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FIVE LOCAL HOLIDAYS IN OCT. NEWS / A3

ISRAEL CONTINUES MASLOG GETS TO POUND HEZBOLLAH 6-10 YEARS WORLD / A6

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 227• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 •

NEWS / A2

‘Auspicious year’ for Marcos–feng shui expert

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official'seyes slaybuying Maharlika Chinese share in NGCP FOOD SECURITY EMERGENCY ASAP

By Ratziel San Juan PAGASA

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 348• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025 •

NEWS / A3

PBBM wishes ‘wisdom and empowerment’ for Pinoys

Speaker grateful for PMA Class '83 vote of confidence in Quad Comm

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embrace the Chinese New Year as a moment of By Rio N. Araja self-improvement and ambition, urging the nation to set bold inHEandPhilippine tentions strive for progress that benefits not onlyPolice individuals National but the country as a whole. (PNP) is reopening "As we welcome a new year its investigation of self-improvementinto and good fortune, let this event inspire the to2020 murder of us boldly set our intentions and Philippine confidently Charity pursue grand ambitions not only for ourselves Sweepstakes Office but for the greater good," Mr. (PCSO) secretary Marcos board said. Next page

Wesley Barayuga. On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information A MILITARY will his be about his schedule,platoon details about trained and on the using a USnecessary mid-range vehicle funding to Typhon missile system next month, carry it out. ahead of joint drills,also the implicated Philippine The whistleblower Army said Tuesday. incumbent National Police ComA new platoon from the Army's Armissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the tillery Regiment will receive "orientaplanning of the murder. tion and familiarization" training on Barayuga was a retired police the system, in thesupposedly second or general and starting lawyer who third weekto ofexpose February, Army spokesthreatened corruption withman Louie Dema-ala in a in theCol. PCSO shortly beforesaid he was pressdead conference. shot in Mandaluyong City. Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-

NEWS / A3 DOTr’s Bautista says online news report‘unfounded'

The week-long training will involve troops from the 1st MultiDomain Task Force of the US Army Pacific during the Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX), Demaala added. "This is a continuation of what we've learned in the first (training) iteration. Next page

Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens

THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says could turn into a supertyphoon. As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands. “’Julian’ is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 24-36 hours as it moves towards Batanes and/or Babuyan Islands. With the current trend in its intensification, the possibility of reaching super the Chinese... withisthe of typhoon category notState ruledGrid out,” China at this time," Consing PAGASA saidpoint in itsinadvisory. said. Meanwhile, the National DisassaidReduction MIC will and be inManagea better ter He Risk position to confirm NGCP's ment Council (NDRRMC) saidstatethat was nothing fear ament totalthat of there 1.9 million familytofood from China's powerother grid packs worth stake P1.48in the billion, operator. food items worth P276 million, and ''On theitems other hand, if there othnon-food (NFIs) worthareP919 er things that need to be strengthened, million were already prepared by page the Department of Social Next Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

Consing: Gov't better positioned to address grid issues By Charles Dantes and Alena Mae Flores

HE Maharlika Investment Corporation said it is open to acquiring shares of the State Grid Corporation of China in the country's power grid.

“If it becomes available, I think so, yes,” MIC President and CEO Rafael Consing said in a briefing at the Palace

on Tuesday. SGCC currently owns a 40 percent stake in the National Grid Corporation

of the Philippines (NGCP) while Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. (SGP) owns 60 percent. The MIC earlier secured 20 percent in SGP, giving the investment corporation two board seats in Synergy Grid and another two in the NGCP. Consing said there have been no preliminary talks yet with the Chinese firm on the MIC's plan. "We're not having discussions with

