News in Pictures: September 29, 2024
AGENDA: ECONOMY
Amid the unfolding drama everywhere in the political scene as the midterm election nears, President Marcos’ schedule of activities appears to be almost a world apart, with its focus on the country’s economy. Mr. Marcos began the week with Monday’s enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, a priority measure of his administration.
On Tuesday, he convened the Private Sector Advisory Council (top right), composed of government and business leaders, as they tackled community-level infrastructure programs, such as internet connectivity and flood control. On Thursday, he signed another key measure, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (left), aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector against unlawful practices that disrupt food supply and prices. On Friday, he inaugurated Panguil Bay Bridge, a major infrastructure project in Mindanao.
But with his position being, above all, political, the President also presented his ruling coalition’s senatorial lineup on Thursday, more than half of them Senate veterans or reelectionists Podcasters and other analysts point out the winnability of these candidates and the continuity of Mr. Marcos’ economic agenda, but note that his immunity from backlash after 2028, when his term is supposed to end, is uncertain at best. —PPA, MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
ANOTHER FUEL BUST
Rear Adm. Armand Balilo (center), spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on Friday leads the inspection of the MV Palawan at Manila’s Port Area. The motor vessel was apprehended by the PCG at Manila Bay on Wednesday for alleged fuel smuggling. A week earlier, Bureau of Customs agents seized two motor tankers at the Navotas fish port after they were found transporting more than P20 million worth of unmarked fuel. Authorities have been on the lookout for oil smuggling, or what they call the “paihi” scheme of illegally importing small quantities of fuel from large shipments. —RICHARD A. REYES
ART TO RESTORE SANITY
A visitor on Saturday views the Gateway Art Fair 2024 at Quantum Skyview Gateway Mall in Quezon City. Sunday is the last day to see this huge, sprawling art fair featuring 30 curated exhibits and more than 100 artists. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
