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‘Teacher factor’, EDCOM to assess state of teacher education institutions
By Creselda Canda-Lopez
“Our teachers play most important role in delivering quality education to our country’s learners…to produce highly qualified teachers, we need to ensure our teacher education institutions are of top quality because their graduates will join our teaching force, shape our learners’ minds, and eventually reverse education crisis we face,” Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) Edcom 2 Co-chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian in press release part of its mandate of finding solutions to current learning crisis, launched first-of-its-kind profiling study that looks at state of teacher education institutions (TEIs) in the Philippines.
Edcom 2, three-year congressional body tasked with reviewing state of education system, has partnered with Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ) to conduct nationwide study that will explore potential areas for research or policy interventions to improve how teachers are trained.
Study is aimed at informing Edcom 2’s recommendations on how to improve quality of pre-service teacher education in the country to “better attract best students to the profession,” according to description of Edcom 2’s priority areas on its website.
Edcom 2 and RITQ, based in Philippine Normal University, country’s flagship university for teacher education, will collect data on demographics, institutional characteristics, perceptions of current teacher-educator practices and overall status of those practices within participating institutions.
Based on study that looks at 12-year data from Professional Regulatory Commission and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), over half, or 56%, of all TEIs have performed below average in annual licensure exam for teachers in elementary and secondary education.
The 2023 study by education advocacy group Philippine Business for Education found that only 2% of schools offering teacher education can be classified as “high-performing” or those with passing rates of at least 75%.
PBed also flagged CHED for its criteria in awarding Center of Excellence (COE) and Center of Development (COD) status to schools with teacher education programs, as it found that more than 81% of COEs and 91% of CODs were not achieving high passing rates in licensure exams.
Organization said findings should prompt government to close down “consistently low-performing TEIs” and implement three-strike rule for repeaters who fail to ace test, among other recommendations.
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MUPh denies claims about unpaid trophies
By Cynthia Montojo
“We categorically deny that MUPH neither refused to pay, disregarded or ignored payment for the trophies, in accordance with standard procedure of billing for suppliers to sponsors, MUPH needs proper documentation for the said transaction.”
Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization released statement denying it did not pay artist Jef Albea for trophies he created for 2024 coronation night.
Albea claimed in earlier post this week that MUPH “refused” to pay him for trophies he designed and crafted for coronation night that was held and streamed last May 22. He said organization “vanished into thin air” and “ignored and disregarded when payment was due.”
Albea mentioned he does not need and will not accept money from MUPH, adding that he would rather that they “learn artists deserve respect” as not all can take and afford mistreatment.
MUPH responded to Albea’s claim with statement posted on its social media channels vehemently denying allegations, adding it is in fact coordinating with Albea’s staff regarding payment for trophies.
MUPH also would not hesitate to pursue legal action to address and resolve accusation and advised public to not spread misinformation.
In separate post, MUPH production head Borg Roxas gave his own take on issue regarding paying Albea for his services.
Roxas said Albea was paid P150,000 for Miss Philippines finals last year without official receipt since they were only few suppliers being attended to.
MUPH 2024 coronation was bit more hectic so Roxas explained proper documentation, like billings, was needed from all individuals involved in production.
According to Roxas, suppliers who provided billing statements invoices before coronation night were all paid first since they had paperwork prepared.
“With Sir Jef, aside from we are paying him, we are also promoting him…we never promoted any other suppliers kasi natuwa kami na he was willing to help elevate gifts for winners,” Roxas said in his post.
Roxas lamented Albea posted about issue. He pointed out Albea did not make May 30 cut-off due to lack of paperwork. Albea will instead be included for June 15 cut-off for payments.
“Hindi ang MUPH ang nagkamali dito…sa production side, kailangan namin i-defend sa management kahit walang billing or invoice…nag-yes naman agad management sa amin,” Roxas ended. “Pero sa usual na may billing and proper documentation lang para pag dating sa filing ng taxes, ma-defend namin ang expenses. Lahat naman mababayaran.”
Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo was crowned as new Miss Universe Philippines, making her first Filipino-Black American to represent the country at Miss Universe.
The 73rd Miss Universe will take place in Mexico later this year, where Chelsea hopes to succeed Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios and be Philippines fifth-ever titleholder.
Also crowned during MUPH 2024 coronation night were Iloilo City’s Alexie Mae Brooks as Miss Philippines Eco International 2025, Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo as Miss Philippines Charm 2025, Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo as Miss Philippines Cosmo International 2024, and Baguio’s Tarah Mae Valencia as Miss Philippines Supranational 2025.
“What they did was piracy, pambabastos, panggagago, barbaric… I call them band of barbarians and in the first place they have no right to wear uniform,” Philippine Navy spokesman Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said no way “barbaric” Chinese can provoke Filipinos into firing first shot that could ignite deadly confrontation at sea or worse.
In an interview with reporters, Trinidad said China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel behaved like pirates and barbarians when they disrupted resupply mission for troops on BRP Sierra Madre through dangerous high-speed ramming attacks and use of bladed weapons, apparently in bid to provoke Filipinos into fighting back.
Chinese even forcibly boarded Philippine boats, leaving several Filipinos injured during scuffle.
Trinidad said while CCG had missile boats, Chinese apparently did not intend to not use them because they “would like to push us to fire first shot, yun ang labanan diyan.”
He said military is now back to drawing board to prepare for another rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal, still mindful of China’s scheme to push Philippines to make mistake of firing first shot.
The Navy spokesman said Chinese also stole seven high-powered firearms, punctured rigid haul inflatable boats of Armed Forces of the Philippines, stole personal cellular phones, smashed communications equipment, and destroyed overboard motors.
“Coast guard men are supposed to be responsible for safety of life at sea…their actions endanger life at sea…it does not speak well of country that want to be global power,” he said.
Trinidad said other countries that had witnessed or become aware of June 17 incident should now be very careful with dealing with China as Chinese would not hesitate to commit barbarity against other nationalities.
He said military is now doing more planning to put in place changes that would ensure success of subsequent RORE missions.
“We have to understand what happened at the ground level is just microcosm of bigger picture… bigger picture is China has encroached into our EEZ and into EEZ of other countries to their 10-dash-line… bigger picture,” Trinidad said, noting that China’s expansive claims had already been debunked by 2016 Arbitral Award.
“Now how do we ensure that this will not happen again…we cannot because they dictate their actions…what we could do is to prepare our men, equip them appropriately. If you noticed, they mismatch…we abide by rules, our approach is always rules-based, our approach is guided by rules of engagement, our approach is aboveboard, above ground, which everyone can see,” he stressed.
He maintained Filipinos tasked to protect country’s territorial waters would exercise restraint to the fullest.
“Their actions are escalatory but this will always be below threshold of conflict… this will not erupt into firefight because Chinese thought is to win without fighting….so we have to understand that… gagawa siya ng mga paraan na ikaw ang magkakamali…so they’ll devise plan to make us commit a mistake…if that’s case, what’s your protection…all your actions should be within bounds of law,” he explained.
Trinidad emphasized Philippine Navy personnel involved in last Monday’s confrontation had been instructed that use of force to accomplish mission “is not authorized unless in self defense.”
In statement, PCG said its commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan bestowed “Distinguished Coast Guard Cross and Ribbon” on crew of its two multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay.
Simple awarding was held at Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan.
Two Coast Guard vessels have been providing security assistance to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s during its resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre aground in Ayungin Shoal.
“I think we did our part. ..we provided rescue activity required, we provided medical aid, and the towing of boats which were destroyed…our role was limited to that,” Gavan said.
He stressed PCG “will remain calm, professional and determined in pursuing peaceful and rules-based order in this part of the world.
