House to focus on these 6 measures for rest of year

by Ellson Quismorio, Manila Bulletin

Of the 30 proposed laws to come out of the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) between the House of Representatives and Senate, at least six are targeted for passage before year’s end, at least from the lower chamber’s part.

The House plenary (Ellson A. Quismorio)

Thus, said Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo in a recent interview with House reporters.

Quimbo, the senior vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, identified the six as the proposed creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, Medical Reserve Corps, National Disease Prevention Management Authority or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; the amendment to the Build Operate Transfer Law; the National Service Training Program; and the Agrarian Reform Debt Condonation Law.

The 311-stong lower chamber is still on recess and won’t hold sessions until Nov. 7. However, the lady solon’s identification of the six measures give the public and pundits alike an idea of the direction of Congress for the rest of 2022.

The Philippine legislature is bicameral in nature, with the House and Senate representing the lower and upper chamber, respectively.

Two national laws have been produced by the solons in the 19th Congress so far: first, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law; and second, the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to October 2023.

The third measure that is expected to be signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) worth P5.268 trillion.

The GAB is currently undergoing scrutiny by senators, although much of the work had already been done by the House members. The House and Senate versions of the GAB will be harmonized in a Bicameral Conference Committee meeting, afterwhich the enrolled bill will be signed by the President.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez had earlier said the chamber would “act with dispatch” on the priority measures of the Marcos administration.

Romualdez said Rule 10, Section 48 of the House authorizes the committees to dispose of priority measures already filed and approved on third reading in the immediately preceding Congress.

“We have the internal mechanism for an expeditious approval process that is enshrined in Rule 10, Section 48 of the House rules of procedure,” Romualdez said, noting that the use of this particular rule would greatly hasten consideration and endorsement by any committee of any covered bill, and its eventual plenary approval.

“The House is in full support of the President’s entire legislative agenda, including the key priority measures for legislation he has asked Congress to consider. We will act on these with dispatch,” he said.

Further intensification of ‘Neneng’ not ruled out – PAGASA

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

Tropical depression Neneng, the country’s 14th tropical cyclone in 2022, is expected to further intensify while moving over the Philippine sea, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on Friday, Oct. 14, said Neneng is forecast to move west southwestwards in the next 24 hours before turning westward on Saturday, Oct. 15.

PAGASA’s latest forecast track showed that the weather disturbance will likely make landfall or pass “very closely” in Babuyan Islands or Batanes.

Satellite image of Neneng (PAGASA)

Last spotted 1,015 kilometers (km) east of extreme northern Luzon, Neneng was packing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kilometers per hour (kph). It is moving west northwestward at 10 kph.

Raising of wind signals

With Neneng’s expected close approach to the Philippine landmass, the state weather bureau warned of heavy rains that may begin to drench northern Luzon beginning Saturday, Oct. 15.

“Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted [on Friday morning or afternoon, Oct. 14] over the eastern portion of northern Luzon in the anticipation of winds associated with the approaching tropical cyclone,” said PAGASA.

“Per latest intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is wind Signal no. 2,” it added.

The weather disturbance, according to the state weather bureau, may further intensify while traversing the Philippine sea, adding that it may reach tropical storm category by Saturday. Further intensification prior to its expected “close approach” to extreme northern Luzon is not ruled out.

ABS-CBN Film Restoration brings restored Filipino classics to Netflix

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

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ABS-CBN Film Restoration continuously makes Filipino cinematic classics accessible through various platforms for today’s audiences as it brings forth some of its digitally restored and remastered titles streaming on-demand via Netflix.

Up until the end of 2022, ABS-CBN Film Restoration and its Sagip Pelikula initiative will introduce an array of restored Pinoy films of all genres on Netflix—from drama, romance, comedy, and horror.

The first title introduced is the digitally restored version of the revered 1982 war-drama classic “Oro, Plata, Mata” directed by Peque Gallaga and written by Jose Javier Reyes, starring Sandy Andolong, Liza Lorena, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, and late Cherie Gil.

