BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for December 12, 2024
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HEADLINES
Oil settles up $1 as EU agrees further sanctions threatening Russian oil flows
US announces first Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon under ceasefire deal
Crew Assault as Robberies Continue in Singapore Strait
Greece and Mexico Move Ahead with Cruise Passenger Taxes
Busan Port set for ‘major’ overhaul as part of South Korea’s $10 billion maritime strategy
Philippines, US, Japan tackle China’s aggression
Kanlaon continues to spew ash – Phivolcs
1st case of H5N2 bird flu in PH detected in Camarines Norte
ILI cases up in 6 regions
Philippines to remain cyclone-free until weekend
LTFRB extends operation of traditional jeepneys anew
Kadiwa ng Pangulo selling P40/kg rice now in 4 LRT, MRT stations
MMDA: Peak of holiday traffic is here
Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wins The Voice USA season 26
SB19’s Josh collabs with charity organization to support vulnerable children in Tondo, Manila
Maris Racal’s ‘Sunshine’ to screen at Palm Springs International Film Fest
PBA: Ginebra overcomes NLEX in Troy Rosario’s debut
Kai Sotto drops monster double-double in Koshigaya’s latest win
Bucks hold off Magic, Thunder roll past Mavs to advance in NBA Cup
Make some extra cash with these 7 holiday side hustles?
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Oil settles up $1 as EU agrees further sanctions threatening Russian oil flows
December 12 —— Oil prices settled more than $1 higher after the European Union agreed to an additional round of sanctions threatening Russian oil flows that could tighten global crude supplies. Brent crude futures settled up $1.33, or 1.84%, to $73.52 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $1.70, or 2.48%, to $70.29. European Union ambassadors agreed to a 15th package of sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine, the Hungarian EU presidency said. “I welcome the adoption of our 15th package of sanctions, targeting in particular Russia’s shadow fleet”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X.
The “shadow fleet” has aided Russia in bypassing the $60 per barrel price cap imposed by the G7 on Russian seaborne crude oil in 2022, and has helped keep Russian oil flowing. “The renewed seriousness about clamping down on flows here is potentially supportive, and is offsetting the traditional demand metric that we have been focusing on,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York. Curbing price gains on Wednesday, gasoline and distillate inventories rose by more than expected last week, according to data from the Energy Information Administration, weighing on crude prices.
Meanwhile, producers’ group OPEC cut its forecasts for demand growth in 2024 and 2025 for the fifth straight month on Wednesday and by the largest amount yet. “OPEC are squaring up to reality about what they are facing, the (demand growth forecast) cuts highlight that they have their hands full in terms of trying to balance this market heading into 2025,” Again Capital’s Kilduff added. OPEC+, which groups members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with other producers such as Russia, earlier this month delayed plans to start raising output. Weak demand, particularly in top importer China, and non-OPEC+ supply growth were two factors behind the move.
However, investors anticipate a rise in Chinese demand following Beijing’s latest plans to boost economic growth. China said on Monday it would adopt an “appropriately loose” monetary policy in 2025 marking the first easing of its stance in 14 years. “It’s uncertain whether China can fully kick start growth in 2025,” said Global X research analyst, Kenny Zhu. “We believe Chinese monetary and fiscal stimulus will be key data points to watch for the coming year,” Zhu added. Chinese crude imports also grew annually for the first time in seven months in November, up more than 14% from a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said that reports of a possible tightening of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil suggested the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden wants to leave a difficult legacy for U.S.-Russia relations. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Wednesday that the U.S. is continuing to look for creative ways to reduce Russia’s oil revenue and lower global demand for oil create an opportunity for more sanctions.
Source: reuters.com
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US announces first Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon under ceasefire deal
WASHINGTON, December 12 —— Israeli forces conducted a first withdrawal from a town in south Lebanon and were replaced by the Lebanese military under a ceasefire deal, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The command’s leader General Erik Kurilla “was present at the implementation and monitoring headquarters today during the ongoing first Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal and Lebanese Armed Forces replacement in Al-Khiam, Lebanon as part of the (ceasefire) agreement,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “This is an important first step in the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities and lays the foundation for continued progress,” the statement quoted Kurilla as saying.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the stationing of troops “in the Khiam and Marjayoun areas today represents a fundamental step towards strengthening the army’s deployment in the south, in implementation of the ceasefire decision.” “We salute the army’s efforts” toward establishing “stability in the south,” Mikati said in a post on X.
The Israeli military meanwhile said its 7th Brigade had “concluded their mission in Khiam in southern Lebanon.” “In accordance with the ceasefire understandings and with the coordination of the United States, soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces are being deployed in the area together” with UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in the area, the Israeli statement said. Israel stepped up its military campaign in south Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of its ally Hamas, following the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.
A ceasefire came into effect on November 27 and is generally holding, though both sides have accused the other of repeated violations. As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. Hezbollah is also meant to withdraw its forces north of the Litani river, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Crew Assault as Robberies Continue in Singapore Strait
December 12 —— Vessels have been repeatedly warned of the dangers while transiting the Singapore Strait but the latest report includes a rare instance of violence against the crew. Ambrey is reporting that a crewmember was stabbed and taken ashore to a hospital overnight on Wednesday, December 11. Most of the incidents in the Singapore Strait are attempted robberies of spare parts or other equipment from vessels most often underway. Usually, they are small groups of people at most armed with knives and when spotted or confronted the boarders flee.
