Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte renewed his call for Congress to pass a law reinstating the death penalty for heinous crimes.
Rep. Pulong issued the call following the rape slay of 28-yearold architect Vlanche Marie Bragas in Davao City.
Last month, he offered a P1-million reward to anybody
who can help authorities arrest the suspect in the killing of Bragas.
Rep. Pulong also cited the murder of a traffic enforcer who was gunned down in Tanza,
Cavite.
Based on the statement from the Imus City Police station, the traffic enforcer, William Mentes Quiambao, reportedly apprehended the suspect, Joseph T. Llagas, which led to a heated argument between them.
Llagas, who was reportedly drunk, shot Quiambao three
To enforce the city’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance better, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is set to deputize barangay officials and enforcers and give them the authority to apprehend and penalize violators to the ordinance.
Under the Ordinance 070621, individuals may be fined P500 for not segregating their garbage while erring establishments will have to pay P5,000.
Although the ordinance contains provisions mandating barangay functionaries as part of the enforcement body, barangay officials still cannot fine violators as most barangay enforcers are yet to be deputized by CENRO.
seminar para maka-issue na sila og citation tickets (So far, I am coordinating with the barangays to conduct a deputation seminar so barangay officials can issue citation tickets),” Gumban said during the Go Clean, Go Green program aired over Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday.
“In fact, naa nay tentative schedule by June or July 2023 na magpa-conduct sila og deputation seminar para ma-deputize na ang ilang mga enforcers or tanod so that they can now issue citation tickets sa mga violators (In fact, there is a tentative schedule by June or July this year to conduct a deputation seminar to deputize some enforcers or guards so that they can now issue citation tickets to violators),” he added.
F
ollowing the recent killing of a teacher and wounding of another in Pikit, North Cotabato, the military has started providing security escorts to public school teachers in critical
villages of the municipality.
Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion commander, said Wednesday that his unit also deployed motorcycle-riding soldiers “in full
battle gear” to protect public school teachers as they travel to their respective schools and on the way home.
“The Department of Edu-
CENRO Information Education Campaign Team Leader Mark Anthony Gumban said their office is coordinating with various barangays in the city to schedule deputation seminars for barangay enforcers to address the problem.
“So far, naga-coordinate nako ani sa mga barangays na mag-conduct sila og deputation
Gumban said that after being deputized, barangay enforcers can issue citation tickets to residents who do not segregate waste as well as those who do not follow the designate schedule and location for trash collection. This will make the barangays
The Special Investigation Task Force (SITG) “Bragas“ admitted facing a blank wall in resolving the rape-slay case of 28-year-old Architect Vlanche Marie Bragas due to the lack of credible witnesses.
City Police Director Alberto Lupaz said on Wednesday that this is among the factors delaying the resolution of the case of Bragas.
“Kani nga kaso dili ni ingon na dali lang masolbad. First, in the absence of reliable witness. Sa pagkakaron basin adunay naka-witness pero basin nangahadlok. Dili nato sila mapugos na magwitness ug dili pud nato mapugos nga ipa-identify dayon,” Lupaz said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Lupaz is hoping that more individuals, who have the courage to make a statement and testify in court, will come out to help the task force in resolving the case.
“Ang ato lang nga naay mangisog ug muhatag ug statement ug ina-analyze nato ang ilahang statements nga valid ug naa pud courage to testify in court. In the absence of witness blanko mi kung kinsa ang nagbuhat. Nag-rely ta sa witnesses ug material evi-
dence,” he said.
The SITG is relying on the statement of a lone witness who confirmed that there are three persons, including the victim, aboard the yellow “ongbak” (tricycle) when it passed by him/her.
Lupaz said the distance of the witness was only about two meters away from the yellow tricycle and saw three persons inside the vehicle: one male, the driver, and the victim.
“Katong initial na gihimo sa SITG nga naay tao nga nakakita nga dinha niagi sa iyaha ang ongbak, naa gyud nagsakay daan nga isa ug ang driver. Sa pagkuha nila sa victim, tulo sila nakasakay sa ombak. As of now ang confirmed, naay nakasakay daan isa na batanon ug ang driver na medyo edaran na ug didto pud nisakay si Bragas.
Tulo sila kabuok at that time na niagi sila sa tungod sa witness nga nakakita sa ilaha,” Lupaz said.
Bajaj model tricycle
Lupaz revealed that according to the investigation of the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TE), a reverse engineering (RE) Bajaj rickshaw was the model of the vehicle used by the suspect/s in picking up Bragas on the night of the murder.
FPOLICE, P10
In the midst of the community’s ire, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Alberto Lupaz challenged the families of the alleged missing persons to secure an affidavit and stop accusing the police and the National Bureau of Investigation-Davao (NBI-Davao) on social media.
This developed after reported “sudden disappearances” of two
individuals in Davao City circulated online with families accusing the police and NBI-Davao as perpetrators due to alleged linked to the rape-slay case of 28-year-old Architect Vlanche Marie Bragas.
A certain Raymond Vicente posted on social media that on May 27, 2023, Renato Bayansao a.k.a. “Empoy,” a registered guide and resident of Calinan, Davao
City, was beaten and handcuffed without a warrant of arrest by individuals allegedly identified as personnel of the NBI-Davao for being identified as the suspect and driver of the yellow “ongbak” used in the rape-slay case of Bragas.
On May 29, 2023, reports said Police Station 3 Talomo had rescued a man who sought refuge at the Barangay Hall of Matina Pangi.
This after Brgy. Captain Benjamin T. Badon of Matina Pangi
FDCPO, P10
Nearly 3 in 10 Filipinos or “gainers” reported that their quality of life improved, according to a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) released Monday.
Of the 1,200 polled in March, 29 percent said their quality of life was “better” than 12 months earlier, the SWS said.
Twenty-five percent said it “got worse” (“losers”), while 46 percent noted it was the same a year ago, the results showed.
