problems.

Recommended vaccines are proven effective when combined or given individually. While some combinations might cause a temporary fever, this is a harmless side effect.

Yosephine also highlighted the benefits of double immunization, including faster protection for children, reduced anxiety and pain from fewer injections, and increased efficiency for health workers, who can then vaccinate more children and run other health programs.

Source: Philippines News Agency

CEBU CITY: Residents of a village near a military camp here may start availing of comprehensive medical services as the Department of Health (DOH) and city government here opened the Cebu City Super Family Health Center on Monday.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the center’s opening is part of the city’s commitment to improve healthcare by reducing congestion in publicly run hospitals.

Garcia cited the public-private partnership that led to the completion of the center that cost PHP13 million.

‘I would like to call it a partnership, with DOH as the overseer,’ Garcia said in a press conference on the sidelines of the center’s launch in Barangay Apas.

DOH-7 Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas said the center offers a full range of primary care, focusing mainly on disease prevention.

The new facility will focus on key health programs of the government like immunization, nutrition, disease prevention and prenatal care.

It is also equipped with an X-ray unit, ultrasound facility, pharmacy and supply room.

‘T
he role of the DOH is for technical advisory, assistance, and regulations,’ Bernadas said, adding that the city government will take care of the center’s operation.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Minimum wage earners in Metro Manila will get a bit of relief from the rising cost of living after the region’s wage board approved a PHP35 hike in their daily salary.

In a social media post Monday, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) said Wage Order No. NCR-25 was signed on June 27 and published Monday.

The order will take effect 15 days after its publication.

Upon its effectivity, the daily minimum pay for non-agriculture workers would be set at PHP645 from the current PHP610.

On the other hand, the daily minimum wage for workers in agriculture (plantation and non-plantation), service/retail establishments employing 15 workers or less, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers, will be raised to PHP608 from the current PHP573.

‘The minimum wage rates prescribed under this Order shall be for the normal working hours which shall not exceed eight (8) hours of work a day,’ it said.

Prior to the approval of the s
alary increase, three petitions were filed before the Board asking for wage adjustments ranging from PHP597 to PHP750, by Unity for Wage Increase Now, St. Lukes Medical Center Employees’ Association, The Medical City Employees’ Association, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City Employees’ Union Independent, Manila Doctors Hospital Employees’ Association and Pasig Labor Alliance for Democracy and Development.

The RTWPB-NCR held three consultations/public hearings with labor and management on May 23, June 4 and June 20 in Quezon City.

The last wage hike order in NCR was approved on July 16, 2023, which set a PHP40 increase.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven individuals, including a Chinese national, for offering Filipino minors and women of other nationalities for sexual services, during an operation in Quezon City last week.

In a press briefing on Monday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the arrested suspects as Moises Bognot, Jermaine Villanueva, Glenn Paolo Solijon, Darwin Tagalog, Lance Clifford Ungriano, Nighjer Teriote, and Chinese national Zhang Wenyou.

They were arrested on June 27 by operatives of the NBI-CyberCrime Division (CCD) in a condominium in Quezon City based on a complaint of a non-profit organization La Familia Rescue that certain individuals are engaged in human trafficking, offering minor female victims.

Seven Filipino minors aged between 13 and 17, three Russians and one Kazakhstan national, were rescued during the operation.

NBI Cybercrime Division Chief, Jeremy Lotoc, said the suspects could be part of an organized crime group manned by Chinese and Russians, and
transnational in scope.

The group is based in Dubai and headed by a Chinese national, Lotoc said citing an initial investigation.

Santiago said the female minors were offered in exchange for PHP5,000, while the Russians and Kazakhstan were trafficked for PHP45,000 each.

Lotoc said the foreign nationals entered the Philippines using tourist visas.

The suspects are facing charges of violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Source: Philippines News Agency