“Hopefully in the coming days, if not weeks, there will be positive development in hunt for Quiboloy and his co-accused,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said religious group of Apollo Quiboloy is offering P20-million reward to anyone who can provide information on those wanting to capture and harm fugitive leader.
Carlo Catiil, Kingdom of Jesus Christ minister, said while government is offering P10-million reward for information on Quiboloy’s whereabouts, their group is doubling the amount for any information on who wants to harm him and five of his co-accused, including Paulene Canada, who was arrested in Davao; Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy and Sylvia Cemanes who remain at large.
Initial reward was offered by anonymous donors who were dissatisfied with justice system’s slow progress in apprehending Quiboloy.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier urged Quiboloy to surrender and face court, saying the religious leader is still in the country.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil warned anyone aiding Quiboloy’s evasion could face obstruction of justice charges.
Quiboloy is the spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He went into hiding after Davao City Regional Trial Court issued arrest warrants on him and his co-accused on child and sexual abuse and human trafficking cases , non-bailable issued by Pasig City court.
Fajardo said they have been receiving tips from informants after P10-million bounty was put up for Quiboloy’s arrest with P1 million each for his remaining four co-accused and remains confident that fugitive pastor would be found soon.
“Throughout her years she has not only been mother to her children but also to so many generations of Filipino filmmakers who have helped define what Philippine cinema is today,” official statement issued by Monteverde family, Philippine cinema icon and Regal Films founder Lily Monteverde, affectionately called Mother Lily in the industry, passed away, day after her husband of over 60 years, Remy Monteverde, was laid to rest.
No cause of death was given.
Mother Lily was 84, few weeks’ shy of her 85th birthday on Aug. 19. Her husband, who died last July 29, was 86. They are survived by their five children Winston, Sherida, Roselle, Dondon and Goldwin and grandchildren.
Even to her final years, Mother Lily served as one of the cornerstones of movie industry, providing opportunities to filmmakers both creative and technical to carve their names in our popular history.
Yet behind this veneer of accomplishment, Mother Lily was not merely matriarch and face of Regal Films, but true mother to artists and workers who had chance to know her beyond confines of work.
“Mother Lily was surrounded by her children and grandchildren in her final hours…she was blessed to say goodbye to her closest friends and associates who bid her farewell before she left for that trip back home to Divine Father.”
Mother Lily’s passing is widely viewed as end of era, but “legacy and pioneering achievement in Philippine cinema” of the industry pillar could never be forgotten, according to filmmaker Erik Matti in post.
“She has helped so many,” Sen. Grace Poe also said in statement about her “Ninang Mother.” “She was and will always be titan in Philippine movie industry.”
It’s already the stuff of movie legend how Mother Lily built Regal. Youngest child in brood of 12 of “copra king” Domingo Yuchu of Marinduque was first and foremost movie fan whose favorites were Nida Blanca and Gloria Romero.
“When Nida Blanca movie opened at Dalisay Theater, uma-absent ako sa school…my friends and I would hire bus to visit the set of Nida’s movie with Nestor de Villa…remember that scene in Luneta na nagsasayaw ng ballet sina Nida at Nestor sa spiral staircase…we were there when that was shot…it was dream sequence and it was beautiful,” she said in the late Ricky Lo’s book, Conversations With Ricky Lo, Volume 1.
“When I was 12, I went to Zurbaran to buy petticoat, four layers, and then I wore it and stood in front of the mirror, whispering, ‘sana maging Nida Blanca ako…nagsasayaw-sayaw pa ako…parang dream sequence, hahaha!!!”
When she wed Remy in 1961, her parents reportedly didn’t approve of the marriage so she had to start doing business from scratch. She would put up popcorn machines, including one close to Ideal Theater near Good Earth on Avenida Rizal, where she would be very happy to earn P100 a day.
