Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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Deepest symphaty to the family of late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Jr.
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ABS 2025
Survey reg not mandatory – Comelec
By J.Lo
“Based on our discussion, we should give little leeway on the part of survey firms… registration might no longer be made mandatory, it would be voluntary on their part,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said during launching of Task Force on Regulation and Enforcement of Survey Practices for Election Credibility and Transparency or TF Respect survey firms may no longer be required to register with Comelec before conducting election surveys and disseminating results to public.
Garcia announced poll body is issuing amendatory resolution on rules mandating survey firms to register with Comelec
Garcia said mandatory registration of survey firms may be considered prior restraint to freedom of expression and speech, thus Comelec intends to make it voluntary.
Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, who heads TF Respect, said previous supplemental resolution mandating survey firms to register is not being implemented yet. Thus, there is no need to suspend it.
While registration is voluntary under new guidelines, Garcia said all surveys released by firms that did not register with Comelec could serve as basis in filing case for election offense.
To avoid charges, Garcia said survey firms might have to voluntarily register with Comelec as he stressed agency is not prohibiting election surveys, but is regulating it to avoid influencing voters’ decisions.
Under proposed amended guidelines, only results of registered survey firms will be posted on Comelec website. Punitive measures on survey firms that fail to register would be removed.
Comelec also intends to add provision requiring firms to disclose relationships, if any, with candidates.
Garcia said Comelec sent notices to all senatorial candidates to remove their illegal campaign posters. Failure to comply could lead to their disqualification from the race.
Meanwhile, political analyst has reminded Filipino voters to scrutinize track records of those running in upcoming midterm elections, especially in light that most party-list groups are banking on name recall and issue association.
Reacting to latest pre-election survey conducted by Social Weather Stations, Stratbase president Dindo Manhit noted “significant influence” of name recall and issue association in voter preferences.
Manhit urged Filipino voters to look beyond name recall and issue association of those seeking congressional seats through the party-list system.
Earlier this month, election watchdog Kontra Daya reported majority of party-list organizations running in this year’s polls do not represent poor and marginalized sector.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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Pangasinan ,looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
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ABS 2025
‘Gold card’ US visas for $5 M
By Nidz Godino
“We’re going to be selling gold card…you have green card, this is gold card…we’re going to be putting price on that card of about $5 million,” US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to sell new “gold card” residency permits for price of $5 million each and said Russian oligarchs may be eligible.
Trump said sales of new visa, high-price version of traditional green card, would bring in job creators and could be used to reduce US national deficit.
The Republican president, made deportation of millions of undocumented migrants priority of his second term, said new card would be route to highly prized US citizenship.
“A lot of people are going to want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work and provide jobs and build companies, it’ll be people with money ,we’ll be able to sell maybe million of these cards…we have it all worked out from legal standpoint,” Trump said. Sales of the cards would start in about two weeks, Trump added.
The billionaire former real estate tycoon said that all applicants for the new gold cards would be carefully vetted.
But asked if wealthy Russians would also be able to apply, Trump said it was a possibility.
“Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. It’s possible,” Trump said. “They’re not as wealthy as they used to be. I think they can. I think they can afford $5 million.”
Number of Russian oligarchs have been hit by western sanctions since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Trump has caused shock in European capitals by suddenly opening negotiations with Russia to end war, amid fears that he could be willing to sell Ukraine short.
The US president told reporters that lifting sanctions on Russia was possible “at some point” but was not currently on the table.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing at Trump’s side in the Oval Office, said of gold cards that “we can use that money to reduce our deficit.”
Trump, who has branded series of hotels and casinos in long business career, even suggested new cards could also be named after him.
“Somebody said, ‘Can we call it Trump gold card… I said, if it helps, use name Trump,'” he said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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“Senate President Francis Escudero cannot do anything to start impeachment trial because impeachment trial cannot start if there is no session of Senate… session will start in June…so, it is only by then that impeachment will be constituted,” former Senate president Franklin Drilon continues to parry accusations of foot-dragging, Senate President Francis Escudero has proposed calendar for impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, beginning with presentation of Articles of Impeachment at the start of session on June 2, oathtaking of senator-judges the following day, and formal start of trial on July 30.
Based on his proposed timetable, Escudero will read Articles of Impeachment during session on June 2 and have chamber approve revised Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.
Escudero proposed oathtaking as judges of incumbent senators on June 3, so that summons can be promptly issued, pleadings received, and pre-trial undertaken from June 4 to July 25.
