Manila Standard - 2024 March 12 - Tuesday

By Othel V. Campos

AMERICAN firms are set to invest over $1 billion (P56 billion) in Philippine priority sectors, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in an official visit to Manila on Monday.

“We estimate that these announcements will create training and career opportunities for about 30 million Filipinos,” Raimondo said.

“The areas where we are focused align perfectly with President Marcos’ vision, about his interest in higher paying jobs in telecommunications, digitalization, helping small and medium-sized companies to digitize.

HOLLYWOOD—“Oppenheimer”

(left) and

Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Raimondo is leading a high-level mission of American business

Speaker cites OCTA nationalism poll

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER

Martin Romualdez on Monday welcomed the findings of the latest OCTA Research survey, showing that an overwhelming majority of adult Filipinos are prepared to defend the nation in the face of a foreign threat.

The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from December 10 to 14, 2023, sheds light on the sentiments of adult Filipinos, with an astounding 77 percent expressing their readiness to defend the country in the face of a conflict with a foreign enemy.

Romualdez said he is “deeply moved” and “inspired” by this outcome. He acknowledged it as “testament to the in-

Solons nix appeal to Marcos to prod Senate on Cha-cha

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS on Monday rejected a call for President Marcos to intervene in persuading senators to support the economic amendments to the Constitution, deeming it unnecessary and an excessive demand on the Chief Executive.

“A call to the President asking him to convince senators further, I think, is a little bit too much on the President, given that the President has already mentioned it many times in many occasions, given that the President has stated his position on economic amendments that the country really needs economic Charter change,” Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said.

This as the House opened plenary debates on Resolution of Both House 7, which proposes specific amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Suarez authored the measure along with Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and House Majority Leader and Zamboanga Rep. Mannix Dalipe.

Gonzales, in his sponsorship message, declared that “now is the time to amend the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions.”

He also made a last-ditch appeal to the Senate: “I appeal to my colleagues in the Senate: There will never be a better time than now to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.”

“Let us not fail the Filipino people once more. We, in the House of Representatives, have exhausted every step to help our nation. It is time to work collectively and in harmony toward Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

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The Ombudsman suspended NFA officer-in-charge Piolito Santos along and acting department manager for operation Jonathan Yazon in relation to the controversial sale of 75,000 bags of rice buffer stocks.

Santos held his post for barely a week when he was appointed by the NFA Council on March 6, after the Ombudsman suspended 139 NFA personnel, including administrator Roderico Bioco and assistant administrator John Robert Hermano.

Tiu Laurel on Monday designated director IV Larry Lacson as officerin-charge deputy administrator of the NFA to carry out the functions of the food agency and ensure uninterrupted service to consumers.

NFA is tasked to build a national rice buffer stock of around 300,000 metric tons by purchasing rice from local farmers.

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German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz in Berlin and Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague.

In Germany, the President is expected to formalize a joint declaration of intent to strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector, a collaboration between the

domitable spirit that lies within every Filipino.”

“These survey results demonstrate the deep-rooted love and loyalty that Filipinos have for our homeland. It is truly heartening to witness such a strong sense of national pride,” the Speaker added. The survey findings also highlight regional variations in willingness to

fight for the country, with Mindanao exhibiting the highest percentage at 84 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 79 percent, National Capital Region at 76 percent, and Visayas at 62 percent.

Romualdez acknowledged these regional differences, saying the diversity in responses across the nation further underscores the unity and diversity that make Filipinos resilient.

“Regardless of our regional backgrounds, we all share a common desire to protect our nation’s integrity,” the House Speaker pointed out.

In terms of socioeconomic classes, the survey reveals that a higher percentage of adult Filipinos belonging to Class D, at 80 percent, express their

willingness to fight for the country.

“Their willingness to defend our country is a testament to their selflessness and love for our fellow citizens,” Romualdez said.

The Tugon ng Masa survey, commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), aims to gauge the willingness of adult Filipinos to fight for the country against foreign adversaries.

As a public service, OCTA Research released these survey results, providing valuable insights into the sentiments and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Conducted through face-to-face interviews, the survey fieldwork involved a diverse sample of 1,200 male and female probability respondents aged 18 and above.

ERC to review effect of 3-way LNG firm merger

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission said Tuesday it will review the effect of the $3.3 billion liquefied natural gas transaction between three of the country’s biggest power firms if there

American...

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That’s a strong theme of investments that these companies hope to make.”

“The US-Philippine alliance is iron clad. It has been sustained over 72 years, and we remain steadfast friends and increasingly, partners in prosperity,” Raimondo added. She said US companies are eager to do business in the Philippines not only because of cultural ties or shared democratic values but also because of flourishing economic and commercial bilateral relationships.

Tech providers Microsoft and Google, which have sent representatives to the trade mission led by Raimondo in

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US Army will arrive late next month to discuss plans for the new facility, Kyodo News said in its report.

She said the plan, developed in coordination with the Philippine military, aims to accommodate Filipino workers in Taiwan in the event of a crisis.

Organizers of this year’s “Balikatan” military exercises are considering parts of Northern Luzon, including Mavulis Island in Batanes provinces to serve as a venue of the annual drills.

“Our exercises rotate to different

‘Oppenheimer’...

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-- said that film as an art form still has room to grow.

“Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old. I mean, imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater,” he told the audience at the Dolby Theatre.

“We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

The haul was not quite complete -“Oppenheimer” was nominated for 13 prizes, but with seven statuettes on the night it is still one of the most awarded films in Oscar history.

transportation agencies of both nations.

The upcoming declaration aims to streamline maritime trade operations and improve the mobility of commercial vessels from Manila and Berlin.

In Czech Republic, President Marcos will sign a joint communiqué to establish a labor consultations mechanism, enhancing collaboration between Manila and Prague to support Filipino

the Philippines, expressed commitments to upskill more than 100,000 Filipinos for offshored digital jobs.

Microsoft announced its collaboration with various government agencies and financial organizations to streamline citizen services and support the adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365.

In particular, the tech firm is working closely with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Trade and Industry to identify use cases for Microsoft 365 Copilot and develop innovative applications to enhance their service delivery.

Microsoft is also partnering with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to equip over 100,000 women learners with AI and

parts of the Philippines. Right now, our outlying areas are being considered as we are now externally oriented. So this means our exercises also are geared at such. One of the areas being considered is Northern Luzon. It is still being considered and there is no final decision yet,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said last month.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier ordered the military to expand its presence in Batanes – a plan that elicited an immediate warning from China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin who said the Philippines should “tread carefully and don’t play with fire”

Robert Downey Jr was recognized for his stellar performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer’s political nemesis Lewis Strauss.

“I would like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order,” Downey said after accepting the statuette.

Downey, who had been the butt of a joke by host Jimmy Kimmel about his well-documented drug problems, lavished thanks on his wife Susan for her support.

“She found me a snarling rescue pet and loved me back to life,” he said.

Nolan’s cerebral take on the man he has called “the most important person who ever lived” also snapped up prizes for editing, cinematography and best original score. AFP

worker migration. The Department of Foreign Affairs also revealed that due to the increasing demand for Filipino workers in the Czech Republic, Prague has set an annual quota of 10,000 Filipinos starting in May.

The Presidential Communications Office said Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was present during the President’s departure ceremony,

#ANONGBALITA

UK Palace gets flak for altered image of Princess Catherine

KENSINGTON Palace released an altered photograph of Britain’s Princess Catherine on Sunday, leading Agence France-Presse and other news agencies to withdraw the image, the first to be officially released since her abdominal surgery.

The photo, issued to mark Mother’s Day in Britain, shows the smiling Princess of Wales sitting on a garden chair, dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a dark jacket, surrounded by her three laughing children, George, Charlotte and Louis.

But close examination shows that Princess Charlotte’s left hand is misaligned with the sleeve of her cardigan, casting doubt on the authenticity of the image.

After publishing the photo provided by the palace, the Associated Press, Reuters, and AFP decided to withdraw it.

“It has come to light that this handout photo... had been altered and therefore it was withdrawn from AFP systems,” the agency said in a note to clients.

The AP said it had retracted the image because on “closer inspection, it appeared the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards.”

Kensington Palace did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

The release of the photograph came after an unusually long public absence for Kate.

cybersecurity skills. Investments on solar panels and nuclear power projects as well as climate goals are of significance to the US trade mission, Raimondo said.

The US government also announced a new airline route that will open up travel and tourism in Cebu.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the Philippines has yet to tally the final investment commitments after the two-day mission but he expressed optimism that some of these will be implemented soon.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said the Philippines laid on the table several trade deals that have either lapsed or nearing expiry and need to be renegotiated.

by putting troops near Taiwan.

The Department of National Defense, however, was also quick to rebuff Beijing: “Batanes is Philippine territory and China has no business warning the Philippines about what it does within its own territory.”

US maritime security expert Ray Powell said boosting military presence in Batanes could complicate China’s problems, which eventually could be beneficial for the Philippines.

“By strengthening Philippine national defense overall and particularly in the maritime area, we want to see China have to think about more things,” he said in a previous interview with ANC.

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boloy was preparing to escape. She believes that Quiboloy is still in country, and asked the Bureau of Immigration to ensure that the religious leader cannot escape “from all borders of our country -- all ports of exit.”

Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has maintained the pastor remains in the Philippines and is “securing himself.”

