Good day. Here are the top stories of The Manila Times for Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022.
Imported fish sale in markets probed
THE Office of the Ombudsman has directed an investigation into the alleged failure of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to implement a 20-year-old administrative order prohibiting the sale of imported fish in wet markets and supermarkets. Ombudsman Samuel Martires issued the directive after BFAR announced a crackdown starting on December 4 against vendors who would be found selling imported fish like pampano and pink salmon in violation of the Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 195. FAO 195, which was issued in 1999, only allows big companies, hotels and restaurants to sell imported fish so that local fishermen can sell their catch in the markets.In his order dated Nov. 25, 2022, Martires said the investigation shall include the supposed "anomalies that attended and /or resulted because of this recent implementation by the BFAR of AO No. 195, as amended."He also directed concerned officials of BFAR to submit a sworn statement about the controversy within "three calendar days" from receipt of the order. Martires gave investigators 10 days to submit their report and recommendations.
New govt campaign vs illegal drugs out
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign was rolled out nationwide on Saturday. The main event held at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) was attended by over 25,000 people who pledged to support the government's anti-illegal drug campaign called "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA)." According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., the same event also took place at the Cebu Plaza Independencia, Cebu City; Xavier Ateneo Sports Center, Cagayan de Oro City; and People's Park in Davao City. Abalos said the BIDA Program involves local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and other key sectors of the society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities, aside from arrests.
Temporary Caritas chief cites Tagle's 'good work'
PIER Francesco Pinelli, the newly appointed temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis, has recognized the important work done by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle during his two terms as president emeritus of the global confederation of Catholic charities. Pinelli said in his message posted on the Caritas official website on Saturday that Tagle will continue to "play a major role" in carrying forward and strengthening the mission of the Caritas. Tagle will carry out these duties alongside his main job at the Vatican as the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, which is presided over by the pope. Pinelli issued the statement days after being appointed by Pope Francis as the temporary commissioner of Caritas Internationalis.
BBM certain PH to sustain ties with Japan
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to preserving strong ties with Japan as he expressed willingness to explore different areas of cooperation between the two nations. Marcos made the statement as he witnessed the conferment of The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to former Senate president Manuel Villar Jr. by the government of Japan in a ceremony in Malacañang on Friday. In his remarks, the President recognized Villar's significant contribution "to the current strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan." He also expressed willingness "to explore different areas of cooperation with Japan" and affirmed his commitment "to sustain the trajectory of diplomatic ties between the two nations."
Women 'heroes' in anti-violence campaign
STORIES of rape, discrimination, unpaid wages and the "Marites culture" were shared by female migrant workers during a forum that kicked off the campaign to end violence against women in Quezon City. The "Babaeng BiyaHero Champions," organized by the UN Women Safe and Fair Philippines (SAF), coincided with the International Day to End Violence Against Women (Idevaw) that started on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. The campaign will end on Dec. 12, 2022.
Diokno lauds UNDP, Canada project
FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno commended the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the government of Canada for the launch of a new project that would provide the Philippines with gender-responsive and nature-based solutions for climate-resilient technologies and initiatives. Diokno, in a prerecorded message, for the launch of the project "Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-Based Solutions," called it a milestone in the country's sustainability journey and national climate agenda. The Philippines has been on the receiving end of the ill effects of climate change. The country's high susceptibility to climate risks has prompted the government to take action. The Department of Finance and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas have built a sustainable finance ecosystem to synergize public and private investments in green projects. This roadmap has laid down the guiding principles that will create the environment for greener policies in the country.
Adamson nips NU, keeps Final Four bid
JEROM Lastimosa once again came through in the clutch as Adamson University nipped National University (NU), 64-63, on Saturday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Lastimosa drained the go-ahead triple to put the Soaring Falcons ahead of the Bulldogs by a point in the last 5.5 seconds. Steve Nash Enriquez then missed his triple on the other end as Adamson held on for the win to rise to 7-6. The already-semis bound and third-running NU, meanwhile, finished the eliminations with a 9-5 slate. The Soaring Falcons still have one game left in the eliminations, as they face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday and a win over the Blue Eagles will secure the team at least a playoff for the last semis berth.
Creamline, Cignal dispute top spot
CREAMLINE and Cignal aim for the top spot in the round robin semifinals when they face each other today, November 27, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Grand Slam-seeking Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers meet at 2:30 p.m. Sporting identical 1-0 slates, the winner between Creamline and Cignal will clinch the top spot and most likely a Finals berth. The Cool Smashers are coming off a 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 sweep of defending champ Petro Gazz last Thursday the HD Spikers likewise blanked the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 28-26, 25-17, 25-23, on the same day.
Woods returns to PNC with Charlie
Tiger Woods and 13-year-old son Charlie are returning to the PNC Championship with hopes of doing one better than last year. The 20-team field is for winners of majors or The Players Championship and a child or parent. This will be the third time Woods plays. A year ago, he and Charlie finished one shot behind John Daly and his son. The 36-hole event, televised by NBC, is December 17-18 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando.
In its editorial, the Times says the conviction of policemen is a reflection of state policy. Read the full version on print, digital or listen to The Voice of the Times. Marlen Ronquillo is the featured columnist on the front page. Ronquillo writes about PH billionaires marooned in 20th century philanthropy.
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This is Paulo Dimaapi reporting.