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FIVE LOCAL HOLIDAYS IN OCT. NEWS / A3
ISRAEL CONTINUES TO POUND HEZBOLLAH WORLD / A6
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 227• 3 SECTIONS PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2024 • VOL. 16 XXXVIII • NO. 330• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES30, • P20 •SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2025 •
PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay DA sets P58/k max SRP for imported rice in NCR T PRICE CHECK. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (left) and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (in red) check the prices of rice at the Murphy Public Market in Quezon City on Friday, January 10, 2025. Tiu Laurel said he is confident that retailers and importers would cooperate with the government in its efforts to tame spiking rice retail prices. Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Speaker grateful for PMA Class '83 vote of confidence in Quad Comm
By Rio N. Araja
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary By OthelBarayuga. Campos Wesley
Agri chief says move to keep prices fair, fight profiteers “If we don’t see P60 per kilo of rice after January 20, that’s already a significant achievement,” he added. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including importers, retailers, industry representatives, government agencies, and law enforcement. The MSRP will be implemented in Metro Manila and reviewed monthly to reflect changes in global rice prices. It may decrease if global prices continue to decline. "Based on our analysis of data
T
and profit margins provided by importers and retailers, imported 5 percent broken rice should not exceed P58 per kilo. Higher-grade rice should be priced accordingly,” Tiu Laurel said. To bring down rice prices, the DA earlier directed the Food Terminals Inc. to sell rice through “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” centers and kiosks at subsidized prices at P45 per kilo for 5 percent broken; P40/k for 25 percent broken, and P36/k for 100 percent broken.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police HE Department of Agriculture set the maximum General Rommel Francisco Marretail price (MSRP) for imported rice bil said hesuggested ordered the reopening of the cold at caseP58 afterper whistleblower kilo, effective January 20, 2025. Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he "Thiscarry MSRP strike at a deliensure that the rice industry remains helped outaims the tokilling the cate balance between business sustainprofitable. We cannot allow the greed behest of ex-PCSO general manager ability and the welfare of consumers of a few to jeopardize the well-being of Royina Garma. andMendoza farmers. We must ensure the conprice an entire nation," Agriculture secretary narrated before of rice is fair andGarma affordable even asfawe Francisco Tiu Laurel said. Next page gressmen how allegedly cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD carry it out. Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic The whistleblower also implicated adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug incumbent National Police Comtrade and extrajudicial killings. missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder. Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly By Rachelle Tonelada, threatened to expose corruption withMaricel V. Cruz, in the PCSO shortly Charles before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City. Dantes and Joel E. Zurbano Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. THE legal counsel of Chinese adviser of former President Rodrigo of illegal drugs and illegal activities Colonel, allegedly the top AN ANCHOR fromgained the Iglesia Ni businessman Tony Yang sought to Duterte. associated with POGOs,” Suarez said spot at the PCSO because of her arm inCristo’s (INC) official broadcast disparage lawmakers’ conclusions Fortun, a lawyer who often finds in a mixture of Filipino and English. Nextclaimpage sought to debunk “fake news” about his client’s supposedly himself at the center high-profile The solons explained how the ing that the religious organization’s ralsketchy past and his alleged ties cases, apparently sought to mock matrix details Yang’s connections to ly on Monday was intended to defend with Philippine Overseas Gaming congressmen, calling their probe other individuals involved in illicit Vice President Sara Duterte against efOperators (POGOs) and even “unacceptable.” activities, including the operations of forts to oust her from office, clarifying organized crime. However, House members argued illegal POGOs. instead that it will be a National Rally Lawyer Raymond Fortun they did not come by their suspicions Among the companies implicated for Peace. questioned the House Quad about Yang recklessly. are Brickhartz Technology Inc. The clarification came amid social Committee’s impartiality and its On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., media posts suggesting that the event, ability to pin Chinese national Yang Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga which are being