LPA enters PAR, may bring rains in coming days — PAGASA

 

A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Monday evening, Aug. 4, and may bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas in the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Aug 5, 2025 09:12 am

PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the LPA was located 895 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 3 a.m.

She added that the weather disturbance has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Dominguez said two possible scenarios are being monitored. Either the LPA will make a close approach to Luzon before veering northwest and moving away from the country, or it will cross the Luzon landmass.

“Anumang scenario ang mangyari dito ay inaasahan natin magdadala pa rin ng mga pag-ulan itong LPA sa Luzon at Eastern Visayas (Whichever scenario occurs, we still expect the LPA to bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas),” she said, adding that rains are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a monsoon break persists, as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” has little to no effect on most of the country.

For the next 24 hours, generally fair weather is expected, although localized thunderstorms remain possible, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA still advised the public to remain alert for possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

Highly intelligent minds don’t worry about tidiness!

Genocide by starvation, bullets and bombs

 

By Fr. Shay Cullen

The world lacks strong and outspoken leaders who can forcefully take to task the Israeli government and what its forces are doing in the Gaza Strip right now: killing the Palestinian civilians there through violence or starvation — a move that many have condemned as genocide. As many as 111 humanitarian organizations around the world have denounced Israel’s denial of sufficient food, medicine and humanitarian aid to the Gazans.

In a recent statement, these agencies “denounced the Israeli government’s ‘siege’ of Gaza, and urges governments to act to open all land crossings; restore the flow of food, water, medicine, shelter items and fuel into Gaza ‘through a principled, UN (United Nations)-led mechanism’; end the siege; and agree to an immediate ceasefire.”

They noted the near-daily massacres of Palestinians at food distribution sites in Gaza, and cited the UN in saying that 875 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food and thousands more have been injured.

“The starvation of civilians is a war crime,” the organizations said.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global hunger monitoring system, said the “worst-case scenario of famine” was now happening in Gaza. In a statement, it said: “Latest data indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption. Under this international outcry and pressure, the Israeli government is allowing a trickle more of aid to enter the Gaza Strip. It is far from what is needed to stop an impending famine. This is a genocide by starvation; many UN officials are denouncing.”

Also, more voices from inside Israel are being heard. Israeli-Palestinian human rights group B’Tselem recently released a report titled “Our Genocide,” in which it says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The report strongly condemned the war on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 60,000 people and wounded at least 145,000 others.

“An examination of Israel’s policy in the Gaza Strip and its horrific outcomes, together with statements by senior Israeli politicians and military commanders about the goals of the attack, leads to the unequivocal conclusion that Israel is taking coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip,” the report said. “In other words, Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

Palestinian militant group Hamas, whose attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparked the war, is far from defeated. It is holding as many as 20 hostages as bargaining chips in negotiations for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Several nations have called on Hamas to disarm and release the hostages.

Crimes worsening

The Israeli armed forces and private mercenaries are gunning down civilians as they rush to get insufficient food rations at the distribution areas, killing and wounding them as though these sites are shooting galleries — or Israel’s version of the killing fields.

These crimes of war and against humanity continue to get worse. There is little or no compassion or solidarity from developed nations for the over 2 million civilians in Gaza. There is talk, but no decisive action to stop the suffering. The only words that United States President Donald Trump said were for Israel to allow “every ounce of food” into Gaza, as he acknowledged for the first time that “real starvation” was occurring there.

Trump was reported as saying: “We can save a lot of people, I mean, some of those kids. That’s real starvation; I see it and you can’t fake that. So, we’re going to be even more involved.” But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied there was starvation, calling it a “bold-faced lie.”

Are Trump’s words empty or would he follow up on that by halting the supply of bombs and other weapons to Israel and compel the country to allow the supply and distribution of food by the UN to resume and stop its blockade? The European Union and other countries are weak in responding to the genocide in Gaza. They fear the US president and his tariffs if they openly oppose Israel.

