Manila Standard - 2024 April 1 - Monday

New maritime council to beef up WPS defense

President: Body to confront challenges to territorial integrity

PPCG website hacked anew

Solons nix Cha-cha survey

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS on Sunday questioned the recent Pulse Asia survey on Charter amendments, raising concerns over the use of biased and unrelated or leading questions that may have influenced the results.

"Why include questions that people don't want and are not related to the ongoing process in Congress? Is this black propaganda?" Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe of Zamboanga City said.

"Including unrelated questions in the survey only serves to confuse and mislead the public," he added.

The survey showed that 74 percent of the respondents believe the 1987 Constitution "should not be amended now nor any other time.”

POLICE Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta has been designated as the Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge as PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda ended his term this weekend.

A memorandum from the Office of the President, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued the appointment of Peralta.

Peralta, who serves as the PNP's

deputy chief for administration, will remain as the OIC "until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by this Office," according to the memorandum.

Acorda was supposed to step down from his post in December after turning 56, the compulsory age of retirement for PNP personnel.

By Jenniffer B.

Austria

PROPERTY giant Ayala Land, Inc.

(ALI) closes the Greenbelt 1 mall in Makati City today (April 1) to commence its five-year, P13-billion mall redevelopment plan.

Greenbelt 1, which was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, is part of ALI’s plan to redevelop four of its major shopping malls, including Glorietta, Greenbelt 2, TriNoma, and Ayala Center Cebu.

The 41-year-old Greenbelt 1 will be redeveloped into a luxury mall that

Free hostages, halt Gaza fighting –Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his calls for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as fresh truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas were due to begin.

"I appeal once again that access

Unite in prayer for Bagong Pilipinas –PBBM

PRESIDENT Marcos called on the Catholic faithful to be inspired by the promise of Jesus Christ to rise again and deliver eternal salvation for all, as he urged them to be united in praying for a “Bagong Pilipinas” that everyone deserves.

In his Easter Sunday message, Mr. Marcos said the celebration is a reminder that, “while faith, devotion, and sacrifice are, by themselves, worthy ideals to aspire for, they also yield great rewards both here on earth and the hereafter.”

Help those in need –Speaker Romualdez

'HELP those in need, unite for a more prosperous nation'—Speaker Martin Romualdez Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez urged Filipinos to help one another, especially those in need, and to unite for a more prosperous Philippines.

“We recognize the hardships endured by our fellow Filipinos, especially those facing economic difficulties and other social issues.

MONDAY,

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The EO was released days after the latest string of dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attack by China against Philippine vessels.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin chairs the National Maritime Council, which will have as members the heads of the following agencies: Department of National Defense, National Security Council, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs,Department of Finance, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Office of the Solicitor General, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Mr. Marcos also renamed the NCWC Secretariat as Presidential Office for

Maritime Concerns.

The POMC was tasked to “provide consultative, research, administrativeand technical services to the Council.”

The President earlier said the Philippines would not be cowed into silence amid China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

"We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience," Mr. Marcos said.

"Filipinos do not yield," he added.

For her part, Senator Imee Marcos cautioned the administration againstadopting a “war-like footing” against China, which she said was upon the prodding of the United States.

“It seems this administration is too much on war-like footing,” shesaid in a radio interview yesterday.

“Of course, my brother (President Marcos) is already cranky…Theproblem is that we listen too much to the

#ANONGBALITA?

Short-lived romance: Han So-hee, Ryu Jun-yeol have called it quits

SOUTH Korean stars Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee have ended their romance just two weeks after going public in March 2024.

In a report from the Korean news outlet Edaily, a source from Jun-yeol’s agency confirmed the news.

“It is true that Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee broke up,” the source stated.

Both actors’ agency then confirmed the news on Saturday, March 30.

In a statement, So-hee’s agency, 9ato Entertainment, said: “Han So Hee and actor Ryu Jun Yeol have broken up. The two both found their roles as actors to be more important. They promised to no longer emotionally exhaust with their personal life.”

“Han So Hee gave herself and the public a difficult time due to her personal emotions. Her method of communication was incorrect. She willaccept any criticism.”

“Above all, the agency is greatly

responsible for not looking afterits actor. The agency is reflecting on failing to properly play itsrole. Although it is very late, we will go on to right things from now on. Please continue to watch with a warm gaze.”

Earlier this March, So-hee acknowledged her relationship withJun-yeol, with the actor’s agency subsequently stating their relationship.

So-hee also denied involvement in Jun-yeol’s previous breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Lee Hyeri, the actor's co-star in the K-drama

"Reply 1988.”