Also on Monday, Senator Robinhood Padilla filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the indefinite suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) network, which is owned by Quiboloy.

would serve as the country’s caretaker while President Marcos is in Europe. Philippine ambassador to Germany Irene Natividad said the President’s trip to Berlin showed the country’s reaffirmation of its bilateral ties with the European nation.

“I think the key to any bilateral relation is mutual or shared interests and values,” Natividad said in an interview.

The 42-year-old princess, whose husband Prince William is heir to the British throne, has been recovering from surgery mainly at their home in Windsor, west of London, since leaving hospital on Jan. 29. AFP

Is love lovelier 2nd time around for Bea and Dom?

NETIZENS couldn’t help but wonder if former couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque have reconciled after spotting a ring on the actress’ left hand in a recent Instagram post.

Bea, in a promotional material for a skincare brand, was wearing a ring which netizens observed was her engagement ring with Dominic.

“That’s why Bea and Dom decided to not say a thing about the rough patch they went through last time because they were still trying to fix things,” said one user in an Instagram comment.

“Ay, confirmed na talaga na love [is] sweeter the second time around,” another one commented.

“OMG! Sino nakapansin dito, ‘yung ring? (Who noticed this, the ring),” another wrote.

In February, the breakup of the showbiz couple was confirmed by TV host Boy Abunda, although neither actor has verified it themselves. Bea and Dominic were originally engaged in July 2023 and planned a wedding for later that year.

Angelica

Villanueva

PBBM gifts Sandro ‘Sex for Lazy People’ book for 30th b-day

PRESIDENT Marcos gave his eldest son, Ilocos Norte first district Rep. Sandro Marcos, a humorous go-to guide for sex positions for his 30th birthday.

In a recent vlog, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos shared their presents to Sandro, who turned 30 years old last March 7.

Among these gifts is the book called “Sex for Lazy People: 50 Effortless Positions So You Can Do It Without Overdoing It” as well as a Taylor Swift-inspired book called “Be More Taylor.”

“I have my own present for you because, since you’re practically a senior citizen, I found you this guide,” Mr. Marcos said in reference to the sex book.

The sex positions book with illustrations offer advice such as: “Having trouble balancing work and a sex life? Quit your job.” and “Having trouble doing it standing up? Wear some grippy socks.” Charles Dantes

Think tank says PH connectivity still lags behind in Asia

AN INTERNATIONAL think-tank group has underscored the need to further develop the Philippines’ internet connectivity systems, saying the country lags behind compared to present-day realities in the Asian region.

“There is much room for improvement. While we enjoy near-universal 4G coverage, and a promising 5G coverage at 70 percent, we are still lagging behind the mobile broadband speeds in Southeast Asia, ” according to Prof. Victor Andres Manhit, president of the think tank Stratbase Institute.

While Stratbase commended the government’s Broadband ng Masa Program (BBMP) as a critical component of the push toward digital transformation and inclusivity, it added there needs to be a greater push for improvement.

The program seeks to provide internet connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the archipelago.

“Accessibility, affordability, consistency are equally crucial to social development and inclusivity as internet speed and reliability,”

“The program empowers citizens, businesses, and the economy, thus playing a pivotal role in the country’s digital journey,” Manhit said.

According

TUESDAY,

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Comelec warns vs. bids to destroy integrity, credibility of elections

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday served public warning it will not hesitate to prosecute and punish those who would undermine the integrity and credibility of the elections.

Aggressive

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia raised the warning during the signing of the P17.98-billion contract for the full automation of the country’s electoral processes with South Korean service provider Miru Systems Inc. headed by its president Jinbok Chung. The deal was called Full AutomationTransparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project. The contract was award to Miru despite a call from a party-list congress-

Gabriela solon seeks House inquiry on online sexual abuse vs. minors

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Gabriela Women’s Party on Monday led the filing of a resolution seeking congressional inquiry on the alarming cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas, the group’s nominee in the House of Representatives, filed Resolution No. 1632 in the wake of technological advancements and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Citing the records of the Philippine National Police Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System (PNP-CIRAS), Brosas said there

Samar university now offers Doctor of Medicine course

THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the application for government authority to operate the Doctor of Medicine program at the Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) of Samar State University (SSU).

The move was seen to make medical more accessible to students in the Eastern Visayas Region.

“The expansion of medical education in Samar will facilitate the implementation of Republic Act No. 11509 or the Doktor Para sa Bayan law as there is no state college or university in Eastern Visayas where poor but deserving students can become doctors,” said CHED Secretary Prospero de Vera.

The UP School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte has a medical program using a ladderized system but its students are scholars of local governments and do not allow direct enrolment of students.

The Doktor Para sa Bayan Law aims to increase the number of doctors who will serve in far flung areas by establishing a Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program for deserving students in SUCs or in partner private HEIs in regions where no SUCs offer a medical course

were 19,635 cases of violence against women and children from January to August 2023, which translates to 92 female victims of violence per day in the first 8 months of 2023

“Women and children become even more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, as mobile applications that create simulations of seemingly real women, including replicating their facial and body structures have become rampant in social media,” Brosas said.

“We’ve received reports of mobile apps on Facebook and other social media platforms promoting sexual innuendos and objectifying women. These apps normalize harmful attitudes and fuel gender-based violence and exploitation,” she added.

woman for the postponement of the event, citing concerns over the votecounting machines to be used in the forthcoming elections.

Garcia emphasized that electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense punishable with life imprisonment under Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law of 2007.

He also warned Miru and its Filipino partners against politicians and political parties who might approach

them to rig the polls.

“Inemphasize ko sa kanila, kung kaya nyo gawin yan, huwag na huwag nyo gawin yan under the present leadership of this Commission. We want ang pinaka maayos na elections, credible, pinaka pinagkakatiwalaan election ng 2025. Sabi ko kung gusto nyo pa mag participate sa mga susunod na procurement ng Comelec, ayusin nyo 2025 elections (I emphasized to them ‘if you can do that, never do it under the present leadership of the Commission. We want the 2025 elections to be most organized, credible and reliable. I told them, ‘if you want to participate in future procurements of the Comelec, make sure that the 2025 elections would be smooth),” Garcia said in conjunction with the contract signing rites.

2 Pinoy seamen killed by Houthi fire still on ship

By Rey

E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said the remains of the two Filipino seafarers who were killed in a missile attack by the Houthi rebel group are expected to be retrieved soon as their ship reaches Oman. The DFA also said nine Filipino seafarers from an oil tanker seized by Iran’s Navy arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, while two more are expected to arrive within this week.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the bodies of the two deceased Filipinos are still onboard the MV True Confidence, days after it was struck on Mar. 6 while traversing the Gulf of Aden. The Barbados-flagged bulk carrier is currently being towed to a port in Oman

“The ship is being towed because it was set on fire after it was struck by a missile. It is being towed to the Port of Duqm in Oman where the bodies can be recovered. There will be a salvage operation and a search will be made for the remains of the two Filipinos so they can be sent home,” De Vega said.

Among those aboard the Greekowned vessel were 15 Filipinos. The 13 Filipino crewmen who survived the attack were transported to Djibouti onboard an Indian warship.

Lawmaker welcomes upgrade of 4Ps incentives to inflation levels

THE minority leader of the House of Representatives on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to “adjust to inflation” the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash transfers to some 4.4 million poor households.

“The President’s order is consistent our recommendation to increase the cash grants to 4Ps household-beneficiaries periodically at a rate that is at least equal to the average annual inflation

rate,” 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan said in a statement.

“The buying power of the cash subsidies has been eroded by sustained commodity price increases, and the only way to rectify the devaluation is to raise the amount of money being given to household-beneficiaries,” Libanan pointed out.

“The government must restore the lost purchasing power of the cash assistance if we want the 4Ps to succeed in reducing poverty,” Libanan added.

Libanan and the other 4Ps party-list representative in Congress, Jonathan Clement Abalos II, previously filed House Resolution 184, which pressed for higher cash aids to help householdbeneficiaries keep up with consumer price increases. In a recent sectoral meeting, the President had instructed Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure that the 4Ps cash aids are adjusted to inflation.

Gatchalian himself announced the

President’s directive.

Last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s inflation rate jumped to 3.4 percent in February 2024 from 2.8 percent in January 2024.

Analysts have warned that the El Niño climate pattern’s severe lack of rainfall could put an upward pressure on food prices in the months ahead on account of poor farm harvests. Maricel V. Cruz

PCG rescues fisherman missing for three days while adrift in open sea off Pangasinan

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in North Western Luzon has rescued a fisherman who has been miss ing for three days at the open sea off Agno Pan gasinan on March 10.

The fisherman was identified as Dexter Abalos, 32, of Brgy Aloleng, Agno, Pangasinan. According to Abalos, he went out to fish last March 7. But coming home, his motorboat was hit by a dolphin, causing it to capsize.

Fortunately, he managed to swim towards a fish marker, locally known as “payao” and tied his banca to it. Abalos stayed adrift for three days waiting for to be rescued. With the help of the PCG Aircraft (BN ISLANDER PCG- 251), the missing fisherman was located through air surveillance that the Coast Guard Aviation Force (CGAF) conducted earlier this morning. Vince Lopez

RENEWED DEDICATION TO SERVE.  Bicol Saro party-list Rep.  Brian

Raymund Yamsuan (right) underscores the need for government employees to make good governance go ‘viral’  and commit to a fresh mindset that upholds dedication and excellence in serving the Filipino people. The event takes place during the flagraising ceremony Monday at the Parañaque City Hall where he was guest of honor.