The SWS said that the March 2023 net gainer score, or when losers are subtracted from gainers and rounded off, was +5. This is rated as “high,” although it was “3 points below the high +8 in De-
cember 2022.”
“[I]t is still 13 points below the pre-pandemic level of very high +18 in December 2019,” the pollster added.
On Thursday, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said she was F29% PINOYS, P10
Astudy by Universum, a global thought leader in employer branding, shows that young Filipino talents would like to work in companies that offer hybrid work arrangement.
In its Universum Talent Survey 2023, which polled 5,000 students from 103 universities from November 2022 to March 2023, 82 percent of the respondents said they are interested in exploring remote work opportunities.
This despite acknowledging that work-from-home arrangement has challenges, such as internet connection, potential
impact on work-life balance, and limited social connection with colleagues.
Aside from offering flexible work arrangement, young Filipino talents said they prefer employers that provide professional training and career development programs, offer security of tenure, can serve as a good reference for their future career, and offer opportunities for in-
ternational trips and relocation.
The study also reveals that 54 percent of the respondents would choose to work in the private sector over government offices.
“The findings of our latest study reveal that the country’s future workforce is attuned to the challenges faced by the Philippine labor market. This means that the future jobseekers will be more selective with their choice of employer, and will look not only at what the company is about but also at how the employer can help them achieve
FFILIPINO, P10Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said on Wednesday investments of Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corporation (SEMPHIL) in the country has surpassed USD25 billion.
In his message during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of SEMPHIL complex building in Calamba, Laguna Wednesday, Pascual said the South Korean
manufacturer’s investments in the Philippines has contributed to the domestic economy and the development of industries.
He said SEMPHIL has shared USD80 million in exports and created jobs of nearly 7,000 as of January 2023.
The company established its business in Calamba in July 1997 manufacturing multi-layer ceramic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, inductors and thick
The World Bank on Wednesday approved a USD176 million fisheries and coastal resiliency project.
In a statement, the World Bank said the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project (FISHCORE) seeks to improve fisheries management, enhance the value of fisheries production, and elevate incomes in selected coastal communities.
The project is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million fisherfolk, small-to-medium businesses, and residents in coastal communities.
FISHCORE will support investments to expand aquaculture and fish farming and increase the value of fishery products.
The project also aims to support the formation of businesses among fishers’ associations, provide livelihood grants to eligible beneficiaries, and support vocational training programs for livelihood diversification.
film chip resistors which are used in electronic gadgets.
Its facility is located in the Calamba Premiere International Park-Special Economic Zone, which is home to 126 export manufacturing firms with aggregate investments amounting to PHP54 billion, exports of USD350 million, and employing 18,000 personnel as of March 2023.
Fishing gear and aquaculture equipment providers, cold chain suppliers, seafood processors, and market operators and exporters located outside the immediate project area are also expected to benefit from the project.
The World Bank said while the Philippines has a large potential for aquaculture development, production went down by 10 percent over the last decade.
It noted that due to poor post-harvest facilities, 20 percent to 40 percent of total fish caught and farmed are lost.
“This project aligns with the country’s commitment to environmentally sound practices in fishing and aquaculture expansion while ensuring improved incomes for those involved in the fishing industry, including those involved in production, processing, and marketing,” World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand Ndiamé Diop said.
“The long-term goal is to foster enhanced community resilience in these coastal regions, which will be reflected in thriving fish stocks, improved food security, reduced poverty, and heightened competitiveness in key seafood commodities.”
The World Bank said FISHCORE would broaden the domes-
Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corpora-
tion (SLIMTC) forecasts the growth of the Philippine economy to remain robust expanding by 5.35 percent this year amid the base effects and external headwinds.
In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, SLIMTC president and chief investment officer Michael Enriquez said consumer spending, especially on non-food items, will help drive economic growth this year.
“We continue to expect consumer growth to be very robust especially now for the non-food spending like services and other things that we were not able to do back during the pandemic,” he said.
Enriquez said tourism particularly is driving the sector amid the large numbers of foreign tourist from China, among others, before the pandemic.
He said boosting the economy are the expectations for a possible cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) and the pause in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) rate hiking cycle possibly until the end of 2023 due in part to the deceleration of
The Department of Tourism (DOT) forged an agreement here Wednesday with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to boost Mindanao’s tourism industry.
inflation rate.
Inflation rate decelerated further to 6.6 percent last April after hitting 8.7 percent last January, the highest in 14 years.
SLIMTC forecasts inflation’s mid-point this year at 5 percent, lower than the central bank’s average inflation forecast of 5.5 percent.
Stabilization of domestic inflation rate and cuts in the central bank’s key rates are seen to benefit the peso, which is projected to register a mid-point of 55-level against the US dollar, and the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), which is forecasts to hit its fundamental level of 7,775 points.
Enriquez said local shares are now more attractive given the stable currency, lower pressures on the peso given the more stable monetary policy spreads, drop in foreign ownership in the local bourse, and valuations that are closer to the low levels during the global financial crisis.
“There’s a lot of room for the equity market to start recovering,” he said, adding that emerging market equities now have the cheapest valuation but have a big
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the partner government agencies is in line with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to develop Mindanao through tourism.
Frasco said Mindanao has many things to offer to tourists, both foreign and domestic, since
it is rich in natural resources and cultural heritage.
“This (Mindanao) is a land of promise, a land of diversity and rich cultural heritage,” Frasco said in an interview here.
For his part, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on local government units to formulate their tourism plans and collaborate with concerned
stakeholders in promoting tourism developmental projects. Abalos said they will train more tourist police to be deployed in tourist destinations.
“Through this convergence, the DILG commits to ensuring that our local policemen are properly deployed in tourist destinations,” he said.
The DND, represented by Undersecretary Angelito De Leon, has also vowed to prioritize the safety and security of tourists and assist in facilitating stakeholders’ involvement in tourism development projects.