“I always prayed that woman’s movie would be shown dahil maraming babaeng manonood at bumibili ng popcorn…if action picture, mostly men would watch at kokonti ang bumibili ng popcorn…malungkot ako siempre… most that I would earn was P30… I also sold blouses at Zurbaran Market… I would consign blouses at Corazon Dry Goods Store, P24 per dozen, at five percent lang ang tubo ko.”
It was in early ’60s when Mother Lily would start laying foundation for what would become Regal Films. Borrowing P10,000 from her older brother, Jessie Yu, she acquired rights to international movie “All Mine To Give.” It performed well in the domestic box-office, earning P500,000 at the time.
After success in film distribution of American and European films, she eventually ventured into producing local films, including local version of “All Mine To Give” in 1975, titled “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi,” with Charito Solis as lead actress.
Her production outfit went on to churn out thousands of films, from critically acclaimed titles to blockbusters. Among them were “Manila By Night,” “Sister Stella L.,” Scorpio Nights,” “Temptation Island,” “Relasyon,” and long-standing franchises such as “Mano Po” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll.”
She was credited with having introduced pito-pito system or filming movies in seven days, which led to discovery of now esteemed auteurs like Lav Diaz. Late Lo wrote, “ system was maligned when, in fact, Lino Brocka shot ‘Insiang,’ one of his classic works, also in seven days, proving that what matters is not the number of days you shoot movie but the product.”
And for the woman who once dreamt of becoming artista like her screen idol Nida Blanca, she instead fulfilled dreams of many to become movie stars, responsible for the breaks of the likes of Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Dina Bonnevie, Alma Moreno, William Martinez, Rio Locsin, Snooky Serna, Richard Gomez, Manilyn Reynes and Ruffa Gutierrez. She also produced films for biggest names in showbiz from FPJ, Tito, Vic and Joey, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, to Judy Ann Santos and Marian Rivera.
Meanwhile, Remy Monteverde became “strong silent figure beside gregarious Mother Lily,” director and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Joey Reyes said.
“He has always been ‘Father’ to all of us who grew up in Regal,” he said in Facebook post.
Direk Erik, in separate post, also said of Mother Lily’s husband: “his legacy and contribution to Philippine cinema through Regal Films will always be remembered and recognized…he has championed Filipino action movies and defined it for so many decades with such icons Lito Lapid and Ace Vergel headlining marquee.”
Their love story will always be one for the books. In “Conversations With Ricky Lo,” Mother Lily said if there was one thing she would do all over again, “I will still court Remy.”
“Ako ang nanligaw sa kanya…he was basketball player at San Beda and at the same time he was playing for team of my father, Yu Chu.”
“He’s quiet type, my exact opposite because I am noisy… I was then studying at UNO High School , Chinese school in Binondo owned and managed by the Yu family and I would skip classes to go on dates with him.”
“Our theme song was From Candy Store on the Corner to the Chapel on the Hill…he would wait for me at the corner so people wouldn’t see us and make sumbong to my parents.”
“My parents were against Remy…our wedding was simple… I wore gown by Pitoy Moreno worth P5,000 which I paid by installment for one year.”
“Pinaghirapan ko ’yan kaya never ko siyang iiwan,” she told Lo.
For Monteverde family, they said in statement they “feel at peace now that their mother has not only found rest but has joined their father Remy in that place called eternity as they were together in life as they will remain together where there is no space or time.”
Wake and memorial service will start today at 3:30 in the afternoon until Aug. 9 at 38 Valencia Events Place in Quezon City. Interment will be on Aug. 10 at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
As these developed former Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Henry Lim Bon Liong passed away at the age of 72.
Lim is chairman of Sterling Paper Group of Companies, engaged in various businesses like paper products, school and office supplies, real estate and agribusiness.
It was under his leadership when company expanded into agribusiness through incorporation of SL Agritech Corp., for purpose of promoting development, commercialization and growth of hybrid rice technology.
FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro said Lim’s passing is profound loss not only to the community and business sector but to the whole country.
“Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong was exemplary philanthropist, respected business and civic leader, ‘Father of Philippine Hybrid Rice’ and dynamic advocate for Philippine agriculture,” he said.