With terms in office of some senators expiring on June 30, Escudero proposed drafting of new rule that would “provide clear guidance on the procedure to be followed in case trial is not concluded before sine die adjournment of Congress” from June 14 to July 27.
As for 12 incoming senators in the next 20th Congress, Escudero proposed they take their oaths as judges on July 29.
In Escudero’s proposal, trial formally starts on July 30, from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, to give senators enough time to perform their legislative duties during 3 in the afternoon session.
The Senate president included his proposed timeline in his Feb. 24 letter to all senators where he laid down legal grounds for tackling impeachment complaint during open session, and not during break.
For former Senate president Franklin Drilon, setting the start of impeachment trial of Duterte for July 30 or after 19th Congress is Escudero’s “best option.”
He also said Supreme Court can no longer intervene once Senate is convened as impeachment court.
“Now, the problem is, it will not really be finished in 19th Congress…as matter of legal strategy, what Escudero did is to cover best available option trial will start in 20th Congress,” Drilon said. He also said Senate president cannot decline if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. orders him to convene special session.
“Once special session is called by the President, it is not question of priority legislation anymore… directive of the Constitution,” Drilon said.
Despite provision in 1987 Constitution states trial should proceed “forthwith” upon transmittal of Articles of Impeachment, Escudero said word “forthwith” is defined differently in jurisprudence.
Dictionary meaning is “immediately,” but Supreme Court cases defined it as “within reasonable time, may be longer or shorter period, according to circumstances of each particular case” and that it is “elastic in nature and varies with every case,” and “always modified by circumstances and nature of duty to be performed.”
Escudero said complex definition of “forthwith” is “not novel question” in Senate, citing debate between late senators Raul Roco and Miriam Defensor Santiago during impeachment trial in 2000 of then president Joseph Estrada.
Santiago at the time said “proceed forthwith” constitutional provision was “taken out of context” and should instead be read in context of another provision in the charter on promulgation of rules on impeachment before trial, according to Escudero.
“Asserting that reading provision in isolation would distort the will of the Constitution, Senator Defensor Santiago emphasized that while Senate must proceed ‘forthwith,’ it must do so with circumspection,” Escudero said of Santiago’s point, was adopted by the body then.
Estrada impeachment trial was conducted while Senate was in session, Escudero pointed out, so the closest comparison to Duterte impeachment complaint, filed before the break, was that of aborted trial of resigned ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2011.
Gutierrez’s impeachment complaint was transmitted to Senate on the last day of session in March 2011, similar to Duterte’s filed on the last session day in February before break. Senate adjourned without immediately convening as impeachment court for Gutierrez, Escudero recalled.
“In the present case against the Vice President, complaint was received late in the afternoon of our last session day, without sufficient prior notice that would have prompted the body to discuss and amend impeachment rules and procedures…as such, Senate was adjourned as scheduled,” Escudero said.
Senate chief defended need for ample preparation for the trial, amid criticisms that he was deliberately stalling proceedings.
“As head of this institution, I am most cognizant of Constitutional mandate that vests in Senate sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment… extraordinary duty that should be approached with all due caution and prudence, not to mention adequate preparation,” Escudero said.
Escudero on Feb. 24 sent letters to Duterte and Speaker Martin Romualdez informing them of procedural moves meant to ensure both legislative chambers “conduct fair and orderly impeachment trial.”
Procedures include ordering review for purpose of revising rules of procedure, fixing session hall for Senate impeachment court, ensuring security for both prosecution and defense, seeking external legal counsels, and setting up of “e-filing system” to receive digital copies of pleadings, and to send resolutions or orders to parties and counsels.
“Senate hopes to adhere to the said schedule and, considering that both prosecution and defense will have ample time to prepare for proceedings, will not tolerate any dilatory motion or pleading,” Escudero wrote to Duterte and Romualdez.
Escudero called for press briefing to explain his moves to get ball rolling, but he denied he wrote letters in response to criticisms from House prosecution members that delay was benefiting accused Duterte.
“No…it took us this long to be able to do these things again, because we are acting on it prudently…we are not rushing, neither are we delaying… not response to any call or clamor or wish from any biased party,” Escudero said.
Escudero also chided Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who at press briefing said “ would be great neglect of duty for us senators in 19th Congress if we fail to do our job in this impeachment complaint.”