FDOT, P10
The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) is not expected to raise the national debt, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on Wednesday.
“I don’t think (debt will spike). The (capitalization is) just small, PHP500 billion, that’s not really... Besides there’s going to be strategic areas that are also profitable,
they will be investing those in profitable areas, projects,” Balisacan said on the sidelines of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. luncheon forum.
Senate Bill 2020 or the MIF bill, which seeks to establish the Maharlika Investment Corp. as the sole vehicle for mobilizing and utilizing MIF for investments, was approved by the Senate on Wednes-
day. The MIF shall have an authorized capital stock of PHP500 billion, with common shares of PHP3.75 billion, to be subscribed by the national government, its agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) or government financial institutions (GFIs).
FNEDA,
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In leading the call for the reinstatement of death penalty for heinous crimes:
“Now, more than ever is the time to restore the death penalty in the country because we must not be too complacent with these criminals at the expense of the safety of the whole nation.”
REP. PAOLO Z. DUTERTE
Raise your hands: who hasn’t eaten fish yet? I think most Filipinos do as fish is the country’s second staple food next to rice.
The poorest Filipinos consumed at least 179.7 grams of fresh fish while the richest consumed 287.1 grams. That’s according to a study commission by the U.S. non-profit Oceana.
We have two sources of fish. Most people think that fish are taken out of the open seas like tuna, mackerel, snapper, rabbitfish, surgeonfish, grouper, blue marlin, pompano, and ponyfish. These are called captured fishes.
On the other hand, fishes like bangus, tilapia, catfish, mudfish, and eel are harvested from ponds, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of inland water. They are raised by farmers through aquaculture.
But still if you mention fish, people always associate it with the sea. What most don’t know is that the fish they are eating these days come from the aquaculture industry, which reportedly contributed 54.15% to the total fishery production of 4.248 million metric tons in 2022.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, aquaculture contributed 2.246 million metric tons to total fishery production
in 2022. In the first quarter of this year, it accounted for 55% (545,640 metric tons) out of the 991,140 metric tons total fishery production.
“Given this (contribution), it is critical for the government to give importance to the industry of aquaculture farming, and the House Bills, which intends for the establishment of hatcheries in several municipalities and provinces,” Senator Cynthia Villar, was quoted as saying by The Daily Tribune during a joint hearing by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform and Committee in Finance.
Villar suggested the establishment of multi-species marine hatcheries in various municipalities and other rural areas. These hatcheries, she said, “are necessary for the propagation of certain marine species to address the country’s dependence on imported fingerlings.”
Fish are considered the “last wild meal” in the human diet. In recent years, the majority of the fishing grounds in the country are overfished.
“Overfishing is the main issue, with today’s fishers ranging farther and trying harder to catch more – but there are more fishers and too few fish,” said Gregg Yan,
when he was still the director for Communications for Ocean Philippines.
Where have all our fish gone? Davao Gulf, one of the country’s fishing grounds, is a case in point. In his study, “Assessment of the pelagic fisheries in Davao Gulf,” Jose Villanueva of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) found that 45 to 50 percent of the total fish caught daily by most of the fishermen in the gulf are juvenile – too young, not marketable and, therefore, wasted.
“If this continues, there will come a time that we can no longer catch fish here,” he warned.
Villanueva’s findings confirmed the results of a 10-year study entitled “Strengthening Governance and Sustainability of Small-scale Fisheries Management in the Philippines: An Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Approach in Davao Region.” It was a collaborative effort of the BFAR, local government units and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 11.
Now, if the oceans are running low on fish production, the obvious solution is: raise more seafood down on the fish farm, expanding the maritime version of agriculture. Aquaculture is
“The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.”
DALAI LAMA.
*******
Because it is one of PBBM’s most urgent agenda, the MIF (Maharlika Investment Fund) saw immediate legislative passage, both in the HOR and the Senate.
As media reports said, it was past midnight when the Senate’s majority made a flashy move to approve the controversial bill because it needed to beat the sine die Congress adjournment.
The Lower House has signified its total adoption of the Senate version.
While the incumbent economic managers were one in endorsing the concept, a few sober senators and one or two financial experts threw in their two cents worth of opinion.
Sen. Imee Marcos, the president’s elder sister, said senators should not act in haste to approve the measure but should spend more time studying it.
The vote was 19-1-1 (yes, no, abstention).
Sens. Marcos, Escudero and Pimentel were not able to cast their vote because the trio was not physically present when the voting was conducted while Risa Hontiveros submitted a “NO.”
“Ako, kung minamadali yan, hindi ako papayag kasi malaking pera yan. Mababaon ang ating mga anak sa utang,” Ms. Imee told senate reporters.
There were still amendments being awaited because she said the proposed bill is somewhat crued in form.
Sen. Marcos noted that only when a nation (government) receives a windfall, that would be the best time to create a wealth fund. “I don’t feel any windfall right now, I feel utang,” she added.
Okay, while this is already happening, it might be of consequence that the proponents and even Malacanang itself explain to the Filipino nation why there was a G-R-E-A-T need for the MIF.
What’s in it for Juan dela Cruz
nothing new; it has been a source of human protein for nearly 4,000 years, especially in Asia.
In recent years, aquaculture has become big business. One-quarter of the world’s shrimps, for instance, are raised in ponds in 50 countries, with Thailand and Ecuador leading the harvest.
Fish farming is more advantageous than raising livestock. “For every kilogram of dry feed, we get one kilogram of fish meat,” said Dr. Uwe Lohmeyer of the Deutsche Gesselschaft fur Technische Zusammernarbeit (GTZ), a German Technical Cooperation. “This is a far more favorable rate than in the case of say, pigs: to produce the same quantity of pork, a farmer – given the same quality of inputs – has to provide three kilograms of feed.”
It was the Malay emigrants who must have introduced the first fishponds of the Philippines long before the Chinese traders came to the country. “Our fishpond practices in most respects are similar to those of the Indonesians rather than those of Chinese,” said a Filipino marine expert.
