Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Friday, May 26, 2023.
READ: Modernizing gateways top DoT priority – Frasco
TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Thursday said improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility is the most vital among her department's seven objectives for increasing tourist traffic in the country. Guesting at The Manila Times Forum on "Encompassing Sustainability and Future-Proofing the Economy," Frasco said upgrading the country's gateways, particularly airports, will go a long way in luring more tourists. She identified the other objectives as: cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity, enhancement of the overall tourist experience, equalization of tourism product development and promotion, diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism, maximization of domestic and international tourism, and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Frasco also presented solutions, such as boosting efficiency and expanding routes, enhancing tourist experience, and minimizing airport glitches.
READ: Simply the best: Tina Turner bows out at 83
Tina Turner, the trailblazing rocker whose powerful voice and imposing stage presence thrilled global audiences for decades, died Wednesday at the age of 83. Tributes poured in from around the world, with some of music's biggest names lamenting the loss of a singular and instantly recognizable performer, whose popularity spanned generations.
READ: 14 projects to upgrade new EDCA sites
FOURTEEN projects have been proposed at the four new sites that will host American forces as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States. The projects will be undertaken at the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. There are plans to upgrade Balabac to better accommodate Philippine and U.S. troops, since Palawan island lacks major facilities and only hosts a small naval and littoral monitoring station. Part of the upgrade is the construction of the 3-kilometer runway which was funded under the Tikas Program, a partnership between the Department of National Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways. The runway will be used by both civilian and military aircraft, a setup similar to EDCA projects at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Base in Mactan Island and Antonio Bautista Air Bases in Puerto Princesa. The runway is expected to be completed in March 2024 and will cost around $3.1 million.
READ: Maharlika bill up for vote next week
SENATE President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Thursday said the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act could be voted on next week before Congress adjourns sine die on June 2. On Wednesday, Zubiri invited the economic managers of the Marcos administration to attend the debates on the measure (Senate Bill 2020) being shepherded by Sen. Mark Villar, chairman of the Senate banks and financial institutions committee
BUSINESS: 'Hot money' outflows surge to $352M
Over to business, net "hot money" flows remained negative in April and were substantially higher compared to a month earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Thursday. Foreign investments registered with the central bank through authorized agent banks saw a net outflow of $352 million, about five times higher than the $70 million posted in March. It was also a reversal from the yearearlier net inflow of $1.4 billion. Gross inflows totaled $713 million while outflows hit $1.1 billion during the month, both lower than March's $1.25 billion and P1.33 billion, respectively. The tallies a year ago were $2.23 billion and $823 million. Year-to-date transactions yielded a net outflow of $680 million, reversing from the $1.4-billion net inflow recorded in January to April 2022.
SPORTS: Perpetual downs Arellano for 3rd straight win
In sports, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta took down Arellano University 94-81 for its third straight win and sixth overall in the 16th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the FilOil EcoOil Center on Thursday, May 25. John Abis provided the muscle down low for the Altas by churning out 13 points and 17 rebounds and Arthur Roque was just as impressive with 20 markers and seven boards. Marcus Nitura got busy with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks even as John Boral added 13 points and four rebounds for the Altas who raised their win-loss record in the tournament to 6-1. Perpetual Help pulled away from Arellano U with six minutes remaining in the game and the Chiefs never recovered from a 11-3 rally by the Altas. Rey Barcuma delivered the dagger as he capped the rally with a jumper, 36 seconds left in the game. Lars Sunga led Arellano with 25 points and eight rebounds while Sebastian Valencia chipped in 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists for the Chiefs who remained winless in five games.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Rigoberto Tiglao and Francisco Tatad are today's front page columnists. Tiglao has a rant on online shopping portals, while Tatad weighs in on the latest issues in the House of Representatives.
Today's editorial checks on Marawi City, six years after the city's siege. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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