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00:00.0
The Philippine Justice Department warning police officials against cooperating with international criminal courts probe into the Duterte administration's bloody drug war.
00:18.5
DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Calabano asserts they can hold any official accountable for going against the government's policy of not cooperating with the ICC investigation.
00:30.0
Now this comes after former Senator Antonio Trillanes claimed the ICC has already contacted dozens of current and former police officials implicated in the crime against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
00:47.4
We have not received the same information. So just like everybody else, we found out from Senator Trillanes about this supposed development.
00:57.5
But I think we've been consistent from the very start.
01:00.0
We have a working justice system here in the Philippines. As mentioned by the Solicitor General, this is a government policy.
01:10.1
So when a government officer or official is coordinating with the ICC against the direction or the orders and the policy of the government, there may be accountability involved.
01:30.0
You know, if there's any law enforcement or government official that goes against the policies and orders of the authorities in position, then obviously there will be some sort of conflict of interest. There will be accountabilities.
01:47.6
According to official figures, Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign claimed over 6,000 lives. But rights groups say the real number could be as high as 30,000.
02:00.0
Human Rights Watch calls on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to formally rescind the Duterte administration's drug war.
02:07.9
Carlos Conde warns a culture of impunity among the police force will continue unless a president officially and explicitly junks the drug policies of his predecessor.
02:20.1
Recent reports from the U.S. State Department and Amnesty International showed drug-related extrajudicial killings continue in the Philippines.
02:30.0
It is not true that there's a change in policy already in the drug war. Because regardless of what Mr. Marcos is saying about the shift, the drug war policy of Mr. Duterte is still in place.
02:43.3
Mr. Marcos has not rescinded or junked the policies, the executive orders that made Oplantokhang, Operation Double Barrel possible. It's still there. And the police are still using it.
02:58.5
Conde also notes,
03:00.0
efforts are being made by the Marcos administration to institute reforms. Those are not enough to undo the problems created by Duterte's drug war.
03:11.2
We're talking about accountability. We're talking about closure. We're talking about justice.
03:15.8
So hindi pwedeng sabihin na lang na okay na tayo, okay na kami sa human rights, and then that's that. No, it has to do more.
03:22.3
We agree with the president which he said that look, it can't be done without shedding bloodshed.
03:26.3
The problem is that it's not something that's consistent.
03:30.0
Okay. You know, the government needs to go after the drug trade, obviously, but it needs to have more institutional reforms.
03:41.2
Other news, the Philippines and the U.S. calling on China to behave in accordance with international law.
03:47.9
The two countries held their bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington, D.C., weeks after the historic trilateral summit of the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan.
03:57.3
During the dialogue, Manila and Washington reaffirmed,
04:00.0
cooperation in various areas, including promoting maritime order and modernizing their alliance.
04:07.7
The two countries then called on China to respect the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.
04:13.5
Both nations also moved to boost efforts in addressing illegal fishing.
04:17.8
A maritime dialogue between the U.S. and the Philippines has been scheduled later this year to build on the gains made in previous meetings.
04:27.3
Philippine, American, and French naval vessels,
04:30.0
set sail to kickstart the maritime drills of this year's Balikatan exercises.
04:35.4
The navies of the three countries will perform a joint sail in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
04:44.7
They will perform drills in division tactics, maritime search and rescue, as well as a gunnery exercise.
04:53.9
The multilateral maritime drills will run until April 29th.
05:00.0
The U.S. President Joe Biden signs a hard-fought bill into law that provides much-needed aid to its allies.
05:06.0
The security package includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Indo-Pacific nations,
05:15.0
including Taiwan and the Philippines, which are facing Chinese aggression.
05:20.1
It's a rare bipartisan victory for Biden as he seeks re-election.
05:25.9
It also ends months of wrangling with Republicans in Congress.
05:30.0
It gives vital support to America's partners so they can defend themselves against threats to their sovereignty
05:37.9
and to the lives and freedom of their citizens.
05:42.1
And it's an investment in our own security because when our allies are stronger,
05:46.1
and I want to make this point again and again, when our allies are stronger, we are stronger.
05:51.2
I'm grateful to all those in Congress, Democrats, Republicans, Independents who voted for this bill.
05:56.3
Over the past six months,
06:00.0
a warning from China as Taiwan receives security aid from the U.S.,
06:05.6
Beijing's foreign ministry says the stronger military ties between Taiwan and the U.S.
06:10.7
will only escalate the risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
06:15.3
China claims the entire island of Taiwan as its own territory
06:18.7
and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.
06:24.6
What I want to emphasize here is that strengthening military collusion between the United States and Taiwan
06:30.0
will not bring security to Taiwan,
06:33.1
nor can it save Taiwan from the doomed fate of independence,
06:36.8
but will only push up tensions and the risk of conflict and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait
06:42.5
and will ultimately be like lifting a rock and stoning one's own foot.
06:53.0
The Philippine government is stepping up its fight against foreign workers illegally using government-issued IDs.
07:00.4
Some senators expressed alarm over the prevalence of that practice,
07:04.4
particularly among arrested Chinese nationals who work in offshore gaming hubs.
07:09.7
Labor Secretary Benny Leguesma says they have already canceled 71,000 alien working permits.
07:19.7
We have done a lot of things already.
07:22.8
We have taken action to make sure that we can also protect the integrity of documents,
07:29.9
and we can also protect the integrity of documents,
07:30.0
especially Carmina's alien employment permit.