What is needed is for governments, as well as ordinary people around the world, to boycott products made by and exported from Israel; and protest and block weapons and other goods flowing into that country. Trade between the EU and Israel is conducted based on an association agreement. In addition, relations between the two are framed in the European Neighborhood Policy, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Union for the Mediterranean. These give Israel preferential treatment, or no or low import tax and restrictions. The EU could cancel these privileges if it has the moral and political strength to do so.

The EU is Israel’s biggest trading partner. In 2013, the total volume of bilateral trade reached €27 billion. That year, 32 percent of Israeli exports went to the EU and 34 percent of imports came from the EU. Other countries have large trading deals with Israel. China has a 17.7-percent share of trade worth $14.7 billion; the US, a 12-percent share worth $8.45 billion; and Germany, a 6.28-percent share worth $5.22 billion.

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London would also do the same. So will Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

As many as 147 member-states out of the UN’s 193 members recognize Palestine as a state. That is a staggering 75 percent of UN member-states that recognize Palestine but one completely occupied by Israel. Palestine has been a nonmember UN state since November 2012. This strengthens efforts for a two-state solution, which Netanyahu’s government strongly opposes. After a three-day UN conference on reviving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the said states would “reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.” It stressed the “importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.”

Spotlight on style: Vice Ganda, Carla Abellana, Sanya Lopez at GMA Gala 2025

 

Stars descend on the GMA Gala 2025 blue carpet (from left) Vice Ganda, Sanya Lopez, Angel Guardian, and Carla Abellana. The annual gala was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on August 2, 2025. Philstar.com / Anjilica Andaya

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines —  “It's Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda and Jhong Hilario, Carla Abellana and the stars of “Sang’gre” all served looks at Saturday’s GMA Gala 2025.

For two years now, some hosts of the popular noontime show “It’s Showtime” have attended GMA’s annual gala. The ABS-CBN show began airing on GMA-7’s main channel in April last year.

Vice stunned in a royal blue ball gown, completing the look with a wavy blonde wig. His fellow “It's Showtime” hosts also impressed, Anne Curtis dazzled in a black ensemble, while Jhong sported a shiny red suit paired with a stylish hat. Darren Espanto and Ryan Bang were also among the attendees.

Carla, dubbed the “Voice of the Voiceless” and “Callout Queen” by social media users, looked resplendent in a yellow couture gown by Mak Tumang.

The actress has earned admiration online for speaking out against poor service from providers.

“Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” stars Sanya Lopez, Gabbi Garcia, and Angel Guardian were also spotted at the event.

Both Sanya and Gabbi opted to break from their characters’ signature colors, Sanya dazzled in a sexy black dress instead of her usual brown, while Gabbi wore a simple red gown instead of green. In the show, their roles as gem keepers are traditionally identified by these colors.

Angel, however, channeled her popular TV character by wearing a blue gown, fitting for her role as the would-be air gem keeper, traditionally associated with the color blue.

The GMA Gala 2025 was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

8 in 10 Pinoys want polluting firms taxed for environmental damage

 

Fisherfolk hold a protest in the waters of Batangas City on April 22, Earth Day to denounce the expansion of fossil gas plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the area.

Mara Manuel for Center for Energy, Ecology and Development

Dominique Nicole Flores - Philstar.com

August 5, 2025 | 7:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Who should pay the price for environmental destruction? The answer is a no-brainer for most Filipinos: corporations whose actions have contributed to disasters. 

A recent study commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International found that 84% of Filipino respondents support taxing corporations for environmental damage contributing to wildfires, floods, droughts and health issues.

Filipinos also overwhelmingly reject passing costs to individual consumers, whose environmental impact is significantly smaller than that of enabling firms and policies.

Instead, three in five believe oil and gas companies should shoulder the tax burden, while nearly one-fourth favor taxing businesses in general.

Impact on Philippines

The Philippines has become a showcase for climate extremes, with floods submerging towns for days and temperatures hitting record highs. 