However, according to last night’s report, two boarders were seen aboard a tanker underway transiting eastbound through the Phillip Channel. Ambrey in an update said that the robbers had knives and one crewmember was stabbed repeatedly before the boarders left the vessel. The incident has not yet been confirmed by the regional authorities.
ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) set up 20 years ago to promote and enhance cooperation to suppress piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia has highlighted an increased number of attacks. The reports show more violent incidents than in the past. So far in 2024, it has already received reports of 86 incidents and 10 attempts this year. That compares with 100 reports in all of 2023. This year it tracked 17 cases where the crew was threatened, held hostage temporarily, or rarely injured versus nine reports of this level in 2023.
Last week, ReCAAP tracked three instances where vessels were boarded either in the Singapore or Malacca Strait. One report indicated that the perpetrators were armed with knives but no one was reported injured. In two of the reports, it indicates that equipment was stolen. Also in December, a bulk carrier was boarded in the Malacca Strait. In that report, it says a crewmember was tied up by the perpetrators who stole engine spare parts. More than half the incidents reported since January 2024 (55 total) were in the Singapore Strait. ReCAAP continues to advise ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting in the area. It also calls on the littoral states to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Greece and Mexico Move Ahead with Cruise Passenger Taxes
December 12 —— Two of the most popular destinations for cruise ships both moved forward with their proposed tax increases on passengers due to be enforced starting in 2025. Cruise industry associations complained of a lack of consultation by the respective governments and called for efforts to work together to address concerns while protecting the tourism industry.
Greece’s Prime Minister proposed new taxes on cruise passengers and specifically at Mykonos and Santorini two of the most popular destinations in the Greek Islands. Both destinations complained of being overwhelmed by the number of daily cruise passengers during the peak season. Santorini reported approximately 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023 while Mykonos had nearly 1.2 million with both destinations experiencing increases in 2024. Reports said that Santorini during the summer had approximately 17,000 tourists arrive in 24 hours and one day in August with over 11,000 cruise passengers.
According to reports in the Greek media, there were heated debates about the broader tax proposals in the Parliament on Wednesday, December 4, but the bills passed. During peak season, Greece will charge €20 per passenger at the two most popular islands and €5 at the smaller islands. In addition, they are increasing the tax on short-term rentals and hotel rooms with Reuters reporting the goal is to raise €400 million in new tax revenues. The government promised that a portion of the tax would be used to enhance port facilities and help local governments address the impact of tourism and climate change.
Mexico’s Senate moved quickly and on Wednesday, December 4, it also approved a tax that had cleared the lower house of Congress last week. The new tax is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, with a fee of $42 per passenger on cruises in addition to an existing $5 tax imposed in some Mexican states. Critics were quick to say that it would make Mexico one of the most expensive destinations in the Caribbean. Cruises had previously been exempted from the tourist taxes which only applied to hotel stays of a week or longer. The hotel tax is also being raised.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico defended the tax saying it was an increase based on inflation and rising costs. “Joint efforts between the government and the cruise industry are essential to creating sustainable growth that benefits all parties,” said Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association speaking on behalf of the cruise industry. The organization complained of the short lead time saying passengers have already paid for winter 2025 cruises and that the move was taken without consulting the cruise industry. It noted that over 10 million cruise passengers are expected to visit Mexico in the current season. “We are hopeful we can work together to find solutions that preserve Mexico’s vital role in the cruise market while ensuring economic stability for the communities that depend on it,” said Paige.
Sheinbaum said the government would be consulting with agencies impacted by the fees. She also reported that federal officials would be working with the cruise industry while saying the changes will happen slowly.
The taxes come as many destinations are grappling with the increasing number of cruise passengers and complaints of over tourism. The cruise industry highlights that it can adjust schedules and stagger the arrival times of ships into ports to help with the demands on port infrastructure. Destinations from Maine to Florida and Alaska have imposed daily limits on the number of arriving passengers or ships and their size. Some cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona are looking to relocate cruise ships away from the city center while Venice was forced to move the cruise piers to a neighboring city as environmentalists and others protested the impact on the historic locations.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Busan Port set for ‘major’ overhaul as part of South Korea’s $10 billion maritime strategy
December 12 —— South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) has unveiled a whopping 14 trillion KRW (circa $9.78 billion) investment plan to upgrade the Port of Busan by 2045 aiming to achieve the world’s largest container handling capacity and establish the port as a “leading” logistics hub in the region.
As disclosed by the Ministry the decision to upgrade the Busan Port is a response to the mounting challenges that have restructured the maritime industry worldwide. Geopolitical uncertainties, like the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and Middle Eastern tensions, have created a ripple effect on international trade flows, MOF said, while global supply chain disruptions—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related events—have continued to strain logistics networks. This has prompted many shipping companies, as well as governments and regulatory bodies, to respond to the challenges by reorganizing their alliances, opting for vessels of more considerable sizes as well as more sustainable fleets, expanding terminals, building ‘smart’ ports, and introducing environmental rules and regulations as the maritime industry sails toward net zero.
Among these, the South Korean ministry has underscored that numerous Chinese and Singaporean ports have taken the ‘lead’, in a way. One noteworthy example would be the partnership struck between the Maritime and Port Authority Singapore (Singapore MPA) and China’s Shandong Provincial Transport Department. Namely, in October this year, the two parties penned an agreement to create a new green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC), aimed at fostering sustainable and technologically advanced maritime trade between Singapore and China’s Bohai and Yellow Sea regions.