07:35.9
And having said that, we join actually the Senate and also strongly condemn
07:41.5
if there are crimes committed by alleged Pogo workers in the country.
07:47.3
We have actually strengthened our coordination and collaboration with all other government agencies
07:54.6
with respect to Pogo workers.
07:57.1
In fact, it's a bit tight now.
08:00.0
We have also strengthened our coordination with the Pag Corps.
08:02.7
And very recently, we have signed a data-sharing agreement with the Bureau of Immigration
08:10.3
so that we can verify the validity of the foreign national visa in real time
08:16.7
before we give them an alien employment permit.
08:22.4
The U.S. has yet to make an extradition request for fugitive televangelist Apolo Kibuloy.
08:28.0
This was confirmed by Philippine Ambassador,
08:29.9
U.S. Ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Ramualdez.
08:33.0
The leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group is wanted in the U.S.
08:36.9
for sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.
08:40.7
There are also multiple arrest orders for Kibuloy here in the country for sex crimes and other abuses.
08:47.0
The Philippine Justice Department believes Kibuloy is still in the Philippines.
08:51.6
Justice Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Mico Calabano says
08:55.1
prosecutors have already filed a motion to issue a whole departure order
08:59.7
for the U.S. ambassador to Washington.
08:59.8
against a pastor.
09:01.6
Calabano adds the Bureau of Immigration has already placed Kibuloy on its lookout list.
09:07.0
The DOJ also reiterated its call for Kibuloy to surrender.
09:12.7
The Philippine poll body disqualifies Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba
09:17.4
for releasing public funds during the 2022 campaign period.
09:22.4
Mamba reportedly used public funds to provide financial aid,
09:26.3
scholarship grants, and vehicles to his constituents
09:29.8
in Cagayan Province while campaigning in 2022.
09:34.4
Mamba had argued the prohibition does not extend to local governments,
09:38.1
but the Kamalak did not accept his excuse.
09:40.6
His position will be automatically filled in by the Vice Governor.
09:55.3
An urgent investigation sought into an alleged pyramiding scheme involved,
09:59.8
involving doctors.
10:00.9
Philippine Senator J.V. Ejército told Teleradio Servicio,
10:04.6
the upper chamber has received reports a group of doctors is involved in importing,
10:10.7
marketing, and prescribing certain brands of medicines.
10:14.7
They then get incentives if they are able to invite more doctors to join the scheme.
10:20.0
Now, this is the latest in a string of controversy sounding the medical profession.
10:24.0
After a report surfaced, some doctors are allegedly receiving incentives
10:29.7
This is the latest in a string of controversial products made by a local pharmaceutical distributor.
10:36.0
Kailangan natin imbistigan dito ay talagang, ano to,
10:40.0
conflict of interest and ethical practice dahil sila po ang nagbebenta,
10:46.0
sila po ang nagmamarket, sila po ang nagre-reseta, tapos sila rin po ang may-ari.
10:50.7
Ginaya po nila yung mga networking companies na nagbebenta ng produkto.
10:57.5
Pero this time nga, sabi ko nga eh,
10:59.7
clearly, there is a breach of ethical standards in the medical protocol here.
11:09.1
Senator Ejercito, who sits as Vice Chair of the Senate Health Committee,
11:13.6
has filed a resolution seeking an investigation into this issue.
11:19.7
We are now joined by DOH Spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
11:24.2
Asek, good afternoon.
11:25.0
Good afternoon, Aaron, and good afternoon to all of our viewers.
11:30.5
Hi, sir. Thank you very much for talking to us.
11:32.4
First, we want to get the thoughts of the Health Department on this revelation by Senator Ejercito.
11:40.0
Yes, we kind of saw this coming because as we earlier made a statement last Monday,
11:45.6
we did see the blind item, the column published in the Philippine Star and also in the Philippine Daily Inquirer
11:52.0
that was hinting that there is something going on with a company that could be doing a pyramiding or a multi-level marketing scheme.
11:59.0
Definitely, this is something we are not happy with and we always want to do it by the book.
12:06.2
Meaning, we are looking at our laws, the Philippine Medical Act,
12:10.3
which empowers the Philippine Medical Association to have a code of ethics,
12:15.0
which, if violated, can lead to the grounds for suspension or revocation of the license of a physician.
12:21.8
Now, as to which company this is, what the details are,
12:24.7
this is something which we are waiting for to unravel at the proper investigation.
12:29.0
Right. I understand that the DOH, in tandem with the FDA, is going to conduct an investigation about this.
12:37.9
Yes, that is correct.
12:39.2
Just yesterday, at the Senate, we had a hearing with the Secretary of Health, with the Director General of the FDA.
12:48.3
And it was agreed that we would be having a meeting, not only the two of us,
12:52.0
but also the Professional Regulation Commission.
12:54.3
We will be inviting them because the proper government body who has,
12:58.6
there are some of the government bodies that are involved in this,
12:59.0
the responsibility of disciplining us physicians, is not the DOH.
13:03.1
It's actually the Board of Medicine of the PRC.
13:05.7
And they will be part of this investigation, sir?
13:09.1
Definitely. They are the body in charge of this.
13:12.0
The FDA is involved, or will be involved, because they are the proper body that regulates the drug companies.
13:18.6
But since this also involves doctors, then we have to bring the PRC on board.
13:22.7
Okay. What will be the scope of the investigation?
