Manila Times

1. Palawan town under Signal No. 1 but 'Romina' still outside PH — Pagasa

   MANILA, Philippines — The state-run weather agency has placed a town in Palawan, along with Kalayaan Island, under Signal No. 1 although Tropical Depression 'Romina' remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

   Weather specialist Robert Badrina of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Balabac is at the southern portion of Palawan.

   Estimated over the coastal waters of Rurok Island, also in Kalayaan, the weather disturbance is moving northward at 35 kilometers per hour (kph) while packing maximum sustained winds of 55kph and gustiness of up to 70kph, the 5 p.m. bulletin said.

   Currently moving northward, Romina, the 17th storm to hit the country and second this month, has been predicted to turn northwestward or west-northwestward within the forecast period.

   It may pass near the southern portion of the Kalayaan Islands area in the next 24 hours, the latest advisory said.

   "It must be noted that a brief entry within PAR is not ruled out," Badrina said.

   The national weather agency said Romina may briefly reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours before weakening into a tropical depression for the rest of the forecast period.

2. Comelec mulls placing Sulu under its control or as area of concern

   MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likely to place the province of Sulu under its control or among areas of concern following the ambush of its official from Sulu in Zamboanga City.

   Speaking in Filipino, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that if there was that kind of violence, it was possible that Sulu could be placed "underComelec control" or consider the province an "area of concern."

   Garcia issued the statement on Sunday, a day after Sulu provincial supervisor Vidzfar Julie Amil was ambushed in Zamboanga City by motorcycle riding men.

   Garcia said, however, that the Sulu incident will be studied thoroughly first, including the determination if the incident was election-related or for some other reasons.

   The poll chief said that despite the violent incident, the Commission was also very careful in its determination whether an area should be placed under its control or aa an area of concern because it would seriously affect the status of a particular place or drive away investors if the place is labeled as violent.

   He added that the poll body would also need to consult with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the determinatio if a place should be placed under Comelec control or under areas of concern.

3. Signal No. 1 up over Kalayaan Island as tropical depression threatens to enter PH

   MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 1 has been raised over Kalayaan Island even before the tropical depression that was forecast early Sunday threatens to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state-run weather agency said on Sunday.

   Weather specialist Robert Badrina of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said the tropical cyclone, named "Romina," is the 18th storm to hit the country this year and second this month.

   He said the center of the eye of Romina was estimated some 365 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan (outside PAR).

   Moving north-northeastward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), the tropical cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 55kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70kph.

   Based on its forecast track, Pagasa said Romina may pass near the southern portion of the Kalayaan Islands area in the next 24 hours.

   It must be noted that a brief entry within PAR is not ruled out, its 11a.m. bulletin said.

   Also, it may briefly reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours before weakening into a tropical depression for the rest of the forecast period, the national weather bureau said.

4. Tropical depression near Palawan may enter PAR, to be named 'Romina'

   MANILA, Philippines — A tropical depression has been spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and may enter the country, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Sunday.

   Weather specialist Robert Badrina said that the weather disturbance was estimated some 620 kilometers south of Kalayaan, Palawan.

   Moving north-northeast at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), the tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 55kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70kph, he said.

   "We are not discounting the possibility that this tropical cyclone would enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility maybe in 24 to 48 hours," Badrina said.

   Once inside, it would be named Romina, the 18th storm to hit the country this year.

   In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the state-run weather bureau said the trough of the tropical depression has been affecting some areas in Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and Palawan in Luzon.

   The convergence of hot and cold air or shear line, meanwhile, is bringing overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Visayas, Bicol Region, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon), Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Dinagat Islands.

   The northeast monsoon or "amihan," on one hand, would be experienced over Metro Manila and other Luzon areas where cloudy skies with rains would be likely particularly within the next 24 hours, the national weather agency said.

5. Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

   (UPDATE) AN election official on Saturday escaped death after his vehicle was fired at by motorcycle-riding men in Zamboanga City, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

   Chairman George Erwin Garcia said Vidzfar Amil, 51, provincial election supervisor of Sulu, survived the ambush, but his elder brother Naser Amil, 57, was killed.

   According to reports, Amil, who was in the front seat of the black Toyota Fortuner, was hit in the head by one of the three bullets that were fired at the vehicle.

   The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in Sitio Villa Sta. Maria, Barangay Sta. Maria.

   Julie said they were traveling home from the Zamboanga International Airport when two men on a motorcycle pulled alongside their vehicle and opened fire.

   "I know I am the target of the gunmen," Julie said in an interview, suggesting that the attack might be related to his work.

   Julie, who had just arrived from Jolo, was driving the vehicle with Asiri in the passenger seat.

   Asiri had fetched him from the airport.

   Garcia condemned the incident. "No words are enough to condemn this treacherous act of violence against our people; what is more gruesome and unforgivable is when a love is caught in the crossfire, so to speak," he said.

   "We are not yet prepared to cry hopelessness, but a call for immediate action from authorities is strongly demanded," Garcia said.

   The Comelec said it was too early to tell if the incident was related to the national elections next year.