Core strategies to boost Busan Port’s (sustainable) development
As South Korea’s primary gateway for maritime trade, Busan Port has been described as a central place for ensuring the stability of the country’s export-import logistics and one of the ‘epicenters’ of the country’s climate neutrality ambitions. According to MOF, currently, the port handles 76.8% of the nation’s container cargo, giving it ‘strategic importance’ not just domestically but also as a transshipment hub in Northeast Asia.
The Ministry stressed, however, that, due to the rise of protectionism in major countries, without proactive investments and capacity expansions, Busan risks losing its competitive edge as it strives to attract global shipping lines. Despite its ‘strategic’ position and its significance, the Busan Port has experienced certain operational challenges, such as inefficiencies in berth management and the occurrence of inter-terminal transshipments (ITT) due to fragmented operations. Seeking to remedy this reality, the MOF elaborated that the recent investment plan will have the aim of transforming Busan into a “megaport” capable of tackling these hurdles head-on.
As understood, among the core strategies under the investment’s umbrella is the funding that will go toward constructing the Jinhae New Port—located near Changwon, which is around 39 kilometers from the city of Busan—where there are plans to build 66 berths. This is expected to create container storage areas that are approximately 1.5 times larger than the existing terminals, meaning they could berth 30,000 TEU ships (beyond the current 24,000 TEU). As per the Ministry, this matches the exact berth number in Singapore’s Tuas Port, which was officially opened at the beginning of September 2022 and is targeted for full completion during the 2040s, according to the Singapore MPA.
The first phase of the Jinhae New Port, consisting of nine births, will reportedly be handled by a single operator. It is expected that the integration of this port with the Busan Port could establish South Korea’s ‘largest’ operational system capable of handling 6 million TEUs. Shedding more light on having a single operator fully handle these volumes, MOF clarified that this could lead to better berth management and minimized transshipment at other ports. On the other hand, if the existing terminal operators of the new port consolidate, incentives worth up to KRW 10 billion are set to be provided to offset facility integration costs and rent.
The Ministry has also unveiled plans to expand the overseas logistics centers from the current five locations—in Barcelona, Spain, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Los Angeles, the U.S. and two in Java, Indonesia—to eight by 2027 and 16 by 2032. These centers are envisioned to provide priority access and logistics consulting for South Korean small-sized enterprises. What is more, equity stakes and operational rights in ‘major’ global port terminals, alongside the creation of a KRW 1 trillion international logistics fund to provide a helping hand to ventures expanding overseas.
Furthering these efforts, the South Korean government also noted that a 362-hectare hinterland will be made near Busan Port. MOF elaborated that such land reserves, combined with institutional support, could spark more investments and thus revitalize the local economy. It could also bolster Busan Port’s capacity for independent cargo generation, while the planned integration with the Gadeokdo New Airport—the construction of which is projected to commence in June 2025—could be one more step up the ladder for the port’s ambitions to become a ‘vital’ multimodal logistics hub across the land, sea and air.
On the green end of the story, by 2050, Busan Port reportedly aims to derive 25% of its energy from renewable sources such as solar, fuel cells and offshore wind power by 2032 and 100% by 2050. Infrastructure for green ship fuels like methanol and ammonia are also set to be established, together with carbon-neutral cargo-handling equipment, which is hoped to improve air quality and ‘advance’ carbon neutrality goals.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Philippines, US, Japan tackle China’s aggression
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— The Philippines, Japan and the United States expressed serious concerns about China’s repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone during their first Trilateral Maritime Dialogue held in Tokyo. “They expressed serious concerns about the PRC (People’s Republic of China)’s dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea including the repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels from operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone behavior that threatens the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations,” the US State Department said in a statement following the dialogue. “Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” it added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted the three countries had open and dynamic discussions on strategic perspectives on regional maritime issues, institutionalizing trilateral cooperation and future policy plans. “The dialogue was a significant milestone in demonstrating the deepening cooperation of the Philippines, Japan and the US on maritime concerns, as well as their enduring commitment to uphold a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific through the rules-based international order that adheres to international law, particularly the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA said.
The US and Japan expressed their support for the consistent efforts by the Philippines toward the “peaceful settlement of disputes” in the South China Sea. “The three countries emphasized that the trilateral maritime dialogue will serve as a durable foundation for coordination and cooperation in addressing challenges and complexities of the regional maritime landscape,” the DFA said.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Japan and the US reiterated their “strong expectation that the parties to the disputes would comply with the Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Philippines and China regarding the South China Sea, leading to peaceful settlement of disputes.” With the current situation, Japan said the US-Philippines and Japan-Philippines bilateral cooperation’s in the maritime domain have become even closer.
The three countries confirmed the practical cooperation they are promoting bilaterally and concurred to continue and enhance the momentum of trilateral cooperation. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen future trilateral cooperation and engagement with other partners through maritime cooperative activities, combined training, maritime law enforcement and coast guard capacity-building.
The inaugural Trilateral Maritime Dialogue was an outcome of the first-ever Philippines-Japan-US Trilateral Leaders’ Summit held last April at the White House, where the US and its two Asian allies committed to deepening cooperation across sectors, including maritime security, to advance a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. At the summit, US President Joe Biden, President Marcos and former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida announced a new trilateral maritime dialogue to enhance coordination and collective responses.