13:25.7
Will it be focusing on that certain companies,
13:29.0
already mentioned by the Senator,
13:30.2
or would it also involve broader industry practices by pharmaceutical firms
13:39.2
and the way they interact with physicians?
13:44.1
The investigation will have to be based on a complaint.
13:48.0
It can be something which is identified with a complainant identified or anonymous.
13:52.9
This is where I have to go back to what I said earlier,
13:55.7
that we do have to follow due process.
13:57.5
We cannot identify.
13:59.0
Anyone, in particular, at this point.
14:01.2
Because if we are to short-circuit the legal steps that are required by our rules,
14:05.9
it will actually lead to failure on the part of the investigation
14:09.1
because any defense lawyer worth his or her salt will just say that there is a lack of due process
14:15.5
and that will probably throw this out.
14:17.4
So we need to follow this by the book to ensure that any prosecution or penalty that will happen is grounded in law.
14:23.7
Right. Now, the DOH is asking the help of doctors who may have knowledge about,
14:29.0
you know, this scheme and other practices.
14:32.5
Have any of them come out or indicated willingness to not testify but to reveal the stories that they know?
14:42.2
To the DOH, to our knowledge, as of yesterday, we have not yet found any formal complaints.
14:48.9
But we understand why.
14:50.6
This is something which is hard to do.
14:52.8
Imagine what's going on in the minds of physicians.
14:55.7
Just like any other person.
14:57.7
This would involve...
15:00.2
And that's why when we found out that there are good people like Sen. Hercito
15:04.9
who are taking it upon themselves to actually lead in the investigation
15:08.4
or to provide the forum for the proper venting of grievances,
15:12.7
this is a welcome opportunity because certainly the Department of Health
15:16.2
believes that this is a minority in the vast majority of physicians who are honest.
15:22.3
Many doctors are out there, honestly, I wouldn't even say earning a living,
15:27.3
honestly caring for patients.
15:29.0
Following their oath, the Hippocratic oath to take care,
15:32.4
the patient will be the only prime consideration in medical practice.
15:36.6
And this has to be something that we will fix
15:38.8
if we are to preserve the integrity of the medical profession.
15:43.2
About that, beyond the investigation,
15:45.4
in light of this scheme and maybe prevailing practice,
15:49.9
would the DOH be considering strengthening its existing guidelines
15:54.2
on how pharma companies market their products,
15:59.0
and again, as well as how they interact with doctors,
16:02.5
even if you say that this is just being done by a minority?
16:07.8
We are looking at reviewing our guidelines.
16:10.5
This is the first time that allegations of a company,
16:14.9
a corporation being handled by doctors,
16:18.9
the one handling the sales, the improper marketing, the unethical act.
16:23.5
So it is something that could be seen as,
16:26.0
I wouldn't say new,
16:27.4
but a variation of what the Code of Ethics already are referred to.
16:31.7
Because usually the Code of Ethics will refer to doctors as individuals
16:35.6
and the pharmaceutical companies as separate entities without doctors.
16:40.8
But you see here on, they came together.
16:43.7
The doctors and the pharmaceutical companies suddenly have come together, allegedly,
16:48.2
and they're the ones who are doing the improper act.
16:50.9
So we are looking at reviewing the guidelines
16:53.3
and strengthening them towards avoiding any gap in this particular.
16:57.7
Just one more thing, Asek, and we'll be asking for your advice on this.
17:02.1
Just so the public may be reminded,
17:03.9
there is a law that states that doctors should be prescribing medicines using the generic name
17:10.0
and putting the brand name of a medicine is going to be optional.
17:14.3
What would be the advice of the DOH if one,
17:18.9
if, take me as an example,
17:21.0
if I choose a generic name,
17:23.9
if I ask for the generic name of a medicine,
17:27.4
how would I know which brand would be very effective or just effective?
17:35.0
And I ask this in light of the admission of Secretary Erboza himself
17:39.4
that some generic medicines are not as effective as branded ones.
17:44.5
What would be your advice?
17:47.0
Yes, our advice is every time a drug is registered with the Food and Drug Authority,
17:52.9
there is a part of the dossier, the application,
17:56.4
that includes declarations.
17:57.4
There is a declaration of the bioavailability and the bioequivalence,
18:00.6
BAPE as we call it.
18:02.3
The assumption is any drug that gets the Certificate of Product Reliability
18:06.9
must pass a certain threshold of this BAPE standard.
18:12.0
The Secretary, in the previous hearing where, yes,
18:15.5
he was quoted as saying that there are variations in BAPE,
18:18.8
he was referring to the procurement of hospitals.
18:22.6
Hospitals have to check on particular brands.
18:26.2
By the way, anything?
18:27.4
Anything that is not the innovator brand,
18:29.1
that is not the first brand for a particular drug,
18:33.0
So what I'm saying is there is always just one brand
18:35.9
that brings a new drug to the market,
18:38.5
Everything else is generic.
18:40.1
So the point of the Secretary is
18:41.8
there has to be a quality signal like bioavailability and bioequivalence.
18:46.6
The FDA is aware of how to do this
18:48.5
and that should be our basis for giving certifications
18:52.7
or bringing them to market, so to speak.
18:55.0
This is something we are looking at
18:56.4
and for our laypersons out there listening,
18:59.4
if the drug is on the shelf,
19:01.3
meaning it's available at the drugstore,
19:03.2
the likelihood is this has been thoroughly reviewed
19:05.7
and has a passing BAPE
19:07.7
and you can choose from the many brands available
19:10.0
for a particular generic name.