“I wish to correct what Senator Risa said about delay…we are not delaying, excuse me…we are simply proceeding with it legally, constitutionally, and in accordance with law…for us not to follow the law will in fact create more delay or more opportunities for either party to go up, question proceedings we’re undertaking, in turn result in more delays,” he said.
As Senate begins to organize administrative support for impeachment trial of Duterte, House leader said there’s no doubt process to make her accountable has already been set into motion.
In a statement, House committee on good government chairman Rep. Joel Chua said Escudero’s issuance of Special Order 2025-015 calling for establishment of administrative support group for Duterte impeachment trial “affirms our commitment to upholding accountability at highest levels of government.”
For member of House prosecution panel, Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, Duterte’s impeachment trial may be over before Congress’ adjournment on June 30.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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ABS 2025
SC hit transfer of PhilHealth funds
By J.Lo
“And as a matter of fact, as of December of 2024, total amount of P46 billion pesos, thereabouts, more or less, had been devoted under unprogrammed appropriations for social,more particularly, health projects,” Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier has questioned government’s transfer of unutilized funds of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to national treasury to finance projects already fully funded in 2024 budget, including those not related to health care.
Lazaro-Javier raised questions during resumption of oral arguments on controversial P89.9-billion PhilHealth fund transfer to national treasury to fund unprogrammed appropriations in 2024 national budget.
Citing Department of Finance (DOF), she said funds remitted to national treasury were meant to fund “urgent” national projects, and among those identified as such were routine maintenance of national roads and Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island bridges project.
However, Lazaro-Javier pointed out that PGN project already received full funding from Export-Import Bank of Korea, amounting to P174.49 billion, as well as additional allocations from the 2022 and 2023 national budgets.
“Is there urgency to transfer PhilHealth funds when project is already fully funded?” she asked Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, represented respondents, House of Representatives and Senate.
In response, Guevarra said Congress factors in whether project can already be implemented in given fiscal year.
“If project that has already been identified and sufficiently funded is considered to be non-implementable for the given fiscal year, I think it is the decision of Congress in the exercise of its policy or wisdom, so to speak, to move it to unprogrammed appropriations in the meantime,” he explained.
Lazaro-Javier then asked Guevarra if government had already spent any of funds from Korean loan for PGN project, to which Guevarra said:
“There is nothing to spend for if project has not even started.”
“So where is the money?” Lazaro-Javier asked.
Guevarra presumed that money went to national treasury for use in unprogrammed projects, not clearly outlined in the budget.
On the issue of road maintenance funds, Guevarra admitted that government did not specify roads would be repaired using unprogrammed funds, saying decision is left to the implementing agency.
Lazaro-Javier also raised that 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) already allocated P459-million budget under Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity for the management and supervision of a comprehensive peace process.
However, additional P688 million was placed under unprogrammed appropriations for this purpose.
“Is peace process part of mandate of PhilHealth?” SC associate justice said.
Guevarra declined to speculate on why lawmakers allocated project under unprogrammed funds, but said inclusion of such projects in unprogrammed appropriations was merely list and actual use of funds would still depend on implementing agencies.
Citing Universal Health Care Act, Lazaro-Javier said funds appropriated for PhilHealth should be exclusively used for PhilHealth purposes” and “not for operations of any other department of government.”
She also noted that national government subsidy, identified as source of appropriations for PhilHealth, is meant to specifically benefit indirect contributors, such as senior citizens and indigents.
Guevarra however assured SC that most of P60 billion excess funds remitted by PhilHealth to the national treasury were allocated to critical health and social service programs.
During second round of oral arguments Guevarra said 2024 GAA directed use of these funds for social and health-related projects.
PhilHealth’s remittance followed implementation of Special Provision 1(d) of 2024 GAA, permits utilization of government-owned and controlled corporations’ excess funds for priority programs in health, social services and infrastructure.
DOF executed provision by issuing DOF Circular 003-2024, ensuring proper allocation of funds.
Based on DOF data, P46.61 billion out of P60 billion was funneled into key health and social service initiatives.
Significant portion, amounting to P27.45 billion, was used to pay long-overdue public health emergency benefits and allowances for health care and non-health care workers who served during COVID-19 pandemic.
Another P10 billion was allocated for medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients, while P4.10 billion was used to procure medical equipment for Department of Health hospitals, local government unit hospitals as well as primary care facilities.