Army platoon to be trained on Typhon missile system

Operations based on proof Next page vs. Chinese spy — AFP

THE Year of the Wooden Snake appears auspicious for President Ferdinand Next page "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry THE legal counsel of Chinese adviser of former President Rodrigo of illegal drugs and illegal activities businessman Tony Yang sought to Duterte. associated with POGOs,” Suarez said disparage lawmakers’ conclusions Fortun, a lawyer who often finds in a mixture of Filipino and English. about his client’s supposedly himself at the center high-profile The solons explained how the sketchy past and his alleged ties cases, apparently sought to mock matrix details Yang’s connections to with Philippine Overseas Gaming congressmen, calling their probe other individuals involved in illicit Operators (POGOs) and even “unacceptable.” activities, including the operations of organized crime. However, House members argued illegal POGOs. Lawyer Raymond Fortun they did not come by their suspicions Among the companies implicated questioned the House Quad about Yang recklessly. are Brickhartz Technology Inc. Committee’s impartiality and its On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., ability to pin Chinese national Yang Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga which are being linked to alleged down ENTER for ay wrongdoing in a realSNAKE. and Deputy Speaker DavidStreet Suarez kidnapping. THE WOODEN People crowd Ongpin in of criminal court. Quezon presented a matrix showing The two firms supposedly Binondo Manila to purchase lucky charms and food for today's Chinese New “I am interestedAtinSM how Yang’s appearance andand hisgrand have connections with the Baofu Yearvery celebrations. Citythey North Edsa, inset,first experience prosperity [Quadfortune Commasmembers] canthe prove subsequent at the Quad Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, you step into Year of Wooden Snake.activities Danny Pata 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 said on Tuesday that while election “The members of the Commission

PH lobbies UN for Security Council seat THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.” Quoted by reports, Manalo also 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 Re-

Comelec eyes survey regulation; partners with TikTok Assault charges vs. Sara, chief By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is studying how it can regulate election surveys which proliferate in the months before elections to prevent them from “influencing” voters’ decisions in choosing candidates. BAUTISTA Comelec Chairman George Garcia

By Darwin Amojelar

TRANSPORTATION Secretary 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 in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was Next page

surveys are not prohibited, it must comply with the requirements imposed by the Supreme Court (SC) in a ruling on the matter. He said the commission will review the SC decision affirming the legality of surveys, to find out the extent by which the Comelec can regulate By Rex Espiritu dubious surveys.

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement 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 announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin-

of security dismissed in QC

are now reviewing the decision of the SC to see if it is still applicable because to a certain extent it [surveys] has really detail Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, By Rio N. Araja influenced the people,” he said. and several others for lack of merit. Garcia cited fake political surveys THE Quezon City Prosecutor’s OfIn a 13-page resolution, Assistant that proliferated on social media, which fice dismissed on Tuesday charges of City Prosecutor Criscelyn Carayugansupposedly misled several public offidirect assault, disobedience and grave Lugo said "there is no prima facie evicials and candidates vying for positions coercion filed against Vice President dence with reasonable certainty cent told reporters Nextthat page in theTrinidad 2025 elections. Sara Duterte, the head of her security Next page Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience. SPEAKER JDV “Our troops did not observe MUSEUM. any exercise, we Yedda have to underTingog party-list Rep. contributions to the country. stand sometimes, is Maricel Cruz Marie K. that Romualdez, Speaker ChinaBy Romualdez described De Venecia as doing this for G. their internal audiFerdinand Martin Romualdez, "a man of great ideas" and "of profound former House Speaker Jose HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. ence, right? For them not to look De Venecia (center), former Trinidad humanity," whose legacy serves as a Romualdez urged his colleagues in govweak andJr.embarrassed,” Representative Gina De Venecia guiding principle for public servants. ernment to commit themselves to honorsaid. AWARD. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee SMJose Primede Holdings, andTwo Pangasinan 4th District Rep. were "As we dedicateofthe Venecia ing and living the legacy of public service Chinese warships was honored by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) with its Outstanding Christopher De Venecia formally Building and Museum, let us also commit of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. monitored at a distance ranging Filipino Retailers President Award for his visionary leadership in retail development. open the Joe De Venecia ourselves to honoring his legacy emThe Speaker made the appeal during the from eight to 14 nautical miles. (From left to right): PRA Director and Director of SM Retail Jorge T. Mendiola,by PRA Museum at the People's Center bodying the values he holds dear: unity, inauguration of the Jose de Venecia BuildOne of these went up to 1,000 Vice President and President and COO of Golden, ABC, Inc. (The Penshoppe Group) in the House of Representatives, compassion, and the relentless pursuit ing and Museum Aliceat T. the Liu, Batasan SM Primecomplex HoldingsinChairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, of yards at the site but evenshowcasing theMMCA life and times peace and progress," he said. PRA President and Chairman of Quorum International, Inc. (Toby’s Sports) Roberto Quezon City, where he paid tribute to the tually went away. “It was not of the distinguished former S. Claudio, and PRA Director and President of Sportshouse Int’l. Leisure, Inc.Next andpage former Speaker's remarkable career and threatening, just normal,” accordSpeaker.

Speaker opens JDV museum at House

proponent of PRA OFR President’s Award Mars C. Chua