The Philippine delegation to the Trilateral Maritime Dialogue was headed by DFA Undersecretary for bilateral relations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, joined by senior officials of the Department of National Defense, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Japanese delegation was headed by Assistant Foreign Minister for Southeast and Southwest Asian affairs Nakamura Ryo.
Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, National Security Council senior director for East Asia and Oceania Mira Rapp-Hooper, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Laura Updegrove, Deputy Commander of US Forces Japan Maj. Gen. George Rowell, US Coast Guard Director of International Affairs and foreign policy adviser Holly Haverstick were the senior representatives for the US delegation. At the conclusion of the dialogue, Lazaro announced the Philippines’ willingness to host the Second Trilateral Maritime Dialogue next year.
Source: philstar.com
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Kanlaon continues to spew ash – Phivolcs
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— Kanlaon Volcano continued to spew ash days after its eruption, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Phivolcs said there has been continuous degassing with occasional ash emissions. Two ash emission events were recorded since Tuesday, which lasted from 11 to 39 minutes long.
Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said they are still analyzing the ash from the eruption if it can be classified as a magmatic eruption. There were also 31 volcanic earthquakes recorded in the period. Sulfur dioxide flux was monitored at 4,121 tons per day that generated plumes of around 100 meters tall.
Kanlaon is still under Alert Level 3 or magmatic unrest, as Phivolcs recommended the evacuation of communities within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano. Phivolcs warned of even stronger explosive eruptions at Kanlaon, following an explosive eruption at the summit vent of the volcano at 3:03 p.m. on Monday. The event lasted three minutes and 55 seconds and produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 4,000 meters above the vent. There has only been one documented magmatic eruption at Kanlaon Volcano in 1902.
Meanwhile, tourism related activities, parties and social gatherings are being prohibited within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone of Kanlaon Volcano. In an advisory, the Department of Tourism suspended trekking, swimming, farm site visits and day tours in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City and Murcia in Negros Occidental, as well as in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, which was affected by heavy ashfall. Fifteen tons of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development had already reached the port of Bulado in Negros Occidental, the Philippine Ports Authority said yesterday. The food packs are intended to be given to residents who left their homes since last Monday due to Kanlaon’s eruption.
Source: philstar.com
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1st case of H5N2 bird flu in PH detected in Camarines Norte
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— The first-ever case of H5N2 a bird flu subtype that was found to be transmittable to humans in the country has been detected in Talisay, Camarines Norte, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
The DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry said it was detected in a duck farm last Dec. 6. “This is the first detection of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) H5N2 in the country and the first recorded avian influenza case in the province,” the DA said.
The DA said quarantine procedures within the one-kilometer surveillance zone were conducted. It also said the culling process of the birds in the area where the virus was detected has already been completed since Tuesday. In June, the World Health Organization (WHO) said a person in Mexico had died in the first confirmed human case of the virus. WHO said the patient had “no history of exposure to poultry or other animals.”
Source: inquirer.net
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ILI cases up in 6 regions
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— Six regions in the country have posted an increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the past few weeks, according to the Department of Health.
The DOH said an uptrend in ILI cases has been reported in the Cordilleras, Bicol, Central Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region. “Up to 1,445 ILI cases were recorded in these regions from Nov. 3 to 30,” the DOH said.
Although uptrends were recorded in six regions, the number of ILI cases nationwide has decreased. As of Nov. 30, the DOH recorded a 17-percent decline in the number of cases, or from 200,525 last year to 165,992. From Nov. 3 to 16, up to 7,571 ILI cases were recorded, which is lower compared to the 7,971 cases reported from Oct. 20 to Nov. 2. From Nov. 17 to 30, ILI cases nationwide dropped to 3,710, the DOH said.
Source: philstar.com
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Philippines to remain cyclone-free until weekend
December 12 —— The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country will remain free of tropical cyclones from Dec. 12 to 14.
Based on PAGASA’s historical records, one or two tropical cyclones typically enter or form within the country’s area of responsibility in December, but none has formed so far. PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja on Wednesday, Dec. 11 said that while no tropical cyclones are expected until the weekend, three weather systems may cause rainy conditions over parts of the country during this period.
From Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 12 to 14, he said the northeast monsoon (amihan) will continue to bring cooler temperatures and light to moderate rains over Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, the shear line, which forms where the cold winds of the northeast monsoon meet the warm winds from the Pacific Ocean (easterlies), may trigger scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, and surrounding areas. Estareja added that the easterlies will bring frequent rains and thunderstorms over portions of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region.
The public is advised to remain vigilant for flash floods and landslides, especially in areas affected by moderate to heavy rainfall from these weather systems.
Source: mb.com.ph
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LTFRB extends operation of traditional jeepneys anew
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has again extended the provisional authority (PA) of traditional jeepneys and UV Express units to continue operations for another year.
The LTFRB said the PA of individual operators of jeepneys and UVs would be extended until Dec. 31, 2025. The extension will cover only operators who have pending applications for consolidation in line with the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP). The LTFRB reopened the consolidation applications on Nov. 29. Under Memorandum Circular 2024-043, the agency said there is a need to further extend the validity of the PAs due to several applications for consolidation filed before the board’s central and regional offices.