Further, P3.37 billion was spent on construction of three new DOH health facilities and P1.69 billion was allocated to health facilities enhancement program.
Remaining P13 billion was utilized for government counterpart financing of infrastructure projects designed to improve social determinants of health, such as food security and health care accessibility in remote areas.
Guevarra also noted that PhilHealth’s financial standing remained strong despite remittance, allowing it to expand its benefit packages.
Supreme Court is set to resume oral arguments on the case on March 4.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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PNP confirmed no ransom paid, kidnapped Chinese student freed
By J.Lo
“Child sang, was smiling, and from that video, appeared to be in good health,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said 14-year-old male Chinese student kidnapped last week was found in Parañaque City on Tuesday night.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced boy was found abandoned along Macapagal Avenue by composite teams from PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Victim was reunited with his father and was brought to undisclosed hospital for medical examination.
PNP released photograph of victim in sweatshirt and pants and escorted by police officers.
Marbil said no ransom was paid, reinforcing PNP’s stance against any form of extortion.
At Palace briefing, Remulla said boy was reported missing by his parents after he did not return home from school activity in Taguig City on Feb. 20.
His family later found their abandoned Ford Everest vehicle on C-5 southbound off-ramp, initially raising alarms of possible missing person case. Situation escalated following day when driver of student was found murdered in San Rafael, Bulacan, inside another vehicle. Authorities ruled out driver as suspect.
Evidence found in the vehicle pointed to sophisticated crime syndicate. “Contents include pictures, conversations, cellphone numbers, strategies, and casing of how they would do the job,” Remulla said.
Victim’s parents and kidnappers had been communicating in Chinese through WeChat, messaging app widely used in mainland China.
According to Remulla, abductors demanded ransom of $20 million, later reducing it to $1 million, but no payment was made when parents rejected renegotiated amount.
By Saturday, abductors sent disturbing video showing child with severed finger, increasing urgency to the case.
The following day, parents asked for proof of life of the child and they received another video showing child singing his younger sibling’s favorite song.
On Monday evening, authorities tracked vehicle using cellphone signals linked to one of the numbers discovered in abandoned car in Bulacan.
Although authorities had signal to trace, they couldn’t immediately identify which vehicle it originated from. During hot pursuit operation on Tuesday, they were led to barangay area where they found child standing in the middle of the street.
“At approximately 8 in the evening they were few hundred meters away from cellphone that was moving…in that pursuit, few minutes later in Parañaque area, they saw child in pajamas standing in the middle of the street with bandaged hand… choice was between chasing vehicle or securing the child…obviously, AKG prioritized the child,” Remulla said.
As to motive, PNP public information officer Col. Randulf Tuano said investigators are looking at the victim’s father’s previous connection with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and his current business of selling merchandise online.
Syndicate believed to be responsible for abduction consists of former POGO managers and their bodyguards, some of whom were previously affiliated with AFP and PNP but have gone absent without leave. Authorities confirmed group remains active in the country.
AKG is also looking into what Tuano described as “malicious” posts on social media platforms by personalities critical of government about kidnapping case and is studying filing of criminal cases against them for spreading false information.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered PNP to wipe out kidnapping syndicates in the country following the rescue.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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ABS 2025
House to prepare evidence for VP Sara’s impeach trial
By Nidz Godino
“I advise them to study and prepare evidence so that when trial begins, there won’t be any delays…given time they’ve had, there’s no reason for them not to be ready, and I do not expect them to ask for extension… would be embarrassing if they can’t accomplish that within set timeframe,” Senate President Francis Escudero said instead of pressuring and calling for immediate convening of impeachment court, urged House of Representatives to thoroughly study and prepare evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, emphasizing he would not entertain any delays once trial begins.
Escudero said House members, who would act as prosecutors in impeachment trial against Duterte, must prepare for systematic presentation of evidence during proceedings.
House of Representatives transmitted impeachment complaint against Vice President to Senate on Feb. 5, two hours before Congress went on recess for midterm elections.
Escudero said Senate would prepare and could tackle the matter only when Congress resumes session on June 2.
Some congressmen and some sectors are calling Senate to immediately commence impeachment trial, could be done once President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.calls special session to allow Senate to convene as impeachment court.
But Escudero said even when Senate resumes sessions on June 2, senators could not hold trial right away as they will still have lot to prepare and they would not be able to discuss anything until 19th Congress closes on June 30.
First, he said they need to adopt permanent impeachment rules, currently being drafted and will be debated in session.
