Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Sunday, March 18, 2024.
Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner.
READ: Marcos signs 'No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act'
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure that allows students with unpaid tuition and other school fees to take periodic and final examinations without requiring a permit, Malacañang announced on Saturday. Republic Act 11984, or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," signed by the President on March 11, covers all public and private basic (K to 12) institutions, higher education institutions, and technical vocational institutions.
READ: President determined to defend territories
Meanwhile, Marcos on Friday said the Philippines would not compromise its territorial integrity even if it enters into an agreement with China to jointly explore the resources of the disputed South China Sea. The issue was raised after the China National Offshore Oil Corp. announced a significant oilfield discovery in the South China Sea with an estimated volume of 100 million tons.
READ: 'PH visits to Germany, Czech Republic strengthened bonds'
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to the country Saturday afternoon from his visits to Germany and Czech Republic that he said strengthened the Philippines' "bonds" with the two European nations. The plane carrying Marcos, first lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos and the entire Philippine delegation landed at 3:11 p.m. at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay. In his arrival speech, Marcos enumerated the country's gains during back-to-back visits to Germany and then to the Czech Republic, including enhancing cooperation in areas of peace and development as well as trade and investment relations.
READ: New Guinness record set for largest human lung formation
THE Philippines, through the Department of Health, set a new Guinness World Record for the largest human lung formation in Manila on Saturday, to coincide with World Tuberculosis Day. Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah "Honey"
Lacuna-Pangan and Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa were on hand to receive the certificate for setting the new record of 5,596 health advocates and other multisectoral representatives forming the human lung at the Quirino Grandstand. India held the title previously with 5,003 students from over 35 schools joining the event in 2017. Aside from its Guinness goal, the Philippines also issued a call to action and demonstrated a shared commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by tuberculosis.
BUSINESS: 'SMC takeover of NAIA exciting'
In business, dnata Philippines, a ground handling company serving airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA),
expressed enthusiasm for the privatization of the airport and the potential improvements that the San Miguel Corp. can bring. dnata Philippines provides exceptional and comprehensive services to customer airlines at NAIA, Clark International Airport and Mactan International Airport. It caters to eight airlines at NAIA and operates an airport lounge in Manila.
SPORTS: Scottie doubtful to play in PBA All-Star
Over to sports, PBA Season 46 Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson admitted that given the severity of his back injury, he remains doubtful for the Annual
P.B.A. All-Star Games set on March 23-24 at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium in Bacolod City. Thompson managed to play through a back problem during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, helping Gilas Pilipinas to a pair of wins over Hong Kong and Taiwan. He went on to average 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 20 minutes of action.
READ: Opinion and Editorial
Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, as he looks into the foreign direct investments situation.
Today's editorial discusses the Philippine National Police's decision to allow private citizens owning semi-automatic rifles. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, and Mastodon.