News Roundup 20 May 2023
May 20, 2023 • 4 min Read
‘Cartel behavior’ behind high sugar prices, says senator | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker pointed to “cartel behavior” as the culprit for the still high prices of sugar in the market
In an interview over radio station dzXL on Thursday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the price of sugar should have dropped in the market after the government earlier allowed the importation of 440 metric tons of sugar.
“It appears that was not the true objective, or the price of sugar is being manipulated by some players. This is cartel behavior. Common sense, if there is more than enough supply, the price of sugar should have dropped, but it did not,” the senator said in Filipino.
In the same interview, Hontiveros also questioned the government’s move to allow only three companies to import sugar at present. She said that previous sugar orders issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) allowed for the participation of from 10 to 30 sugar importers.
“The number of sugar importers was reduced. In previous sugar orders, many importers were allowed to participate. Some involved 10 to 30 importers. Why is that only 3 were allowed to join now?” the senator said.
Hontiveros cited the Philippine Association of Supermarkets Inc.’s claim that despite enough supply, the prices of prime commodities, including sugar, have not dropped in the markets over the past year.
Full Story at: ‘Cartel behavior’ behind high sugar prices, says senator | Philstar.com
DOH warns vs dubious article claiming to contain ‘permanent cure for hypertension’ | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) warned the general public against a circulating article claiming to contain a definitive cure against hypertension — a condition which they say could be ended “once and for all in two weeks.”
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, refers to a person’s condition when the blood pressure if higher than normal.
“The DOH further clarifies that the said post is not in any way or form approved, affiliated, or recommended by the Department of Health and its attached agencies,” the government agency said in a statement released on Saturday.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person is more at risk of health problems such as heart attack, heart disease, and stroke with higher blood pressures.
Although blurred, a screenshot of the article provided for by the DOH to reporters on Saturday noted that former vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong finally “found a way to cure hypertension” in a natural way.
Full Story at: DOH warns vs dubious article claiming to contain ‘permanent cure for hypertension’ | Philstar.com
Group condemns Chinese-led illegal mining in Misamis town | INQUIRER.NET – CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Makakalikasan Party condemned the Chinese-led illegal mining activities along the Iponan River in Misamis Oriental, noting that these continued despite the Writ of Kalikasan and a writ of continuing mandamus issued by the Court of Appeals.
These court orders ordered government agencies to take action to stop the environmental damage caused by the mining activities.
“The Makakalikasan Party is calling on the government to take immediate action to ensure a permanent halt to all illegal mining activities in the Iponan River,” the party stated.
Orlando Ravanera, the party’s chair, said: “The writ of kalikasan in Iponan river must be upheld at all cost. And heads must roll for violators; including conniving government enforcers who allow illegal mining to happen.”
The illegal extraction of gold in the area gained renewed attention after a raid on a mine site between Cauyunan and Nangcaon villages of Opol town on May 13. The operation involved five Chinese individuals who employed at least 11 locals.
Full Story at: Group condemns Chinese-led illegal mining in Misamis town | Inquirer News
Sara exits ruling party; GMA denies House ‘coup’ | INQUIRER.NET – Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday parted ways with the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party in an unexpected move seen setting off the first major political tremor in President Marcos’ year-old administration.
Duterte’s decision to leave Lakas-CMD, where she served as cochair, followed the sudden demotion of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a House leader on Thursday.
From being the Senior House Deputy Speaker, considered the chamber’s de facto No. 2 position, Arroyo is now just one of nine Deputy House Speakers. Replacing her in the senior position was another Pampanga congressman, Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Full Story at: Sara exits ruling party; GMA denies House ‘coup’ | Inquirer News