Aquaculture species raised in the country are seaweed, bangus, tilapia, brackish water shrimps,
oysters, and mussels. Also grown in fishponds are some species of lapu-lapu and seabass.
Mariculture park – similar to an industrial or science park on land – is one of the best examples of aquaculture. In Davao Region, the city government of Panabo established the Panabo City Mariculture Park (PCMP) in 2006 in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture.
“Today, PCMP has been identified as one of the most developed mariculture parks in the country,” says Academician Rafael D. Guerrero III of the National Academy of Science and Technology.
There are several ways of fish-farming methods that farmers can apply. Some of these methods are based on outdoor ponds, some on fenced-off areas of rivers or bays, and some in buildings.
“But virtually all these would integrate fish production with other industrial or ecological activities: growing hydroponic vegetables, recycling urban waste, purifying fresh water, keeping rivers or wetlands healthy,” writes Anne Platt McGinn, a Worldwatch Institute researcher.
and his family?
Remember - as Sen. Imee stated - we are talking here of money, not just a simple sum but a very huge one that will be sourced from taxpayers’ money.
The details and mechanics are not too publicly known which puts Pinoys in the dark.
Former BSP Gov. Diwa Gunihundo said if the idea is to raise money to build infrastructure and fund government big ticket projects like school buildings, classrooms and housing for the poor, then why doesn’t the government pour the money straight into them as appropriated by Congress.
One word of caution that this corner wishes to convey to our legislators and government authorities: Germany has just entered into recession.
There are fears that a global recession is approaching sparked initially by the two-year Covid 19 pandemic and the ensuing repressive deathly lockdowns.
Just as when Europe, the US and other western countries as
well as those in Asia were beginning to recover their poise and sanity, Russia attacked Ukraine that put many countries in peril.
Sen. Imee is correct.
The MIF is not timely. Should the recession now being felt in Germany spread to Europe and thence to the US, Asia and South America, will our economy not be in danger too?
Our currency is attached to the US dollar.
Anytime, the dollar plunges, the peso value plunges, too.
Besides, when categorically asked if pension funds won’t be used to invest in the MIF, the GSIS chief Veloso could not say no.
He merely said they will obey what the law says.
With a litany of corruption stalkiing us from way back (since the first Philippine republic), how can the MIF advocates - with straight faces - say it will be in good hands? No BIG fish has ever been sent to jail for corruption.
Well, at least in Malaysia, they convicted and sent to jail their
very own prime minister whose hand was caught inside the cookie jar.
Every senator who voted and approved the MIF should be required to explain his vote to the Filipino people.
Why? So that in case something tragic and amiss happens, Pinoys are able to point the blame on all of them.
The wealth fund is not a joke. As the term implies, it is an investment fund, a portfolio to be used by the government to earn more funds.
However, at this time when there is an on-going war in Ukraine, another war seems imminent in Taiwan and Israel is beleaguered by its enemies in the Middle East while Iran threatens to unleash its soon-to- achieve nuclear power, there is no sense floating the MIF.
Pinoys should observe simple economics.
Find ways to feed the people first. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
First heard seven years ago, the term three-wheeler had already set itself apart from the usual last-mile land transportation of the Philippines. Ever since, one brand made it to enrich Filipinos lives and say, “Ito ang No.1 Three-wheeler para sa akin” – Bajaj! Here are the reasons why:
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In 2021, Bajaj recorded an astonishing total of 364,000 unit sales for its three-wheeler category.
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AFTERCARE ADVANTAGES
| Now, with 900+ parts and service shops, wherever you are in the Philippines, Bajaj Genuine
AfterCARE is within reach!
GUARANTEED AVAILABILITY | Are you ready to be a Ka-Bajaj? This three-wheeler
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GOING 100,000 KA-BAJAJ | “Bajaj ang No.1 Three-wheeler para sa amin,” says Michael Santiago, president of MCMSLA TODA in Antipolo City, whose
Bajaj membership has grown from 1 to 100+ in just three years.
Today, Bajaj Three-wheelers’ power, safety, comfort, and
durability are admired by 90K+ Ka-Bajaj! Will this three-wheeler be your key to success too? Inquire here: https://bit.ly/inquirebajajthree-wheelernow
Xiaomi lists two places higher than last year Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has ranked Xiaomi 29th on its “50 Most Innovative Companies of 2023” list, two places higher than last year.
The designation is a recognition that Xiaomi makes innovation a priority, commits investment and talent to it, and works to transform investment into results. In this year’s first quarter, Xiaomi’s research and development (R&D) expenses increased by 17.7% compared to the year before, reaching RMB 4.1 billion. As of March 2023, the number of R&D personnel reached approximately 16,500, which was more than 50% of Xiaomi’s employees. The same month, Xiaomi’s R&D efforts have yielded the company more than 32,000 patents worldwide. Total R&D investment for 2023 is expected to exceed RMB20 billion.
The company has embraced technological transformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). It officially established an AI Lab Foundation Model team in April and has more than 1,200 AI-relat-
ed employees. The company will continue to expand AI-related user scenarios, maximize technological advances, and explore opportunities with potential partners.
BCG’s Most Innovative Companies ranking is based on a survey of more than 1,000 global innovation executives who were polled in December 2022 and January 2023. The survey assesses a company’s performance in four categories: global mindshare, industry peer view, industry disruption, and value creation.
BCG has published its annual innovation report since 2003. Other companies on the 2023 list include Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Siemens, Pfizer, SpaceX, Nike, IBM, among others.
Xiaomi identifies 2023 as the crucial year for accelerating Xiaomi’s growth. The company will remain resolute in advancing its new business strategy with a focus on high-quality development anchored on its relentless pursuit of technological advancement and its mission to let everyone enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Manila, Philippines - realme Philippines will host a mid-year 6.6 sale on Shopee and Lazada, giving away vouchers and freebies besides the irresistible discounts for everyone. The realme 6.6 Mega Sale is the perfect excuse for an upgrade or to reward oneself after a buzzing first half of the year!