Beyond local factors like inadequate waste management and flood control, experts have identified a more uncontrollable force: climate change exacerbated by continued fossil fuel use and expansion. 

The effects of worsening global warming are visible, with cities facing stronger storms more frequently and even more rainfall regardless of weather patterns. Extreme heat has also resulted in more class suspensions in recent years as temperatures breach 50°C. 

The Philippines endured a brutal July as storms and an enhanced southwest monsoon unleashed torrential rains across Luzon and Visayas. 

Four consecutive tropical cyclones — “Bising,” “Crising,” “Dante” and “Emong” — battered the islands alongside the habagat, leaving 254 local governments with no choice but to declare a state of calamity. 

Due to the last three storms, classes were suspended for a week in several areas where floodwaters were waist-deep and even worse in other areas.  

Climate justice sought

Filipinos are all too familiar with the effects of climate change, and environmental watchdogs say the survey demonstrates the growing urgency to demand climate justice for vulnerable nations like the Philippines.

“The poll results affirm what we’ve known for a long time: Filipinos have a strong sense of justice and majority support taxing the climate polluters to compensate for the damages they cause,” Oxfam Pilipinas Climate Justice portfolio manager Cheng Pagulayan said in a statement. 

These taxes should rightfully go to the vulnerable communities most impacted by the climate crisis and to supporting community-based renewable energy investments,” he added. 

How should the taxes be imposed? About 79% of Filipinos said the government should not just raise taxes on oil and gas companies, but also require revenues be directed toward communities most affected by the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, 81% called on the government to close loopholes that have allowed wealthy individuals and international firms to evade financial and ecological accountability. 

At least three in five Filipinos also believe the government is not doing enough to curb the political influence of wealthy and polluting industries.

Only in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) did President Bongbong Marcos slam the billions poured into flood control projects that failed to prevent recent flooding, seeking an immediate audit and review of their implementation.

Right to seek damages. The study’s findings come as the Philippines reels from recent storms and as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirms that vulnerable nations have the right to seek damages from major polluting companies and states.

A nationwide survey commissioned by Greenpeace and Oxfam and conducted by Dynata from May 9 to 28 sampled 1,200 Filipino adults, with a margin of error of ± 2.83%.

Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat coffees to represent PH in Southeast Asia competition

 

DAVAO CITY – Coffees from Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat provinces are set to represent the country in the Southeast Asia Green Coffee Competition (SEAGCC) in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat in October.

By Keith Bacongco

Published Aug 4, 2025 03:57 pm

In the Arabica category, eight of the top 10 winners were from coffees grown in Bansalan town in Davao del Sur,  five of which were from Sitio Balutakay, a popular source of top quality Arabica coffee that sits on the slopes of Mount Apo.

Cherry Gil Cabanday topped the Arabica category in the recent national selection for SEAGCC held in this city.

Cabanday, who grows coffee in Purok Pluto in Sitio Balutakay, outshined 51 other entries coming from different parts of the country.

Fellow coffee farmer from Bansalan, Janet Escalera, earned the second spot followed by Finca de Garces of Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

Josephine Libres, who is also from Sitio Balutakay, earned the fourth spot followed by Salome Milagrosa (Barangay Alegre in Bansalan), Cyril Jerome Almanzor (Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur), Marcia Elumirag (Barangay Alegre), Jenny Morales (Sitio Balutakay), John Lawrence dela Cerna (Sitio Balutakay), and Lowell Padrones (Sitio Balutakay).

In the Robusta category, coffees from Sultan Kudarat province captured seven of the Top 10 spots.

The Top 5 winners under the Robusta category, who all hail from Sen. Ninoy Aquino town, are Roan Basco, Idelberto Deramos, Reyjohn Basco, Denz Bert Deramos, and Orlando Bayudan.

They are followed by Ricky Sagayno (Lupon, Davao Oriental), Catherine Joy Alipit (La Trinidad, Benguet), Junerd Ambay (Sen. Ninoy Aquino), Elmer Lucariza (Maragusan, Davao de Oro), and Elmor Jay Seguma (Lebak, Sultan Kudarat).