Also in photo are Mayor Eric Olivarez (left) and Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte, along with former Paranaque City Rep. Ed Zialcita. Felino Santos

Speaker joins the observance of holy month of Ramadan

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand

Martin G. Romualdez

on Monday joined the Muslim community in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

“As families across the Philippines and the world begin the observance of Ramadan, I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters embarking on this sacred month,” Romualdez, leader of the 310-strong House of Representatives, said.

Romualdez said Ramadan holds a special significance, a time for introspection, renewal, and peace.

“It is a period that calls for deep reflection, prayer, and community. On a personal note, I have been profoundly moved by the dedication and commitment I have witnessed in the Filipino Muslim community during this holy time. Your faith and devotion inspire a sense of unity and compassion that is truly admirable,” the House chief said.

“This holy month is a reminder to us all, regardless of our faith, to pause and ponder on our lives, our actions, and how we can contribute to a better, more understanding world. In this time of global challenges, the message of Ramadan is more relevant than ever,” he stressed.

The House leadership, Romualdez said, is committed to uphold the rights and welfare of the Muslim community.

fasting month will be on

March 12. Nash B. Maulana

PNP commits more coordination to combat drugs

Taguig City closes public swimming facility in Makati

By Joel E. Zurbano

AT LEAST 4,400 public school students are forced to stop taking their swimming lessons this week as the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA) was rendered inaccessible since Sunday, March 3, following another closure order from the local government of Taguig City.

MASA is an outdoor swimming pool facility adjacent to the Makati Park and Garden, which Taguig City also closed to the public a week ago. Evidently, Makati City decried this development amid the ongoing tug-of-war between the two local governments.

“The illegal closure of MASA has disrupted the training of over 4,000 students. The rash action of Taguig has denied them access to the facility where they can learn an important life skill and even become competitive swimmers,” Makati City administrator Claro Certeza said. MASA is equipped with an Olympicsized swimming pool and a kids’ pool

with showers and lockers. It is where

Makati City’s “I Can Swim” program is being held. The project was launched last year to encourage young people to become competitive swimmers and develop resilience.

Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay initiated the “I Can Swim” program where participants were given free swimming lessons every Saturday, complete with swimming gear such as goggles, swim caps, kickboard, trunks, and rash guard.

The facility serves 2,195 participants in the ‘I Can Swim’ program, as well as 719 students of the University of Makati (UMak) College of Human Kinetics and 1,486 Grade 12 students of the Higher School of UMak (HSU).

Certeza said the MASA closure posed a serious problem for Makati City students who need to complete their swimming course as part of their school curriculum. On March 3, Taguig personnel posted tarpaulins announcing the closure order and padlocked the gate of the facility.

PAGASA: Water levels of several dams in Luzon continue to drop

THE water levels of several dams in Luzon continue to drop as temperatures rise due to the hot season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.

Angat Dam, which supplies 98 percent of the potable water in Metro Manila through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, is currently at 203.08 meters, down from 203.25 meters on March 10, the state weather bureau’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Analiza Solis said.

Solis, quoted by ABS-CBN, further said the levels are still manageable. She said PAGASA is still able to manage the water levels in Angat Dam.

“After the effects of El Nino and the warm season, we will be able to recover when the rainy season comes,” she said. Solis said there is also a 55 percent chance that the La Niña phenomenon

will be felt by June-August or July-September this year.

PAGASA further reported that other dams that have shown a dip in water levels include: La Mesa Dam - 76 meters; Ambuklao Dam - 747.70 meters; Binga Dam - 569.60 meters; San Roque Dam238.77 meters; Pantabangan Dam - 182.38 meters; and Magat Dam - 172.05 meters.

The El Niño weather phenomenon has so far caused over P1.23 billion in agricultural damage across the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meanwhile said.

In its latest situation report, the agency said Western Visayas is the hardest-

hit region, incurring P678.7 million in agricultural damage; followed by Mimaropa (P319.7 million); Cagayan Valley (P180.4 million); Ilocos (P54.4 million); Calabarzon (P2.75 million) and Zamboanga Peninsula (P717,527).

A total of 29,409 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected while the affected crop area has reached a total of 26,731.4 hectares.

Out of the total affected crop area, 11,276.32 hectares were classified as “totally damaged” or having no chance of recovery from the effects of the El Niño while 15,455.08 hectares were partially damaged or having a chance of recovery.

Pangilinan files cyberlibel against YouTube channel

Rey E. Requejo

also impleaded in his

libel case for violation of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrimes Prevention Act of 2012, were the authorized representatives, officers and or directors of Google and YouTube Philippines for “aiding or abetting” the

of cybercrime for allowing the uploading of the said on its online platform.

Pangilinan accused the administra-

tor and those behind Bungangera TV of posting on several videos on Dec. 28, 2023, entitled “Gabby Concepcion Sinugod si Kiko Pangilinan Dahil sa Ginawa Nito Kay KC Concepcion,” referring to Pangilinan’s stepdaughter. According to the complaint, the video thumbnail contained the text “Baboy Ka, Pati Anak Ko Hindi Mo Pinalampas.” Pangilinan said as of Jan. 23, 2024, the said video has already garnered 266, 775 views.

On Dec. 29, 2023, he said Bungangera TV authored and posted another video entitled “Bistado! Frankie Pangilinan Sinugod si KC Concepcion Matapos Makipagrelasyon Kay Kiko Pangilinan,” and another video which says “KC Concepcion Inamin Na Ang Ginawa Sa Kanya Ni Kiko Pangilinan.”

Lawmaker praises ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ caravan in communities

THE Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Mindoro, which saw the distribution of a total of P1.2 billion worth of cash aid and other government livelihood programs to residents, is living proof that government services and programs can be properly implemented at the grassroots levels.

Deputy Speaker and Quezon District Rep. David Suarez offered this assessment during Monday’s press briefing at the House of Representatives being one of the more than 20 Luzon lawmakers who attended the BPSF in Calapan, Mindoro

last March 9 to 10.

“This is a clear indication that services are being felt and properly implemented at the grassroots level,” Suarez told reporters of the total amount of financial, livelihood and educational aid distributed during the twoday Serbisyo Caravan.

He cited the total of 50,000 Mindoro residents who benefitted not only from the financial assistance programs of the government, but also from the onestop-shop of government services like PhilHealth registration and applications

ConCon will fight corruption—Belgica

FORMER Presidential Anti-Corruption Com-mission chairman Greco Belgica maintained that a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) is crucial and a catalyst in addressing corrup-tion in the country.

On Wednesday, Congress, constituting itself as the Committee of the Whole, approved Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, which proposes modifications to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

In a statement, Belgica said tweaking specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constit ution is a positive move, however, maintained that it falls short of what is truly needed. He said ConCon can ease or resolve corruption, likening it to “termites” that erode the nation’s foundation, and have a detrimental impact on the Philippines.

for DFA passport, NBI clearance, police clearance, PSA birth certificate, PagIBIG membership and housing loan, SSS membership and GSIS UMID, among many others.

“Just to name a few, 28,000 individuals benefited from the DSWD program of AICS, 9,000 individuals benefited from the program of the DOLE, at naka-focus po ito duon sa mga naapektuhan nuong oil spill sa Mindoro (and it was focused on those affected by the oil spill in Mindoro),” Suarez said. “Mayroon din pong P145 million

worth of equipment ang naitulong sa 52 farmer cooperatives para sa Department of Agriculture. Mayroon din pong pitong libo na nakinabang sa ISIP program, which is our scholarship assistance. Mayroon din mga negosyo or start-up businesses na nakatanggap ng kapital mula sa SIBOL,” he added. He congratulated Gov. Bonz Dolor for hosting the BPSF in Mindoro as well as Rep. Arnan Panaligan, and said he is looking forward to the next BPSF next week in Agusan del Norte in Mindanao. Maricel V. Cruz

According to Belgica, ConCon can be instrumental in fighting corruption, when goes along with fresh leadership as the constitutional remedy creates opportunities for new leaders to enter government, potentially breaking the hold on power and resources by established officials and their networks.

Also, he said ConCon needs stronger representation, as the Filipino people would have a better chance of having their voices heard through a revised constitution, leading to more genuine representation in government.

Further, the former PACC chief stressed that ConCon empowers the Judiciary segment of the government, as ConCon “could strengthen the judiciary and other institutions responsible for upholding transparency and creating better systems to combat corruption and other crimes.”

Events PH can’t be proud

I REALLY wonder why the Philippines is getting famous for too many unsavory things and events. My gulay, the country has been la-

forth as the worst pest-infested international airport for travelers worldwide. Santa Banana!

Thank heavens, the government had decided to have NAIA rehabilitated, modernized, and managed by the San Miguel-led consortium for 15 years and extendable for another 10 years.

I cannot imagine how NAIA has become what it is today when other international gateways in the region have been improving their international gateways.

My gulay, we hope we may still in our lifetime have an international airport that we can be proud of.

I really wonder what’s happening to our country with all the unsavory events reported in the newspaper headlines. There is for instance the case of the former President Rodrigo Duterte and his former Chief of Police Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, now a senator, who could be issued a warrant of arrest for crimes against humanity by The Hague-based International Criminal Court.