From June 6-8, realme will be offering up to 59% OFF during the Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale on the realme C-Series and realme 10 (8GB+128GB). Every purchase of select smartphones will also come with a FREE Globe SIM card. Meanwhile, everyone who will avail the realme 10 Pro+ 5G (12GB+256GB) will be getting a FREE TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh along with a FREE TechLife Portable Blender 40W. On top of this, consumers can also get 15% OFF vouchers for a much sweeter deal
and SPayLater for more flexible payment terms!
On the flip side, everyone is in for a treat at the Lazada 6.6 Wow Sulitipid Sale because realme is giving up to 64% OFF on select devices on top of only from June 6-8. Free shipping and cashback are even added into the bargain. Similarly, customers will also be getting a FREE Globe SIM card for every purchase of realme 10 (8GB+128GB) and other select smartphones from the C-Series lineup. Moreover, every purchase of the realme 10 (8GB+256GB) has a realme Mobile Game Finger Sleeves as a freebie. While those who are to avail the realme 10 Pro+ 5G (12GB+256GB) will receive a FREE TechLife Power Bank and TechLife Portable Blender 40W.
The recently launched realme Smart TV Neo 32” now finally (and officially!) makes its way to the
realme’s official flagship stores in Shopee and Lazada this 6.6 Mega Sale.
Get ready to binge your favorite series or movie all while enjoying an optimum viewing quality as the realme Smart TV Neo 32” comes in a Premium Bezel-less LED Display. This is complemented with a Chroma Boost Picture Engine feature that helps produce true-to-life colors and takes advantage of the high brightness for good color reproduction. Combined with a 20W Dual Speakers by Dolby Audio, the realme Smart TV Neo 32” gives an excellent viewing experience. Grab your very own realme Smart TV Neo 32” and enjoy amazing discounts in store for you for a limited time only this realme 6.6 Mega Sale. Check it out via realme’s Official Flagship Stores in Shopee or Lazada.
Tuguegarao City, Philippines
- XTREME Appliances, the leading one-stop-shop appliance brand, shares the recent opening of its new stores in SM Center Tuguegarao and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan this month. These expansions pave way in giving access to its high-quality appliances to the residents of Northern Luzon.
With the new store locations situated in the center of Cagayan and Nueva Ecija, XTREME Appliances targets to cater to the demand and needs of each Filipino household. Residents can
now conveniently access a wide range of appliances that offer functionality without breaking the bank. From home entertainment, cooling, washing, and kitchen essentials, XTREME Appliances strives to be the go-to brand for all home appliance needs.
XTREME Appliances stores showcase all products in different variants, colors, and sizes - from the basic to the latest models, providing an immersive shopping experience to customers.
“We stay true to our word
about our expansion, we will build more branches in each corner of the country to make our products accessible to every Filipino. It’s going to be a busy second half of 2023 I must say.” shares Paula Dizon, the Brand Marketing Manager of XTREME Appliances. “We always share this but it is really our mission to provide quality products at the right prices and we are confident that our customers will enjoy shopping with us because of our wide assortment.” she added.
To celebrate the grand open-
ing of these new stores, XTREME Appliances will be offering exclusive promos for a limited time. Customers can take home a 50” TV as a freebie when they buy the corresponding participating product.
XTREME Appliances is expected to open branches in the second half of 2023 in the following locations: Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For more information about XTREME Appliances and its product offerings, please visit the official website at www.
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We mostly remember the month of May for Mother’s Day, but did you know that May is also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? Cervical cancer has long been recorded as one of the most prevalent cancers in the Philippines. In fact, it ranks third overall and is the second most prevalent among Filipino women.
For this reason, Cardinal Santos Medical Center is strongly pushing to dismantle social stigmas surrounding women’s reproductive health, generate more open conversations about cervical cancer and its causes and encourage screening and vaccinations against it.
“Majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, which can be contracted through sexual contact,” said Dr. Christine Joy Garcia, a gynecologic oncologist at Cardinal Santos. “There have been some studies, however, that show a small percentage of cases were not directly influenced by HPV.”
While Garcia notes that this claim still needs further research, she stresses the importance of emphasizing it, as it may help break down discrimination against women who may come to develop precancerous lesions of the cervix. “When people think of cervical cancer,
there’s a misconception of, ‘this woman must be promiscuous’, when that may not be the case. This creates a culture of shame and puts up barriers against the prevention of cervical cancer. We need to change that.”
Nonetheless, a large number of cases are still HPV-related, which is why Garcia strongly recommends regular screening and getting vaccinated against HPV, especially for women who are sexually active. “Once a woman becomes sexually active, there will always be a risk of catching the virus,” Garcia said. “The best prevention, therefore, is to practice protected sex and to get the HPV vaccine.”
Even men can receive the vaccine, too. “Men don’t have cervixes, but the virus can survive on their genitals, too.
Contrary to what some people might think, men can develop certain cancers because of HPV, and there’s an added risk of becoming a carrier for the virus through previous sexual contacts,” she explained. “For men, getting the vaccine lessens the risk of harming both themselves and the woman they are currently with.”
Aside from HPV, certain factors like taking oral contraceptive pills for more than 5 years or smoking also increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. “They don’t cause cervical
cancer per se,” said Garcia, “but if the virus is already in the cervix, these factors weaken the immune system and make it difficult for the body to fight the virus off.”
HPV vaccines can be given as early as 9 years old, while testing and pap smears are recommended to be done starting at the age of 25. “Precancerous lesions and the very early stage of cervical cancer usually do not have any symptoms, and are only caught incidentally through testing,” Garcia noted. “That is why it is important to get regular screening done, to increase the chances of catching these developments, which are easier to treat than when the patient is already in the later stages of cancer.”