Transport group Manibela said the memo shows the failure of the PUVMP, adding that the extension was granted to avert a possible shortage of public transportation if only modernized jeepneys were allowed to ply the roads.
Source: philstar.com
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Kadiwa ng Pangulo selling P40/kg rice now in 4 LRT, MRT stations
MANILA, December 12 —— Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) kiosks selling well-milled rice at PHP40 per kg. is now operational in four LRT-2 and MRT-3 stations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
As of Dec. 11, the KNP kiosks, under the Rice for All program, are operational at the MRT-3 North Avenue and Ayala stations, and at the LRT-2 Araneta Center-Cubao Station on Aurora Boulevard, and Recto Station on Claro M. Recto Street. “Patuloy tayong nakikipag-ugnayan sa DOTr (Department of Transportation) para madagdagan din itong mga station na nagtitinda ng Rice for All,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.
KNP kiosks in the four train stations operate Tuesday to Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. or until supplies last. The KNP kiosks are also accessible in five public markets in Metro Manila on top of the existing KNP Centers in Luzon – Murphy Public Market along 15th Avenue corner Liberty Street and Balintawak Cloverleaf Market along EDSA corner Old Samson Road, Balintawak in Quezon City; the Pamilihang Bayan ng Trabajo on 751 J. Marzan Street, Manila; the Pasay City Public Market in Antonio Arnaiz Avenue corner Taft Avenue; the Pamilihang Bayan ng Bagong Parañaque (La Huerta); and the Maypajo Public Market along J.P. Rizal Street in Caloocan.
The public may buy the PHP40 per kg. rice from the KNP kiosks in the public markets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on similar days. De Mesa said more KNP kiosks would be operational in more public markets in Metro Manila in the coming weeks, citing the positive reception from consumers. “Napakaganda ng pagtanggap ng ating mga kababayan dito sa PHP40 per kilo na Rice for All,” he said. “In fact, talagang nauubos agad at nagkakaroon na ngayon ng adjustment ang ating FTI (Food and Terminal Inc.) na ka-partner natin sa logistics at distribution para madagdagan natin iyong supply ng bigas.”
The DA earlier said it aims to expand the Rice for All program, alongside operations of more KNP kiosks in other parts of the country at the start of 2025. The DA will use its newly approved budget for the KNP worth PHP5 billion, with PHP3 billion allocated for Rice for All; PHP1.5 billion for P29 or the sale of PHP29 per kg. of aging but good quality stocks of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) for the disadvantaged sector; and PHP500 million for rehabilitating warehouses and logistics cost.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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MMDA: Peak of holiday traffic is here
MANILA, December 12 —— Exactly two weeks before Christmas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the peak of the holiday rush was already being experienced along major thoroughfares.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, MMDA’s Chief of Special Operations Group Strike Force Gabriel Go said around 470,000 vehicles were plying EDSA alone daily. The figure could further increase, as schools begin to take a break for the holidays. “We’re expecting a little bit more of an increase, around 10 percent to 15 percent. If we’re going to look at the peak, we have already started. Makikita naman natin na mas malaking slowdown sa movement ng mga sasakyan. So we’re already there,” he said.
The agency said it expected more of the public to flock to shopping malls this week. But with some still working until late in the evening, Go said some might not have enough time to shop given the current state of traffic in the metro. He urged malls to operate longer, possibly extending until the wee hours of the morning. “So some mall operators if they can extend up to 12 midnight, 1 a.m., maybe even 2 a.m., wala namang problema yan. Actually much better yan kasi hindi magkukumpolkumpol ang mga tao para habulin ang 11 p.m. closing time,” he said.
The MMDA official also urged families, especially those with multiple vehicles, to resort to carpooling which would contribute, albeit minimally, to the decrease in the number of vehicles plying roads. To completely avoid being stuck in traffic, the public is also advised to take public transportation particularly the EDSA Bus Carousel, MRT and LRT as they are not normally affected by the high volume of vehicles along their route.
Go said authorities were doing all they could to manage traffic congestion with some of their enforcers ready to man major roads and assist motorists until late evenings. “Hopefully hindi naman tayo mapupunta sa last few years na carmageddon na talagang standstill ang traffic. Yung pagma-manage natin sa traffic will play a big role na mapabilis ang takbo ng mga sasakyan. Ang priority is to assist the traffic. Operation is constant up to 12 midnight,” Go said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wins The Voice USA season 26
December 12 —— Sofronio Vasquez of Team Michael Buble has won the popular reality singing contest, The Voice USA Season 26, making him the first Filipino and Asian to win the competition. “Thank you so much for the love, support, and prayers. I truly appreciate everyone,” said Sofronio in a short video recently. During the finale, Sofronio captured the hearts of fans with his performances of Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream” and Sia’s “Unstoppable.” He also sang a duet with Sting for their rendition of the No. 1 hit “Every Breath You Take.”
Apart from “The Voice” title, Sofronio won a US$100,000 prize and a record deal. “Sofronio Vasquez is recognized for his powerful voice and rich, velvety tone,” according to his website. It added: “He is a versatile and dynamic singer capable of performing a wide range of songs, including pop, R&B, rock, standards, and jazz. He can even rap!” Sofronio’s NBC bio said he grew up in the Philippines with virtually nothing, including no bed or indoor plumbing.