We had a former Bureau of Corrections chief who treated the national penitentiary as his fiefdom and his deputy who are wanted for the killing of the newscaster Percy Lapid and some others.

And yet, they have disappeared and are now hiding in the Cordilleras. I am referring, of course, to Gerald Bantag and Ricardo Zulueta.

Santa Banana, we also have a former congressman, Arnulfo Teves, who is wanted and is a fugitive, known for the killing of the former governor of Negros Oriental Roel Degamo and nine others.

Teves continues to evade arrest by

of

going abroad to some other countries, the latest of which is Timor Leste.

Now, there’s the evangelist and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church and self-appointed “Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy who continues to play hide and seek with the Senate in an effort not to be arrested and detained for contempt.

—“—

I cannot imagine how NAIA has become what it is today when other international gateways in the region have been improving their international gateways

Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. has ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and three others accused of charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy and cash smuggling, which will bring the case closer toward extraditing the pastor.

Quiboloy is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a New York-based lawyer.

This could be the first step in initiating the extradition process for Quiboloy as the International Criminal Police Organization may now issue red notices against those covered by the arrest warrants, according to New York lawyer Lara Gregory.

Strangely, Quiboloy gets support from four senators, Santa Banana!

Madrid bombings survivors’ pain, fear linger 20 years on

MADRID, Spain -- Twenty years after Angeles Pedraza lost her daughter during the carnage of the Madrid train bombings that killed nearly 200 people, she still doesn’t understand why.

“Although it’s painful and sad every day, when a date like this comes around, it’s much worse. Because after 20 years, I still wonder why, what have these murderers achieved?” Pedraza, 65, told AFP at her home in Valdemoro. Her memory isn’t what it used to be, but she still remembers “every single minute” of March 11, 2004, when 10 bombs exploded on four commuter trains shortly after 7:30 am, killing 192 people and wounding nearly 2,000. Her 25-year-old daughter Miryam, she said, would normally take the train to work with her younger brother Javier and as far as the family was concerned, the day started just like any other.

Pedraza was driving to work when she heard initial reports on the radio, but didn’t worry about her kids as the explosion seemed to be at Atocha station in the city centre.

But by the time she got to work, there had been more explosions and everyone was in a panic trying to track down their loved ones. She quickly reached her son who -- by a miracle -had overslept, and was safe. But she could not get hold of Miryam despite trying everything to find her.

“We drove miles to all the hospitals and emergency rooms because every hour, they would release an updated list of those who’d been admitted,” she said. “All we wanted was to hear her name, but we never did.”

Eventually, they went to an information centre for families where they waited. At 3:00 am, they were told she was among the dead.

‘I’ll never forgive them’

“On that day, you die yourself. Because aside from the immense pain, you cannot understand why,” she said,

20 years of grief etched on her face. She has since spent years very publicly campaigning for justice as head of the AVT terror victims association. But her son has never once spoken of that day when his sister was killed and he was spared.

“I try not to be bitter and I don’t live with a sense of hatred, but I’ll never forgive those who did this to my daughter.”

As Pedraza was frantically contacting the hospitals, Francisco Alameda Sanchez, who was on the same train but escaped largely unharmed, was down on the tracks trying to help the wounded.

Despite everything, she’s grateful to be alive, although the anniversary will always be difficult

In the first carriage where one of the bombs went off, Sanchez, who was 40 at the time, found himself lying on his back with the train’s doors and windows blown out.

“I wasn’t physically hurt except I had a lot of pain in my ears, so I stayed to help people who were worse off than me,” he told AFP. He likely survived because he was sitting at the furthest point from the blast, he said. He stayed for three more hours, during which time he witnessed horrors that never left his mind: the screaming, burnt bodies, people without legs. With no way of carrying the injured,

EDITORIAL

Need for diplomatic solutions

WE ADD our thoughts to the suggestion of diplomatic observers and strategists that the Philippines must strengthen its maritime and air capabilities to defend its territory.

The other day, one analyst suggested the government must now focus on external threats, given China’s harassing actions towards the Philippines in the latter’s waters.

University professor Renato de Castro told the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that President Marcos administration must come up with “comprehensive strategies” and suggested it may conduct a unilateral exploration of the country’s resources and strengthen the Armed Forces tri-service.

Maritime law expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal himself said the government must take an unconventional approach to defend the archipelagic country’s

territory, stressing the major challenge for the Marcos administration is that the Philippine waters and maritime resources “are being taken actively” by China.

—“—

We feel there is a need to gear up to peaceful and diplomatic solutions as regards issues in the West Philippine Sea

Like Batongbacal, we feel President Marcos’ decision to hold off on invoking the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty following the latest skirmishes with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea was a correct judgment. We feel there is a need to gear up to

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

IN THE quiet sanctuary of the Masungi Georeserve, a heinous act of environmental plundering has been uncovered.

Like something ripped from the pages of a dystopian horror novel, the revelation that a wind farm project is being constructed within this protected haven is a shocking betrayal of trust and an assault on nature itself.

Picture this: pristine forests, teeming with life, now marred by the sight of towering wind turbines slicing through the sky.

The Masungi Karst Conservation Area, home to over 400 species of flora and fauna, is now under siege by the insatiable appetite of industrial greed.

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc., entrusted with the sacred duty of stewardship, has been blindsided by the clandestine actions of a Singapore-based company, Rizal Wind Energy Corp., owned by Vena Energy.

Let’s not mince words here: this is a travesty, a betrayal of the highest order.

The Masungi Georeserve, declared a strict nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary since 1993, was meant to be a bastion of hope in a world ravaged by environmental degradation.

Yet, now it stands as a grim testament to the relentless march of industrialization, even within the most sacrosanct of spaces.

The audacity of RWEC and Vena Energy to claim they have the necessary permits is a slap in the face to the very concept of conservation.

Do they not understand the gravity of their actions? Do they not comprehend the irreversible damage they are inflicting upon this fragile ecosystem?

Let’s break it down, shall we?

First and foremost, the construction of a wind farm within Masungi Geore -

several of them used the train doors as stretchers, which were so heavy it took six people to carry them.

“The smell of burning, of burnt flesh, has stayed with me. And the deathly silence,” he told AFP at Atocha station.

‘The fear has stayed with me’

His ears recovered and he went back to work, refusing therapy, thinking he “was strong and could deal with it on my own”.

But 10 years later, he was struggling so he joined the March 11 Terror Victims Association and found a therapist which transformed his life. Since 2016, he has served as secretary of the group, which has 1,900 members.

peaceful and diplomatic solutions as regards issues in the West Philippine Sea.

All this, as Chinese President Xi Jinping called for coordination of his country’s military strategy at sea and to prepare for potential maritime conflicts. That call underlines the urgency for the Philippines to develop its military capability to protect its exclusive economic zone – not just in the West Philippines Sea, not just the Philippine Rise east of Cagayan Valley but its entire territory.

Which means the Philippines must improve its port facilities and develop the shipbuilding industry because a credible navy has its sails on a strong shipbuilding industry.

Also within the week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced the AFP has adopted the new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to defend the Philippine territory, including its EEZ.

The defense concept would allow the Philippines to project its military power into areas that must be protected and preserved according to the country’s Constitution.

Ecological sacrilege: Wind farm invades Masungi Georeserve

serve poses an existential threat to the myriad species that call this sanctuary home. The Luzon tarictic hornbill and the Luzon mottle-winged flying fox, both vulnerable species, now face the prospect of displacement and extinction at the hands of corporate greed.

But it doesn’t stop there. The sheer scale of this project, spanning 500-1,000 hectares, will require extensive road networks and forest clearing, further decimating an already fragile ecosystem.

The Philippine government’s push for wind energy development may be well-intentioned, but it cannot come at the expense of our natural heritage

The Masungi management was right to sound the alarm – this is not just a misguided energy development; it’s an environmental catastrophe in the making. And let’s not forget the blatant disregard for existing regulations and administrative orders.

RWEC’s actions fly in the face of a 1993 order by the Department of En-

Even so, he has not shaken off the fear.

“The fear has stayed with me, every time I come here my head starts spinning,” he said, glancing around the huge station which lies close to Madrid’s Prado Museum and Retiro park. Rut Jezabel Garcia was 24 when the train she was on exploded, sustaining a shoulder injury that needed surgery, and long-term hearing problems as well as years of psychological issues.

“Although I was on the train that suffered the least damage, it was just horrible,” said Garcia, who works in accounting and has a 10-year-old daughter.

“There are images of injured people

vironment and Natural Resources prohibiting industrial or commercial uses of Masungi.

Yet, here we are, witnessing the desecration of a sanctuary deemed offlimits to such activities.

The excuses offered by RWEC and Vena Energy are feeble attempts to justify the unjustifiable.

Claiming to have secured various permits and engaging in consultations with Indigenous peoples does not absolve them of their sins.

It merely underscores their callous indifference to the sanctity of nature and the rights of local communities.

But let’s be clear: this is not just about one company’s greed or incompetence. This is a systemic failure, a symptom of a society that prioritizes profit over preservation.

The Philippine government’s push for wind energy development may be well-intentioned, but it cannot come at the expense of our natural heritage.

We demand justice.

We demand accountability.

We demand an immediate halt to the construction of the wind farm within Masungi Georeserve.

And we demand a full investigation by the proper authorities into possible violations and lapses that have led us to this point.

The Masungi Georeserve is not just a piece of land; it is a symbol of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when we work in harmony with nature.