This followed a cryptic post by Hyeri, interpreted as a response tothe dating news. The couple had dated for eight years before their November 2023 split.

Hyeri then issued a public apology on March 18 for letting emotionscloud her judgment. She clarified they had discussed their post-breakup relationship but had no further contact.

One second less per minute likely delayed to 2029

IN A strange twist, global warming appears to be helping out timekeepers by delaying the need for history's first "negative leap second" by three years, a study published last week suggested.

Experts fear that introducing a negative leap second – a minute withonly 59 seconds – into standard time could cause havoc on computersystems across the world.

For most of history, time was measured by the rotation of the Earth.

However, in 1967, the world's timekeepers embraced atomic clocks–which use the frequency of atoms as their tick-tock – ushering in a more precise era of timekeeping.

But in recent years a new problem has emerged that few saw coming: Earth's rotation has been speeding up, overtaking atomic time.

This means that to bring the two measurements in sync, timekeepers may have to introduce the first ever negative leap second.

"This has never happened before, and poses a major challenge to making sure that all parts of the global timing infrastructure show the sametime," said Duncan Agnew, a researcher at the University ofCalifor-

prodding of the Americans,”the senator added. “We should talk to China even if we are already pissed off… Our relationship with China is not good – we have to admit that much.”

The senator, however, downplayed the impact of the so-called“gentleman’s agreement” between China and the Philippines during theDuterte administration.

Marcos, chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee, said the agreement was “practical.”

Duterte’s former spokesman, Harry Roque, said Manila had a verbal agreement with Beijing not to construct and repair Philippinefacilities in the WPS, including refraining from sending construction materials for BRP Sierra Madre.

Roque, however, clarified that the agreement does not involve thetowing or removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal nor was it binding on President Marcos.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan

Remembering...

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Rosmarino, and Mediterranean-Style Grilled Chicken were worth every peso.

The word “nostalgia,” giving the sense of an acute homesickness fromthe original German usage, also means “to return home” in the Greek.

This was the perfect word to describe my daily visits to National Bookstore, also located on the first floor. More so now that Greenbelt 1 is closing.

As a writer, I could not let the week pass without a new title in myhands—a novel, a suite of poems, or the biography of a historical figure. To enjoy these literary treats, I had two of my eyeglasses made by Sarabia Optical. These shops served me quite well during those deadline-gripped years. I would not have been able to survive and see my next paycheck without them.

What truly endeared me to Greenbelt 1 was the day I first went for a walk with my partner-in-crime for close to two decades now, the novelist and editor, Che. I remember that day extremely well, havingbeen awkward and all. We strolled down Greenbelt 1’s winding walkways and lanes without uttering a word to one another. Her younger sister arrived minutes later as chaperone, walking at a comfortable distance while never really deflecting her eyes.

I thought of putting my best foot forward, hence my invitation to dine at the Café Via Mare. While the place was a bit pricey, with their signature Bibingka Galapong—topped with Laguna Cheese and Salted Duck Egg—going at more than P200, I’m proud to say there was little hesitation on my part when she ordered it.

Suffice it that after we dined again at Café Via Mare more than adecade later, and I ordered their lip-smacking Monggo Soup and Boneless Dilis, I got the scolding of my life. “Why would you order something I can cook at home?”

Well, wasn’t Via Mare’s Monggo Soup the best example of home cooking? But then, I realized apologies were in place. Happy wife, happy life. No two ways about it.

Malaya,however, said the agency is not aware of nor does it recognize any"gentleman's agreement" claimed by Roque.

"We are not aware of any 'gentleman’s agreement' between China and thePhilippines referred to by former secretary Harry Roque," Malaya said.

"The good former secretary should be one to explain to the public hisstatements since such an agreement, if it exists, infringes and violates our sovereignty as a nation," Malaya added.

For his part, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said thePhilippines and China should continue to work to ease heightening tensions.

“Both countries should exhaust all diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation,” Libanan said.

“We are very concerned that prospective foreign investors mightmisperceive and misunderstand the tensions as a looming security risk,” he added. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solons...

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However, Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes stood by the results of the latest survey.

"We have been running the questions for 20 years," Holmes said in a text message to ABS-CBN News.

"The sequence is we start with asking if they favor charter change, ingeneral, then the specific changes proposed now and before are posed later."

House Assistant Majority Leaders Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-listgroup, Paolo Ortega V of La Union, and Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said the survey questions appeared to conflate various aspects of constitutional reform, which potentially could confuse respondents.

“The wording of the questions used by Pulse Asia seemed designed to lead respondents towards a particular viewpoint on Charter amendments," Bongalon, a lawyer, said.

