Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
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House Panel Issues Show Cause Orders Over Absentees at Anti-Fake News Hearing
A House of Representatives panel on Tuesday sent show cause orders to former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles and several social media personalities for not attending a hearing on the spread of fake news and disinformation online. The hearing, convened by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information, aimed to discuss potential regulatory measures to curtail misinformation.
Only three out of the approximately 40 invited social media figures participated in Tuesday’s session. Notable no-shows included former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict officials Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celis, Cruz-Angeles, actress Vivian Velez, former broadcaster Jay Sonza, and bloggers Sass Sasot, Jun Abines, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By), and Krizette Chu.
Cruz-Angeles, a lawyer and former chief of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, declined the committee’s invitation, asserting that the inquiry was unconstitutional. In response, Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano criticized Cruz-Angeles’ stance, contending that it disregarded Congress’ authority. Paduano then moved to issue a show cause order against Cruz-Angeles and referred her case to the House legal department for possible disbarment.
Senate Renews Manila Electric Co.’s Franchise for 25 More Years
The Senate on Tuesday approved the renewal of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) franchise for another 25 years, voting 18-1-0 in favor of House Bill 10926. However, Sen. Risa Hontiveros opposed the extension, arguing that Meralco had failed to meet its obligations to consumers, evidenced by consistently high electricity bills. Hontiveros contended that the issue of overcollection needed to be resolved before any further action was taken.
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and four foreign chambers of commerce had previously advocated for Meralco’s franchise renewal to maintain business confidence in the manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill 2824, which also sought to extend Meralco’s operating authority for 25 more years. Villanueva highlighted Meralco’s critical role in ensuring continued service to millions of homes and businesses.
President Marcos Jr. Appoints Edwin Mercado as PhilHealth President and CEO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon, as president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Tuesday. Mercado assumed his new role by taking an oath before President Marcos in Malacañang. Prior to his appointment, Mercado served as vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital and QualiMed Health Network since 2021.
Government Ends 2024 with P16.05T in Outstanding Debt
The national government wrapped up 2024 with a total outstanding debt of P16.05 trillion, according to the Bureau of Treasury, a 1.44-trillion-peso increase from the previous year. With the economy growing by 5.6 percent last year, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio climbed to 60.7 percent from 2023’s 60.2 percent. While it surpassed the targeted 60.6 percent in the medium-term fiscal framework, the Treasury reported that the “minimal deviation from the programmed debtunderscores NG’s effective cash and debt management strategies, including its proactive management of the level and timing of its external debt issuances amid volatile exchange rate environment.”
BUSINESS: Read More on National Debt
Alex Eala Seeks to End String of Early Exits at W125 Mumbai
Alex Eala, the Filipino tennis ace, is aiming to break her recent pattern of early exits as she competes in the W125 Mumbai tournament in India. Eala faces either Nao Hibino or Mai Hontama, both from Japan, in the second round, with the winner to be determined after their first-round encounter. Eala’s form is on the rise, having defeated Japanese player Sara Saito 6-1, 6-0 in her opening match.
Eala’s campaign includes a recent semifinal finish at the W125 Canberra International and a win against Saito on January 25 at the Singapore Open qualifiers. This latest opportunity symbolizes her determination to stay competitive on the global stage.
SPORTS: Read More on Alex Eala’s Campaign
Today’s Opinion Columnists: Francisco Tatad, Marlen Ronquillo, and Ingming Aberia
Today’s front page features opinion pieces by Francisco Tatad, Marlen Ronquillo, and Ingming Aberia. Tatad examines the country’s mutual defense treaty with the United States, Ronquillo discusses the Lagmans of Albay, and Aberia reflects on words from Pope Francis.
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