To allow its destruction would be a betrayal of everything we hold dear.

It’s time to stand up and fight back against those who would despoil our planet for their own gain.

The stakes could not be higher, and the time for action is now.

you can’t get out of your head, even though it’s been 20 years... It was just unreal, like something from a film.”

Since then, she’s never taken the same train and avoids crowds “because I’m afraid the same thing could happen again.” She still has shoulder pain, hearing problems and suffers from persistent insomnia. Despite everything, she’s grateful to be alive, although the anniversary will always be difficult.

“For me, the month of March is horrible, no matter how many years pass,” she said, fighting back the tears. “It’s always bad. If I could, I’d erase it from the calendar.” AFP

Netanyahu rejects Biden critique of Gaza war policy

JERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Joe Biden’s comment that Israel’s approach to the war in Gaza was “hurting Israel more than helping Israel.”

In an interview with Politico, Netanyahu also disputed the death toll issued by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, saying their figure includes “at least 13,000 terrorist fighters” killed by Israeli forces.

If Biden meant “that I’m pursuing private policies against the majority, the wish of the majority of Israelis, and that this is hurting the interests of Israel, then he’s wrong on both counts,” Netanyahu told the publication.

His comments came one day after Biden said Netanyahu “must pay more attention to the innocent lives being lost as a consequence of the actions taken” in Gaza.

Biden, who has backed Israel during the five-month-old war with Hamas but whose frustration with Netanyahu is growing increasingly

Kyiv slams Pope’s ‘white flag’ call, vows it will not yield to Russia

KYIV—Ukraine has angrily rejected Pope Francis’s call to negotiate with Russia two years into its invasion, vowing “never” to surrender after the pontiff said Kyiv should “have the courage to raise the white flag.”

The row over his comments came as officials in Ukraine said Russian shelling in the east had killed three people Sunday.

A strike on a residential building in the eastern town of Myrnograd wounded a dozen more people, said Kyiv.

Ukraine also said Moscow launched missile attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region and sent attack drones across the centre and south of the country.

Russia, meanwhile, said one woman was killed in Ukrainian shelling of a border village.

The pope’s comments this weekend fuelled anger in Kyiv this weekend after he said in an interview that Ukraine should negotiate with Russia, which has seized large swathes of its territory in the offensive.

“Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. He was responding to the Pope’s interview to Swiss broadcaster RTS in which the Catholic leader raised the prospect of surrender -- two years after Kyiv has battled Russian forces on its territory.

“I believe that the strongest are those who see the situation, think about the people, and have the courage to raise the white flag and negotiate,” Pope Francis said in an interview conducted in early February and broadcast on Saturday. AFP

visible, aired his criticism in an interview with MSNBC.

Netanyahu’s failure to bring home hostages still held by Hamas militants, whose Oct. 7 attack on Israel triggered the war, has led to regular protests in Israel and calls for early elections, including in Tel Aviv again on Saturday night.

Netanyahu told Politico that “the vast majority are united as never before. And they understand what’s good for Israel.”

He added that his policies were “supported by the overwhelming majority of the Israelis”, who back “the action that we’re taking to destroy the remaining terrorist battalions of Hamas.”

The war in Gaza began with Hamas’s unprecedented Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 31,045 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

But Netanyahu said in the interview that this figure included 13,000 militants.

The number of civilian casualties “is not 30,000, it’s not even 20,000. It’s far less than that,” Netanyahu said, according to audio shared by Bild newspaper, which like Politico is owned by German publisher Axel Springer. AFP

Israel-Hamas war rages on as Ramadan begins

PALESTINIAN Territories—The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Monday in Gaza with no truce in sight, as fighting rages between Israeli forces and Hamas militants and a dire humanitarian crisis grips the besieged Palestinian territory.

Hamas attack on Israel has killed 31,045 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where vast swathes have been reduced to a bombed-out wasteland.

siege.

About 370 kilometers from Cyprus across the Mediterranean Sea, Mohammed Harara stood on the shores of Gaza, hoping for the aid to arrive.

“I’ve been waiting since this morning, because tomorrow is the start of the holy month of Ramadan and the situation is very tragic,” he said.

The non-governmental group Open Arms said its boat would tow a barge with 200 tonnes of food, which its partner the US charity World Central Kitchen would then unload on Gaza’s shores. It was expected to depart “within the coming hours”, Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told Cyprus News Agency.

Jordanian, US, French, Belgian and Egyptian planes parachuted aid into northern Gaza on Sunday, but the United Nations’ aid coordinator for the area has said boosting supply by land is the best way to get assistance to the territory’s 2.4 million people.

Some of the airdropped food packages smashed open on impact, leaving residents picking through the dirt to salvage what they could, AFPTV images showed.

The war started by the Oct. 7

Putin set for election coronation for fresh six-year term in vote with no opposition

MOSCOW—Vladimir Putin is set to secure another six-year term as Russian leader this weekend in a vote the Kremlin says will show society is fully behind his assault on Ukraine.

In power as president or prime minister since the final day of 1999, Putin has quashed all forms of opposition and dissent, exerting a level of domestic control that ensures the result is in no doubt.

Victory in the March 15-17 contest will allow him to stay in the Kremlin until at least 2030, longer than any Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the eighteenth century.

The poll comes at a time of high confidence for the former KGB agent.

Russia’s troops in Ukraine have chalked up their first battlefield gains in months.

And Putin’s most strident critic, Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic prison colony last month.

Though Putin is blasted as a pariah in the

West, the Kremlin says the vote will show that Russians at home are unified behind him and his offensive.

“He has no rivals at the moment and cannot have any,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last year.

“Nobody can realistically compete with him,” he said. Despite the ceremonial undertones, the Kremlin takes the electoral process seriously.

Moscow has poured resources into a campaign designed to whip up enthusiasm for Putin.

The president has toured the country and was filmed flying in the cockpit of a supersonic nuclear bomber, burnishing his toughguy credentials.

“These elections are very important for the Kremlin,” Chatham House fellow Nikolai Petrov told AFP.

“It is needed to demonstrate that Russians overwhelmingly support Putin” during the military offensive, he said. AFP

Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have aimed for a six-week truce and the release of many of the hostages taken on Oct. 7 that militants are still holding. In return, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.

The aim had been to halt the fighting by the start of Ramadan.

Both sides have blamed each other for failing to reach a truce deal, after Israel demanded a full list of surviving hostages and Hamas called for Israel to pull out all its troops from Gaza.

A source with knowledge of the truce talks told AFP that “there will be a diplomatic push especially in the next 10 days” with a view to securing a deal within the first half of Ramadan.

The holy month this year is “all pain”, said Ahmed Kamis, 40, in Rafah, where around 1.5 million people have tried to find refuge but are still at risk from Israeli bombing.

Israel has also threatened to launch a ground operation into the southern city.

In Washington, President Joe Biden, who faces growing criticism for his steadfast support of Israel as the civilian death toll in Gaza soars, issued a statement marking the start of Ramadan. AFP

WORKERS DEPLOYED. Rescuers take part in searching operations for seven missing persons on the Gardon river in Russan on Sunday following heavy rain over southeastern France. French rescue workers recovered three bodies and were searching for four other people, including two children, after violent storms whacked the area, with most believed to have been swept away in cars on flooded bridges. More than 300 rescue workers were deployed in the Gard department. AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

PRISONER EXCHANGE. Relatives and friends of Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Azov Brigade and sub-units hold placards during a rally in the center of Kyiv on Sunday, calling for their exchange with Russian prisoners, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. AFP

Air

RAIMONDO VISIT.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual welcomes United States Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) delegation at Malacañang on March 11, 2024. The high-level US delegation visit is expected to yield concrete action plans that will enhance the economic partnership between the Philippines and the US.

Darwin G. Amojelar

2023 foreign direct investments hit $8.9b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NET INFLOWS of foreign direct investments (FDI) reached $8.9 billion in 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday.

The figure, however, was down 6.6 percent from the $9.5-billion net inflows recorded in 2022.

“Notwithstanding the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, concerns over subdued global economic growth and geopolitical risks continued to weigh on investors’ investment plans,” the BSP said.

FDI net inflows in December rose 29.9 percent year-on-year to $826 million from the $636-million net inflows in the same month last year.

FDIs increased on the back of the 86.2-percent growth in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $527 million from $283 million in the comparable month in 2022.

Jollibee raising P8b from issuance of preferred shares to fund expansion

food chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) said Monday it plans

“JFC is undertaking this

optimize liquidity by managing maturities of financial obligations,” the fast food chain said.

BCDA, Australian groups sign four investments deals

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Monday it secured four agreements with Australian companies in the field of smart city solutions to accelerate the Philippine economy and create more skilled jobs. BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the deals were part of the $1.53-billion investments signed during the Philippines Business Forum held during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia in early March 2024.

“These agreements will help not just the BCDA but the whole country to navigate toward a safe and sustainable future in terms of digital transformation and renewable energy transition. Through these deals, we will also be able to drive inclusive economic growth and create more highquality employment opportunities for those living within the economic zones we operate,” Bingcang said.

The agreements are expected to attract foreign capital and business expertise to the Philippines, particularly in critical sectors like information and communications technology (ICT), energy and infrastructure.

One key agreement is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaizen ANZ Pty. Ltd. for the development, design, construction, commissioning and funding of a Tier-3 Data Center in Poro Point Freeport Zone, La Union.