He said the proposed amendments in the survey are not aligned with those currently under discussion in Congress.

nia, San Diego.

"Many computer programs for leap seconds assume they are all positive, so these would have to be rewritten," he told AFP.

Partly using satellite data, Agnew looked at the rate of the Earth's rotation and the effect of its slowing core for the new study published in the journal Nature.

He determined that if not for climate change, a negative leap second might have needed to be added to UTC as soon as 2026.

But starting from 1990, melting ice in Greenland and Antarctica hasslowed down the Earth's rotation, the study said. This has delayed the need for a negative leap second until at least 2029, it added.

"When the ice melts, the water spreads out over the whole ocean; this increases the moment of inertia, which slows the Earth down," Agnew said.

If the need for an "unprecedented" negative leap second was delayed, that would be "welcome news indeed," Patrizia Tavella, the head of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, which is responsible for UTC, commented in Nature. AFP

Unite...

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"Be inspired by the promise of Jesus Christ to rise and deliver eternal salvation for all," the President said.

He added that the Catholic faithful should emulate Jesus Christ by always remembering the needs of others, especially those who have less in life, the sick and the downtrodden.

“Let us draw inspiration from this

Help...

From A1

Easter calls upon us to extend a helping hand to those in need and demonstrate empathy and kindness towards one another. Together, we can build a society that leaves no one behind and ensures the well-being of all,” Romualdez said in his Easter Sunday message.

“Let this season of renewal be a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold justice, equality, and progress. As public servants, it is our duty to serve the best interests of the Filipino people, listen to their voices, and work tirelessly for their welfare.”

“Let us remain steadfast in our commit-

What would ring to me as the most memorable is the mall’s cinema. I dated Che for the first time at the showing of “Happy Feet”. Mostcouples would go for sleazier choices for obvious reasons, but I guess choosing “Happy Feet”—a cartoon about a penguin who was ostracized for dancing—spoke well of my good intentions.

And so there we were, slumped on the movie house chairs waiting for the film to start. I wanted to hold her hand, but she refused. She was probably living up to her claim as “mataray” (harsh), but it was all good—so far. I surely didn’t want to impose, much less ruin the day.

Minutes into the first scenes, I got hooked, laughing and sniggering as the movie progressed. I remember tapping my own happy feet to the music, well-nighforgetting I was with a hot date. I probably came off to her as cold and distant—boring at least, dull at best. Be that as it may, it probably made her realize that my intentions were noble and decent, which, I must now admit, were nowhere near my reputation at the time.

But what’s a guy to do with reputation if that’s all he has?

Thanks to Greenbelt 1’s showing of “Happy Feet,” Che and I have stayedin love for 18 years now. That’s not about to end, believe me. Overwhelming proof of this is a kid named Likha—this stubborn, highly-intelligent, nine-year-old grammar police with a British accent and the mouth of a Sig Sauer M400. Take that!

Greenbelt 1, designed by National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture Leandro Locsin, is now scheduled to close today. From its first opening in 1988, it has become, for us and many more Filipinos, a destination where precious memories have been hatched. While I amvery much open to the changes triggered by progress, losing Greenbelt 1 is huge, indeed.

But then again, for the remains of the day, other memories will soonbe crafted and set in the new edifice, built on the bright ruins of earlier memories which, I am sure, will hardly be forgotten.

The Greenbelt Chapel was one of those iconic structures that leave the soul wanting for more. While I am not Roman Catholic, I do appreciateits location: The middle of a sprawling manicured garden and winding brick walkways, where the five o’clock breeze helps alleviate the tensions within. The pressure to meet deadlines can eat away at one’s devotion to the writing craft, believe me it can, thus my quiet little stints between the trees. The devotees’ songs to God makes one realize that we’re not alone in this vast universe.

important narrative as we overcome our personal and spiritual challenges. May this day also excite ourhearts to live a Christ-like life, especially in sharing our blessings in whatever form to the poor, the sick and the downtrodden,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Finally, let us unite in praying for the continued guidance of God Almighty in our collective pursuit to build the Bagong Pilipinas that we are destined to achieve. I wish everyone a happy and blessed Easter Sunday,” the Chief Executive added.

ment to good governance,transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the trust placed in us is honored with the utmost integrity,” he said.

The leader of the 309-strong House of Representatives called on Filipinos to “never forget the power of unity in our pursuit of a better future.”

