Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times on Sunday, Dec. 8, 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: Sending warship to WPS 'an option'
HIGH-RANKING Coast Guard official on Saturday said the Philippines has the option to send a warship to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after Chinese naval ships actively participated in the harassment of Philippine vessels there. At a weekly forum in Quezon City, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the WPS Commo. Jay Tarriela said President Marcos may consider sending naval ships into the country's territorial waters as a "policy option." Tarriela said that while the Philippine Navy is monitoring the situation in the WPS, it does not interfere when China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Chinese maritime militia harass Filipino fishermen, the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Tarriela emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the president and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He said that any such move would depend on AFP policy recommendations and the commander-in-chief's approval. The encounter on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the WPS was the first documented instance of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy directly participating alongside the CCG in a maritime confrontation against Philippine vessels. Tarriela, however, highlighted the Philippine government's cautious approach to handling the dispute, recalling previous incidents like the resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine Navy ship in the WPS. In those operations, civilian ships escorted by the Coast Guard were used instead of Philippine Navy vessels to avoid escalating tensions with China. Despite this measured stance, China's recent deployment of naval assets in the region on Dec. 1 and 4 has drawn sharp criticism.
READ: Govt eyes Veloso's return before Christmas
MARY Jane Veloso, a Filipina on death row in Indonesia, could be home before Christmas after Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement to repatriate her, officials said Friday. Veloso, a mother of two, was arrested in 2010 after the suitcase she was carrying was found to be lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin. Her supporters claim she was duped by an international drug syndicate, and in 2015, she narrowly escaped execution after her suspected recruiter was arrested. Veloso's mother said she was "elated and surprised" to hear of her daughter's homecoming. Veloso's case sparked uproar in the Philippines, with rallies of support and world boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao pleading for her life. Her supporters said she was headed to work as a maid when she was arrested in Indonesia. She was due to face the firing squad in 2015, but the Philippine government won a last-minute reprieve for her after a woman suspected of recruiting her was arrested and put on trial for human trafficking, and Veloso was named a prosecution witness. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez expressed "heartfelt gratitude" over Veloso's repatriation. The Velosos have "long been wanting to see their family back and hold her in their arms." Vasquez said Veloso would serve her sentence "as agreed upon, in accordance with Philippine laws."
READ: SKorea leader sorry, but stays put after martial law fiasco
SEOUL —South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized but didn't resign Saturday over his declaration of martial law, as protesters heaped pressure on members of parliament to vote to impeach him. Yoon stunned the nation and the international community Tuesday night by suspending civilian rule, deploying troops and helicopters to parliament, and allegedly ordering the arrest of MPs. But lawmakers managed to vote down the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order in the early hours of Wednesday during a night of extraordinary drama for a country assumed to be a stable democracy. The opposition and key members of Yoon's own party have called for him to step down, and parliament was set to vote later Saturday on his impeachment. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament building ahead of the vote, with organizers hoping 200,000 people would attend. Yoon did not offer to resign in his brief address, saying only that he would "entrust the party with measures to stabilize the political situation, including my term in office." His People Power Party (PPP) is divided, with lawmakers late Friday sticking to the official line that they would block impeachment, even after party head Han Dong-hoon said Yoon must go to avert more political chaos.
READ: Mapua bags NCAA crown, ends 33-year drought
THE Cardinals hummed a sweet tune on Saturday. Mapua University downed College of Saint Benilde, 94-82, to end its 33-year title drought in Game 2 of the NCAA 100 men's basketball tournament best-of-three finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. After a heartbreaking loss last season against San Beda University, Mapua completed its redemption in the historic centennial year of the league. The Cardinals made it rain inside the Big Dome, making 40 percent of their three-point shots, while the Blazers struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc with a 33.3 percent shooting clip. NCAA 100 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Clint Escamis sat out the third quarter but showed that he is a force to be reckoned with as he still managed 18 points, four assists and three steals. Escamis made a triple in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, 82-66, to allow the Cardinals to hold their biggest lead. Marc Cuenco led the Cardinals with 19 points, while Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively, to support the Finals MVP. Benilde was led by Justine Sanchez who made 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Season MVP Allen Liwag churned out a double-double performance of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Winston Ynot added 17 points.
Topping Business
READ: Marcos eyes agri tie-ups with Chile
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eyeing "future tie-ups" with Chile on agriculture, specifically cacao cultivation and processing, Malacañang said on Saturday. The President expressed hope to strengthen the cooperation with Chile during his meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren in Malacañang on Friday. Marcos said he also expected the visit of Klaveren to further strengthen ties and cooperation between the Philippines and Chile. Marcos also expressed gratitude to Chile for confirming its support for the Philippines' bid to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028 in exchange for the country's support for Chile's candidature to the same body for the term 2029-2030. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, who was also present during the call, said that fish and minerals export from Mindanao was an area they were also looking at cooperating.She mentioned the deep sea port that was opened in Peru for the benefit of Asian products going to South America. For his part, the Chilean official said it was a great honor to be received in Malacañang, noting he had a very productive visit despite his short stay. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Klaveren's visit underscores Chile's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Philippines, signaling potential growth in multiple sectors, particularly in trade and agriculture, as both countries explore new opportunities for collaboration.
In Sports
READ: UP, La Salle begin title rematch
UNIVERSITY of the Philippines and defending champion De La Salle University begin their title rematch in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. Game 1 of the best-of-3 Finals series is set at 5:30 p.m., succeeding the women's championship series opener between the NU Lady Bulldogs and defending champs UST Growling Tigresses at 1 p.m. It is likewise a title rematch for last year's finalists in the distaff side. The UP Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle Green Archers entered the Final Four as the top two teams, holding win-once advantages against their respective opposition in the semifinals. Second seed UP booted out third seed UST, 78-69, on November 30 to advance to its fourth straight Finals appearance. Top seed La Salle likewise maximized its incentive as it sent fourth seed Adamson University packing, 70-55, in their semis bout also on November 30.
READ: Hot Hawks pip LeBron's Lakers
MIAMI — The Atlanta Hawks earned their sixth straight win in the NBA with Trae Young scoring a three-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 134-132 and overcome a LeBron James triple-double. James, who put up 39 points for the Lakers along with 10 rebounds and 11 assists, saw his 31-foot three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left come out off the rim as the Lakers fell to a third straight loss. The game ended tied at 119-119 in regulation after Young's last-gasp three-point attempt was blocked by Max Christie. Alongside James, Anthony Davis put up 38 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, but Atlanta matched them with Young scoring 31 points and providing 20 assists. The Hawks bench contributed well with De'Andre Hunter putting up 26 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic adding 20, the pair sinking nine three-pointers between them.
READ: Opinion
In its editorial, The Manila Times writes that war on corruption is far from over. Read the full version on print or digital or listen to the Voice of the Times. The lone columnist on the front page is Marlen Ronquillo who talks about the opposition's unwavering support to democracy.
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.