“A portion of the net proceeds from the offering will be used to refinance financial obligations including JFC’s callable Series A preferred shares which is due in October 2024 and for other general business purposes,” it said.

The preferred shares will be issued as second and final tranche from the company’s 20 million preferred shares shelf-registration approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2021.

It issued P12 billion worth of preferred shares in 2021, which consisted of three million Series A preferred shares with a dividend rate of 3.2821 percent per annum and 9 million Series B preferred shares with an annual dividend rate of 4.2405 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Mactan-Cebu

MACTAN-CEBU International Airport (MCIA) said Monday it is set to welcome United Airlines’ daily flights from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport starting July 31, 2024.

Travelers will benefit from seamless connectivity, with the new Tokyo-Cebu flights offering convenient links to key US destinations served by United Airlines, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Newark and Houston, it said.

United Airlines, which has the largest and most diversified international route network among US carriers, offers non-stop services

Reinvestment of earnings improved 4.1 percent to $91 million from $87 million.

Meanwhile, non-residents’ net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings) declined by 21.7 percent to $208 million in December 2023 from $266 million a year ago.

Bulk of the equity capital placements in December came from Japan (51 percent) with investments directed mostly to the manufacturing industry.

This was followed by United States (13 percent), Singapore (12 percent) and Germany (8 percent).

Net FDI inflows hit an all-time high of $10.5 billion in 2021 at the height

of the pandemic, before settling at $9.5 billion in 2022. The BSP statistics on FDIs include investment by a non-resident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent and investment made by a non-resident subsidiary/associate in its resident direct investor. These data are distinct from those released by other government sources.

The approved foreign investments data that are published by the Philippine Statistics Authority represent investment commitments, which may not necessarily be realized fully, in a given period.

to 134 international destinations across 67 countries.

The partnership between Mactan-Cebu International Airport and United Airlines is poised to streamline travel for visitors from the United States, providing access to Cebu and unlocking pathways to tourist destinations such as Bohol, Siargao, Boracay, Siquijor, and other gems in Central and Southern Philippines.

Athanasios Titonis, chief executive of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, expressed optimism the partnership would serve as a cata -

lyst, inspiring other global carriers to collaborate with the airport.

“The growing demand for flights from various global destinations underscores the need for strategic partnerships like this one to effectively meet travelers’ needs. Our mission is to showcase the unparalleled beauty of the Philippines to the world. With some of the world’s most stunning beaches and unique experiences found only here, we hope other global carriers recognize the immense potential, particularly in Cebu, and join us in expanding our route network,” said Titonis.

THE speedy resolution of rights-ofway (ROW) concerns and the resettlement of informal settlers living along the planned route of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is necessary to ensure the timely completion of the vital infrastructure, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said. DOTr Undersecretary for railways Jeremy Regino said the agency is determined to complete the 147-kilometer urban rail system within the five-year time frame despite potential concerns. He said the DOTr is working “double time” to secure the rights-of-way needed by NSCR contractors so that construction work would proceed “full steam ahead”.

“As soon as we deliver all the need

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PREMIUM Leisure Corp. (PLC), the listed holding company for the gaming assets of the SM Group, plans to voluntarily delist its shares from the local bourse.

PLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday its board approved in a special meeting the voluntary delisting of its shares from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) after it received notice from its parent firm Sy-led Belle Corp. of a planned tender offer.

Belle said in a separate disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the conduct of a tender offer for all outstanding common shares of PLC “for the purpose of eventually causing the filing of an application for the voluntary delisting of PLC from the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange”.

Belle holds a 78.74-percent stake in PLC and has a public float of 20.08 percent. It hired First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), an independent third party, to conduct the valuation study and issue a fairness opinion report. Other terms of the tender offer, including the tender offer price, timing will be determined and finalized upon receipt and acceptance by its board of directors of the fairness opinion report of FMIC.

The delisting is still subject to the successful tender offer by Belle and in accordance with the PSE requirements of for voluntary delisting.

Meanwhile, PLC also asked the PSE to suspend the trading of its shares for one day to give the public the chance to digest this new information.

The share price of PLC on Friday closed at P0.74, a new 52-week high. Its stock has risen by 10.4 percent since the start of 2024.

ROW, we will ask them to ensure that the NSCR is completed within the timeframe or even ahead of the deadline,” Regino said.

He said various government agencies are collaborating to ensure that informal settlers living along the NSCR route will be provided with resettlement areas and that they are moved to these new communities soonest.

Regino said the NSCR is vital to the dispersion of economic growth opportunities to the provinces and regions which will be served by the system. He also said the government is now carefully studying the feasibility of extending the NSCR further north from its present end-point in Clark.

VISA CENTER. British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Alistair White (right) and Kaushik Ghosh, head-Australasia at VFS Global lead the inauguration of the new and upgraded UK Visa Application Center at the 6th Floor of the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two. Spread across 3,300 square feet, the center offers 10 submission counters with a capacity to process over 300 applications per day.

Creamline aims for solo lead against Strong Group

4

6

CREAMLINE tries to break away from a tie with Choco Mucho and Cignal as the Cool Smashers tangle with the winless Strong Group Athletics in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City today (Tuesday, March 12).

Coming off a three-set romp over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last Thursday, the defending champions set out for their 4 p.m. match against the Athletics as the heavy favorites, holding a palpable advantage in all aspects of the game.

Despite the favorable odds, however, team captain Alyssa Valdez urges caution among her teammates, emphasizing the coaching staff’s advice “not to become too complacent” while stressing the need for respect and maintaining their aggressiveness against every team in the league.

While many anticipate that coach Sherwin Meneses might experiment new combinations or provide more playing time to the bench, the Cool Smashers are expected to handle the Athletics convincingly in pursuit of a fourth straight victory.

Creamline’s roster boasts of top hitters Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao and Valdez, middles Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, and ace setter Kyle Negrito, supported by a crew capable of leading the team in any situation.

In contrast, the Athletics are still in search of their first win in their maiden stint in the league organized by Sports Vision. But after consecutive losses to powerhouse teams Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, along with a defeat to fellow newcomer Capital1, coach Onyok Getigan remains hopeful that his team, led by Mary Joy Onofre and skipper Dolly Verzosa, can put up a challenge against the formidable Cool Smashers.

Nxled, meanwhile, expects to end its skid as it collides with Galeries Tower at 6 p.m.

Ruivivar in contention for Paris games, Malabuyo out of running

By Peter Atencio

LEE Jung Ruivivar kept her Paris games’ ambitions alive, while the Olympic dreams of her fellow Fil-American bet Emma Malabuyo came to an end with a fourth-place finish at the end of the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series third leg over the weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 21-year-old Malabuyo, a five-time member of the US national team, bowed out of contention despite reaching the fi nals at fourth place, after Austrian Charlize Moerz took the gold medal in the women’s floor exercise event and the Olympic quota slot that went with it.

Moerz, who eased Malabuyo out of the no. 1 spot in the Cottbus leg, earned a total of 80 points after three legs of the four-part series, to become unreachable in the 2024 Apparatus World Cup’s Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Reallocated Points Rankings of the International Gymnastics Federation.

Malabuyo ended the Baku leg with 25 Olympic ranking points to tally 69 points, some 11 points behind Moerz, one of four female gymnasts, who have made qualification after three legs.

As for Ruivivar, a junior standout who burst into elite competitions in 2018, she kept her hopes bright despite finishing eighth place in the women’s uneven bar finals.

The fight for the lone spot in the women’s uneven bars is close, with Ruivivar in contention with five others, wit h her total of 44 points. This is due to the 18 points Ruivivar got from making it to the finals and

taking the no. 8 spot. “This World Cup event was definitely a roller-coaster ride. Upon arriving in Baku, I got a horrible stomach bug and spent the first two days getting over the illness, while still doing my best to continue training,” said Ruivivar, who debuted for the Philippines in the Cairo leg, in an interview with the Manila Standard. Of the six, New Zealand’s Georgia Rose Brown is the top bet to make it to Paris, but was a no-show in Baku. She has tallied 50 points after the Cairo and Cottbus legs. Jennifer Williams of Sweden and Vanessa Masova are tied with Brown with 48 points apiece, and so is another Swede Nathalie Westlund with 47.

Croatia’s Sara Sukelic shares fifth and sixth spots, with Ruivivar still close with 44.

“My main focus this competition was bars. During qualifications, I received a 13.466 on the uneven bars which got me into event finals. I unfortunately had a mistake during bar finals. However, I still received 18

Zamboanga takes on Stamp for Atomweight MMA crown

DENICE “The Menace” Zamboanga finally gets her long awaited crack at the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE 167 at Impact Arena in Bangkok on June 8.

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong made the announcement official at ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja as he rescheduled this colossal clash between Zamboanga and reigning champion Stamp Fairtex.

Originally set at ONE 166: Qatar, this will be an interesting duel between former peers who trained together at the Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand.

Since then, their paths have diverged.

Stamp has since gone on and built a lore of her own, claiming victories in her last four matches,

points,” added Ruivivar. Ruivivar’s performance earned her 11.9 points in the finals, with Kaylia Nemour of Algeria taking the gold medal with 15.433 points, while Elisa Lorio, a bronze medalist of the World Championships, settled for the silver medal with 14.33 points.

The Doha stop from April 17 to 20 will be the final stop and will finally decide Ruivivar’s fate, with the qualifier uneven bars still undecided.