He said they also have to give Duterte time to answer Articles of Impeachment, can be set for 10 days and extension can be requested.
Escudero also lashed out at House of Representatives for pressuring Senate to start impeachment trial, saying Congress is not in right position to do so, as it had sat on complaints for three months.
“Constitution states ‘forthwith,’ and their own rules state ‘immediately’ , secretary-general shall immediately refer any impeachment complaint filed to the Speaker… they delayed three impeachment complaints for more than two months… if they took two months to act, they shouldn’t hold Senate to different standard, before telling us to hurry, they should answer simple questions they didn’t rush themselves…now that complaint is filed, they’re rushing excessively…they have no moral basis to take such position, if we look at past impeachment complaints, we followed recess schedule…our recess, ends on June 2, was agreed upon back in July last year…we are simply adhering to scheduled recess because we have elections, now, I don’t want to treat Vice President Duterte’s impeachment complaint as special just because she’s the vice president, first vice president to be impeached, or because she’s Duterte… her case should be treated the same way Senate has handled previous and other impeachment complaints… shouldn’t receive special treatment…as they say, woman symbolizing justice is blindfolded, meaning she sees nothing and treats everyone equally,” Escudero said.He maintained Senate cannot hold special session on their own while Congress is on recess, noting that they have to observe process.
He also added caucus among senators is not special session that can create impeachment court.
Former Senate president Franklin Drilon has dismissed calls for Escudero to unilaterally convene special session to consider Articles of Impeachment, emphasizing that only President Marcos holds that authority.
“I cannot really understand insistence Senate President can call Senate to special session to consider Articles of Impeachment…only the President can do that,” Drilon said in statement.
He also clarified convening of Senate as impeachment court is not automatic, contrary to certain claims.
“Impeachment process has not yet started; it has only been filed, and impeachment court has not been convened… I’m not saying it’s wrong or right, but I don’t want to make mistake by doing that,” he stressed.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed support for Escudero’s position on impeachment, stressing that “this impeachment cannot be discussed without session.”
“Recent impeachment cases, like those of former president Joseph Estrada, chief justice Renato Corona and ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, all went through plenary… means it was read in plenary to formally inform everyone, formally communicated to our colleagues that there is such impeachment that has come to our Senate… since this was sent on the last day and at the last hour, it could not be read during session in plenary…therefore, without plenary session and without it being read, impeachment cannot be discussed” he said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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ABS 2025
Headline
‘Ph has always chosen path of peace’
By Nidz Godino
“Through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation, we have successfully maintained region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said amid rising tensions in West Philippine Sea, Philippines will continue to foster peace and greater cooperation with international community in maintaining peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, even as it remains resolute in standing for what is right.
Speaking at the commemoration of 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City, Marcos said Philippines – deeply familiar with atrocities brought about by war between and among nations has always chosen path of peace.
“We have and will continue to work with partners and the international community in building bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons,” he said.
Among those present were US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. Marcos, however, said country would not be deterred and “will always stand for what is right.”
The President’s statement came in the face of China’s continued aggressive actions in West Philippine Sea and defiance of international laws.
In his remarks, Marcos highlighted continuing strong bond between Philippines and US.
“In a world where only thing that appears to be constant is change, we are thus gratified by our enduring alliance, our partnership and friendship with United States, especially towards advancing our common agenda of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Marcos noted armed forces of both countries would conduct Balikatan exercises in few weeks’ time.
“There is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries continuing to work together to address common challenges,” he said.
For his part, Paparo renewed US’s commitment to supporting Manila’s defense and security capabilities. “We’ve responded together to natural disasters, and we’ve worked together to support free and open regional order, and we both remain committed to the defense and security in the Philippines, and we’ll continue to work together to deter aggression and uphold international law,” he said in his message.
Carlson said US-Philippines ties are now stronger than ever. “Our shared experience fighting side by side 80 years ago continues to provide meaning and focus for the modern US-Philippine alliance, as we work together today to address shared challenges ranging from maritime security and disaster response,” Carlson said.
The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila, took place from Feb. 3 to March 3, 1945, defining moment in the Pacific theater of World War II and one of the most significant events in Philippine history.
The ground war between American and Japanese military forces resulted in the complete devastation of over 600 city blocks and deaths of more than 100,000 Filipino civilians. “ United States, Philippines and Japan now stand as partners, demonstrating that yesterday’s barriers can be overcome in the spirit of friendship and cooperation,” Carlson said.