“Despite our diverse backgrounds, beliefs, or political affiliations, we are all interconnected as citizens of this great nation. Bystanding together, we can overcome any challenge, heal the wounds of division, and forge a path towards a more prosperous and harmonious Philippines,” he said. “Easter serves as a reminder of the power of hope, renewal, and faith. It is a time when we come together

These include political issues such as changing the unitary system toa federal system of government, term extension for national and local elective officials, change of the presidential system to aparliamentary system of government, and shift from bicameral to a unicameral legislature.

Ortega said the survey also contained a biased question regarding "allowing foreign individuals and companies to exploit Philippine natural resources."

Ayala...

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The property firm said it will work with global experts, including Buchan, Gensler and CAN Design, Ltd., for the planned redevelopment.

Acorda...

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However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his term until March 31, reports said.

Peralta, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Sambisig" Class of 1991, has served as chief of the directorial staff and previously led Police Regional Office 1 in the Ilocos Region and the Southern Police District of Metro Manila.

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to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seizedon October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," the Pope said in his Easter message in the Vatican where he pronounced the "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World) blessing.

He also called for a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap as the war between the countries grinds into a third year.

"In calling for respect for the principles of international law, Iexpress my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russiaand Ukraine," he told tens of thousands of Catholics gathered at Saint Peter's Square.

The 87-year-old arrived in a wheelchair to preside over the mass from10:00 am (0800 GMT) in cloudy and windy weather, with the events broadcast live around the globe.

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is theculmination of Holy Week, a major part of the Catholic calendarfollowed by 1.3 billion people.

The pope on Saturday presided over the Easter Vigil at the Vatican infront of some 6,000 people from around the world, a day after hislast-minute cancellation at a major Good Friday procession revived questions about his health.

He delivered a 10-minute homily in Italian, speaking without any unduedifficulty and condemning "the walls of selfishness and indifference" in the world. AFP

as a nation, setting aside our differences and embracing the spirit of unity and compassion.”

“In the midst of the challenges we face as a nation, this joyous occasion brings us a message of resilience and the promise of a brighter future. Just as Jesus Christ triumphed over darkness and emerged victorious, let us draw inspiration from His example and rise above the trials that confront us,” the Speaker said.

“On this meaningful celebration, may we find solace in the promise of hope and renewal. May we draw strength from the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ. Let us be inspired to become agents of positive change, spreading love, compassion, and understanding in our communities,” he said.

Easter Bunnies. Children gathered in their best bunny costumes to pose and parade to celebrate Easter Sunday at SM City Bacoor.

MONDAY,

PBBM foreign trips bearing fruits—solon

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE investment missions abroad of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., assisted by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and other government officials, are starting to bear fruit, a congressional leader said on Sunday. Proof of this, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr noted, is the recent assessment by HSBC Global Research that the investment environment in the country is “turning for the better.”

Gonzales, who represents Pampanga’s third district in the House of Representatives, added: “The President’s investment promotion missions, boosted by related measures approved by Congress and signed into law by the President, are beginning to yield positive results for the country and our people.”

He said foreign investors now see the Philippines as a potential profitable investment destination, “thanks to President BBM and our good Speaker Martin Romualdez.”

“The improved investment outlook of investors like the recent high-level American trade mission to Manila, and actual investments and pledges committed during the President’s investment trips augur well for the nation in the years ahead,” he added. Gonzales noted that the US trade mission promised at least $1 billion in investments, while investment pledges received by President BBM amounted to several billions of dollars.

“These commitments, if realized, will sustain our economic growth and create new job and income opportunities for our people,” he stressed.

Congress to summon NLEX execs

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand

Martin G. Romualdez will summon officials of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to have them explain why RFIDs of vehicles cannot be read at the toll gates which resulted in a traffic jam on Holy Wednesday.

According to Deputy Majority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, the office of the Office of the Speaker has received several complaints on the matter.

the issue head-on. House Bill 8161, which she filed in May last year, aims to classify non-payment of toll fees as a traffic violation and requires automated cashless toll collection to improve road safety and ease congestion on tollways, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

booths, provided they have a working Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and sufficient funds.

These systems promise reduced travel time, improved traffic flow, and environmental benefits, with Herrera citing successful implementations in other Asian countries, such as Taiwan’s MLFF system.

As ollways faced traffic jams akin to “Carmageddon” during Holy Week, House Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera renewed her call for the swift approval of her bill aimed at tackling

“A lot of people were angry and reported to Speaker Romualdez that their RFID stickers were not being read when passing through the toll plaza, which caused a very long traffic in NLEX that day,” Tulfo said. “What is the use of RFID if they [toll personnel would still] ask for the toll card at the toll booth.”Tulfo also sought a review of the franchise granted to operators of NLEX “if they can’t fix (the problem).”

