Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Thursday, July 18, 2024.
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BANNER: Probe of fake birth certificates sought
A LAWMAKER on Wednesday filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation of the alleged issuance of false birth certificates to foreign nationals. The resolution by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman "Alonto Adiong came as the House started its probe on "unlawful acts" linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The motu proprio inquiry in aid of legislation was jointly conducted by the House Committee on Public Order and Safety and the House Committee on Games and Amusements.
Reconsider plans, Lacuna urges Moreno
MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna on Wednesday urged former Manila mayor Isko Moreno to reconsider plans to run against her next year for the mayoralty of the capital city. Lacuna, who was Moreno's vice mayor, issued the statement after the former mayor shared two videos showing Manileños shouting for his comeback. In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Wednesday, Lacuna expressed her respect for Moreno's decision but emphasized that he still has time to reassess his plans.
Sara shrugs off her 'designated survivor' remark
VICE President Sara Duterte believes that her "designated survivor" statement does not need further explanation, as she firmly stood on her refusal to attend the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte said in an earlier interview that she will not attend the SONA on Monday, and instead would relegate herself as the country's "designated survivor." Her statement has drawn flak from a number of lawmakers, calling her "insensitive" and "tasteless." But Duterte did not back down on her comments, telling reporters in a chance interview on Wednesday that many people "missed the point" of her remark.
Namfrel opposes ban on AI for elections
POLL watchdog group National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has opposed the Commission on Elections' proposed ban on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in elections. In a position paper on Tuesday, Namfrel said that despite issues surrounding AI, particularly deepfakes in the recent elections in South Korea and Indonesia, the poll watchdog said AI is "here to stay." Last May, Comelec Chairman George Garcia proposed a ban on AI and the use of deepfakes campaign materials for the 2025 national and local elections. But Namfrel warned that the ban "[might] curtail technological innovation and inadvertently limit the benefits of AI in enhancing electoral processes." Further, it argued that AI technologies are "rapidly evolving," making regulations against them ineffective. Moreover, Namfrel said that banning AI could infringe on freedom of speech and expression and that the Comelec "may face challenges in enforcing a law banning AI or regulating it as it requires expertise and a new set of skills to implement and enforce the law."
BUSINESS: ADB retains PH growth outlook
Headlining business, the Asian Development Bank has maintained its forecasts for Philippine economic growth, with this year's expansion in particular to be supported by lower inflation and interest rates. In the July update to its Asian Development Outlook, the Manila-based lender retained its 2024 and 2025 growth projections for the country at 6.0 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively. The forecast for 2024 falls within the government's 6.0- to 7.0-percent target, but that for next year is short of the 6.5- to 7.5-percent goal. Household consumption will be the main growth contributor this year, the ADB said, amid low unemployment and continued migrant worker remittances.
SPORTS: NU flawless in 3rd Shakey's SL conquest
Over to sports, National University's (NU) conquest of the 2024 Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals speaks volumes about the school's successful volleyball program. Despite missing some key players and fielding a young lineup, the Lady Bulldogs relied on their grit, composure and iron will to prevail over an equally talented Far Eastern University (FEU) side in a grueling finals series and complete another perfect title run. The reigning UAAP champion overcame a 1-2 match deficit for a come-from-behind 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10 win in Game 2 of the best-of-three series Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Antonio Contreras and Yen Makabenta are today's front page columnists. Contreras says the Left's problems are that they are always left behind, while Makabenta continues to explain on constitutional reform being part of the agenda in the next elections.
Today's editorial says the Philippines should oppose seabed mining. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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