19:12.3
Thank you very much for clarifying that.
19:14.1
Asek Albert Domingo of the DOH,
19:16.8
thanks for talking to us.
19:18.6
Thank you so much and good afternoon, Ron.
19:21.8
Up next, a number of self-rated poor Filipino families
19:24.7
slightly dips in the first quarter.
19:26.4
We'll have more news when we return.
19:56.4
We'll be right back.
20:26.4
We'll be right back.
20:56.4
The Philippines seeks a probe into an alleged pyramiding scheme
20:58.8
involving doctors selling medicines.
21:01.7
And the Energy Department says
21:03.4
the Philippines is facing a crisis
21:05.4
amid a thinning power supply.
21:09.2
Let's now check on the weather here in the Philippines
21:11.3
with Pagasa forecaster, Ana Cloran.
21:15.3
Yes, good afternoon, Ron.
21:16.7
The easterly snow prevailing over the whole archipelago
21:19.2
and the serene black cloudy to cloudy skies
21:21.3
aside from isolated rain showers
21:23.1
mostly in the afternoon or in the evening
21:24.9
here in Metro Manila.
21:26.4
The rest of the country.
21:28.1
The temperature forecast for tomorrow in Metro Manila
21:30.3
is from 27 to 37 degrees Celsius.
21:33.3
In Baguio City, it's from 18 to 27 degrees
21:35.9
and in Tagaytay, it's 23 to 32 degrees Celsius.
21:39.4
Currently, we're not monitoring any weather disturbance
21:42.0
that may affect the country for the next 3 to 5 days.
21:45.2
And that's the latest from Pagasa.
21:46.8
This is Ana Cloran. Good afternoon.
21:48.6
Ana, thanks for that.
21:51.3
The power grids of Luzon and Visayas
21:53.7
placed on alert again
21:55.2
still due to the hot weather.
21:56.4
The Philippine grid operator, NGCP,
21:59.1
says the Luzon grid will be under yellow alert
22:01.3
from 7 to 11 p.m.
22:03.9
Twelve plants in Luzon have been down this month.
22:07.2
As for the Visayas grid,
22:08.6
it will be on yellow alert
22:10.0
until 9 in the evening.
22:13.7
The Philippines is currently experiencing
22:15.8
a power crisis with its thinning power supply.
22:19.0
Energy Secretary Rafael Otilla
22:20.7
called the red and yellow alerts
22:22.1
plaguing the country's power grids
22:25.0
The Energy Department
22:27.4
rising temperatures may continue
22:29.3
to affect power plants
22:30.6
until after the expected peak
22:33.0
of summer in mid-May.
22:36.4
We really have to work
22:38.8
on reducing our consumption
22:48.1
particularly unnecessary
22:50.5
power consumption
22:52.0
during the peak hours.
22:55.5
So if we can postpone
22:57.2
as we have done in the past
22:58.7
certain high power consuming activities
23:03.2
during the off-peak hours
23:06.1
that would be a big help.
23:10.6
Otilla says measures are being undertaken
23:13.2
to conserve power
23:14.3
such as reduced working hours.
23:16.9
Energy officials also assuring
23:18.6
additional capacities are expected
23:20.9
to be added to local grids this year.
23:25.5
More than 4,000 megawatts
23:28.7
will come online this 2024
23:31.6
and it will actually help our grid.
23:35.0
To date, 161.2 megawatts
23:38.3
of the 2024 committed projects
23:40.4
are in full commercial operation
23:42.6
while 835 megawatts
23:45.9
are under test and commissioning.
23:47.8
So even though they're test and commissioning,
23:49.9
they are injecting power to the grid.
23:52.6
Of the expected capacities,
24:01.4
and 52.5 megawatts
24:05.2
In terms of timeline,
24:09.2
will operate in the second quarter,
24:14.3
in the third quarter,
24:16.1
and 1,571 megawatts
24:19.2
in the fourth quarter.
24:24.0
A former energy company
24:25.5
calls for the lifting
24:27.4
of the moratorium
24:28.6
on the construction
24:29.7
of coal-fired power plants.
24:34.5
the Dutante administration
24:35.5
banned new applications
24:38.1
But Jericho Petilla suggests
24:40.2
instead of a ban,
24:41.6
the country could impose
24:42.8
emission standards
24:44.0
to mitigate coal's
24:45.4
environmental impact.
24:47.1
He believes the Philippines
24:48.1
should make use of
24:49.1
available energy resources
24:50.7
to combat its recurring power bows.
24:55.5
Instead of banning coal plants,
24:58.8
an emission standard
25:01.0
na lahat ng planta,
25:04.0
hindi pwedeng lumampas
25:07.5
that we have alternatives,
25:11.7
I think we have to take
25:15.1
to make sure that
25:16.2
wala tayong brownout
25:17.1
because the impact
25:20.1
pag wala tayong enough power
25:24.0
it's very, very heavy
25:27.0
We simply have to do
25:28.0
whatever we can afford
25:30.8
And coal appears to be,
25:34.3
yun pa rin ang cheapest ngayon.
25:37.8
The Philippine government
25:40.6
into the potential
25:41.5
of offshore wind power development
25:43.5
to boost the country's
25:44.6
renewable energy push.