linked to alleged scheduled on January 13 at the Quirino down for ay wrongdoing in a real and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of kidnapping. BUDGET GUIDELINES. President Ferdinand Jr. holds an informal meeting Cabinet supposedly officials on Grandstand in Manila, is a show of criminal court. Quezon'Bongbong' presentedMarcos a matrix showing The with twoselectfirms Friday, January 10, 2025, to discuss guidelines in implementing government programs under the 2025 national budget. Present at the force for Duterte, who is facing at least “I am very interested in how they Yang’s first appearance and his have connections with the Baofu meeting are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Labor [Quad Comm members] can and prove subsequent at the Balisacan. Quad PCOCompound in Bamban, Tarlac, Next page Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Socioeconomic Planningactivities Secretary Arsenio this criminal network in court. In Comm hearing. which, in turn, can be directly traced Congress, lawmakers act as both “We saw a pattern, and we tracked to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo. prosecutor and judge,” he said. it to the top of these corporations... During Friday’s Quad Comm Yang, who already admitted we stripped it of its layers , to get to hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang having a fake Philippine birth the top and through it all, we have in contempt for “lying” to about his certificate, is the brother of Michael discovered and identified at least two businesses and business partners. Yang, a presidential economic main actors or players in the issue Next page
‘INC rally not for VP Sara but to promote peace’
Bygovernment Alena Mae THE hasFlores readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communiCONSUMERS anties that may be hitcan hardexpect by typhoon other round oil price hike ‘Julian’ whichofPAGASA saysnext could week much as P0.75 per liturn intobya as supertyphoon. ter all petroleum products.PAAsacross of 5:00 PM on Sunday, The Department of GASA raised Tropical Energy Cyclone Oil Industry Wind Signal Management No. 3 overBureau Batanes (OIMB) director Rodela Romero and the northeastern portion of Basaid Islands. gasoline is expected to inbuyan crease by P0.40 to P0.70toper liter, “’Julian’ is forecast continue diesel by P0.45 P0.75next per liter intensifying overto the 24-36 and kerosene by P0.65 to P0.75 hours as it moves towards Batanes per liter. and/or Babuyan Islands. With the Shetrend said in theitsprice increases current intensification, the movement of pricessuper in thereflect possibility of reaching the world oil market forruled the first typhoon category is not out,” four dayssaid of Mean Platts SingaPAGASA in itsofadvisory. pore (MOPS) trading. Meanwhile, the National DisasRomero said theand forecasted ter Risk Reduction Manageincrease can (NDRRMC) be attributed said to thethat ment Council Organization of the Petroleum a total of 1.9 million family food Exporting packs worthCountries P1.48 (OPEC) billion, and other Russian datamillion, showingand food itemsproduction worth P276 both declined December. non-food itemsin(NFIs) worth P919 She said the anticipated rise by million were already prepared in Asian demand due to the ecothe Department of Social Welfare nomic stimulus package of China and Development (DSWD). and coldP171 blasts million in the USinand EuSome standby rope where several US states have fund is also available for utilization a stateincluding of emergency bydeclared the DSWD, P123furmiltherwhich pushed upbe oil allotted prices. as Quick lion can Jetti Petroleum president Response Fund (QRF) in theLeo cenBellas estimated a slightly tral office of the DSWD. higher increase of P0.60 to P0.80 per literDiIn Batanes, the Provincial Next page saster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
Speaker's 'rival' disqualified, not PH lobbies UN registered voter for Security Taclobanseat Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry in Council
DOTr’s Bautista says online news report‘unfounded'
AFP to heighten intel gathering, check background of poll bets
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines is planning to check the background of candidates for the midterm polls. “If we see red flags, we will report this to the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” AFP chief of staff Gen. BAUTISTA Romeo Brawner said. "One of the things that the AFP is looking into now is through our intelBy Darwin Amojelar ligence operations, we are looking into the candidates, all theSecretary candidates. We TRANSPORTATION Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members. “The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said By Angelica Villanueva in a Viber message, referring to the THE Muntinlupa Trial website that publishedRegional the said story. Court issuedis inconsistent,” a writ of habeas data “Bilyonaryo he added. forBilyonaryo the upcoming film "The Rapists reported online that of Pepsi and Paloma” by director Darryl “Bautista his long-time protege in Yap, but his lawyerUndersecretary said no stop order Philippine Airlines, for was given. Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are “Writ wasofissued, no stop at the center the storm after order,” it was Yap’s lawyer Raymond Fortun said NextNews page in a statement sent to GMA