Cardinal Santos is also equipped to deal with cervical cancer itself. Certain treatments, such as colposcopy, which helps doctors confirm if any abnormalities seen during screening are cancerous or not, conization for high-level precancerous disease and cryotherapy for lower-level precancerous disease, are available at Cardinal Santos through the hospital’s Comprehensive Women’s Care Unit.
“Every woman has the right to protect herself. Transparency and open communication is very important and as doctors, we must ensure that our pa-
tients feel safe and that they won’t be judged, so that they can give us the information we need to safeguard their health, treat them, and protect them,” concluded Garcia. For more information about the programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos. com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/ CardinalSantos.
times at the back of his head and fled accompanied by his accomplice identified as one Aries Carlos. Quiambao was declared dead on arrival when he was brought to the hospital.
Rep. Pulong said these latest incidents involving a helpless victim of gun violence and the rapeslay of a young female architect in Davao City have prompted him to renew his call for Congress to pass a law reinstating the death penalty for heinous crimes.
Last year, Duterte, along with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACTCIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, filed House Bill (HB) 501, which aims to reinstate the death penalty for certain heinous crimes, including murder with attendant circumstances, and rape with homicide.
In their bill’s explanatory note, Duterte and his fellow authors stated that “while it can be argued that one’s death will never be commensurate to his/her crimes, the fear of death as punishment serves as deterrence, hindering potential criminals to commit such [heinous] crime[s].”
“Now, more than ever is the time to restore the death penalty in the country because we must not be too complacent with these criminals at the expense of the safety of the whole nation,” they said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Pulong also called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen efforts to regulate gun ownership, starting with the introduction of stricter screening procedures for the issuance of permits to own and carry firearms.
He said the killing of the said traffic enforcer is just one case
that shows why the PNP should revisit its regulations and procedures in issuing gun ownership licenses.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the PNP to strengthen its efforts on gun control. The PNP should not wait for a similar incident to happen again before it acts to institute reforms in the issuance of gun ownership licenses,” Duterte added.
He said one aspect the PNP should consider when issuing a License to Own and Possess a Firearm (LTOPF) is the requirement to pass a neuropsychiatric examination, which in many cases applicants can purchase for a fee.
Rep. Pulong said he received reports of gun stores telling potential buyers that they can bypass and need not take the neuro-psychiatric clearance and even the drug test requirement in obtaining an LTOPF, which is a prerequisite to be able to purchase a firearm.
“The PNP cannot afford to be lenient in imposing these requirements if it wants to ensure that it issues licenses only to responsible and mentally stable gun owners,” he said.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, the father of the Davao City lawmaker, signed Republic Act 11766 last year to encourage the up-to-date registration and documentation of firearms.
The law extends the validity of the license to carry and register guns but includes a provision that failure to renew one’s license will be cause for its revocation and the confiscation or forfeiture of the firearm.
29% PINOY... FROM 3
“concerned” and “challenged” over the results of the SWS survey.
“Our objective really is to make sure that everybody feels that their quality of life has improved,” Edillon told ANC’s “Rundown.”
Metro Manila’s net gainers’ score fell from very high to high, or down by 16 points, but it stayed very high in the rest of Luzon.
In the Visayas, net gainers were down by 10 points, or from fair to mediocre, while Mindanao saw a 4-point reduction in net gainers.
According to DTI, there are 244 South Korean locators in Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zones across the country. Their total investments reached PHP90 billion, contributing USD130 million in export revenues and 40,000 people in their workforce as of January this year.
“South Korea ranks among PEZA’s top five investing nations. With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership taking into effect on June 2, I am confident that this standing may be enhanced. Surely, SEMPHIL and other investors can capitalize on the incentives offered by RCEP and our CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) Law,” Pascual added.
Meanwhile, the new complex building will serve as SEMPHIL’s office for communication and collaboration, training area for new and existing employees
cation has been alarmed by the attacks against teachers in Pikit, so we are here providing them security,” Gavilanes said in a radio interview.
On May 26, unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked and killed Joel Reformado, a teacher at the Damalasak Elementary School in Pikit, and injured his co-teacher Elton John Lapinid, while both were onboard a motorbike.
They were among the victims of gun attacks that hit the town since last year.
The local police listed more than 30 victims of shooting in different villages of Pikit as of this posting.
Education officials have condemned the killing of Reformado and urged authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has ordered all village chairpersons to come up with their own security plan and address the threats confronting their respective areas. (PNA)
Currently, finding the whereabouts of the said vehicle is the focus of the SITG. Lupaz admitted the SITG has no progress on this yet.
less reliant on CENRO to enforce the ordinance and maintain a cohesive and efficient solid waste management scheme.
Gumban said Baranagy 28-C is among the several barangays that requested to have their enforcers deputized by CENRO this year.
“Approved na to ang ilang budget for the seminar so tuloy-tuloy na na siya. Pwede na sila maka-issue og citation ticket after the deputation seminar, so dili na sila manawag sa amoa kung naay problema. Pwede na sila maka-act, pwede na sila maka-issue og citation without the CENRO personnel (The budget for the seminar had been approved so it will continue from there. They can issue a citation ticket after the deputation seminar, so they don’t have to call us if there is a problem. They can now act on their own and issue a citation without the need for a CENRO personnel),” Gumban said. Barangays that wish to have their enforcers deputized only need to make a request and coordinate with CENRO to have a deputation seminar scheduled for their officers. CIO
called and requested police assistance as a male person, who was handcuffed, asked for help at the barangay hall.
During the investigation, the individual was identified as Dennis Roy Pilapil Panzan, who claimed he was abducted by unidentified men in Calinan. He said that he was handcuffed, wrapped with packaging tape and was mauled. However, he was able to escape while traveling on an unidentified vehicle.
According to reports, during the debriefing, Panzan collapsed and was brought to Davao Adventist Hospital, Bangkal, Davao City for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, his attending physician pronounced him dead.