25:46.6
U.S.-backed market research firm
25:48.6
RMI made that call
25:50.1
after its study found
25:51.6
three areas in the Philippines
25:53.8
for the development
25:54.5
of offshore wind projects,
25:57.1
including Manila Bay.
26:01.9
is one of the best types
26:03.5
of renewable energy available
26:04.8
because it provides us
26:07.0
with economies of scale
26:08.6
that would provide us
26:11.3
with more electricity
26:12.6
over the course of many years
26:15.4
in the Philippines.
26:16.6
It is capital intensive, yes,
26:19.2
but the return would be
26:21.9
once we have done
26:26.3
which of the sites
26:27.5
in the Philippines
26:28.1
has the most potential
26:29.4
in the near-term development.
26:35.3
can be easier developed
26:38.8
pre-visibility study
26:42.6
and the water surrounding
26:44.8
And the study focused
26:46.9
fixed-bottom insulation
26:48.2
to support the government's
26:50.0
2030 renewable energy targets.
26:52.2
So with this one,
26:53.0
we are looking at the study.
26:53.6
We are looking at the study.
26:54.0
We are looking at
26:57.0
They have wind speeds
26:59.0
7 meters per second,
27:00.7
proximity to major load centers
27:02.4
in southern Luzon
27:03.4
and western Visayas,
27:04.9
areas with relatively
27:06.0
shallow water depths
27:08.5
which would allow
27:09.1
fixed-bottom foundation
27:10.4
wind turbine generation designs,
27:12.5
and access to deeper areas
27:18.9
by the International Labor Organization
27:21.0
found over 2.4 billion workers
27:23.6
across the country
27:24.0
are likely to be exposed
27:26.7
to excessive heat.
27:29.6
this leaves workers
27:30.4
vulnerable to developing
27:32.7
such as skin cancer
27:34.5
and respiratory illnesses.
27:39.5
that risk and hazard assessments
27:43.1
be taken seriously
27:45.4
at the enterprise level.
27:46.8
So it's not just,
27:47.7
it shouldn't just stop
27:48.6
at paper compliance.
27:50.7
under the current laws.
27:52.2
But what's important
27:53.1
is that it's taken seriously
27:57.5
within the enterprise
27:59.5
as part of business
28:01.2
risk mitigation measures.
28:05.2
A new survey shows
28:06.9
there's no significant improvement
28:08.4
in the number of self-rated
28:09.9
poor Filipino families
28:11.3
in the first quarter.
28:12.8
The social weather stations poll
28:14.4
of some 1,500 adult respondents
28:18.2
consider themselves as poor.
28:22.0
this hardly changed
28:24.0
recorded in December.
28:26.4
The pollster estimates
28:27.4
this is equivalent
28:28.1
to 12.9 million families
28:30.1
from the 13 million
28:31.8
at the end of 2023.
28:34.4
those who consider themselves
28:40.1
and in the Visayas.
28:43.5
ran from March 21 to 25.
28:46.3
The country's inflation rate
28:49.6
on higher food prices
28:51.3
and transportation costs.
28:54.0
The Philippines has welcomed
28:56.4
2 million international visitors
28:58.3
so far this year.
28:59.6
The tourism department said
29:02.9
nearly 1.9 million foreign tourists
29:05.2
and over 100,000 overseas Filipinos
29:08.0
entered the country.
29:09.7
That's 15% higher
29:11.4
than the international arrivals
29:13.3
recovered or recorded
29:15.3
in the same period last year.
29:18.4
South Korea remains
29:19.3
the Philippines' top source
29:20.7
of inbound visitors
29:21.8
followed by the U.S.,
29:24.0
China, Japan, and Australia.
29:26.3
The tourism department
29:28.7
7.7 million international visitors
29:33.2
Philippine shares closed flat
29:35.1
as traders parsed
29:36.1
through corporate earnings
29:37.1
at home and abroad.
29:38.5
The market action
29:42.9
Asian markets broke
29:44.5
their winning streak
29:46.1
after tech giant Meta
29:48.0
disappointed investors
29:50.2
of higher spending
29:51.3
and lower revenues this year.
29:54.6
by Facebook's parent firm
29:56.2
was enough to wipe out
29:58.4
in its market value
30:00.7
and rattle markets in Asia.
30:03.4
Philippine shares finished flat
30:05.0
with the PSE index
30:07.3
beyond the 6,500 level.
30:10.0
COL Financial's Charmaine Ko agrees
30:12.1
it hasn't been a good time
30:13.6
for the market recently.
30:15.1
We're currently seeing
30:16.6
a crucial support
30:20.3
and I think what the market
30:22.9
is trying to do is to
30:23.4
do right now is that
30:24.7
it's trying to establish
30:26.4
an oversold rally
30:27.6
hopefully removing
30:29.8
moving the index away
30:34.4
afterwards perhaps
30:38.9
but we think that
30:40.1
or we're hoping to see
30:44.3
from which it can rally
30:45.8
once again towards
30:47.0
I guess it's resistant.
30:49.3
On the corporate front
30:51.0
secures shareholders approval
30:52.6
for the company's
30:54.2
with its 34 entities.