   Garcia said Comelec's authority over poll-related matters will only start 120 days before election day on May 12.

   Before that, "Comelec is inutile and powerless," he said.

   A gun ban will be in effect during the election season.

   Candidates are also prohibited from having a security detail or bodyguards unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.

   Garcia said an area could be put under Comelec control if it had a history of election-related violence or if the rivalry among contending parties was intense.

   The violence could be instigated by Private Armed Groups (PAGs), communist rebels, or Islamist extremists like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFFs), Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group.

   During the 2022 elections, Zamboanga City was among the areas in Region 9 listed by the Philippine National Police as a hotspot because of a serious threat to security from terrorist groups.

   Garcia said the Comelec expects about 500,000 candidates to vie for 18,280 national and local positions in next year's elections.

   To be contested are 12 slots for senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list groups, 82 governors, 82 vice governors, 800 provincial council members, 149 city mayors, 149 city vice mayors, 1,682 city council members, 1,493 municipal mayors, 1,493 municipal vice mayors, and 11,948 municipal council members.

   ADDITIONAL REPORT FROM THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

6. Star-studded parade ushers in 50th MMFF

   THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opened its 50th edition with the grand Parade of Stars on Saturday in Manila, the host city for this year's event.

   At least 3,000 personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Manila city government, the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies were deployed along the 12-kilometer route that ended at the Manila Central Post Office.

   One of the most anticipated events leading up to the MMFF's official opening on Christmas Day, the Parade of Stars featured vibrantly designed floats carrying celebrities from the festival's 10 entries.

   Vying for awards are "The Kingdom," "Topakk," "Uninvited," "Isang Himala," "Hold Me Close," "Espantaho," "My Future You," "And The Breadwinner Is...," "Green Bones," and "Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital."

   The action-adventure film "The Kingdom" featured stars Vic Sotto, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, Cedrick Juan and director Michael Tuviera riding a float with a crown design, floral arrangements and draped fabric in gold, red and blue.

   The action-thriller "Topakk" had a steampunk-inspired float featuring an intricate arrangement of gears, pipes and metallic components with a bronze finish. A large sculpted human face with mechanical elements adorned the front. Stars Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos rode the float.

   Vilma Santos led the cast of the psychological thriller "Uninvited" along with Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, Tirso Cruz III, Elijah Canlas and RK Bagatsing. Their float resembled a chariot, featuring intricately detailed horse heads and black-and-white designs.

   The musical film "Isang Himala" showcased a float with sculpted praying hands symbolizing faith and reverence. A prominent sign reading "Elsa Loves You" referenced the iconic character Elsa. The float also depicted a mountainous landscape, mirroring the film's setting. Stars Aicelle Santos, David Ezra, Kakki Teodoro and director Pepe Diokno joined the parade.

   Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto appeared on the float for their romantic fantasy "Hold Me Close," adorned with yellow flowers, pink cherry blossoms and a torii, reflecting the story's Japanese setting.

   The supernatural horror "Espantaho" featured a float resembling an eerie ancestral house, complete with intricate woodwork, scarecrow figures and antique sculptures. Stars Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Mon Confiado were on board.

   The romantic comedy "My Future You" was represented by a whimsical float with floral arches and cotton clouds, capturing the film's lighthearted tone. Stars Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin and Christian Vasquez led the team.

   The family comedy-drama "And The Breadwinner Is..." featured a float adorned with lush greenery, colorful flowers and butterflies in shades of yellow, pink and white. Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, Gladys Reyes, Kokoy de Santos, Via Antonio, Petite and director Jun Lana greeted fans.

   The float for the drama "Green Bones" symbolized an isolated hillside with a green, hilly landscape. Stars Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid, Sofia Pablo and Royce Cabrera waved to the crowd.

   The meta-found-footage horror "Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital" featured a sinister red-and-gold float inspired by traditional Taiwanese architecture. Stars Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon and MJ Lastimosa joined the parade.

   As of press time, fans were being treated to a music festival featuring Bamboo, Klarisse de Guzman, Jason Dy and the Drag Queens of the Philippines, among others.

   The entries will be shown in cinemas from Dec. 25 until Jan. 7, 2025. The awards night will be on Dec. 27 at the Solaire Resort Ballroom in Parañaque City.

7. Chavit's voter preference skyrockets in latest survey

   POLITICAL dynamics seemed to have shifted as Senate candidate Luis "Chavit" Singson is emerging as a dark horse in the senatorial race in the 2025 midterm elections, skyrocketing from 14.71 percent in November 2024 to 26 percent in the latest Tangere poll survey in December, a remarkable surge of 11.29 percent in Singson's popularity among the 66 senatorial candidates.

   Though ranked 20-23 in the 2025 Pre-Election Senatorial Preferential Survey, Singson's new voter preference rating makes him the most improved senatorial candidate.

   Another independent survey provider — Pulso ng Pilipinas records a 22.75 percent jump in Singson's favorability.

   Singson's campaign team sees the rapid ascent as a positive development and a sign of growing support for his candidacy, with his popularity soaring among voters in key regions like the National Capital Region (NCR), Northern Luzon and Central Luzon.