“The time for action is now. We cannot afford to delay the approval of this bill any longer, especially considering the urgent need to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists,” Herrera said. Herrera’s bill introduces innovative tolling systems like the Open Road Tolling and the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF), streamlining collection without requiring vehicles to stop at toll

Herrera stressed that passing the bill would enable the Philippines to adopt the MLFF system, effectively addressing significant traffic congestion issues on tollways.

“Besides being a major inconvenience for drivers, our country lags behind in tollway speed, as we’re the only ASEAN nation mandating a complete stop on supposed expressways,” she said.

PNP: 29 deaths due to drowning on Holy Week

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 29 people have died in this year’s Holy Week due to drowning, while three other individuals remain missing.

In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the PNP also recorded 56 Holy Week-related incidents so far, and 34 of which were due to drowning.

The official said the PNP started receiving drowning incident reports on Wednesday, March 27, when people started going to provinces in time for the long weekend. Most of these drowning incidents occurred in beaches, private resorts, and rivers.

“We have two near-drowning incidents. Good thing, there were police personnel near the area so we were able to save the other victims. In other private resorts, unfortunately, the victims really drowned,” Fajardo, quoted by reports, said.

FEEDING PROGRAM IN LEYTE. The office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tingog Partylist Reps.

Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, in collaboration with Palo Leyte Municipal Councilors Casimero Villas, Antonio Hernit, Ian Sevilla, and Brgy. Chairwoman Ligaya Barbosa distributed food to 200 children during a feeding program at Brgy. Canhidoc Palo, Leyte.

CA maintains murder verdict on 7 ASG men

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction for murder of seven members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group tagged behind the killing of a military asset in 2007.

In a 26-page decision written by Associate Justice Eduardo Ramos, Jr., the CA’s Seventh Division resolved that the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City did not err in imposing the penalty of reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) without possibility of parole against accused-appellants Omar Jakarin Ibno, Hiya Arabain Hapipuddin, Muadzi Aisal Jala, Najer Daud, Omar Panagas, Jemar Malpa, and Ibrahim Misuari in connection with the killing of Jemar Bairulla.

However, the appellate court modified the trial court’s decision by increasing the civil liabilities imposed against the seven terrorists from P275,000 to P350,000, representing moral, exemplary, temperate damages, plus six percent annual interest until fully paid.

“In synthesis, the Court finds that the guilt of accused-appellants has been established, but modifies the penalties imposed by the RTC. The evidence of the prosecution was strong enough to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence in their favor,” the CA ruled.

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to investigate the reported breach of its social media account.

In a statement, the PCG revealed that an unknown entity had gained unauthorized access to its official Facebook page.

PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said the unknown hackers uploaded two “malicious short videos” on the agency’s official Facebook page.

“The Coast Guard Public Affairs is now coordinating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center under the Department of Information and Communications Technology to conduct backend operations and assess the security breach,” the PCG statement read.

Presently, the Facebook page of the PCG continues to display movie recap videos.

This is the third time that the PCG’s social media account has been hacked. The agency first lost access to its Facebook account on Feb, 26, but was recovered three days later.

On Feb. 15, the PCG’s X account (formerly Twitter) was also hacked, but access was restored a few hours later.

‘Skilled workers likely go abroad’

By Gabriellea Parino

AN EXODUS of workers in the construction and hospitality sectors upon gaining qualifications is inevitable, a study on Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) showed.

The research commissioned by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDs) indicated that workers most migrate flee to bigger cities or abroad once they have gained qualifica-

tions through local TVET training and employment.

“The flight of skilled workers contributes to labor supply gaps and necessitates training programs that continu-

ously produce qualified workers,” the paper stated. The study, written by Dr. Aniceto Orbeta Jr. and John Paul Corpus, also unravelled a low drive for constructionrelated jobs among those enrolled in TVET.

“The respondents attributed the low demand in the sector to unfavorable perceptions of construction jobs among the youth and their parents. Construction jobs are viewed as lowly, dirty, and dead-end jobs,” the report said. Orbeta and Corpus also found out

Lawmaker eyes House support to free yearly medical check-up bill

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has appealed to fellow legislators to support the passage of a bill that would entitle every Filipino to a free annual medical check-up.

Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of the Bicol Saro party-list group said the enactment of House Bill 1785 will provide for this benefit as a way to ensure that every Filipino is given access to preven-

“In

MECO chief welcomes Taiwan firms’ incentives grant to OFWs

By Vito Barcelo

FILIPINO

MECO

for more than 30 years. It is a food company founded in 1934 and became a popular consumer brand in Taiwan. I-Mei is also a major milk processor.