Twelve farmers participated in the Robusta category.

In a statement, Specialty Coffee Coffee Depot said that the coffees were evaluated by licensed Arabica and Robusta Q Graders from various regions in the country.

The event was supported by the Filipino Coffee Institute, Mindanao Development Authority, European Union, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Deutsche Geselleschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarebeit (GIZ), and Department of Agriculture-11 High Value Crops Division.

Angelbert Cortes of Cavite State University emerged as the lone winner under the Excelsa Category.

Brando Mediano, chairman of the Specialty Coffee Marketing Cooperative, explained that coffee from Mount Apo dominated the Arabica category because farmers mainly grow Arabica.

Sultan Kudarat topped the Robusta category because the hinterland areas of the province is a known source, Mediano added.

He said that Philippine coffees that joined the competition were not just delicious, but were thoughtfully grown, carefully processed, and full of character.

“Many stood out for their complexity, harmony, and individuality. It was a challenge to cup because of the high level of quality across the board,” said Mediano, who also served as one of the competition’s evaluators.

For coffees grown in the slopes of Mount Apo, he attributed the distinct taste to different factors that contributed to its quality.

Mediano said that coffees grown in Mount Apo are shaped by the terroir of volcanic soils, shifting mountain weather, and the deep roots of tradition.

“But what truly sets it apart are the people. The experienced farmers continue to apply proven, tested methods that have stood the test of time, while the younger generation brings a spirit of innovation, curiosity, and openness to the future,” he said.

Mediano lauded the dedication of farmers for producing world-class coffee.

For him, it is not just a competition of flavor but also a celebration of culture, effort, and story.

“In a sense, everyone who brought coffee to the table is already a winner, because they are contributing to something much bigger than themselves.”

Klea clears Janella: No third party

 

By Neil Ramos

Published Aug 4, 2025 05:03 pm

Klea Pineda has officially denied rumors that Janella Salvador had anything to do with her recent breakup with longtime partner Katrice Kierulf.

The rumor was started by some netizens who have been sharing on social media photos and videos of Klea and Janella looking a tad too sweet and cozy for comfort.

Note the two worked together recently for the Cinemalaya film entry “Open Endings.”

But fans insist the photos and videos were not part of the film.

Supposedly, these were taken after filming was already done.

So was it just professional closeness or something more?

In a sideline interview with GMA News during the GMA Gala over the weekend, Klea tried to put the rumors to rest:

“I’m aware of what’s happening, but I keep saying that there’s no third party. My closeness with Janella is inevitable because we worked together on a film. The third party issue, come on, guys, stop it already.”

But the internet won’t stop. Especially not after Katrice liked some very telling TikTok comments naming Janella as the "other party."

Subtle? Not even a little.

And just when things were cooling off, Janella herself threw a well-timed match into the bonfire.

On X, she posted: “You will hear from me. Right place, right time.”

Looks like things are about to heat up.

AI is here: Are we ready?

 

By Manila Bulletin

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s already transforming the way we live, work, and make decisions. From customer service bots and algorithm-driven traffic systems to AI-generated learning tools and financial technologies, AI is reshaping industries and everyday life. But in the face of this global wave, a pressing question emerges for the Philippines: are we prepared?

In recent years, the government has taken crucial steps to embrace AI. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have recognized AI as a key pillar for economic competitiveness. In 2021, the National AI Roadmap was launched with goals to develop an AI ecosystem and establish the country as an “AI Center for Excellence” in the ASEAN region.

In February 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) to provide AI-powered solutions in the education system. Started in 2024, this initiative builds on the pioneering efforts of the Center for AI Research (CAIR).