In those challenging years, Sofronio found happiness through music, which he said “was always there to bring his family joy. While Sofronio’s family didn’t have much money when he was a child, he always had music, NBC reported. He credits his father for instilling a love of singing and even calls his father his first coach. But music wasn’t Sofroni’s first career pursuit. He studied to be a dentist and began practicing, but the tragic loss of her father inspired him to keep pursuing his dream of singing on the world’s stage, and he began to pursue music again in tribute to his father. That pursuit led to several viral cover songs on social media and, eventually, to the stage of The Voice.
In 2019, Sofronio placed third in the Tawag ng Tanghalan portion of the noontime program “It’s Showtime.” His viral cover of “That’s What Friends Are For” garnered over nine million views on Facebook (Facebook Link), and his cover of “ Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” had over one million views on TikTok. In 2020, Sofronio released “Bakit Hindi Ko Sinabi,” an original single under Old School Records (a sub-label of ABS-CBN Music). In 2022, he released the original songs “Bililhon” and “Mahalaga” under Normal Use Records.
Instant four-chair turn
Sofronio hits The Voice Season 26 with a bang, delivering what NBC called a “Dazzling Voice Gets an INSTANT Four-Chair Turn” performance. Belting out Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Going Down,” he had Snoop, Michael, Reba, and Gwen spinning their chairs faster than you can say “wow.” This quick four-chair turner left the coaches fighting over him. Snoop felt the vibe, saying, “This is soul. Your soul. Your spirit.” Gwen called it a “Grammy performance,” Michael told Sofronio, “This show was named after you. You are the voice.” Finally, the Queen of Country Music, Reba, said his voice “sounds like butter” and “touched my heart.” Within 24 hours, it hit nearly two million views on Facebook, 600K views on YouTube, and 650K plays on TikTok. Sofronio now calls Utica, New York, his home, where he works as a dental assistant.
Source: mb.com.ph
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SB19’s Josh collabs with charity organization to support vulnerable children in Tondo, Manila
December 12 —— Josh of SB19 has collaborated with the nonprofit organization Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. to support vulnerable children in Tondo, Manila. The P-pop sensation previously graced the outreach program that was held at the San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo, Manila, where he performed tracks from his debut solo album, “Lost & Found,” including “No Control” and “1999,” as well as SB19’s popular hit “GENTO.”
In his speech, the OPM star shared his humble beginnings and inspired the children to dream despite the adversities of life. According to Josh said he is “grateful to be part of the campaign.” “This experience has shown me how even small collective efforts can lead to real, meaningful change. I’m grateful to be part of a campaign that not only provides support but also brings joy to the community,” he said in a statement. He also believes that music and arts have a “unique ability to inspire social change.” “Music connects people, builds empathy, and provides a platform for voices that may otherwise go unheard,” he explained. “In local communities, the arts can create a sense of belonging, strengthen bonds, and spark positive change,” Josh added.
The outreach initiative is part of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines’s “Season of Giving” campaign, which aims to address malnutrition and environmental challenges that contribute to poor health communities across the country.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Maris Racal’s ‘Sunshine’ to screen at Palm Springs International Film Fest
December 12 —— Maris Racal starrer “Sunshine” is set to have its United States premiere, as it will be screened under the World Cinema Now section at the Palm Springs International Film Fest in California. “‘Sunshine’ is an official selection to the Palm Springs International Film Festival under the World Cinema Now section!” it said. “This is the film’s US Premiere.”
It further noted that the prestigious film festival is known to be “the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards.” In the Antoinette Jadaone-helmed movie, Racal plays the role of a young gymnast named Sunshine, whose budding career as a rhythmic gymnast on the national team was put on hold after she discovered that she was pregnant.
Aside from Racal, other cast members include Jennica Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat and Meryll Soriano. “Sunshine” had its movie premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last September, which Racal was not able to attend due to scheduling conflicts. The movie also earned a nomination for Best Youth Film award at the 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
PBA: Ginebra overcomes NLEX in Troy Rosario’s debut
MANILA, December 12 —— Troy Rosario made a triumphant debut for Barangay Ginebra, helping the perennial crowd favorites defeat NLEX 109-100 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Rosario had nine points and seven rebounds in his first game as a Gin King, as they opened the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on a winning note.
Stephen Holt scored 20 of his 26 points in the third quarter, where Ginebra pulled away from the Road Warriors after trailing 43-42 at the half. With Holt firing away, the Gin Kings built a 78-66 lead that proved enough to weather a fourth quarter charge from NLEX.
Justin Brownlee had 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar added 15 points for Ginebra. Mike Griffin-Watkins led all scorers with 27 points on top of 21 boards, while Robert Bolick had 18 points and seven assists. However, Bolick also accounted for five of NLEX’s 12 turnovers. The Road Warriors fell to 3-2, failing to build on a come-from-behind win against San Miguel Beer last weekend.
The Scores :
GINEBRA 109 – Holt 26, Brownlee 24, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Rosario 9, Thompson 8, Abarrientos 6, Cu 6, Adamos 2, Pinto 0
NLEX 100 – Watkins 27, Bolick 18, Alas 14, Policarpio 13, Valdez 11, Torres 5, Semerad 4, Herndon 4, Rodger 2, Bahio 2, Mocon 0
QUARTERS : 20-22, 42-43, 78-66, 109-100
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Kai Sotto drops monster double-double in Koshigaya’s latest win
MANILA, Philippines, December 12 —— Kai Sotto showed his major progression once more in the Japan B.League following the Koshigaya Alphas’ 100-74 win over the Kawasaki Brave Thunders at Koshigaya City Gymnasium. The Gilas big man registered a monster double-double with a game-high 25 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Alphas. LJ Peak also helped his team’s cause with 22 to his name to push them to a 6-12 record.