“In I-Mei Foods alone, about 53 OFWs

had been promoted to mid-managerial positions. That gave them the privilege of being exempted from the maximum period of stay in Taiwan,” Bello said.

The government of Taiwan allows foreign workers a maximum of 12 years of work in manufacturing firms except when given mid-level work assignments.

“And with the assistance of the company, they can apply for permanent residence and invite their families to live with them in Taiwan,” Bello said.

Several Taiwanese companies had similarly rewarded Filipino workers with job promotion for their excellent work ethic and performance. Just last year, an OFW was hailed by the Taiwanese government as an outstanding worker, and was elevated to a managerial position in the electronic company where he was working.

that tourism-related programs are the most widely offered in the country, climbing up to at least 16,620 programs offered in the year 2020, citing administrative data. Other top sectors with the widest job opportunities included agriculture, forestry, and fishing; metals and engineering; electrical and electronics, human health or health care, construction, automotive and land transportation, as well as social, community development, and information and communication technology.

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LEGISLATOR from the Bicol region on Sunday appealed anew to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to consider granting tax credits to supermarkets and other retail stores that are required to give discounts to seniors and disabled individuals.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte at the same time welcomed this month’s scheduled implementation of the higher discounts on essential grocery items purchased by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Villafuerte pointed out that with many small supermarkets and retail outlets apparently struggling already with thin profit margins, “such a tax break would spell financial relief for them—and help ensure their greater compliance with this new House-initiated economic benefit for our seniors and PWDs in the face of the ever-spiralling cost of basic commodities,” Villafuerte said. The most common complaint of retail establishments that are required to grant discounts to seniors and PWDs is the refusal of the BIR to give tax credits for the discounts.

Customs

Tests

AS CHRISTENDOM rejoices and everybody greets everyone Happy Easter, it seems ironic that this 2024, the day after is what the occidentals playfully call April Fools Day.

The April Fools joke is upon those who tried mightily to push for “economic” amendments to a Constitution that truly needs a revisit, not only on its restrictive economic provisions, but on the form of government and the manner we elect our officials.

Last week, Pulse Asia came up with research findings done March 6 to 10, that says 88 percent of Filipinos say the Constitution should not be amended now , but may be amended sometime in the future, even as 74 percent think it shouldn’t be amended now or in the future.

But Filipinos have short memories, short attention spans and are prone to change their minds. Public opinion here is after all fickle.

—“—

For whatever April

Fools joke was played upon our then presidential candidate in April 2022 on the campaign trail, to promise 20-peso rice per kilo, the test will be most difficult to hurdle

What is clear is by now, due to clumsy efforts of PIRMA handlers who looked like fools before our senators, public opinion on Constitutional change is negative, and that gives an excuse for the Senate which is extremely mindful of what the public thinks, to reject the efforts of their House counterparts who adopted RBH6, many without reading or without clear comprehension.

Even those senators who were suspicious of the HoR’s true intent, but wanted to curry favor with the administration, will now have reason to “listen” to public opinion, as measured by a credible polling firm such as Pulse Asia.

Cha-cha is dead in the water, for now. Ah! But do not expect its progenitors, whether in Batasan Hills or in the palace beside the Pasig River with the centuries old “malas” balete tree in front, to easily give up.

Even now, they must be thinking of what they can yet do to salvage the situation, knowing how fickle the Filipino mind is.

The main reason advanced for lifting all economic restrictions other than land ownership, foolishly watered down by compromise to just public utilities, education and advertising, was because we need foreign investments marching in like saints to give jobs for our people.

The reason why the Maharlika Fund was railroaded in both houses was also because we need to prod foreigners to invest in the economy, and so we made a local effort capitalized from people’s banks.

Don’t get me wrong; we really need FDIs, but the reason they shun us now is not because of the restrictive provisions of our 1987 Constitution, but because of many other reasons that make the cost of doing business in these benighted land quite expensive and even risky.

And that brings me to one of two tests where the current leadership will be weighed by our people.

One, will investments, whatever and wherever the provenance, boost our high unemployment and under-employment rate and lift up the poor standards upon which they survive?

And because our peripatetic president, now having gone out for 25 times to several countries in a span of 19 months, with the 26th soon to its ally in Washington DC, ostensibly to attract investors, results must come in soon to justify those trips.

The pledges which his DTI secretary keeps preening about must soon become real, hard investments.

Show me the money, whether dollars, euros or yen, the people will soon ask.

The other test has to do with inflation, particularly food inflation.

Unfortunately, for whatever April Fools joke was played upon our then presidential candidate in April 2022 on the campaign trail, to promise 20-peso rice per kilo, the test will be most difficult to hurdle.