More award-winning Filipino classics will make their way to the on-demand streaming platform, among them are Nora Aunor’s cinematic masterpiece “Himala” and one of Dolphy’s iconic films of all time, “Markova: Comfort Gay.”

Viewers can also watch the restored versions of Star Cinema’s all-time romantic hits, such as “One More Chance,” “Now That I Have You,” “Dubai,” and “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit.”

Comedy fans are also in for a treat with “Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo!” and the Judy Ann Santos-Ryan Agoncillo starrer “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo,” while thrill-seekers can watch the digitally restored horror blockbuster “Feng Shui.”

Today’s audiences can watch all these remastered classics from ABS-CBN Film Restoration on-demand via Netflix for subscribers in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asian territories.

Also, Pinoy viewers can continue watching these restored films on KTX.ph with special pre-show interviews before every screening.

Now in its eleventh year since digitally restoring its first title, Sagip Pelikula continues to remaster films from directors and writers of note for today’s viewers to appreciate. These efforts have earned multiple recognitions from award-giving bodies worldwide, including the prestigious Gold Quill Award given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Gawad Pedro Bucaneg from Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), and most recently the Gawad PASADO sa Pagsisinop ng mga De Kalibreng Pelikula distinction from the 23rd Gawad PASADO organized by Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro (PASADO).

For more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).

Jessica Sanchez gives advice to aspiring artists

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Jessica Sanchez

Fil-Am artist Jessica Sanchez has established her solid fan base here in the Philippines after she wowed the international market when she emerged as runner-up in the eleventh season of “American Idol” in 2012.

During a Zoom with the entertainment press, Sanchez revealed that she’s still in touch with her batch mates in “American Idol.”

“We do talk once in a while. Back then we were also young, and we were like one family. Now we’re a lot older, and that was 10 years ago? We do still get in touch. Not as often, but we still get in touch,” she said.

Asked to give advice to aspiring singers, Sanchez said: “Continue to work hard. Don’t let those struggles stop you because they will gonna come. Just keep pushing through, and you will see the change. Not only in your growth, but also in your career.”

Even when she was younger, Sanchez’s dreams were always in music. Successfully joining “American Idol” was perhaps something that Sanchez fervently aspired for more than a decade ago. “There was never anything else I wanted to do, and I made sure there were no distractions.”

“American Idol,’ that’s just so crazy to me. It all happened so fast, and I was so young then.“I feel like I couldn’t really experience it fully, mentally and emotionally. But I believe everything happens for a reason and at God’s timing. I am so grateful for all that I’ve experienced and all that I’ve done since ‘Idol.’

“I know I still have much to learn, and I’m still growing in my artistry, so I’m just excited to continue this journey.”

Recently, Sanchez released her latest, “Baddie,” which she also penned with a friend. “We were really just having fun with the song and the first lyric that came to mind was ‘You got a baddie’,” she shared.

“The song is all about being confident, knowing who you are, what you want, and your worth. Of course, there’s a little love dynamic going on, but it’s really about the confidence you carry.

“Anyone can be a baddie, but the main thing to being a baddie is embracing who you are, flaws and all, and walking into any situation with that confidence and sense of worth.

”As far as her original music is concerned, Jessica has written so many songs based on personal experiences and feelings.“I’m so excited to share who I am through my music,” she insisted.

“I can be kind of a quiet and awkward person, so it’s hard for me to express myself fully. Thank God, I have music to use as an outlet and way of expression.“You guys are definitely going to see and hear a new side of me that you haven’t heard before. I hope you guys enjoy getting a little peek into my mind and life.”

𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐠𝐚: “𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩…𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠,” 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐝𝐎’𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

Davao de Oro— “It’s the boat, it’s the ship, the very vehicle nga sakyan natong tanan ug asa ta padung... we need your utmost cooperation, we need your prayers nga magkahiusa gyud ta nga mapadayun natong smooth-sailing ang pagpadagan sa atong barko hangtud muabot ta didtu sa 2025,” Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga Gonzaga said as she led the ceremonial launching and signing of the pledge and commitment of support for the 2023–2025 Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) on October 10, 2022.