Pedro said Lim’s efforts to achieve Philippine rice self-sufficiency by pioneering hybrid rice technology from China have benefitted millions of Filipino farmers.
“His commitment to this noble cause was driven by his unwavering belief in potential of Filipino ingenuity and importance of self-reliance,” Pedro said.
Lim also played pivotal role in fostering closer ties between Philippines and China.
He acted as intermediary for Philippine government in receiving first delivery and donation of one million anti-COVID vaccines from Chinese government.
Pedro said Lim also played instrumental role as Filipino-Chinese Community Calamity Fund chairman.
Under Lim’s guidance, fund raised over half billion pesos in medical supplies and relief goods during pandemic and other calamities like typhoons and Taal Volcano disturbances.
Lim graduated from University of the Philippines with degree in mechanical engineering and from Harvard Business School.
“His contributions to our community, to business sector and to Philippines will never be forgotten,” Pedro said.
Lim’s wake will be held at Sanctuarium in Quezon City from Aug. 5 to 11, while cremation is set on Aug.12.
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Ph, Germany agree to broaden defense agreement
By Nidz Godino
“We collaborate because we have shared vision of respect for United Nations Charter… and our desire to see stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told joint news conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Philippine capital Philippines and Germany have agreed to deepen military cooperation.
Manila pushes back after a series of confrontations with China.
Pistorius and Teodoro met in Manila and pledged to sign defense cooperation agreement by the end of the year.
Teodoro said agreement would focus on “mutual understanding regarding capabilities, training and exchange of information”.
There have been escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in disputed South China Sea, Beijing claims almost entirely despite international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
They vowed to build “long-lasting relations” between their armed forces and flagged possibility of Germany supplying military equipment to the Philippines.
Manila has been seeking to boost defence ties in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond in the face of China’s increasing confidence in asserting its claims over the South China Sea.
Pistorius is the first German defense minister to visit Philippines.
Germany is one of Philippines’ oldest formal defense partners through 1974 administrative agreement includes training of Filipino troops in Germany.
Pistorius said security and stability between their respective regions were interconnected and hoped agreement would be signed “before end of the year, maybe already in October”.
“Ministers strongly opposed any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion,” Pistorius and Teodoro said in joint statement.
Pistorius told reporters that Germany’s engagements in the region “are not directed against anybody”.
He is expected to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, the last day of his three-day visit.
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Defamation charges vs vlogger Maharlika
By J.Lo
“For the longest time, we tried to keep our peace, fully aware that her accusations were nothing but sheer lies and fabrications, products of her vile imagination and hateful heart,” Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles has filed defamation charges against vlogger Claire Contreras, also known as “Maharlika,” in US court.
Robles stated he and his wife filed charges of defamation, defamation per se and invasion of privacy against Contreras before Central District Court of California. This action was taken due to what they described as “daily barrage of vicious, unjustifiable, and blatantly false online attacks” on her YouTube channel “Boldyak TV.”
“We have now taken appropriate legal action against her…we have complete faith that court of law will deliver punishment she deserves, vindicating us and helping restore our tarnished name and honor,” he stressed.
Robles revealed Contreras, who has 325,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, made “untrue and outlandish” accusations against him, including allegations of “stealing money from people, contract killing, and assisting terrorists,” in over 20 separate videos.
“We are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens who have done nothing to warrant her senseless rage and contempt,” he said.
In addition to defamation case filed by Robles, it is worth noting international fashion designer also filed US$2 million defamation lawsuit against Contreras in another California court in March 2024.
Contreras, resident of Los Angeles, California, gained prominence as pro-Marcos content creator during 2022 national elections, supporting tandem of now-President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
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FMJ celebrates Yulo’s gold medal win; Hse to award P3 M
By J.Lo
“We’ve witnessed history as Carlos Yulo clinched Philippines’ first GOLD medal in artistic gymnastics at Paris 2024 Olympics… I am confident that it will not be the last,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded Carlos Yulo for winning first gymnastics Olympic medal ever for Philippines at Paris Olympics.