In May this year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), unveiled its latest AI-powered innovations and digital infrastructure projects. These initiatives now support over 300 state universities and colleges, SMEs, research teams, and local government units across the country, providing them with access to advanced AI tools, training, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Filipino workers, particularly in the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector, face the very real threat of automation. Tasks such as customer service, basic transcription, and simple coding are now increasingly handled by AI systems. A study estimated that by 2030, up to 50 percent of work activities could be automated globally. In the Philippines, where over a million people rely on the BPO industry, the disruption could be massive—unless proactive measures are taken.

The solution is not to resist AI, but to ensure Filipinos can work with it, not be replaced by it. This requires a sweeping digital upskilling of our workforce. Government, educational institutions, and the private sector must continue to invest in AI literacy—starting with high school curricula, extending into technical-vocational education, and including lifelong learning opportunities for adults. Programs that teach data analysis, machine learning basics, prompt engineering, and digital ethics must be accessible and affordable.

AI also brings potential for good—if deployed with care. In the health sector, AI-powered diagnostics and mobile apps can reach underserved communities. In agriculture, AI can help farmers analyze weather patterns and optimize planting cycles. In education, personalized learning tools can support students struggling with traditional classroom methods.

Equally important is protecting human rights and ethical standards in the use of AI. How do we safeguard personal data? What regulations exist to prevent misuse—especially in facial recognition, surveillance, and misinformation campaigns? In a country already vulnerable to digital disinformation and privacy breaches, strong legal and ethical frameworks are non-negotiable.

We must also close the glaring digital divide. Millions of Filipinos still lack reliable internet, basic devices, or even electricity. As AI adoption accelerates, this digital gap threatens to widen economic and educational inequalities. Connectivity, inclusion, and access to tools are the foundations of any true AI-readiness program.

AI is not a trend—it is a transformation. The challenge is not just technological but societal: how do we ensure that AI empowers people, rather than marginalizes them?

EU provides P33M in aid to help typhoon-hit PH

 

Residents of Barangay Roxas District in Quezon City wade through floodwaters caused by continuous heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Santi San Juan/MANILA BULLETIN)

The European Union (EU) announced that it is providing €500,000 (approximately P33 million) in humanitarian aid to help the victims of the recent typhoons and floods in the Philippines. The EU said the funding “will help address the most pressing needs of people in the hardest hit areas of Calabarzon and Central Luzon, notably communities in hard-to-reach areas.” Read more

Leptospirosis has reached its epidemic threshold in Quezon City

 

Leptospirosis has reached its epidemic threshold in Quezon City, with 43 new cases recorded in just seven days from July 24 to 30, health officials there reported last Sunday.

“Epidemic threshold” refers to the value used by epediomologist to determine if an infectious disease will spread further or die out.

In fact, the Department of Health is now on the alert as it anticipates a rise in leptospirosis cases due to the rainfall and flooding caused by three recent tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon.

But even before this year, the disease has shown an increasing trend nationwide since an outbreak in 2020, according  an article published in November 2023 in the Annals of Medicine & Surgery.

To appreciate how quickly the cases increased, the article pointed out that there 182 cases recorded in 2020, 1,661 in, 2021, and 2,794 in 2022.

Here’s an excerpt from the abstract of that article:

Leptospirosis is prevalent in the Philippines due to its location in the tropics along the typhoon belt. Outbreaks typically occur after floods or heavy rainfall in flood-prone places like Metro Manila.

Therefore, leptospirosis epidemics in urban areas have been linked to the growth of slum areas, inadequate waste management, heavy rainfall, and flooding.

These factors create ecological conditions that facilitate the spread of rat-borne diseases.

in rural areas, leptospirosis is described as an occupational illness among agricultural and animal workers in rural settings.

Note the phrases “growth of slum areas” and “inadequate waste management.” Government officials have regularly blamed them for causing floods, which in turn spreads the Leptospira bacteria.

Clearly, those two urban problems need government action — not only to curb leptospirosis cases but to solve a host of other problems as well.

Meanwhile, as that action may take a long time coming, here are two articles you may want to consult first to avoid the disease.