   His support in the Visayas and Mindanao regions leaves room for growth and further strategic maneuvers.

   Experts say his growth is largely attributed to his breathtaking social media numbers — where he placed third in online reach among all senatorial candidates in November.

   The total number of respondents is 2,400, with 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 23 percent from Mega Manila, 20 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from the Visayas and 23 percent from Mindanao, with a 95 percent confidence and a margin of error of +/-1.96.

8. 400 OFWs given cash gifts by Marcoses, Go Negosyo

   OVER 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families received Christmas gifts courtesy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Go Negosyo.

   Go Negosyo's Balik-Bayan 2024 event is the culmination of the celebrations for OFW Month, where the recipients shared the prizes totaling P3 million — P2 million from the first couple and P1 million from RFM Corp.

   "We are grateful for the support of the government and the private sector in our efforts to help our OFWs become successful entrepreneurs," Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said.

   The OFWs were among the thousands who attended the Balik-Bayan 2024 last Dec. 7 and qualified for the cash prize.

   Many of them who came to collect their prize said they intend to use the money as additional capital for their small businesses, Concepcion said.

   Organized by Go Negosyo, the event featured informative discussions with industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, and free onsite mentorship sessions.

   Concepcion invited the attendees to learn from the sessions and seek guidance from mentors.

   "We don't want you to spend your savings without proper mentorship. We are here to help you," he said.

   Apart from the first couple and Concepcion, also present during the event were Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairman Dante Ang II, and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.

   With the theme "Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan," Balik-Bayan 2024 was meant to create opportunities for collaboration between the government and the private sector as they aim to uplift not only OFWs and their families but also help the economy.

   The event also saw the awarding of the 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards to OFWs who successfully founded businesses in the Philippines.

   The annual Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards is organized by Go Negosyo to recognize the success stories of OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs, celebrate their achievements, and foster entrepreneurial aspirations among current OFWs.

9. Army gets high ratings in survey

   NEARLY eight out of 10 Filipinos remain satisfied with the performance of the Philippine Army and continue to trust it, according to the fourth-quarter survey of OCTA Research.

   In the survey conducted from Nov. 10-16, 78 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the Army's accomplishments, while only 2 percent were dissatisfied, for a net performance rating of +76.

   The Army's performance rating is slightly lower than the +78 it received in the third quarter.

   The Army's performance rating is highest in the Visayas at +84, a 7-point rise from the previous survey, and in the National Capital Region (NCR), which rose by 23 points to +77.

   Among socioeconomic classes, the Army's performance rating is highest among class E at +80 and lowest in class ABC at +69.

   The survey also noted that 77 percent of respondents trust the Army, while only 2 percent distrust it, for a net trust rating of +75.

   Among key areas, the Visayas registered the highest net trust rating with +88, and Balance Luzon the lowest at +69, a drop of 12 percentage points.

   The highest trust rating was in Class E at +85, and the lowest in ABC at +72, an 8-point decrease from the August survey.

   The face-to-face survey had 1,200 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent nationwide and plus or minus 6 percent per major area.

10. Marcos eyes stronger PH-Saudi Arabia ties

    PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. eyes to expand the country's relations with Saudi Arabia to cover other areas of cooperation.

    "I know your time here is very productive. Our relation with your country is as strong as ever, and I think we will continue. We keep going, and we have begun many things as well just during my time here as president," Marcos said during a farewell call by Saudi Arabia Ambassador Hisham Sultan Abdullah Alqahtani on Thursday.

    "So we would like to continue and make even deeper and more involved together with the kingdom, and hopefully, we can expand on all of the things that we're already doing. These all happened under your watch," he said.

    The president said the discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and the other officials tackled some of the most important matters.

    He stressed the "very good partnership" created between the two countries.

    He acknowledged Saudi Arabia's position in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which, he said, was helpful in the peace efforts in Mindanao.

    "We are now getting closer and closer to actually having an autonomous region with elective parliament members. And [we're] working very hard to make sure that it will be a successful effort. It's so important now that we do that. But again, not just the OIC but also Saudi Arabia has been so supportive of everything that we have been trying to do," Marcos told the Saudi official.

    For his part, Alqahtani thanked the president for meeting him prior to his departure.

    The Saudi envoy made a huge success in his efforts for three and a half years to make the relations between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia even stronger.

    He also acknowledged that Filipinos have become an important part of Saudi Arabia's development over the last 40 years.

    "We will not forget them. The development there in Saudi Arabia came with the Philippines also. It's a common relation, common interest together with the Philippines," Alqahtani said.

    And as Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Cup in 2030, Alqahtani said the kingdom will need skilled Filipino workers, particularly in building mega projects in Jeddah and the north of Saudi Arabia, such as the Red Sea and the rail and line projects.

    Marcos said the Philippines could send workers as long as it has an available workforce, as he boasts about Filipinos' competitiveness.

    Almost a million Filipinos are staying or working in Saudi Arabia, based on recent data.