“We will leverage strength of PCG which is humanitarian, unarmed service, we will continue to do so to make sure South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea, will remain conducive for Filipinos to live in accordance with our own way of life,” Gavan pointed out.
In post on X, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said China will continue asserting its claims in West Philippine Sea whether next elected president is pro-Beijing or not.
“Whether elected president is pro-Beijing or takes stance against Chinese aggression, People’s Republic of China will persist in advancing their creeping invasion of West Philippine Sea, pro-Beijing president would choose to remain silent about it, while patriotic president would expose illegal presence, provocative actions, and bullying tactics, similar to President @bongbongmarcos who employs transparency in addressing these issues,” he wrote on his X account mentioning Chief Executive’s X account.
PCG has been advocating transparency in its campaign to deter Chinese encroachment.
“If an administration stands up to China, the latter will apply pressure and escalate tensions… China then decreases tensions deliberately when Beijing-friendly government is in power,” he said.
Meanwhile, Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) Chief of Joint Staff Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida has declared support for Philippines concerning recent incident in Ayungin Shoal.
“JSDF always stands on the side of AFP, and JSDF will deepen its cooperation with Philippines and like-minded countries,” Yoshida was quoted as telling AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during teleconference.
Brawner, for his part, expressed his gratitude to JSDF for its continued support for AFP.
“We are very thankful for support that Japan is giving us… Japan was one of the first countries gave its support condemning actions of CCG,” he said. –
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Human trafficking raps vs Guo– PAOCC
By Nidz Godino
“We have gotten some documents over past few weeks that we have not yet disclosed in previous two Senate hearings as well as executive sessions requested by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesman Winston Casio PAOCC has gathered enough evidence to file human trafficking charges against Bamban Mayor Alice Guo over alleged illegal activities at raided Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in her Tarlac town.
According to Casio, recent documents obtained by PAOCC could implicate Guo, despite her name not appearing in any documents of Zun Yuan Technologies.
He stressed that upon their appreciation of the evidence that they were able to obtain, “for sure, by this week, we will be able to file human trafficking charges against Mayor Guo and her co-conspirators.”
Casio also mentioned PAOCC is considering additional charges related to money laundering and other offenses.
He confirmed last June 15 that evidence includes documents directly linking Guo to POGO hub, raided in March following reports of human trafficking and other illegal activities.
Officials from PAOCC and other government agencies will meet to finalize charges, Casio stated are serious and non-bailable offenses.
Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Guo and two local government officials for six months while investigating their involvement in illegal activities at POGO hub.
Senator Rissa Hontiveros sounded alarm over reported link of former government official convicted and sentenced to 26-year jail term for his involvement in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam considered largest corruption scandal country has ever seen to POGO operations.
Hontiveros vowed to summon at next hearing convicted former Technology and Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, whose name cropped up following raids on POGOs in Bamban town in Tarlac and Porac town in Pampanga.
“We will invite Mr. Cunanan to the next hearing to clarify his involvement….when there is POGO, there is connection to scam…as I said, all POGOs are bad… no differentiation between bad POGO or good POGO… seems POGOs are deliberately tapping former and present officials they can easily corrupt,” the senator stressed.
Hontiveros, leads inquiry into participation of Guo in POGO scam operations, stressed influencing public officials is part of POGOs’ strategy to continue their criminal activities in the country.
She revealed documents that show Cunanan acting as an “authorized representative” for Hongsheng in Bamban as well as Lucky South 99 in Porac. She added that Cunanan was sentenced to 26 years for PDAF scam.
“Cunanan figured in one of the largest corruption scandals our country has ever seen…maybe he also applied what he did in PDAF to POGOs… also shows Bamban and Porac POGO are really connected… seems scammers are together,” Hontiveros said.
She added POGO operators might be taking advantage of country’s weakness, corruption and paid off some officials. She urged fellow government servants to work together to address corruption and ban POGOs.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos also warned local government executives on their liability in proliferation of POGO and other illegal activities in their respective areas.