Another incident was posted on social media on May 30, 2023 that an alleged kidnapping happened in Bajada, Davao City.
Lupaz denied it was “kidnapping” but a legitimate buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay 19-B by the operatives of Police Station 4 Sasa.
“In fact, meron ng spot report niyan sa akin,” Lupaz said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday.
Lupaz said DCPO cannot confirm that the two cases are linked to the Bragas case. He said the police are also investigating the said cases.
Edillon attributed the drop in Visayas’ net gainers score to power outages, “rising temperatures” during the dry season, and elevated inflation.
“Inflation affects all of us,” she said.
In late May, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order creating an inter-agency committee to tackle inflation.
“Last week Friday, ang focus sa among investigation kay ang whereabouts sa ombak na yellow. Ang ongbak tulo ka klase. Ang katong gigamit sa krimen based sa investigation sa TEU nga niapil sa investigation katong ginatawag na RE (reversed engineering) Bajaj ug naay distinguishing marks na lahi sa ubang Bajaj. Amo nang gi-compare sa picture nga nigawas sa CCTV ug ang modelo na gigamit kay rickshaw model. Mao ni ang atong giapangita karon and so far wala pay progress kung asa gitaguan ning tricycle karon. But we will not stop because this is part of important evidence sa kaso ni Bragas,” Lupaz said.
No fingerprints
Lupaz said that the forensic unit investigating the crime scene was not able to lift any fingerprints from the body of the victim.
their mid to long-term professional and personal goals,” said Mike Parsons, managing director Asia-Pacific (APAC) for Universum.
The survey also shows that young Filipino talents are looking for firms that upholds ethical standards, promote work-life balance and respects their employees.
Moreover, Universum’s study shows that surveyed Filipino Gen Zs have lower expectations in terms of salary this year.
It said future talent pool’s salary expectation declined by 25 percent in 2023 from 2022 survey.
In the 2023 survey, respondents’ annual salary expectation is at PHP374,403, or PHP31,000 per month. This is lower compared to the 2022 survey which had salary expectation of PHP495,996 annually, or PHP41,000 a month.
“Wala pa tayong confirmation na ang mga ito ay link sa Bragas case. We are also investigating these cases of sudden disappearances of persons. Ang gusto nako ang mga pamilya muadto sa police stations and muhatag ug statement ug mga witness para maimbestigahan nato. Para makatabang sa pagsolve sa kaso. We cannot just say na link ito without facts. Dili man maingon na whether or not connected ito. Although, we are investigating these two cases of sudden disappearances of these individuals so I am asking witnesses mu-cooperate sa atong mga police aron masulbad ang kaso,” he said.
Lupaz reacted to the testimonies of the families via social media that the victims were allegedly arrested without warrants by the personnel of PNP and NBI-Davao.
By MayaAside from taming inflation, it is also directed to “enhance initiatives to improve the economy and the quality of life of Filipinos,” according to Malacañang.
M. Padillotic and international opportunities for fishery products, ensure there would be a reliable supply of fish, and boost the competitiveness of small and medium fishery enterprises.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) earlier created 12 fisheries management areas (FMAs) nationwide to sustainably manage fishery resources.
The World Bank said the FISHCORE would be implemented in two of these FMAs – FMA 6 and FMA 9, which are major fishing grounds on the northwest coast of Luzon, and in archipelagic waters between the Visayas and Mindanao.
“FISHCORE will support the Philippine government in designing and establishing improved fisheries management systems in the selected FMAs’ coastal and municipal waters,” World Bank senior environmental economist Jingjie Chu said.
Bragas was discovered in a prone position covered by dry banana leaves in an open canal at Sarbac Company’s banana plantation last May 18, 2023. She was reported missing around 12:30 a.m. and was last seen on board a yellow ongbak at Crossing Fausta, Calinan District.
upside potential. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 7.6 percent last year and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023. (PNA)
The Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, however, will not be included.
Those opposing the bill earlier expressed concern that the MIF might further increase the country’s debt.
“The changes in the bill were supposed to address the concern to ensure that there are enough controls there,” Balisacan said.
For students pursuing business and commerce courses, their top employers are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Airlines, Google, Ayala Corp. and San Miguel Corp.
For STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, a big chunk of respondents prefers to work in Google, Microsoft, Intel, Ayala Corp. and Pfizer.
For students of humanities, liberal arts and education, they prefer to work in Google, ABSCBN Corporation, GMA Network, Philippine Airlines and Microsoft.
“The findings of this study remind us of the importance of understanding the preferences of the country’s future talent pool and how organizations can prepare or address those. The challenge for employers who want to attract the best and brightest is to juggle providing a work environment that presents opportunities but at the same time offers flexibility and worklife balance. Awareness among companies of what future employees seek would be valuable not only in hiring the best candidate but also in retaining them, which is essential for both the individual’s and the company’s growth and success,” Parsons added. (PNA)
“Naa bay nag confirm na PNP o NBI or PDEA ang nagdakop nga wala man. I-challenge nato sila. Sa pagkakaron wala man puro lang man na istorya nga gipasanginlan mi nga kami ang nagdampot ana or NBI ba, wala may tinuod ana.
Unless otherwise you secure an affidavit and submit yourself to authorities para magfile ug kaso. Puro lang na istorya sa social media. Maoy nakadaut. Wala man gani sila nakipag cooperate sa amoa unya karon manumangil sila na police or NBI,” Lupaz said.
De Leon said they will integrate DOT programs in their promotional activities and help capacitate people’s organizations for community-based tourism initiatives, especially in indigenous cultural communities.
“Together we will show to the world that the Philippines is not only home to pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, distinct cuisines, and hospitable communities, but also a safe beautiful haven to explore and enjoy,” he said.
Frasco, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the Mindanao tourism industry will prosper considering that they have recorded some 2.1 million international arrivals since January this year.