The ELA 2023-2025 is a term-based strategic plan of the executive-legislative department for the next three years that would bring significant changes to the lives of the people of Davao de Oro. It is the blueprint or guide toward the direction of progress and development in the province. This consisted of the proposed programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for the province focusing on five (5) governance sectors such as social services, economic development and poverty reduction, physical and infrastructure development, environmental management, and local administration and financial management.

"The ELA is the very document containing sa mga nasabutan nga pagplastar ug implementar nga mga proyekto ug serbisyo sa probinsya. This is our very document to you, dear people, kung asa mo dal-on ni Gov Dot-dot ug Vice Gov Tyron apil ang mga board members ug atong department heads," Gov. Gonzaga said.

Governor Gonzaga congratulated the technical working group and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Uy, who lent their time and efforts in scrutinizing the prioritized programs even with the limited funds and resources to come. She also extended gratitude to the employees and the people of Davao de Oro for sending their sentiments that led to the realization of ELA.

“Kani napahitabo tungod kamo mismo nagpakabana, nitingog mo nga mao ni ato atimanon. Mag-ampo mi nga atoa gyud ning masunod, magampo pud mi nga kamo magpabiling magbinantayon,” Gov. Gonzaga said.

Vice Governor Uy, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, department heads, national government agencies (NGAs), and employees joined the governor in fully supporting the vision, mission, and goals of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, DILG Provincial Director Noel C. Duarte said that every public servant should serve the people with integrity, trust, and a sense of commitment.

“Today, we will be forging our commitment as government public servants. We must live with the vision of the province... responsive to the needs of every Dabawenyos," PD Duarte said. (𝐽. 𝐹𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑧, 𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝐴 . 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑜)

PH reserves down to $95-B

by Lee C. Chipongian, Manila Bulletin

In defending the peso vis-à-vis the strong US dollar, the country’s foreign exchange reserves has fallen to a 30-month low of $95.014 billion as of end-September this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported over the weekend.

Based on BSP data, the gross international reserves (GIR) has lost $5.84 billion since June 1 when the local currency started to rapidly depreciate from P52.4 to P55.02 versus the greenback by June 30.

The GIR is BSP’s war chest against speculative attacks against the peso. Speculative attacks on currencies occur when there is excessive, large volume of foreign exchange selling in the hope that the central bank will run out of reserves and thus a currency crisis will ensue, and speculators with a foreign currency hoard will be able to dictate market price.

Bank teller counting P1,000 bills/Bloomberg photo

It was in July when the GIR first dropped to below the $100 billion level after peaking at $108.79 billion in December 2021.

In July and August, the BSP recorded the exchange rate at P54, P55 and P56. The peso broke its 2004 record low of P56.45 in September. It was also in September when the peso also breached P57, P58 and P59 which was its new all-time low.

The BSP insisted it does not target an exchange rate but it will intervene in the spot market to ease pressures off the peso. The Monetary Board has already raised the policy rate by a cumulative 225 basis points (bps) to smoothen exchange rate volatilities.

Along with the BSP rate hikes, the central bank has been releasing foreign reserves to curb further peso depreciation. However, the central bank’s exchange rate policy continue to support a freely floating exchange rate system where the BSP leaves it to market forces to dictate the exchange rate level.

The BSP will only enter the spot market to ensure “order and temper destabilizing swings” in the peso-US dollar rate. And, if needed, the BSP will release US dollar liquidity to supply legitimate demands for foreign currency.

After dropping to below the $100 billion level in July, the GIR continued to decline to $97.44 billion in August and $95.01 billion in September.

The current GIR was $11.58 billion lower compared to same period in September 2021.

At $95.01 billion, the BSP still consider this level as “more than adequate external liquidity buffer” which was equivalent to 7.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It was also about 6.8 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

From August’s GIR of $97.44 billion, the reserves declined by $2.43 billion month-on-month. According to the BSP, the month-on-month decrease “reflected mainly the National Government’s payments of its foreign currency debt obligations and downward adjustment in the value of the BSP’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market.”

The GIR is composed of BSP’s reserve assets as foreign investments, gold reserves, foreign exchange, reserve position in the International Monetary Fund or IMF, and special drawing rights.

