Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
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READ: AI can abolish companies
THE use of artificial intelligence has grown exponentially, and it now has the potential to abolish companies and create new industries, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy said on Tuesday. Artificial intelligence may be "disruptive," but it can be a tool to strengthen people, particularly in the workplace, Uy said. He said the technology can be used to assist workers.
READ: Parents want judge to inhibit from Dengvaxia case
A GROUP of parents whose children's deaths were linked to the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine has filed a motion for voluntary inhibition against a Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC) judge "for lack of impartiality and trust." In filing the motion before Judge Maria Luisa Gonzales-Betic of R.T.C. Branch 229, the Samahan ng mga Magulang ang mga Anak ay Biktima ng Dengvaxia led by its president, Sumachen Dominguez, told The Manila Times on Tuesday that they would no longer wait for any order the judge may issue in connection with the motion for reconsideration the panel of prosecution led by Deputy City Prosecutor Irene Resurreccion-Medrano filed late last month. The prosecutors asked the court to reconsider its joint order dated Dec. 7, 2023, on the issue of splitting of charges and, at the same time, issue an order granting the partial motion for reconsideration.
READ: At least 48 dead after monster Japan quake
Japanese rescuers battled the clock and powerful aftershocks Tuesday to find survivors of a New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 48 people and caused widespread destruction. The 7.5 magnitude quake that rattled Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu triggered tsunami waves more than a meter high, toppled houses, caused a major fire and tore apart roads. On the Noto Peninsula, the destruction included buildings damaged by fire, houses flattened, fishing boats sunk or washed ashore, and highways hit by landslides.
READ: Govt activates quake helpline for OFWs
THE Department of Migrant Workers on Tuesday set up a helpline for overseas Filipino workers and their families affected by the New Year's Day magnitude-7.5 earthquake in Japan. Jolting Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu, the quake triggered an over-a-meter-high tsunami. O.F.W's and their family members seeking assistance or information can call the D.M.W.-OWWA Japan Help desk at Hotline 1348 or +632-1348. They may also call the D.M.W. Migrant Workers Office - Osaka Hotline numbers +81 7022756082 and +81 7024474016.
BUSINESS: PH factory activity slows in December
Headlining business, domestic manufacturing activity slowed in December, but production remained solid due to a sustained increase in new orders, S&P Global Market Intelligence reported on Tuesday. S&P Global's Philippine manufacturing purchasing managers' index declined to 51.5 for the month, down from November's nine-month high of 52.7. P.M.I. readings above 50 point to growth, while those below indicate a contraction. August's 49.7 reading was the first decline for the Philippines in two years.
SPORTS: Mayweather yet to respond to Pacquiao rematch
Over to sports, undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has yet to respond to the challenge of Filipino boxing great Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao. As of Tuesday, his social media handles have not yet shown any acceptance or refusal to the offer of Pacquiao. On his Instagram, Mayweather's latest post was a promotion on a New Year's Eve party in Las Vegas, Nevada, with one netizen asking him, "How come you don't have the courage to be challenged by Manny Pacquiao?" While being guest of honor at the Rizin Fighting Federation in Saitama, Japan on Sunday, Pacquiao told Rizin executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara that he was ready for the bout.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Fr. Ranhilio Aquino and Francisco Tatad are today's front page columnists. Fr. Aquino weighs in on amending the Constitution, while Tatad talks about the suspension of the controversial S.M.N.I. network.
Today's editorial looks into the creation of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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