When the poorest of our poor have to make do with 45 pesos per kilo of “binlid” or broken rice, and the middle class have to fork 60 pesos per kilo for “pwede na” rice, that 20 pesos is chimera, a fool’s joke.

But even if our people understand that 20 pesos may be impossible, bringing down the price of good enough rice to 40 pesos may also be undoable.

This year and next, definitely undoable, not even perhaps till the end of the president’s term.

Roque exposes China’s bullying: Non-binding deal’s betrayal

IN A shocking revelation, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has brought to light a disturbing “gentleman’s agreement” between the Philippines and China, orchestrated during the controversial tenure of Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Roque, this agreement shackled the Philippines, forbidding it from undertaking essential repairs to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal, relegating our military outpost to a dilapidated state.

The audacity of China to impose such a non-binding and non-legal agreement on the Philippines is nothing short of an affront to our sovereignty.

Roque’s statements, though uncharacteristically candid, unveils the insidious nature of China’s manipulative tactics in the region.

It is utterly despicable that China, emboldened by its unchecked expansionist agenda, would resort to bullying tactics to undermine the Philippines’ territorial integrity.

The notion that a sovereign nation must grovel before a behemoth like China, seeking permission to undertake basic maintenance on its own territory,

is a grave injustice.

Roque’s condemnation of China’s actions is warranted, yet his stance on capitulating to China’s whims is deeply flawed.

—“—

We must resist China’s attempts to subjugate us through deceit and coercion

His suggestion to leave the BRP Sierra Madre in a state of disrepair, merely to placate China and avoid provoking its wrath, is a cowardly capitulation to tyranny.

To prioritize temporary appeasement over the long-term defense of our sovereignty is a betrayal of our national interests.

Furthermore, Roque’s assertion that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. might not uphold this egregious agreement is a feeble attempt to deflect blame.

EDITORIAL

Davao’s renewed war on drugs

IT IS true, as somebody said many decades ago, that history repeats itself, the first time as tragedy, the second as farce.

We’re seeing a repeat of Oplan Tokhang the Rodrigo Duterte administration implemented with bloody results from 2016 until the end of its term in mid-2022.

The violent crackdown on suspected drug traffickers and users led to an officially acknowledged death toll by the Philippine National Police of more than 6,000, but human rights groups claim the actual figure could well be between 20,000 and 30,000.

Last month, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, son of the former president, issued a stern warning against those using illegal drugs in the city during the turnover ceremony of the new Davao City police chief: “Kung hindi kayo aalis, kung hindi kayo titigil, papatayin ko kayo.” (If you will not leave, if you will not stop, I will kill you.)

That was the same warning issued by the elder Duterte when he took office in 2016, and repeated many times during his term.

Recall that as Davao City mayor, he organized the so-called Davao Death

Squad that targeted drug traffickers and other criminals for many years.

Now, he faces before the International Criminal Court a charge of crimes against humanity precisely for ordering the killing of thousands of alleged drug suspects.

—“—

We...urge the Davao City government and its police force to review operational procedures to uphold due process and the rule of law in its drive to rid the city of the drug menace

Barely a week after Mayor Duterte declared his own war on drugs, seven drug personalities, two of them highvalue targets at city level, have been killed in police operations.

The recent deaths are on top of 15 drug-related killings that have taken place since January, based on the monitoring group Dahas Project of the University of the Philippines’ Third World Studies Center.

No lease for broadband service installations

WHEN the world had to enforce quarantine measures to fight the COVID 19 pandemic, the global shift towards digital technologies for communications and daily transactions created a sudden demand for broadband internet access which served as an indispensable and lifesaving tool for surviving the crisis.

Filipinos quickly adopted to digital modes which then exposed various gaps in the country’s readiness in terms of digital infrastructure, digital skills, and the mostly paper-based slow government bureaucracy, among others.

The pandemic crisis influenced the adoption of a new mindset in the government leadership that a systemic and inclusive digital transformation of the country had to be pursued with urgency, and the cooperation of all of society, to sustain long term economic recovery.

Since the Philippines was first connected to the internet 30 years ago in the wee hours of the morning of March 29, 1994, at the PLDT network center at the Ramon Cojuangco Building, internet speeds have gone a long way from 9600 bps (bits per second) dialup speed to the fast broadband service plans of 100 Mbps (Megabits per second) and are above now available to subscribers.

Based on a 2024 Ookla report, it measured the Philippine’s median fixed internet connection speed at 92.19 Mbps while median mobile internet connection speed via cellular networks are at 27.75 Mbps.