Liability of local government officials “does not only involve POGO but all illegal businesses,” Abalos said when asked if elected officials will be held accountable over illegal POGO operations.
He noted that he led raid on illegal POGO in Angeles City, Pampanga two years ago. “I personally led raid in Angeles City, involving Lucky 99, that’s why I was surprised that it was allowed to operate in Porac when I already raided this company.”
Abalos said local government units could ask for police assistance to check on suspicious activities of business establishment in their jurisdiction, adding Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman Alejandro Tengco earlier said only 43 POGOs have licenses to operate in the country.
“From 200 to 400 (licensed POGOs)… based on my conversation with chairman Tengco, only 43 are legal and he said every week, these are being regularly checked…so you could just imagine those who were not given permits, these are still in the Philippines and it is possible that they are involved in illegal activities, so all LGUs and PNP should be aware and immediately act on this,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian took the same stance, saying governors, mayors and other local officials should be held accountable for failing to monitor illegal POGO activities in their respective areas.
He commended Pampanga provincial government for investigating POGO hubs in Porac town and Angeles City.
Pampanga Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda vowed to finish investigation into POGO in Porac, saying these operators had no respect for government.
“Lucky South 99 has no building permit, no electrical permit, nothing at all, zero.. has no environmental compliance certificate…they entered town, disregarding everything… no respect for government,” Pineda said .
Casio revealed in an interview at least four POGO hubs, including the one in Porac, raided by PAOCC have licenses but were also seen to be doing illegal activities.
He said POGO hub in Porac lost its license in October 2023, but continued illegal operations, including torture, which led to raid on June 4.
Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz also revealed in an interview that PAOCC is investigating presence of former executive assistant to Harry Roque, spokesman for past Duterte administration.
Cruz said former assistant resided in POGO complex in Porac while studying in nearby Clark. He noted that this is unusual since POGO complex typically accommodates only employees and not students.
Of 43 remaining licensed POGOs in the country, largest is former Island Cove Resort in Cavite, Casio said as he revealed that they are also monitoring operations of this hub.
He confirmed PAOCC monitors both legal and illegal POGOs, although agency has not physically entered Island Cove.
Casio acknowledged challenge posed by continued operation of more than 300 illegal scam farms across the country, stating it is “ very big problem that demands whole government and eventually whole-of-nation approach.”
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Man collared for selling explicit content online
By J.Lo
“This decisive action underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from online exploitation..this sends clear message to perpetrators that justice will prevail, and law will be enforced to its fullest extent,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in statement Department of Justice (DOJ) filed charges against individual “promoting and offering” explicit content of minors online.
On Tuesday, DOJ said individual, known as Bench Ortillano, violated Anti-Online Sexual Abuse of Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act. Charges were filed before Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
According to DOJ, individual allegedly provides buyers with CSAEM in Nueva Ecija and was found to be “promoting explicit content” and offering “discounts” for access to said materials in “VIP” Telegram channel.
Further investigation also uncovered Ortillano’s role in managing minor models and distributing illicit materials via his Telegram channel, according to Justice department.
DOJ said Ortillano openly disclosed availability of explicit materials people could access if they paid P499 through mobile wallet, GCash.
Upon payment, agents of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) received link from Ortillano, leading to explicit videos, including footage of him engaging in sexual acts with minors.
Evidence found by NBI agents, along with Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data warrant issued by Manila City’s RTC Branch 4, led to Ortillano’s arrest.
After thorough review of case, DOJ confirmed Ortillano’s arrest was valid and carried out in full compliance with Revised Rule on Criminal Procedure.
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Neutral Phase
By J.Lo
“Based on latest data, we did not monitor any low-pressure area or typhoon inside and outside Philippine area of responsibility…at least for this week, chance of cyclone is very nil,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Obet Badrina said southwest monsoon will bring rains to the country,.