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No to SOGIE bill
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ABS 2025
Ph to import 25,000 MT of frozen fish
By J.Lo
“This will add variety in the market, especially for food service industry, since fish and marine species covered by this importation are mostly fish and marine products not caught locally,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in separate statement said DA has approved importation of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of various frozen seafood such as salmon, squid, scallops and sardines to boost domestic supply and prevent spike in prices of concerned commodities.
Laurel issued Memorandum Order 12, provides guidelines on implementation of certificate of necessity to import (CNI) covering period from March to May.
Importation allows entry of 40 fish products of various species. Issuance of CNI also allows imported frozen fish items to be sold to wet markets and supermarkets.
“This should not affect local fishermen and should help in the ease of doing business,” he added.
Approved fish species to be imported under CNI are salmon, sardines, gindara, pangasius, tuna by-products, hamachi, swordfish, barramundi and fish meat.
Also allowed to be imported are alaskan pollock, oilfish, halibut, cod/black cod, hake, croaker, chilean seabass, marlin, silverfish/silver sillago, eel, mullet, cobia, capelin, moonfish, yellowtail sole and hoki.
DA also approved importation of lobster, scallops, mussels (black, green-lipped, blue), clams, red snapper, grouper, flounder, emperor, sea bream, bluefin tuna, oyster, smelt, soft/hard shell crab, octopus and squid.
Approved species per fish product are foreign ones that do not thrive or cannot be caught locally in the country, thus does not compete directly with those that local fishers catch and sell in domestic market.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Board chair Chingling Tanco told media imported fish species would be sold to wet markets and supermarkets, boosting domestic supplies and would help arrest possible price spikes in fish commodities.
Imported fish products may also be sold to other markets including hotels and restaurants, Tangco stressed.
Tiu Laurel said those who can participate in the importation should be accredited for at least one year prior to issuance of order, and registered importers under Fisheries Administrative Order 259 participated in any previous CNI.
“All importers who complied may qualify to import, provided that all accreditation and registration documents are updated and complete,” the agriculture chief said in his order.
Tiu Laurel added importers with pending cases or investigations in relation to violations of any food safety or importation rules and regulations are disqualified from participating in importation.
He said initial volume of 28 metric tons shall be allocated to each qualified importer.
“Remaining volume shall be allocated to qualified importers on first come first serve basis,” Tiu Laurel added.
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No to SOGIE bill
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ABS 2025
Ph taps SoKor actor as tourism envoy
By Cynthia Montojo
“Seo’s artistry cultivated deep connection with Filipino fans, as well as those from other nationalities, making him ideal representative to share wonders of the Philippines to the world,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco appointed entertainer from South Korea as “tourism ambassador for the Philippines”.
Frasco, granted title to 37-year-old actor and singer Seo In-guk at an event at DOT main office in Makati on Feb. 21.
DOT, along with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Seo’s Philippine talent agency Neocolors Production and Advertising, signed memorandum of understanding for his engagement as promoter of Philippine tourism for South Korean travelers.
Seo’s role will last for a year, said Frasco, noting he was “very highly recommended by our Philippine embassy in South Korea, as well as our Philippine Department of Tourism in South Korea,” being celebrity with Instagram following of 4.5 million.
DOT would also “leverage power of pop culture and digital influence to engage deeper with global travelers who share passion for music, film and adventure.”
Frasco noted that as DOT’s ambassador, Seo would embark on “experiential travel for the Philippines where he would not only enjoy our beaches and dive sites, but you also get to eat our food.”
Seo is currently in Cebu, reportedly shooting scenes as part of new Netflix Korean drama series with working title “Boyfriend on Demand” that will also star Jisoo, member of female Korean pop group Blackpink.
He has appeared in various television and film projects in South Korea since 2012.
Seo, wearing black suit, enjoyed eating lechon and listened to Filipino music while dining in Cebu.
He also sang chorus of song “Ikaw” by Yeng Constantino.
Through his appointment as DOT ambassador, Seo, speaking in Korean, promised to “give back all love you gave to me.” He ended his short speech by saying “Mahal ko kayo.”
Total of 1,574,152 tourists from South Korea or 26.46 percent make up total 5,949,350 travelers visited Philippines in 2024, making South Korea Philippines’ top source of tourists, according to DOT.
ISKUP! 