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China, US hold rival drills in disputed SCS waters CHINA showcased on Thursday fighter jets firing missiles in the South China Sea, as it held rival military exercises with the United States in the hotly contested waters. The drills follow tense standoffs between Beijing and Manila in disputed
reefs that saw vessels from the two countries collide and Chinese ships blast water cannons at Philippine boats. China last month voiced growing frustration and anger at the Philippines' unexpectedly bold tactics, warning its neighNext page bour to exercise "caution."
VOL. XXXVII • NO. 325 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 •
Investigate ‘corruption’ in PUV modernization Speaker asks DOTr to do thorough review of program
By Charles Dantes, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz
S
PEAKER Martin Romualdez called for a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation into the alleged “corruption” issues surrounding the jeepney modernization program.
In a statement, Romualdez said he will call on the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop to investigate the reports reaching his office indicating that alleged corrupt practices may have influenced the conceptualization and planned implementation of the program. “The reports alleged that existing
transport officials are in cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the old units,” Romualdez said. He also appealed to the Department of Transportation to conduct a thorough review of the modernization program and extend the period of its implementation Next page
‘Dropout rates may spike with SHS removal from colleges’ By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta LAWMAKERS on Thursday warned that removing senior high school programs in state universities and local colleges could worsen dropout rates in the country. Reps. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women's Party and France Castro of ACT Teachers issued the warning as they protested the Dec. 18, 2023 memo of the Commission on Higher Education reminding state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities Next page
New Nazareno ‘andas’ features glass enclosure, sound system By Joel Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE new andas or carriage that will carry the Black Nazarene during the Traslacion procession on Jan. 9 will have a tempered glass enclosure, a sound system, and a CCTV, the Quiapo Church said Thursday. Next page
PBBM, WIDODO TO MEET JAN. 10
NEWS / A4
US TEEN 1ST HUMAN TO BEAT TETRIS
BLESSING OF REPLICAS. Catholic devotees carry a replica of the Black Nazarene during the blessing of replicas in front of the Quiapo church in Manila on Jan. 4, 2024 ahead of the annual religious procession on Jan. 9 where millions of Catholic devotees are expected to attend. Inset photo shows the design of the new 'andas' or carriage that will be used during the Traslacion. AFP, Danny Pata
Lawmakers seek probe into power outages in Panay, parts of Negros ages that sent the entire Panay Island and portions of Negros Island into darkness since Wednesday, and said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) should be held accountable. LAWMAKERS on Thursday sought a Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo congressional inquiry into the power out- City Julienne Baronda said the blackout
By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Alena Mae Flores
the April 2023 region-wide power outages in response to Resolution 933. "House Resolution 933,which we authored along with fellow Ilonggo representatives, has yet to be concluded, and yet this new incident took place, Next page
Maharlika Corp. approves initial P125-b capitalization scheme By Darwin G. Amojelar and Charles Dantes
NEWS / A2
Investment Fund (MIF) could invest. In its first board meeting on Jan. 3, the MIC board approved the P125 billion capitalization. THE Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) MIC President and Chief Executive kicked off operations with a P125 billion Officer (PCEO) Rafael D. Consing, Jr. initial capitalization and identified highlighted possible investments potential areas in which the Maharlika Next page
GENETIC MARKERS LINKED TO BEING GAY
‘Rice prices may increase by P2/k’ By Charles Dantes
NEWS / A2
warrants scrutiny by the House of Representatives in the exercise of its congressional oversight function to safeguard public welfare. Baronda recalled that the House through its energy committee had conducted an inquiry in aid of legislation on
AN AGRICULTURE group on Thursday warned the public of possible P2 per kilo price increase in rice prices due to price hikes in the international market and low rice harvest.
"International prices have gone up. In Thailand and Vietnam, the prices are more or less the same. The traders and millers base their buying price on that, so the price is increasing,” SINAG president Rosendo So said in a television interview.
Next page
BY CANDLELIGHT. Ilonggos use candles amid the power outages in Panay
Island and parts of Negros Island. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas reminds residents to be vigilant to avoid fire incidents.