In September, BSP’s managed foreign investments amounted to $80.62 billion, down from August’s $82.73 billion and from same period last year’s $89.70 billion.

Gold holdings also dropped to $8.33 billion in September versus $8.53 billion previously, and from $8.85 billion same time in 2021. The foreign exchange component of the GIR in September totaled $1.67 billion, down from the previous month’s $1.77 billion.

Last Sept. 16, the Monetary Board approved revised external accounts to reflect the latest developments in the international environment.

The BSP revised the GIR projection lower to $99 billion in 2022 from its previous estimate of $105 billion.

Basically, the GIR is BSP’s foreign assets invested in foreign-issued securities, monetary gold, and foreign exchange. The emerging 2022 GIR is equivalent to 7.5 months import cover, lower than the previous forecast of eight months of import cover.

Precious Paula Nicole pops off as the Philippines’ first Drag Race Superstar

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

After an exciting two months of Pinoy-flavored mini and maxi challenges, fierce runway looks, and regular doses of drama, Precious Paula Nicole bested 11 other Filipino drag queens to become the Philippines’ first-ever Drag Race Superstar.

The hit global drag phenomenon “Drag Race Philippines” historic first season premiered on August
17, 2022, on discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus featuring 12 of the fiercest, most
fabulous Filipino drag artists from all over the world competing for the crown.

The Precious Bicolana Queen and member of the drag group “Divine Divas”, first entered the werk
room in a campy ensemble reflective of her playful personality. From the beginning of the competition, she showcased true creativity, uniqueness, nerve, and talent which helped her gain the title of president and number one competitor at the Ru-lections.

Her ‘Regine Velasquez’ performance garnered praise from the “Asia’s Songbird” herself during the OPM Divas: The Rusical and her Pearl of the Orient Seas look proved that she could serve eleganza extravaganza.

Quickly enough, Precious Paula Nicole became a crowd favorite especially when her heart shone through during Twinning! as she transformed her youngest brother into a drag queen. She not only showcased the best of Pinoy drag but also embodied the Filipino spirit of unconditional love and dedication to
family.

“Life is precious and so are we. Let’s continue to inspire and let’s continue to love”, said Precious
Paula Nicole in the finale of “Drag Race Philippines” Season One.

The other finalists also served their remarkable talent and tenacity. Eva Le Queen, best known for
her Snatch Game performance as comedian Rufa Mae Quinto, brought out the Tampalpukean in
every viewer, gaining the respect of many for her poise and wisdom. Marina Summers, a fan-
favorite who served sultry summer looks, charmed the country with her wit and humor. Finally,
Xilhouete, respectable drag mother to many, wow-ed the fans with not just couture-inspired looks
but also her determination and will to be worthy of one of the spots in the finale.

In the finale, viewers were welcomed by the S1 queens of “Drag Race Philippines” and an electric
performance by “Drag Race Philippines” host, Paolo Ballesteros.

The Miss Congeniality title was bestowed to Lady Morgana before the final four showdowns. Kicking off the final lip sync battles were Eva Le Queen and Precious Paula Nicole followed by Marina Summers and Xilhouete.

It ultimately came down to Precious Paula Nicole and Marina Summers who performed Sirena by Gloc-
9 for the crown. Precious Paula Nicole secured her victory, receiving a one-year supply of ONE/SIZE
beauty cosmetics by Patrick Starrr and P1,000,000 powered by Kumu.

With its healthy dose of creativity, ingenuity, and drama, the first season of “Drag Race Philippines”
has garnered global attention. Though the season may have ended, fans can rewatch all episodes
on discovery+, HBO Go, and WOW Presents Plus.

“Drag Race Philippines” is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc in
conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell,
and RuPaul Charles serving as executive producers on the series.

Download and subscribe to discovery+ available across multiple platforms, including connected
TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter. “Drag Race Philippines” is also available on HBO GO.

Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. Follow HBO GO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Palace to launch programs vs fake news, says Garafil

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, Manila Bulletin

The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said that it will be implementing programs to combat the spread of fake news in the country after recognizing that the circulation of erroneous content is a problem that must be resolved.

Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil (RTVM Screenshot)

OPS officer-in-charge Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil said this after a new Pulse Asia survey showed that 9 of 10 Filipino adults think the proliferation of fake news in the country is a problem.

In a press briefing, Garafil agreed that spreading fake news is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

She said the OPS would come out with programs to combat fake news.

“Ito po ay isang seryosong bagay na tututukan ng OPS. Kaya nga ngayon, Sir, meron kaming mga programa na ile-lay-down in the coming days (This is a serious issue that the OPS is looking into. That’s why we will be laying down programs in the coming days),” she said.

“We will let you know kasi gusto rin talaga natin na ma-address itong mga problema ng fake news (because we also want to address this problem about fake news),” she added.

Last month, former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the OPS was willing to work with Congress to push for legislation to address the spread of disinformation and fake news.

She said this after she admitted that there was no budget yet for efforts to fight misinformation in her office’s proposed budget for 2023.

“Nagbigay rin tayo ng suporta sa Kongreso para sa panukalang batas sa paglaban sa fake news at disinformation (We showed our support to Congress for a proposed law against fake news and disinformation),” Angeles said on September 2.

“Handang magbigay at magsumite ang ating opisina ng suhestiyon at impormasyon na kinakailangan para makamtan natin ang ‘whole-of-government’ approach kontra fake news (Our office is prepared to give suggestions and information necessary to achieve a ‘whole-of-government’ approach against fake news),” she added.

Serious security breach as hacker takes over NDRRMC’s Facebook page

by Martin Sadongdong, Manila Bulletin

An official social media account of the government’s primary inter-agency council on disaster response has been hacked on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 11, raising questions as to the capability of the government to deter cyber attacks.

Cybercriminals have many different reasons, methods, and connections to commit cybercrime. A look into their mind and see how White Hat Hackers use that knowledge to protect your system.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced that its official Facebook page was hacked around 3 p.m.

“Necessary arrangements are in place to retrieve our account and investigate the matter. We uphold data privacy and security, alongside the welfare of the members of the NDRRMC,” it said in a press statement.

The hacking incident occured just as Tropical Depression “Maymay” was headed towards Luzon and threatened to pound provinces. The NDRRMC, which often posts warnings and updates on impending calamities, made its last Facebook post last October 4.

The NDRRMC apologized for “any inconvenience or confusion” that the incident might bring to the public and its stakeholders.

This was not the first time that the NDRRMC was targeted by hackers.

Ten months ago, the official Twitter account of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) — the implementing agency of the NDRRMC — had also been hacked.

The OCD’s verified Twitter account @civildefensePH posted at least five tweets about cryptocurrency and bitcoin on the Twitter pages of billionaire businessman Elon Musk and his aerospace company, SpaceX, on the midnight of Nov. 14, 2021.

The hacker also changed the OCD’s Twitter handle from “Office of Civil Defense” to “Elon Muskx,” as well as its profile picture to the photo that was the same as Musk’s Twitter profile.

It was not immediately clear whether or not the hacker that controlled the OCD Twitter page in 2021 was the same hacker that attacked the Facebook page of the NDRRMC since the Council offered very little details on the recent hacking incident.

LOOK! Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts singing ‘Beauty and the Beast’

by Robert Requintina

Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Facebook)

After the CBS series “Murder, She Wrote,” Hollywood star Angela Lansbury appeared in another memorable project in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” in 1991.

Angela was the voice of Mrs. Potts in the blockbuster animated feature flick, which until now, remains the first-ever movie nominated for Best Picture at the prestigious Oscar Awards.

Mrs. Potts is a supporting character in “Beauty and the Beast.” She is the castle’s head housekeeper who was transformed into an enchanted teapot once the Enchantress placed her curse.

Angela was the voice of Mrs. Potts in the original version, while Emma Thompson was in the live-action remake.

Angela died on Tuesday, Oct. 11, her children announced. She was 96.

“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday,” said her family in a statement.

“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.

Angela was perhaps best known for playing dauntless mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher on “Murder, She Wrote” on CBS for 12 years.