Oil price hike Gov’t readies looms next P1.48b aid as P0.75/l 'Jweek: ulian' strengthens PAGASA
Paris Hilton among artists to lose homes Navy spokes debunks China claim in LA wildfires of military exercises in Scarborough shoal are looking into their backgrounds," he added. Brawner said the AFP is also addressing concerns surrounding private armed groups, “peace spoilers,” and other “threats.” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. By Rex Espiritu Xerxes Trinidad said the military is intensifying its intelligence gathering to THE Philippine Navy the debunked help the Comelec ensure integrity on Sunday the recent announceNext page ment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the anOnline. nouncement coinciding with the Veteran television host-actor Vic fourth Multilateral Maritime comCoSotto earlier filed a cyber-libel operative Activity plaint against Yap, between following the the Philippines, Australia, release of the movie’s teaserJapan, where New the United Sotto’sZealand, name was and mentioned. States within exclusive Sotto's legal Manila’s counsel Enrique Dela economic zonethe(EEZ) the reCruz described court'sin issuance of gional waters a writ of habeasover datathe as aweekend. recognition ofPhilippine the validity Navy of theirSpokesperson claims. NextVinpage for WPS Rear Admiral Roy
‘No stop order vs. Pepsi Paloma film’
LOS ANGELES—Film and televicent reporters that sion Trinidad stars are told among hundreds of Manila troops did not monitor people who have lost their homes in any activity,wildfires adding that the such Los Angeles that Beihave jing’s statement was meant only ravaged parts of the world's showbiz for its internal audience. capital. “Our notbest-known observe These troops are somedid of the any exercise, we have to undercelebrities who have been impacted by stand thatthissometimes, China is the blazes week: doing this for their internal audiParis Hilton ence, right? For them not to43,look Hotel heiress Paris Hilton, said weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad she watched her seafront Malibu home said. burn to the ground on live television, Two on Chinese warships writing Instagram that shewere was monitored at a distance ranging "heartbroken." from eight 14 nautical "My hearttoaches for those miles. still in One of these went to 1,000 harm's way or mourningup greater losses. yards at the MMCA site but evenThe devastation is unimaginable," Hiltually went away. “It was not ton wrote. threatening, just normal,” She later shared a video of accordher five Next Next page page
Paris Hilton
Mark Hamill
Next page
THE Philippine government on HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez Sunday for theasUnitis now publicly running called unopposed Leyte ed Nations (UN)after to give a seat on representative the itCommission the UN Security Council, highlighton Elections found his lone rival to be ing the country’svoter strong record and an unregistered of Tacloban. dedication to chairman upholdingGeorge the rule of Comelec Garcia law. on Friday said Romilda Bacale, who of Foreignseat Affairs is Department seeking a congressional to rep(DFA) Enrique Manalo in resent Secretary the first district of Leyte against aRomualdez, speech delivered at the UN Genwas now disqualified. eralHer Assembly in New York said thethe name was excluded from Philippines continues to emphasize official ballot, he added. the “She “importance upholding the of is not a ofregistered voter rule of law and integrity Tacloban. She the moved fromof the Sammultilateral in the faceRegistraof topaloc. The system ERB (Election day’s global challenges.” tion Board) and the courts denied it. Quoted by reports, ManaloNext also page said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.” He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian ReNext page
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jeff Bridges
AWARD. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, was honored by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) with its Outstanding Filipino Retailers President Award for his visionary leadership in retail development. (From left to right): PRA Director and Director of SM Retail Jorge T. Mendiola, PRA Vice President and President and COO of Golden, ABC, Inc. (The Penshoppe Group) LOST Massive wildfires that engulfed whole neighborhoods Alice T.HOMES. Liu, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hansand T. Sy, displaced thousands Los Angeles remained totally uncontained, authorities said, as PRA President andin Chairman of Quorum International, Inc. (Toby’s Sports) Roberto USS. National Guard soldiers readied to hit the streets to help quell disorder. Swaths Claudio, and PRA Director and President of Sportshouse Int’l. Leisure, Inc. andof the United States' of second-largest city lay in ruins,Mars withC. smoke proponent PRA OFR President’s Award Chua blanketing the sky and an acrid smell pervading almost every building. AFP