30:56.8
The property developer
30:57.8
is undertaking the merger
30:59.0
to simplify ownership structure
31:01.0
which it hopes would lead
31:02.4
to operational synergies
31:03.9
and efficient funds management
31:07.5
With both directors
31:08.6
and shareholders nod,
31:10.5
ALI's plan of merger
31:11.7
heads next to the
31:12.7
Securities and Exchange Commission
31:14.3
with approval expected
31:17.4
Also in property,
31:18.3
Megaworld announces
31:19.2
a 1.2 billion peso museum project
31:21.7
in its Mactan property
31:24.9
The museum will rise
31:26.1
within its 30 hectare property
31:28.1
and near its new town
31:29.4
presidential condominium.
31:32.2
it will feature pieces
31:34.5
to highlight relations
31:35.8
between the Philippines
31:38.5
The Mactan museum
31:39.6
is eyed for opening
31:41.9
This would become
31:42.6
Megaworld's fourth museum
31:44.4
after one in Chinatown
31:46.9
and two in Iloilo province.
31:49.8
Philinvest's Real Estate
31:51.1
Investment Trust says,
31:52.6
five of its office building properties
31:55.9
by renewable energy.
31:57.6
The properties that switch to RE
31:59.3
are Philarty's buildings
32:00.9
in Northgate in Alabang.
32:03.1
The Gutianon-led firm says
32:04.6
the move reflects its commitment
32:06.0
to environmental responsibility.
32:09.7
Bell Corporation reports
32:11.8
in the first quarter.
32:13.2
Its net income and revenues
32:15.4
32 and 14 percent respectively.
32:18.8
The leisure and high-end
32:19.9
residential developer says,
32:21.3
the lower bottom line,
32:23.6
a decrease in revenues.
32:26.1
its share in gaming revenue
32:27.9
at the City of Dreams, Manila
32:30.4
Premium Leisure Corporation,
32:32.1
declined to 401 million pesos
32:36.1
Bell Corporation previously
32:37.5
set a tender offer,
32:38.6
which ended Wednesday,
32:39.8
to buy out minority shares of PLC
32:42.6
and eventually delist it
32:44.2
from the stock exchange.
32:47.0
Oceana Gold Philippines says,
32:48.9
a regional trial court
32:51.4
has denied a petition
32:52.6
against its mining permit renewal.
32:54.6
The company in a statement said,
32:56.6
the provincial RTC rejected
32:58.6
a local group's petition
33:00.6
against its operations
33:02.6
in the DDPO mine.
33:06.6
it complied with government requirements
33:08.6
for the renewal of its mining contract.
33:10.6
Groups had alleged,
33:12.6
Oceana Gold's permit
33:14.6
was renewed illegally
33:16.6
and lacked consultation with communities.
33:18.6
The legal action by stakeholders
33:20.6
comes weeks before Oceana Gold's permit
33:24.6
Oceana Gold's public listing
33:26.6
at the stock market.
33:28.6
Filipino workers bound for Canada
33:30.6
are now required to undergo
33:32.6
a more stringent procedure
33:34.6
with the Migrant Workers Department.
33:36.6
As Zen Hernandez tells us,
33:38.6
this is part of the government's efforts
33:40.6
to prevent illegal recruitment.
33:44.6
Like many Filipinos,
33:46.6
Evelyn and her husband Raymond
33:48.6
dream of working and living
33:50.6
in another country. Although they are currently
33:52.6
looking at job vacancies in Europe,
33:54.6
they are hoping to build enough
33:56.6
work experience to eventually
33:58.6
work and live in Canada.
34:20.6
The Department of Migrant Workers
34:22.6
has warned against
34:24.6
immigration consultancy firms
34:26.6
dabbling in illegal recruitment
34:28.6
activities for Canada.
34:30.6
These firms charge exorbitant fees
34:32.6
in exchange for a supposed
34:34.6
shorter processing time
34:36.6
for permanent residency in Canada
34:38.6
by way of employment.
34:40.6
To rectify the situation,
34:42.6
the DMW issued an advisory
34:44.6
requiring all Filipinos
34:46.6
bound for Canada under programs
34:48.6
such as the Atlantic Emigration,
34:50.6
Open Work Permits,
34:52.6
Postgraduate Work Permit,
34:54.6
Home Child Care Provider
34:56.6
or Home Support Worker,
34:58.6
and Religious Workers to go through
35:02.6
A supplemental advisory detailed that process
35:04.6
starting with an e-registration
35:08.6
submission of necessary employment
35:10.6
and travel documents,
35:12.6
OWA membership, and eventually
35:14.6
a special exit clearance
35:16.6
addressed to the Bureau of Immigration.
35:20.6
we are not closed
35:22.6
by Canadian immigration consultancies
35:24.6
not licensed by the DMW
35:26.6
but workers are being recruited
35:30.6
This is also a way of monitoring
35:34.6
the welfare and well-being
35:36.6
of OFWs in Canada.
35:38.6
The Philippine Association
35:40.6
of Service Exporters, Inc.,
35:42.6
a group of licensed recruitment
35:44.6
agencies confirmed a huge
35:46.6
demand for hospitality,
35:48.6
construction, and manufacturing
35:50.6
workers in Canada.
35:52.6
But the group reminds applicants
35:54.6
that Canada does not ask for placement fees
35:56.6
and that permanent residency
35:58.6
is a privilege open to workers.
36:02.6
some applicants turn to illegal
36:04.6
recruiters due to the lengthy
36:06.6
and arduous application process.
36:08.6
In fact, despite a thousand
36:10.6
job vacancies being offered
36:12.6
to Filipinos in Canada every year,
36:14.6
only 100 or 10 percent
36:16.6
of applicants make it through.