DeLa Salle University escaped with a close win over St. Clare College, 83-74, at the FilOil EcoOil 16th Preseason Cup, Wednesday afternoon in San Juan City.
The Green Archers and the Saints locked horns throughout the game and were even only separated by two points, 74-72, with the Taft-based squad holding a slim lead with only 2:50 left in the game.
Jonnel Policarpio then took over and scored five straight points as La Salle finally broke
away from St. Clare, allowing them to secure their ninth straight win in as many games to secure the top spot in Group B.
Mark Nonoy scored 22 points with two steals to lead the Green Archers, while Kevin Quiambao posted 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Policarpio finished with nine mark-
ers on 4-of-4 shooting from the field.
Megan Galang led the Saints with 17 points as they fell to 4-2, and Ryan Sual and Drick Acosta contributed 13 and 12, respectively.
Earlier, San Beda University improved to 3-4 after taking care of business against Arellano University, 78-65.
John Bryan Sajonia scored 17 points with six rebounds, while Richi Calimag put up 14 markers and three boards, to shut the door on the Chiefs even with-
out the services of Jacob Cortez, Bismarck Lina, Yukien Andrada, and Zane Jalbuena.
Jude Talamlas’ 14 points and six boards, and Troy Valencia’s 11 points and five rebounds were not enough for Arellano however, as they still are winless in seven games.
The Scores:
De La Salle vs. St. Clare
DLSU -- 83 - Nonoy 22, Quiambao 17, Policarpio 9, David 9, M. Phillips 7, Abadam 6, Cortez 4, Manuel 2, Escandor 2, Nwanknwo 2, Gollena 2, Austria
1, Estacio 0, B. Phillips 0
SCC -- 74 - Galang 17, Sual 13, Acosta 12, Estacio 10, Kane 10, Ndong 7, Tapenio 3, Victoriano 2, Decano 0, Angeles 0 San Beda vs. Arellano
SBU -- 78 - Sajonia 17, Calimag 14, Rojo 11, Payosing 11, Alloso 7, Tagle 6, Etulle 6, Tagala 4, Visser 2, Dimaculangan 0, Teruel 0
AU -- 65 - Talampas 14, Valencia 11, Bagay 9, Abastillas 8, Sunga 8, Mallari 4, Villarente 4, Oftana 3, Rosalin 2, Camay 2, Anama 0, Dela Cruz 0, Domingo 0
Carlos Yulo will get the biggest cash bonus for winning two gold and two silver medals in men’s gymnastics at the recent Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games under the Philippine Olympic Committee’s (POC) Athletes’ Incentive Trust Fund.
POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said a total of P12.4 million in bonuses will be distributed to the 260 athletes who won medals—58 golds, 85 silvers and 117 bronzes—in Cambodia.
Of the total bonus, P7.2 million will come from the Manuel V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and P5.2 million from POC funds.
“The athletes, particularly the medalists, deserve the reward and the POC will always be diligent on that,” said Tolentino, who initiated a trust fund for incentives to athletes winning medals in international competitions.
Under the POC’s incentive program, P100,000 will go to an individual gold medalist,
P50,000 to doubles and relay teams and P30,000 to bigger teams; P50,000 to silver medalist, P30,000 for doubles and P20,000 for relay; and P30,000 to individual silver medalist and P10,000 for doubles and relay.
This means, Yulo stands to receive a total of P300,000.
The amount is from the generosity of MVPSF, Manny V. Pangilinan, through the efforts of [president] Al Panlilio,” Tolentino said.
Pangilinan is the chairman of the board of trustees of the MVPSF, which is headed by its president Panlilio, who is also the POC first vice president.
The POC bonuses are separate from the government incentives given through the Philippine Sports Commission to medal-winning athletes under Republic Act 10699 or National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
Under the government incentives act, gold in the SEA Games is worth P300,000, silver P150,000 and bronze
Mark your calendars, former IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas returns to action on June 24.
This time, the Panabo City native will be fighting as a bantamweight on the undercard of the Fernando Martinez vs. Jade Bornea match, is trainer Joven Jimenez announced.
Jimenez said MP Promotions will be revealing Ancajas’ opponent soon.
The trainer-manager said Ancajas seems to be adjusting well at 118 pounds.
“Super ganda ng kundisyon niya. Handang handa na,” he said.
Jimenez added that Ancajas is making the most of his conditioning training under Memo Heredia.
“Ang training method ni Memo parang coaching. Ini-explain niya sa boxer kung ano ang purpose,” said Jimenez. “Nagustuhan namin si Memo dahil nag-adjust siya at nagdepende sa kundisyon ng boxer.”
As a result, Anajcas has become more explosive with his punches.
“May more power and explosiveness sa mga suntok ni Jerwin. Makakatulong dahil malalaki at malalakas na din ang makakalaban ni Jerwin,” he said.
Ancajas is coming off successive losses at the hands of Martinez last year after experiencing difficulties with his weight. This
forced the former champ to climb to the 118-pound class where he aims to win a title.
The Dabawenyo fighter admitted he is convinced he is no longer fit to stay in the junior bantamweight division following his decision loss to Martinez. He believes his conditioning and stamina were good during the fight, but he could not solve Martinez’s fighting style.
“Talo talaga tayo sa laban. Magaling talaga si Fernando. At sa style talaga ako hirap. Kuhang kuha niya ‘yung style ko at timing,” he said in an earlier inteview on PlayitRightTV.
This is the reason he is climbing the 118-pound division the next time he fights.
“Siguro sa susunod, aakyat na kami. Itong laban na ito naman, kumbaga, ako talaga ang pumilit mag-rematch. Kahit si (MP Promotions chief) Sir Sean (Gibbons), pinipilit kami. Sabi nga ni coach, ‘wag ka nang bumalik sa 115 (pounds),” he said.
They also noticed that his punch was no longer as powerful as during the previous years when he was fighting at 115 pounds.
He believes his body no longer responds well with the weight cut.