Sotto, whose improved play has been on full display for this Japan B.League season, got the nod from his Koshigaya coach Ryuzo Anzai. “Kai is an exceptional athlete who moves incredibly well for his height and transitions seamlessly from fakes to dunks,” Anzai said in a post on the Koshiaga’s X account. “As a coach, it’s my job to figure out how to further develop his skills. I want to see him progress to the next level.”
Fellow Filipino import Matthew Wright, on the other end, struggled mightily with only four points and a steal for the Brave Thunders as they dropped to 4-14 for the season. Fellow Gilas cornerstone Dwight Ramos also had a victorious weekend as his Levanga Hokkaido zoomed past the Akita Northern Happinets, 69-61, at Hokkai Kita-Yale. While Ramos only had a limited action of eight minutes, he still managed to finish with six points and a rebound. It was Shuto Terazono who spearheaded Levanga with 19 points to improve to a 6-12 card.
Ray Parks Jr.’s Osaka Evessa also tallied a win over the Shibuya Sun Rockers, 76-70, at Ookini Arena Maishima. Parks Jr. made the most of his 35 minutes of action with an all-around effort of 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block to power Osaka to 10-8. AJ Edu, however, wasn’t so lucky as his Nagasaki Velca succumbed to Alvark Tokyo, 83-81, at Happiness Arena. Edu didn’t score much with just four points but his work on the paint was huge for Velca as he snagged eight rebounds plus a block. Still, it wasn’t enough as Nagasaki crashed to a 7-11 record.
Roosevelt Adams and the Yamagata Wyverns also fell victim to Rising Zephyr Fukuoka, 89-78, at Yamagata Prefectural Sports Park. In 30 minutes of action, Adams finished with eight points and six rebounds but it wasn’t enough as the Wyverns dropped to 8-13. However, no Filipino import probably felt disheartened more than Geo Chiu as his Ehime Orange Vikings absorbed a tough 108-58 loss at the hands of Shinshu Brave Warriors at White Ring. Ehime dropped to an abysmal 1-20 record while Chiu only tallied five rebounds and an assist in the loss.
Source: inquirer.net
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Bucks hold off Magic, Thunder roll past Mavs to advance in NBA Cup
LOS ANGELES, December 12 —— Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks edged the depleted but determined Orlando Magic 114-109 to reach the NBA Cup semi-finals as Oklahoma City cruised past Dallas. Antetokounmpo scored 37 points with seven rebounds and four blocked shots for the Bucks, who reached the semi-finals of the in-season tournament for the second year in a row and will face either the New York Knicks or Atlanta Hawks for a place in the final.
Damian Lillard scored 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and handed out nine assists for the Bucks, who had all they could handle from Orlando despite the absence of injured Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Lillard threw down a dunk to put the Bucks up 108-107 with 32.6 seconds remaining, and after Orlando’s Jalen Suggs missed a three-pointer, Lillard drilled a pair of free-throws to push the Bucks’ lead to three points with 9.1 seconds left.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard each added a pair of free throws in the final seconds to seal the hard-fought victory. “We fought for this one,” said Lillard, who said the Bucks would be aiming to improve on their performance last year in the inaugural edition of the event when they head to Las Vegas for the final stage. “We didn’t have the greatest experience there last year,” he said. “So I think all of us are thinking (about) going back and finishing what we started last year and doing it right this time.”
Suggs scored a career-high 32 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Magic, who got off to an aggressive start on the way to a 33-25 lead after one quarter. Suggs had three of the Magic’s seven steals in the first period as Orlando kept the Bucks off-balance. Milwaukee recovered to lead 60-59 at half time, and after four lead changes in the third quarter, the Bucks took an 80-72 lead into the final period. They would swap the lead four more times before the Bucks finally put it away.
In Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder turned the highly anticipated matchup of two of the league’s hottest teams into a rout, beating the Mavs 118-104 to end their seven-game winning streak. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points with eight rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams added 18 points and center Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who made 20 of their whopping 50 three-point attempts. Oklahoma City notched their eighth win in nine games and will play either the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors for a place in the final. The Thunder’s top-ranked defense proved too much for the Mavs. Klay Thompson scored 19 points for Dallas, Kyrie Irving added 17 and Luka Doncic, coming off back-to-back triple-doubles, was held to two points in the first half and finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Oklahoma City parlayed 19 Mavs turnovers into 36 points and won the rebounding battle 52-44.
The quarter-finals will conclude on Wednesday when the Knicks host the Hawks and the Rockets host the Warriors. The action then shifts to Las Vegas for the semi-finals on Saturday and the final on December 17. With Vegas beckoning, Gilgeous-Alexander said the game against a Mavs team that ousted them in last year’s playoffs had “a little bit of a playoff feel, a little bit more at stake than just a regular-season game. “I’m proud of the team, proud of the guys,” he said. “We rose to the moment.”
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Make some extra cash with these 7 holiday side hustles?
If you’re looking to earn some extra cash this holiday season, here are seven side hustles to consider.