36:20.6
We are opening the market.
36:26.6
is a hole in the ground.
36:28.6
So, you need to have
36:34.6
that you need to pay this,
36:36.6
that you can earn anywhere,
36:42.6
of illegal recruiters
36:44.6
promising jobs not only to Canada
36:46.6
but also in Europe.
36:48.6
The group has also noted
36:50.6
that in third country
36:52.6
recruitment schemes
36:54.6
where Filipinos already working
36:56.6
in a certain country
36:58.6
are recruited to go to another
37:00.6
country illegally.
37:02.6
The fellow Filipinos
37:06.6
that you are already here
37:08.6
because you have a high salary.
37:12.6
when you arrive there
37:14.6
is that you have a job.
37:16.6
After two months,
37:22.6
your transportation,
37:26.6
you will pay for everything.
37:28.6
The DMW advises overseas workers
37:30.6
who would like to explore jobs
37:32.6
in other countries
37:34.6
to finish their active contracts first
37:36.6
and return to the Philippines
37:38.6
before entering a new application process
37:40.6
with either a private
37:42.6
licensed recruitment agency
37:44.6
or through a government-to-government track.
37:46.6
The process allows
37:48.6
the government to have
37:50.6
the ability to monitor
37:52.6
the whereabouts and situation
37:54.6
of all overseas Filipino workers
37:56.6
to ensure their safety
37:58.6
and respond to their needs
38:00.6
in case of any emergency.
38:02.6
Applicants meanwhile may call
38:06.6
or check their official website
38:08.6
to validate the status
38:10.6
of any recruitment agency
38:14.6
Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News.
38:16.6
We challenge a newly signed law
38:18.6
that could see the app banned
38:28.6
We're back on Top Story.
38:30.6
U.S. Secretary of State
38:34.6
stressing the importance
38:36.6
of responsible U.S.-China relations
38:38.6
during his meeting
38:40.6
with a top Chinese official in Shanghai.
38:42.6
Blinken spoke with
38:44.6
Shanghai Communist Party Secretary
38:46.6
and the U.S. Secretary of State
38:48.6
about the relationship
38:50.6
of the two superpowers.
38:52.6
Blinken's visit is the latest
38:56.6
between the two countries.
38:58.6
Even as tensions remain high
39:02.6
the South China Sea issue,
39:04.6
as well as China's support
39:06.6
for Russia in its war in Ukraine.
39:08.6
We have an obligation
39:12.6
and indeed an obligation
39:14.6
for the world to manage
39:16.6
the obligation that we have
39:18.6
and one that we take very seriously.
39:20.6
And I think the direction
39:22.6
from President Biden
39:26.6
was to continue to build
39:28.6
those lines of communication
39:32.6
and again to deal directly
39:34.6
with our differences
39:36.6
as we also seek to build cooperation.
39:38.6
So thank you for having us here today.
39:40.6
I look forward to a good conversation.
39:42.6
I know that this year
39:44.6
will be one of the most important
39:46.6
bilateral relations in the world.
39:48.6
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties,
39:50.6
the relationship has not always been smooth.
39:52.6
There's always been twists and turns.
39:56.6
it has progressed
39:58.6
with historical development
40:00.6
and progressed forward.
40:02.6
Blinken will visit Beijing
40:04.6
on Friday for talks
40:06.6
with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
40:08.6
as well as a possible meeting
40:10.6
with President Xi Jinping.
40:12.6
TikTok CEO expecting
40:14.6
to win a legal battle
40:16.6
after US President Joe Biden
40:18.6
signed into law a landmark bill
40:20.6
that could see the popular short video app
40:22.6
banned in the country.
40:24.6
The bill gives China-based ByteDance
40:28.6
to divest TikTok's US assets
40:32.6
ByteDance will have to seek approval
40:34.6
from Chinese officials
40:36.6
to complete a forced sale
40:38.6
which Beijing has vowed to oppose.
40:40.6
TikTok is set to challenge the bill
40:42.6
on First Amendment grounds.
40:52.6
Politicians may say otherwise
40:54.6
but don't get confused.
40:56.6
Many who sponsored the bill
40:58.6
admit a TikTok ban
41:00.6
is the ultimate goal.
41:02.6
It's obviously a disappointing moment
41:04.6
but it does not need to be a defining one.
41:06.6
It's actually ironic
41:08.6
because the freedom of expression on TikTok
41:10.6
reflects the same American values
41:12.6
that make the United States
41:14.6
a powerful way to be seen
41:18.6
And that's why so many people
41:20.6
have made TikTok part of their daily lives.
41:22.6
Rest assured, we aren't going anywhere.
41:26.6
and we will keep fighting for your rights
41:30.6
The facts and the Constitution
41:34.6
U.S. government officials
41:36.6
have accused China of using TikTok
41:38.6
to spy on Americans.
41:40.6
An allegation ByteDance has repeatedly denied.
41:42.6
An estimated 170 million
41:44.6
Americans use TikTok.
41:46.6
Israeli Prime Minister
41:48.6
Benjamin Netanyahu
41:50.6
wants more action to stop
41:52.6
pro-Palestinian protests
41:54.6
that have spread across U.S. campuses
41:58.6
The protesters are calling for a ceasefire
42:00.6
and for their universities
42:02.6
to divest from companies
42:04.6
with ties to Israel.
42:06.6
Some Jewish and Israeli students
42:08.6
and faculty, however, say
42:10.6
the protests have turned universities
42:12.6
into a hostile environment.