Western Visayas and Southern Luzon will continue experiencing rains brought by monsoon, he noted.
“Because of southwest monsoon, there is big possibility of rains, particularly in Palawan, Western Visayas, including Panay Island and Guimaras,” he stresed.
Most areas nationwide will experience hot and humid weather and thunderstorms might occur, particularly in Calabarzon, Bataan, Zambales and Metro Manila.
Southwest monsoon is expected to intensify later this week, he said.
“There is big chance of rains in western section of Visayas and Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga Peninsula,” Badrina noted.
Meanwhile, farmlands and fisheries affected by El Niño will be rehabilitated this month as Philippines takes advantage of the so-called “neutral phase” or before state weather bureau declares start of La Niña.
Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, spokesperson of government’s El Niño task force, said country is now in El Niño southern oscillation neutral phase and based on data of weather bureau, there is 69 percent chance that climate pattern would shift to La Niña by July, August or September.
Impact of shift may be felt by October, November, December and first half of 2025, he added.
“So, even if we are in neutral phase and PAGASA has not declared start of La Niña, it is still important for us to recover from El Niño,” Villarama said in a public briefing .
“We are now in the rehabilitation stage… government needs to help our farmers whose farm lands were hit by the drought, affected fisherfolk, so they can recover,” he added.
Villarama noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been visiting El Niño-hit provinces to provide assistance to affected sectors. Each validated beneficiary is given financial aid worth P10,000 while each province receives at least P10 million.
Fil sailor succumbed in Huthi attack on cargo ship — White House
By Nidz Godino
“This is pure terrorism…there’s simply no other word for it… Huthi claim of supporting Gazans is meritless,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Filipino sailor was killed when Yemen’s Huthi rebels attacked bulk cargo carrier, White House said condemning their actions as terrorism.
Iran-backed Huthis have launched dozens of drone and missile strikes in vital shipping zones of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, describing them as retaliation for Israel-Hamas war.
Kirby said Filipino seaman killed was on M/V Tutor, Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship that had “nothing to do with conflict in Gaza.”
Vessel suffered serious flooding and was abandoned after it was struck by sea drone off rebel-held Hodeida on Wednesday, according to security agency operated by British navy.
Kirby also said Sri Lankan crew member was critically wounded in a separate Huthi attack on Thursday on M/V Verbena, Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated ship.
He also referenced newly announced US sanctions that State Department said will target three individuals and six entities involved in Huthi’s weapons procurement network.
State Department said sanctions targets “have enabled Huthi forces to generate revenue and acquire range of materials needed to manufacture advanced weaponry they use to conduct ongoing terrorist attacks against US and allied interests.”
Fil sailor succumbed in Huthi attack on cargo ship — White House
By Nidz Godino
“This is pure terrorism…there’s simply no other word for it… Huthi claim of supporting Gazans is meritless,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Filipino sailor was killed when Yemen’s Huthi rebels attacked bulk cargo carrier, White House said condemning their actions as terrorism.
Iran-backed Huthis have launched dozens of drone and missile strikes in vital shipping zones of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, describing them as retaliation for Israel-Hamas war.
Kirby said Filipino seaman killed was on M/V Tutor, Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship that had “nothing to do with conflict in Gaza.”
Vessel suffered serious flooding and was abandoned after it was struck by sea drone off rebel-held Hodeida on Wednesday, according to security agency operated by British navy.
Kirby also said Sri Lankan crew member was critically wounded in a separate Huthi attack on Thursday on M/V Verbena, Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated ship.
He also referenced newly announced US sanctions that State Department said will target three individuals and six entities involved in Huthi’s weapons procurement network.
State Department said sanctions targets “have enabled Huthi forces to generate revenue and acquire range of materials needed to manufacture advanced weaponry they use to conduct ongoing terrorist attacks against US and allied interests.”
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