“With three World Cups down, I am currently in 4th place for points and I am going to Doha in hopes of making it to that 2nd spot. For the other events (floor, beam, and vault), the spots are either locked or with a clear leader in the second spot, but on bars it’s a really tight race and there is not a definitive winner,” said Ruivivar.

Earlier, Carlos Yulo picked up a bronze medal in the men’s floor exercises, after he missed finals qualification in three other events, the men’s parallel bars, where is supposed to defend his crown, along with the pommel horse and the vault.

main event of ONE Fight Night 14 back in September to claim the vacant ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship.

She added that to her belt collection with her being the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Grand Prix Champion, as well as a former ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion.

Zamboanga, for her part, had to go back from zero before stringing a two-fight win streak. Her last match was in April last year where she earned a unanimous decision victory over Julie Mezabarba at ONE Fight Night 9: Nong-O vs. Haggerty.

Also announced for the card is the title defense of ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai against no. 3-ranked contender “Smokin” Jo Nattawut.

Fiery start up as Ladies PH Golf Tour unwraps

DAVAO—The new Ladies Philippine Golf Tour season unfolds today (Tuesday, March 12) here with a scramble of a start and a wild finish seen in the P1 million ICTSI Apo Golf Classic at the Apo Golf and Country Club here.

The 21-player field braces for fierce competition not only for top honors but also for the distinction of becoming the first Apo leg winner.

The quaint championship layout hosts an LPGT leg for the first time since 2013, following last year’s tournaments at Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon and South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Catalunan Pequeno, also in Davao. With notable players like Daniella Uy and Florence Bisera, last year’s winners at Del Monte and South Pacific, respectively, marked for attention, the next three days promise intense action.

Top contenders, including Harmie Constantino and Chihiro Ikeda, are also poised to engage in a spirited duel of shotmaking and course management on the tight, challenging layout.

But the title chase is not just a showcase of skill but also a test of nerves, strategy and determination, especially if the competition heads to a nail-biting finish.

Multi-titled Chanelle Avaricio, meanwhile, adds to the competitive field, eager to display the im-

provements gained from playing on the Epson Tour last year. Mikha Fortuna, on the other hand, aims to open the season strong, seeking to replicate her emphatic victory in last year’s Match Play Invitational at The Country Club. Debuting pros Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson, armed with extensive experience representing the country in various international competitions, including the SEA Games, the Asian Games and the World Amateurs, are likewise set to create an early impact. Young talents such as Velinda Castil, Laurea Duque and Annika Cedo are also eager and ready to prove their mettle, along with other hopefuls like Miya Legaspi, Marvi Monsalve, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Kristine Fleetwood, Rev Alcantara, Apple Fudolin, Lucy Landicho and Eva Miñoza. Organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. with support from Kampfortis Golf, the official PGTI apparel, the LPGT will proceed to the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship on March 19-22 at the Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, also in Davao. Action will then shift to Cavinti, Laguna for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship on April 9-12.

Sinner, Alcaraz demolish Indian Wells opponents

INDIAN WELLS—Reigning Grand Slam champions Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz turned in dominating performances on Sunday to roll into the fourth round of the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters.

The two hottest young racquets in the sport showed no mercy in quickfire victories, with Australian Open champion Sinner overwhelming Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-4.

“Almost perfect” Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, stepped up his Indian Wells title defense with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The world number two Spaniard allowed his Canadian opponent no room to move, reaching the fourth round with his eighth match win in a row at the event. A pair of women’s veterans showed new life in maternity comebacks.

“It was almost the perfect match for me,” said Alcaraz, who broke Auger-Aliassime’s serve four times. “I moved well, played aggressive and had less mistakes.”

Sinner was equally ruthless as he attacked Struff, with the Italian winning his 17th match in succession dating to his country’s Davis Cup victory in November.

Sinner fired 27 winners past Struff, whose style gave the third seed a target on court.

“We prepared very well, I tried to learn his moves,” Sinner said. “I played well and served well under pressure.

“Overall I can be really happy about today, I felt really good on the court.” AFP

Lee Jung Ruivivar (right) shares a light moment with fellow Fil-American Emma Malabuyo at the end of the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series third leg in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Games Tuesday (Philsports Arena)

p.m. – Creamline vs Strong Group

p.m. – Galeries Tower vs Nxled

Denice Zamboanga

Daniela Uy

BINI’s music takes over Spotify

By Nickie Wang

P-POP group BINI continues to solidify its claim as the “Nation’s Girl Group” with a massive achievement on Spotify.

Just days after releasing its debut EP (extended play) Talaarawan, BINI’s monthly listener count on the streaming platform has surpassed an impressive one million users.

This milestone comes hot on the heels of the group’s successful single “Pantropiko,” which garnered over six million streams, peaked at #3 on Spotify Philippines Viral Chart, and even debuted at #38 on the Global Viral Chart. The song’s vibrant energy sparked a dance trend on TikTok, capturing the attention of global K-Pop stars like Irene of Red Velvet and Ryujin of ITZY

Members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena tackle the youth’s perspective on friendship, love, and navigating through life in their first mini album that features six songs including “Salamin, Salamin,” “Ang Huling Cha Cha,”

“Na Na Nandito Lang,” “Diyan Ka Lang,” and their recent hits “Karera”

and “Pantropiko.”

“We are very excited about releasing our first EP because we want our supporters to feel like they have a diary they can turn to about anything because that’s the bond we have with them. It’s an open communication,” Jhoanna shared during a press conference for their record.

Its key track “Salamin, Salamin” produced by Mat Olavides and Bojam of FlipMusic captures the feeling of daydreaming about a potential crush.

The group formally released their highly anticipated EP on International Women’s Day (March 8) to align with

Shticks Joseph Peter Gonzales

start

AFTER a nearly two-year hiatus in the US following his separation from actress Carla Abellana Tom Rodriguez has returned to the Philippines and is set to resume his showbiz career.

“Yes, I’m back for good,” Rodriguez declared. “I’m gradually returning to my work. It feels good to be here once again.”

Rodriguez opened up about his time in the US, revealing he spent a simple life in Arizona that aided in his emotional healing. He initially planned a short two-week stay but ended up extending it due to the positive experience.

“To cut the long story short, I really had to take time to fully recover. My long vacation did me good. Now, I do feel that I’m whole again.”

While in the States, the good-looking star learned to perform household chores.

Murder mystery drama ‘Royal Blood’ turns up the heat on Netflix

DINGDONG Dantes makes his much-anticipated comeback to television in the murder mystery series Royal Blood , streaming on Netflix for viewers in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions starting March 15. More than just a rags-toriches story, Royal Blood promises a thrilling and suspenseful drama filled with intrigue and tension.

suddenly appears and tries to make up for his years of neglect. As Napoleon becomes part of his father’s wealthy family, he faces opposition from his halfsiblings, who consider him a threat to their inheritance. Things get complicated when his father is murdered, and he becomes the main suspect.

Determined to prove his innocence, Napoleon embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind his father’s death.

“I enjoyed taking on responsibilities for myself like, maintaining the household, cooking, doing the laundry, grocery and couponing — all those stuff. I simply enjoyed them.”

maintaining grocery and couponing — all those stuff. I simply enjoyed

Admitting that he has already moved on from his split with Carla, is he ready at this point to fall in love again?

“Yes, I do. In fact, I’m seeing someone now. When we started dating, I was already fully recovered emotionally.”

When would he reveal the identity of the new apple of his eye?

Well, at this point, I would just like to keep it to myself. For now, I’ll be selfish. It’s my own. I would limit my sharing to the public. Eventually, they’ll know.”

Apart from going back to doing soaps, Tom will be appearing in Ibarra: The Musical slated to be shown in the second quarter of 2024.

“You know, I’m glad and proud to be offered the role. I’m really been yearning to go back into theater. I’m happy to be given this wonderful opportunity,” he ends. * * *

Lovi Poe recently revealed her birthday wish for her 35th birthday.

“My wish is to be able to perfectly balance life,” Lovi shared. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I really want to find a healthy balance between my personal life and my work life. I think that’s my biggest wish: to achieve my goals while nurturing my relationship.”

While having children with husband Monty Blencowe is a future possibility, Lovi emphasized their current focus on enjoying their married life.

“Of course, it could happen and that’s definitely something we’d like to work towards in the future,” she admitted. “But right now, there are still a lot of things we want to do together.”

Admitting that he has already moved on from his split with “Yes, I do. In fact, I’m seeing someone now. When we balance I think that’s my biggest wish: to achieve my goals while is something we’d like to work towards in the future,” she admitted. might for “It’s said. until I’m But

Dantes portrays Napoy, the illegitimate son of a wealthy businessman who works as a motorcycle rider to support himself and his daughter. Despite facing financial struggles, Napoy finds strength in his loved ones. His life takes an unexpected turn when his long-lost father, Gustavo,

The actress acknowledges she might not be fully prepared for motherhood at this point. “It’s hard to say, right?” she said. “My friends always tell me they’re never really prepared until it happens. So, I can’t honestly say I’m completely ready. But whenever it does happen, I’ll make sure I am prepared.”

glitterati gathered in

Royal Blood boasts a starstudded cast that includes Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos Joining the action-packed drama as well is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, plus Benjie Paras and Arthur Solinap. Playing

KUNG Fu Panda 4 opened at the top of the North American box office this weekend and Dune: Part Two became the year’s first film to pass the $150 million mark domestically as movie-world glitterati gathered in Hollywood for Sunday’s Oscars ceremony.