“Congratulations, Caloy… entire country stands proud with you!” he stressed.
Shortly after Yulo’s victory, House of Representatives announced it will award him P3 million for his extraordinary achievement.
This was confirmed by House appropriations panel chair Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol).
The former world champion flawlessly executed his routine, ending with sure-footed landing to score 15.000 points.
Yulo is the Philippines’ second-ever Olympic gold medalist, following weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who achieved the milestone at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
“Yes, we are listening to them ,teachers and we are looking into it…supposedly, actual teaching hours should not go beyond six hours, but from what we are hearing, there are some that would have to teach beyond six hours,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara on sidelines of MOA-signing event with Khan Academy Philippines Inc. (Khan PH) at DepEd central office in Pasig City has assured teachers that Department of Education (DepEd) will oversee strict implementation of six-hour maximum teaching period per day as mandated under Republic Act 4670 or Magna Carta of Public School Teachers, amid complains of teaching overload under MATATAG curriculum.
“We really need to be very strict about that six-hour teaching policy so that our teachers won’t get overworked and burned out,” Angara stressed.
He admitted DepEd has also been receiving reports that some teachers are being forced to teach subjects beyond their expertise.
“Based on few situations on the ground, we really have to correct that, because sometimes load of teachers does not match their subject of expertise,” he added.
Furthermore, Angara said aside from 5,000 administrative staff set to be hired this year, DepEd has requested from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) additional funding for hiring of 10,000 more, to ensure teachers will not be burdened with administrative tasks.
“I think we asked for 10,000 more from DBM… they gave us 5,000 for this year…but that will not be enough, not all schools will be given administrative staff… there are clusters of three schools to one administrative officer, which is difficult,” Angara said.
Teachers group Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) had earlier lamented MATATAG curriculum is expected to increase teachers’ workload by 30 percent or from six teaching loads per teacher to eight teaching loads per teacher.
“This means more students and classes to focus on, more outputs to check and more grades to compute…also, there are extended class hours for children, which may last until 8 in the evening or later in some schools… gambles with well-being and safety of our students,” ACT said in earlier statement.
In separate statement Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) raised concerns regarding implementation of DepEd Order (DO) No. 5, s. 2024, issued by former education secretary and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, concerning teachers’ workload in relation to implementation of MATATAG curriculum.
TDC chairman Benjo Basas said DepEd order, “Rationalization of Teachers’ Workload in Public Schools and Payment of Teaching Overload,” contravened intent of Magna Carta of Public School Teachers which is to limit to six hours actual time that teachers spend in school.
Under DO 5, teachers are required to render six hours of actual classroom teaching and two hours allocated for teacher ancillary tasks which may be spent within or outside school premises.
Basas said Magna Carta of Public School Teachers “does not require full six hours for actual teaching and has since allowed teachers to teach for less than six hours, have breaks in between classes and to go home after spending six hours in school.”
“Requirement to render six hours of actual classroom teaching is being overstretched, with some teachers handling 7-8 sections without breaks, neglecting their physical, mental and emotional well-being, additional teaching loads from different grade levels are being assigned to teachers to meet so-called six-hour requirement…some teachers are at risk of being declared excess and transferred to other schools, violating Section 6 of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers,” Basas said.
Launched in August 2023, revised, enhanced basic education curriculum, also referred to as MATATAG curriculum, is set for nationwide implementation in phases, although 35 selected schools from seven regions already had their pilot implementation in School Year 2023-2024.
For Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4 and 7, nationwide implementation is this SY 2024-2025; for Grades 2, 5 and 8 in SY 2025-2026; for Grades 3, 6 and 9 in SY 2026-2027 and for Grade 10 in 2027-2028.
Meanwhile, revision of curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 or senior high school, is set to be done by the end of 2024.