42:14.6
There is a rise in anti-Semitism
42:18.6
But there are also Jewish groups
42:20.6
that have played a vocal role
42:22.6
and led some of the anti-war protests.
42:24.6
India is set to begin
42:28.6
of its massive elections Friday.
42:30.6
The world's largest election
42:32.6
which runs through the peak of summer
42:36.6
involved nearly 1 billion voters.
42:38.6
The first phase started April 19
42:40.6
and covered 166 million voters.
42:42.6
Tight security is in place
42:44.6
after the first phase
42:46.6
was marred by violence.
42:48.6
The election pits Prime Minister
42:50.6
Narendra Modi's party
42:52.6
against an alliance
42:54.6
of two dozen opposition parties
42:56.6
which has vowed to end
43:00.6
Modi's dictatorial rule.
43:02.6
Switching gears now,
43:04.6
a Filipino-Canadian's play
43:06.6
on her experience of wanting to belong
43:08.6
is set to take the stage
43:10.6
in Vancouver in May.
43:16.6
What do you mean it's no one?
43:18.6
Of course it's someone!
43:20.6
Homecoming depicts the lives
43:22.6
of three generations of Filipino women
43:24.6
taking place between
43:26.6
the Philippines and Canada.
43:28.6
It is a familiar Filipino story
43:32.6
complicated by a sibling's migration
43:34.6
to another country.
43:36.6
The play also explores the sense
43:38.6
of disconnect felt by Filipinos
43:42.6
Filipino-Canadian playwright
43:44.6
Camila Cediego's real life experiences
43:46.6
serve as inspiration
43:48.6
to the stage play.
43:50.6
I've grown up struggling with
43:52.6
what does it mean to be Filipino?
43:54.6
What does it mean to be Canadian?
43:56.6
What does it mean to be a Filipino-Canadian?
43:58.6
And so I remember growing up
44:00.6
not really knowing
44:04.6
And that confusion,
44:06.6
that wanting for belonging
44:08.6
and understanding has been
44:10.6
a huge theme in my life.
44:12.6
Because characters
44:14.6
who have been drawn
44:16.6
from Camila's imagination,
44:18.6
not only imagination
44:20.6
but has also been drawn
44:24.6
of her real life.
44:28.6
is a unique story.
44:30.6
The play underwent years
44:32.6
of planning and development
44:34.6
but was halted by the pandemic.
44:38.6
Artistic Director of Urban Ink
44:40.6
made it possible for the play
44:42.6
to become a reality.
44:44.6
Born and raised in Vancouver,
44:46.6
it was a culture shock for Cediego
44:48.6
when she first visited the Philippines.
44:50.6
The playwright says
44:52.6
the trip evoked conflicting
44:54.6
feelings and thoughts.
44:56.6
I got to meet my family
44:58.6
for the first time
45:00.6
and like as an adult,
45:02.6
you know, so that was a
45:04.6
kind of interesting experience
45:06.6
because these are strangers to me.
45:08.6
I don't know who they are
45:12.6
where they came from.
45:14.6
Theater artist Hazel Venzon
45:16.6
is the director of Homecoming.
45:20.6
being a part of the play
45:22.6
is very meaningful
45:24.6
and empowering to her
45:26.6
as a storyteller, director
45:28.6
and creator of stories
45:30.6
as she worked with an all Filipino cast.
45:32.6
An experience that allows me
45:34.6
as a director to evolve and grow
45:36.6
and work with new artists.
45:40.6
it feels like an incredible thing.
45:42.6
Award winning actor Lisa Neptuno
45:44.6
who hails from Vancouver
45:46.6
plays one of the lead roles.
45:48.6
Neptuno had guest roles
45:54.6
and HBO Max's Peacemaker.
45:56.6
As an immigrant herself,
45:58.6
Neptuno can relate to the concept
46:02.6
There's definitely a lot of things
46:04.6
I'm drawing from because
46:08.6
classic immigrant experience
46:12.6
leaving and then coming here.
46:14.6
There's a lot of parallels
46:16.6
and relatability that can be applied
46:20.6
from my own experiences
46:22.6
as well as other experiences.
46:24.6
Homecoming is set to premiere
46:26.6
in Vancouver next month.
46:30.6
ABS-CBN News, Vancouver.
46:38.6
preceded Boston Celtics
46:40.6
winning 1-11 to 1-0-1
46:42.6
in Game 2 of their first round NBA playoff series.
46:44.6
Tyler Hiro led Miami
46:50.6
He hit six of the Heat's
46:52.6
franchise playoff record
46:54.6
23 three-pointers.
46:56.6
The Heat evened their best of seven
46:58.6
affair at a game apiece
47:00.6
despite still missing two injured starters
47:02.6
in Jimmy Butler and Terry Rogier.
47:04.6
The series now shifts to Miami
47:06.6
for Games 3 and 4.
47:08.6
We'll be right back.
47:30.6
And those were the top stories today.
47:34.6
You can watch highlights and recaps
47:36.6
on ANC 24-7 on Facebook
47:38.6
and YouTube. You can also subscribe
47:40.6
to ANC Prestige on YouTube
47:42.6
to get access to our full lineup of shows.
47:44.6
Thanks for watching.
48:00.6
Mobility will be key
48:02.6
to recovery because we have
48:04.6
relaxed some of our
48:06.6
quarantine measures.