Panda, a martial arts comedy from DreamWorks and Universal, took in an estimated $58.3 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period, according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations, as Hollywood saw some improving results following a wan start to the

The film’s numbers were good enough – for part four of an animated series – to earn it a spot in an “elite” group including Toy Story Despicable Me/Minions Ice , and Shrek, said analyst David A. Gross Jack Black voices panda Po as he battles a shapeshifting enemy. Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune sequel from Warner Bros. meantime enjoyed a strong second weekend, earning a solid $46 million. That pushed the domestic total for the extravagant sci-fi flick with its lavish cast to $157 million. It has taken in an additional $210 million internationally.

Imaginary, a new horror film from Blumhouse Productions and Lionsgate, came in third at $10 million – not a huge figure, but one nearly equaling its modest production cost, a formula that keeps the horror films coming. DeWanda Wise plays Jessica, who rediscovers her childhood teddy bear Chauncey – only to learn he’s not nearly as cute and

their advocacy on women empowerment.

“Our advocacy is also women empowerment. We always want to inspire women, and not just women but we want to make sure that people feel confident in their own skin. That’s why I think that March 8 is the perfect date,” Mikha shared in an interview with ABSCBN News.

The group also surprised their fans during the Talaarawan EP media conference held last Wednesday with the announcement of their first solo concert happening on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater. Grateful and hopeful for the song’s success, Johanna said, “We released it in November and ‘Pantropiko’ is a summer song. But we feel like the timing was perfect because it topped the charts while summer was approaching, so hopefully, this momentum continues,” Jhoanna said.

‘Dune 2’ continues impressive run

cuddly as she once thought – certainly no Paddington or Pooh. Fourth spot, with $7.6 million, went to Angel Studios’ new faithbased drama Cabrini, about a Catholic nun in 19th-century New York who clashed with politicians and church officials while trying to care for poverty-stricken immigrants. Cristiana Dell’Anna plays Mother Frances Cabrini, who was canonized long after her death.

And in fifth place, slipping three spots from last weekend, was Paramount’s biopic Bob Marley: One Love, at $4.1 million. Kingsley Ben-Adir plays the iconic reggae singer in the surprise box office hit, which has now taken in $89.3 million in North America. AFP

Members of the girl group BINI during their presscon for their ‘Talaarawan’ EP

BINI’s first mini album delves into the themes of friendship, love, and the notions of life

C4 LIFE

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

URING the official opening of Benjamin Barker at Rustan’s, Rustan Commercial Bienvenido

By Abigail Adriatico

FASHION brand Uniqlo welcomes the spring and summer season with its newest collection. “Spring/Summer 2024 LifeWear,” inspired by the theme “ease into lightness,” features pieces with a clean and casual style along with comfort and versatility.

In the collection’s launch last month, the brand unveiled its new pieces centered around lightness in lifestyle, function, and texture.

“Uniqlo LifeWear is clothing designed to make everyone’s life better. They are pieces that compliment everyday lifestyles, and with our season theme of Ease Into Lightness, we showcase different key items that are a perfect fit for Filipinos’ different needs, highlighting our products’ quality materials, colors, textures, and styles,” said Geraldine Sia, Uniqlo Philippines’ chief operating officer.

Lightness in Lifestyle pieces showcase the combination of casual and urban sport through items such as Sports Utility Wear and utility pants paired with Uniqlo’s casual items like Core T and Bra Tops. Lightness in Function incorporates functionality with a clean-work style through items with modern neutral colors made to comfortably withstand harsh conditions. Pieces like Miracle Air, AIRism, UV Protection, DRYEX, and Blocktech along with Smart Ankle, Super Non-Iron Shirt, and Rayon Shirt are among the items that fall under this category.

Lightness in Texture takes inspiration from the themes of vacation with summer casual styles, utilizing linen and cotton, which are light and high-quality materials. Pieces such as the Pleated Skirt and Sheer Knit (3D Mesh) allow for ease and comfort without sacrificing style.

Uniqlo also unveiled the Uniqlo UT and Uniqlo: C, which are its special collaborations for the season with pop culture icons as well as renowned figures such as British Designer Clare Waight Keller, Northern Irish Designer J.W. Anderson, and French Designer Ines de la Fressange

The Uniqlo UT collection featured graphic t-shirts of various characters

“Donnie” Tantoco III recounted an unconventional encounter that led him to discover the perfect white shirt.

At a business conference, a Malaysian tycoon challenged Tantoco to spill wine on his pristine white shirt. Initially hesitant, Tantoco obliged, pouring wine on his acquaintance’s shirt. To his surprise, the wine stains effortlessly vanished with a simple wipe, leaving the shirt looking freshly laundered. Intrigued by this revelation, Tantoco delved further into the shirt’s properties and realized he had stumbled upon perfection.

Tantoco shared this chance encounter during the launch of Benjamin Barker, a men’s suit brand at Rustan’s Makati, founded by Nelson Yap Yap, inspired by his father’s legacy

in the suit business, identified gaps in the market concerning size and price, particularly in Asian-centric designs suitable for the region’s climate. Thus, Benjamin Barker was born, offering tailored suits crafted from breathable fabrics like linen and mixed cottons.

Yap’s dedication to catering to the Asian physique and lifestyle extends to the brand’s signature white shirts, which are treated with special chemicals at the yarn level to resist stains, UV light, and wrinkles. Despite their impeccable quality, Benjamin Barker maintains an accessible price range, ensuring that everyday individuals can express their style with sophistication.

Benjamin Barker’s design aesthetics revolves around embracing contrasts, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless yet contemporary pieces.

“Each garment embodies meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful tailoring, ensuring a perfect fit for the modern man’s diverse physique and style preferences,” Yap told Manila Standard Life in an interview.

In essence, Benjamin Barker epitomizes the harmonious coexistence of modernity and tradition, offering a collection that empowers individuals to express their unique identity through timeless elegance and effortless style.

“We want to make wearing suits cool again. We see people wearing suits paired with sneakers or even with baseball caps. So, we are trying to reimagine the traditional suits into something modern and now evolving into something futuristic. We’re trying to be more innovative,” he added.

When asked why it took so long to bring the brand to the Philippines, he explained that they were focused on opening stores in Singapore.

“We have 17 stores now in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. But in the past few months since the soft opening of our store here at Rustans, it seems that there’s a demand for our products,” Yap stated.

Functional and fashionable Fashion brand unveils new Spring/Summer 2024 collection

and icons from pop culture such as Naruto, Metal Gear, and Disney.

Designs with Keller are featured in Uniqlo: C, which showcased pieces aimed for sophistication in ease and motion. It took inspiration from artistic communities within Lavender Hill in South London, mixing vivid colors and shapes in the designs.

Pieces with Anderson which incorporated architectural design were inspired by the mid-century era’s fabrics and crafts partnered with a pop of color. The Southern France and the Mediterranean landscapes along with the style of Parisian chic embodying simplicity and elegance were the inspiration for de la Fressange’s pieces.

The Uniqlo: C collection is set to launch its first capsule for Spring on Feb. 23 while the second capsule launch for Summer will be sometime

in April.

Vice President for Marketing

Georgette Jalasco also expounded on the brand’s effort for sustainability through its Re.Uniqlo Repair Studio, which provided customers with a repair service for their damaged LifeWear items. For pieces that are beyond repair, they can be deposited in Re.Uniqlo boxes within Uniqlo stores where the

Treat women in your life to stylish fashion pieces, eye-catching beauty products

WOMEN are strong and intelligent, and they deserve to be celebrated for all that they do. With the theme “inspire inclusion,” this year’s International Women’s Month aims to inspire people to value women’s contributions. Robinsons Department Store is joining the celebration with its “We Are Women” campaign. Until April 15, you can treat yourself and all the special women in your life with clothes and accessories from brands like Lee and JAG; beauty and skincare from Maybelline, L’Oreal, Y.O.U Cosmetics, Bobbie Cosmetics, CosRX, and more; and other exciting products up to 60 percent off across all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide. This is also available via its e-commerce channels on LazMall and Shopee Mall.

Customers can also get a free Jelly Pouch (available in three colors) for a minimum purchase of P2,500 on ladies’ items.

Robinsons Department Store has more promos in store. On International Women’s Day on March 8, GoRewards members can get P300 off on their total shopping for a minimum purchase of P3,000. Snag more great deals at the one-week We Are Women Fair from March 9 to 15 at Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Atrium Activity Center. Get a chance to participate in fun activities, get freebies, and win prizes when you shop.

Robinsons Department Store is also offering flexible payment options with its “Shop Now, Pay Later” plan. Enjoy 0 percent interest when you shop using any major credit cards, with a three-month installment for P3,000 single-receipt purchases and a six-month installment for P5,000 single-receipt purchases. This Women’s Month, browse Robinsons Department Store’s diverse offerings to empower the women around you with fashion and beauty finds that make them feel confident. Visit your nearest Robinsons Department Store, or shop via LazMall and

Shopee Mall.

Benjamin Barker Founder & CEO Nelson Yap during the

From left: Vince Velasco, Gabbie Mariano, Donnie Tantco, Rico Tantoco Nelson Yap, LA Aguinaldo and Mikee Reyes