Last July 26, Angara signed Memorandum No. 037 series of 2024, creating task force that will review implementation of DepEd’s Results-Based Performance Management System policy as well as workload and other reportorial requirements for public school teachers.
“Given prevailing economic circumstances, including erosion of purchasing power due to inflation, there is need to update salaries and benefits of government personnel in order to maintain competent, committed, agile and healthy workforce, thereby promoting social justice, integrity, efficiency, accountability and excellence, and ultimately translating to increased productivity and higher quality public service,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said citing “prevailing economic circumstances” and need to maintain “competent, agile and healthy” public workforce, issued executive order (EO) raising salaries of civilian government personnel and authorizing grant of additional allowance to those deemed qualified.
Signed for the President on Aug. 2 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, EO 64 details salary increase for all civilian government personnel in executive, legislative and judicial branches as well as in constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices.
Wage increase, according to EO 64, also covers personnel of government-owned or -controlled corporations not covered by Republic Act 10149 or “GOCC Governance Act of 2011” and EO 150 on compensation classification issued in 2021.
Updated salary schedule will be implemented in national government agencies in four tranches. First tranche takes effect retroactively on Jan. 1 this year, second on Jan. 1, 2025, third and fourth on same date in 2026 and 2027, the Presidential Communications Office said in statement.
EO 64 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Aside from salary increase, qualified government employees will receive medical allowance of P7,000 per annum as subsidy for health maintenance organization-type benefits, it said.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will issue guidelines for implementing specific provisions of EO 64.
Marcos announced salary increase for state workers during his third State of the Nation Address last month.
DBM earlier said P36 billion had been allocated for Personnel Services expenditures under 2024 General Appropriations Act.
Total of P70 billion, meanwhile, has been allotted in 2025 National Expenditure Program to ensure implementation of the first and second tranches of salary increase.
Wage increase for government workers is expected to benefit 165,007 sub-professionals; 1,170,647 professionals such as teachers and lawyers and 22,640 personnel in executive functions, DBM said.
2 “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
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11 succumbed in Chinatown blaze
By J.Lo
“Structures at highest fire risk, especially those buildings that are at least 15 years old, will be prioritized in inspection to determine their compliance with National Building Code and the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said eleven people died after fire hit old mixed-use building in Binondo, Manila.
Victims were found lying in their beds six at mezzanine and five on second floor of the five-floor building along Carvajal Street in Barangay 289, Zone 27, according to Senior Inspector Michael Ignacio, operations chief of the Manila Fire District.
Ignacio said victims could have still been asleep when fire engulfed residential and commercial building, he noted.
Bureau of Fire Protection raised first alarm at 7:28 in the morning and second alarm at 8:14 in the morning, according to initial BFP report.
Fourteen fire trucks from BFP and 20 others from volunteer groups, as well as ambulances and special rescue force, helped in firefighting efforts.
Huge blaze persisted, with smoke coming out of completely shut windows on second floor. Firemen had to break some of the windows, as well as force open some rolling gates at the ground floor, by cutting padlocks, just to penetrate fire scene.
Relatives of victims, including tenant establishments of the building, were left helpless as fire completely engulfed building.
BFP declared fire under control at 9:31 in the morning and fire out at 10:03 in the morning .They have yet to identify victims. Photos shared on social media showed bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Fire destroyed property worth P100,000, noted BFP.
Blaze could have come from canteen on ground floor of the building which houses trading company, bakery and popular hopia brand Ho-Land, according to reports.
Ho-Land security guard claimed fire could have come from leaking liquefied petroleum gas canister at the canteen. He recalled trying to cover it with damp cloth, but blaze had already consumed room.
Old building has fire exit covered with tarpaulin, to serve as shade for stalls of fruits and vegetables along alley on the ground floor.
TBFP maintained its investigators have yet to determine what could have caused the fire.
Pangan said city government would provide psychosocial, medical and financial assistance to bereaved families.
She also ordered concerned city government departments to “to conduct thorough inspections of all structures within city.”
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