Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Sunday, October 23, 2022.
No foul play seen in death of 'middleman'
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has ruled out foul play in the death of the "middleman" tagged in the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid. In its initial report submitted to the Department of Justice (DoJ), the NBI said there were "no apparent signs of external physical injury" found on the body of Jun Globa Villamor during the autopsy. Based on the same report, Villamor was brought to the National Bilibid (NBP) Prison Hospital on October 18 but was declared dead at 2:05 p.m. after 35 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) conducted by Dr. Marjorie An Sanidad. Villamor's body was later received in the morgue of the Eastern Funeral Homes at 8:11 p.m. of the same day. Minutes after receiving the body, the mortician started the embalming process. Covid-19 Rapid Antigen and Paraffin tests were also performed on the body, but both yielded negative results. There was also no gunshot wound found on the remains of Villamor. The NBI said the declaration of death was consistent with Villamor's official time of death.
PH, Japan enhance defense cooperation
THE Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Western Area Command has conducted capacity-building cooperation (CBC) in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) with the Philippine Army (PA). Both the JGSDF and PA exchanged knowledge and views for improving each countries' disaster response capabilities. A statement issued by the Embassy of Japan said that the CBC in HA/DR consisted of equipment training and lessons to prepare for various kinds of disasters. The Japanese government has been steadfast in its commitment to promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges with the Philippines, specifically in fortifying the strategic partnership between both countries. Army spokesman Col. Xerexes Trinidad told The Manila Times that the bilateral relations the Philippine government has with Japan would be very beneficial for the two allied countries.
Kazuo Okada's motion vs coercion raps denied
A PARAÑAQUE court has denied Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada's motion to quash the grave coercion charges filed against him and his associates in connection with the May 31, 2022 takeover of Okada Manila. In a resolution dated October 18, Parañaque Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 91 Judge Placido Garcia 3rd ruled to deny the motion filed by Kazuo, Filipino businessman Antonio "Tonyboy" Cojuangco, Dindo Espeleta and lawyer Florentino "Binky" Herrera after finding that the allegations in the information are sufficient to constitute the criminal offense of grave coercion. All three elements of grave coercion were properly alleged in the information, according to the resolution, citing Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, as amended. Grave coercion is present when a person is prevented by another from doing something not prohibited by law; the prevention or compulsion is effected by violence, threats or intimidation; and the restraint is not made under the authority of law or in the exercise of any lawful right. The complaint was filed by Okada Manila operator Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI) officers James Lorenzana, Hajime Tokuda and Michiake Satate. resolution read. The Parañaque MTC Branch 91 has set Kazuo's arraignment and pre-trial on October 28 at 2 p.m.
Deadline for arrival of sugar under SO3 extended
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. extended the deadline for the arrival of the remaining 22,107 metric tons (MT) imported sugar under Sugar Order (SO) 3 until Oct. 31, 2022. Marcos and other members of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board signed SO 3, series of 2022-2023, allowing importers to complete the importation of 200,000 MT of sugar imports after the deadline lapsed on Aug. 31, 2022. SO3, which was approved by former Agriculture secretary William Dar in February 2022, provided for the importation of 200,000 MT for both standard grade and premium grade refined sugar for industrial users. Marcos said the SRA received various requests for an extension on the deadline on the application for SRA clearance and to change the arrival date of any imported sugar due to vessel delays and lack of availability of container vans globally.
Marcos to grace MassKara Festival
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to attend the culminating activities for this year's MassKara Festival in Bacolod City on Sunday, October 23. The President's attendance at the world-renowned festivity is a testament to his commitment to promoting local tourism to revive the country's tourism industry amid the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, a statement from the Office of the Press Secretary said. Marcos, in a message on Friday, called on Filipinos to participate in the annual revelry and at the same time explore Bacolod, which is widely known as the "City of Smiles."
DOTr to continue transpo projects
Over to business, the Department of Transportation and Railways (DOTr) said it will continue its various port constructions, enhancements and its various transportation projects in order to help aid the transportation and logistics sector. During the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Inc.'s (ICCPI's) "Transportation and Logistics Forum 2022," Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan explained to stakeholders that the agency is going "all-in" in ensuring that these big ticket projects, both in ports and transportation, are fast tracked to complete most of them. Balan added that is to meet the goal of the current administration in transforming the Philippine transport and logistics industry and elevate it to global standards.
Hotshots stake clean slate vs Gin Kings
Topping sports, Magnolia stakes its unbeaten record against long-time rival Barangay Ginebra in their first Manila Clasico meeting in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. The Hotshots (5-0) and the Kings (2-2) are both coming from long respites, giving them enough time to prepare for the muchanticipated match this conference. Both teams collide at the 6:45 p.m. main game. Leading Magnolia's charge is none other than Serbian import Nick Rakocevic, who is averaging 30 points, 18.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in helping the Hotshots rack up five straight wins to begin the tournament. But the 6-11 reinforcement expects steady support from the locals, especially now that big man Ian Sangalang and defense specialist Rome dela Rosa are already back in harness since missing two games due to typhoid fever.
Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, as he discusses why national food security efforts fail.
Today's editorial believes the country is on the right track on the road to economic recovery, but there are still hurdles ahead. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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For The Manila Times, this is Paulo Dimaapi.