1. Sell holiday crafts
If you’re adept at creating heartwarming graphics, can sew the perfect stocking, or have a knack for designing dazzling holiday decorations, the holiday season may offer opportunities to make money. Consider offering your goods and services on sites like Etsy, eBay, or Fiverr. Some examples: Etsy users sell homemade snowflake window decorations for $14 each, eBay users sell Grinch masks for $15 each, and Fiverr users design holiday card designs at $15 per card design.
2. Help people with holiday tasks
From putting up (or taking down) creepy Halloween decorations, shopping for holiday gifts, and wrapping and delivering those gifts, there are a slew of seasonal tasks for people to take on. And some could probably use help. Consider offering your services for any of the above on sites like TaskRabbit, Nextdoor, or local Facebook groups. Taskers on TaskRabbit typically charge between $45 and $152 total for decorating projects, and between $22 and $63 total for shopping projects, according to the site. Gift wrappers make about $12 per hour on average, according to Indeed. Make sure to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for social distancing when you’re interacting with clients.
3. Deliver groceries
Demand for grocery delivery skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people elected to stay home and social distance instead of going to the store. Many may continue to rely on the service as the weather cools and they plan holiday gatherings or prepare to hand out Halloween candy. Sign up to deliver groceries for companies like Instacart, which pays an average of $13 per hour, according to Glassdoor, or Shipt, where experienced shoppers can make between $16 and $22 per hour, according to the site.
It’s important to make sure that in supermarkets and grocery stores, you can still “adhere to the principles of social distancing,” Dr. David Hirschwerk, an infectious diseases doctor at the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, told Grow earlier this year. Keep that six-foot distance from other people and wear a mask. These rules apply for making the deliveries, too. Ask your employer what kind of contactless delivery system is in place to mitigate your risks. And make sure your employer has a break system in place to allow you to wash your hands frequently and to rest.
4. Deliver takeout
Demand for takeout also exploded during the pandemic, with eateries like Pizza Hut posting tens of thousands of jobs for pizza makers and delivery drivers to keep up with orders. Takeout is likely to continue to be popular during the busy holiday season (Chinese food on Christmas, perhaps?). Sign up to make food deliveries through services like DoorDash, where drivers make an average of $14 per hour, according to Indeed, or Postmates, where drivers make an average of $15 per hour, according to Indeed. Once again, ask your employer what kind of contactless delivery system is in place and make sure to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing.
5. Sell a recipe
Maybe your friends always ask for your bacon and mashed potatoes recipe, or your family insists you make your famous tofurkey every year. If you have a winning recipe you think people would enjoy over the holidays, “you can sell your recipes on Etsy, Facebook groups, or freelance job boards like Upwork looking for recipe writers,” says side hustle expert Daniella Flores. One framed chocolate chip recipe is going for about $17 on Etsy, for example, and recipe writers on Upwork charge as much as $200 per hour.
6. Babysit
With the pandemic restricting our ability to spend time with people in large groups, holiday get-togethers may look different this year. Still, some parents may get invited to smaller gatherings and they’ll need someone to watch their kids.
Consider signing up to be a babysitter on sites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter. Sitters nationwide can make anywhere from around $13 to $23 per hour, according to Care.com. The holidays also tend to drive hourly rates higher, as it is assumed whatever holiday celebration babysitters are working on takes time away from their own celebrations. “There’s gonna have to be a certain degree of vetting that goes on,” says Dr. Hirschwerk, in terms of how to approach babysitting from a safety perspective. “I would want to know, in the household, has anybody recently been ill? And I think you’d want to know to what degree is that household practicing social distancing.”
7. Pet sit
Similarly, pet owners celebrating around or on the holidays themselves may need someone to watch their pets, whether that’s a dog walker to cover them while they’re at a holiday party or a pet sitter while they’re traveling out of town. Sign up to be a pet sitter on sites like Care.com, Sitter City, or Pet Sitter. The average rate of a pet sitter is $25 per hour, according to Thumbtack.
Source: www.cnbc.com
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Our Services
- Devote every managerial effort to become more efficient and profitable.
- Continue to employ competent and fully certified seafarers for our customer in order to gain excellent standing with both local and foreign governments, maritime unions, training institution, P & I Correspondent and the likes.
- Control the manning process systematically; be flexible and proactive in fulfilling both seafarers and customers’ requirements, presenting innovative solutions wherever possible.
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Our Mission
- Maintain pools of highly qualified, motivated and dedicated seafarers who fulfill the demanding requirements in safeguarding the safety of ship and the environment.
- Lifetime Profession- Develop training and education program that involves many initiatives geared towards ensuring that personnel starting their employment with MBM are given every opportunity to progress their career through the ranks and via shore-based employment.
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2012 CAR CARRIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
We are please to announce that 10 vessels have demonstrated excellence in safety, delay-free, and bunkering-saving operations and have thus been selected to receive the Car Carrier of the Year Award for 2012
The M/V Santa Lucia saved human lives.
The M/V Santa Lucia, an 180,000-ton bulk carrier we operate with 22 Pilipino crew, saved human lives.
In the early hours of March 16, while sailing in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia, on a voyage from Japan to Australia, the ship received a distress call from an Indonesian fishing boat.
The M/V Santa Lucia proceeded to the site and rescued all 15 crew members from the boat. All the rescued crew were safe and sound and handed over to Indonesia’s coast guard in the afternoon of the same day.