According to data from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, household access to the internet is now at 76.9 percent in 2022 which is a huge leap from only 17

The responsibility lies not with individual personalities but with the government as a whole to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and dignity.

It is imperative the Philippines, under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., assert its rights in the South China Sea unequivocally.

We must reject any attempt by China to dictate the terms of our engagement in our own waters.

The time has come for the Philippines to reclaim its agency, to stand tall

percent in 2019.

So, what about the 23.1 percent which translates to roughly over 30 million of the population that do not have access to the internet?

Well, that’s a good estimate of our population that’s at the disadvantaged side of the digital divide.

The unprecedented and fast pivot to online digital solutions is creating a digital divide that deprives the have-nots of

—“—

The main impetus to shift to LNG is to harness it as a cleaner alternative to coal as fuel for baseload power plants of the country

society of the empowering benefits of digital technologies. This has raised loud calls to recognize access to broadband internet services as a human right that should be available to all as a standard utility like water and electricity.

According to The World Bank Group’s “Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023,” though there have been significant gains in digital adoption, gaps in internet speed, data traffic, and accessibility in low- and middle-income countries are impeding individuals and enterprises from harnessing the oppor-

against the bullying tactics of an oppressive regime. As we navigate these turbulent waters, let us not lose sight of the larger goal: peace and stability in the South China Sea. This can only be achieved through diplomatic dialogue, conducted under the auspices of international law and respect for sovereign rights.

The Philippines and China must return to the negotiation table as equals, with mutual respect and adherence to

As of March 26, Davao City is a “top hotspot” for drug-related killings, according to Dahas.

Seven cops have since been relieved from their positions in connection with the city’s war on drugs. The PNP Internal Affairs Service has also started its investigation into the killings.

According to the Davao Region police office, the seven policemen have been disarmed and would be subjected to paraffin testing, adding that they must also explain why it was necessary for them to use their guns in neutralizing the drug suspects.

The Commission on Human Rights is on the right track in denouncing the Davao City killings and in issuing an order to its regional office in Davao to conduct a thorough probe of the alleged extrajudicial killings.

According to the agency, the killings constitute grave violations of human rights: “Using extrajudicial means undermines the rule of law and destroys faith in legal systems, ultimately hindering genuine efforts to address the root causes of drug-related problems in the country.”

We agree completely, and urge the Davao City government and its police force to review operational procedures to uphold due process and the rule of law in its drive to rid the city of the drug menace.

tunities of digital technologies.

The report estimates only one in four people are able to access the internet in low income countries.

In a published statement, Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director at the World Bank said, “Without access to the internet and the skills to use digital technologies effectively, you are essentially locked out of the modern world. The critical services that support development—like hospitals, schools, energy infrastructure, and agriculture— all run on connectivity and data.

The infrastructure and platforms that underpin these connections must be available, affordable, and safe for developing countries to flourish.”

As convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, we have been advocating reforms that would update the country’s policies more compatible and adaptable to fast evolving technological innovations of a global digital economy.

Specifically relevant to addressing digital infrastructure gaps is our call to legislators to prioritize the amendment of nearly the half century old National Building Code of the Philippines to require last mile installations of telecommunications and broadband networks as a standard utility integrated into the design of all real estate developments, whether government or private owned, as water and power facilities are provided adequate space, and lease free.

Currently pending in Congress is House Bill 8534 authored by Rep. Joey Salceda which seeks to “provide for all buildings and structure and property developments, a framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, maintenance, and ensure connectivity prior to occupancy.”

Instead of being opportunistic with the demand for universal internet access and charging superfluous lease payments that further increases the cost of broadband services for everyone, all property developers and owners should be a positive contributor to our country’s digital inclusivity by freely facilitating the provision of the best broadband services for of all their occupants.

the principles of justice. Let us heed Roque’s chicken-hearted warning as a call to action.

We must resist China’s attempts to subjugate us through deceit and coercion. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable, and we must defend it with unwavering resolve.

The Philippines deserves better than to be treated as a pawn in China’s geopolitical games. Let us rise to the occasion and assert our rightful place on the world stage.

Strikes hit Gaza as truce talks to resume

PALESTINIAN Territories

– Deadly airstrikes pounded the Gaza Strip overnight as talks towards a truce between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo Sunday, according to Egyptian state television.

Heavy fighting raged on in the besieged Palestinian territory, including around several hospitals, in the nearly six-month-old war sparked by Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack.

As an Israel siege amid the war has deepened the humanitarian crisis, an aid delivery inside Gaza descended into deadly chaos on Saturday with shots fired and a stampede.

At least five people died, according to a Red Crescent paramedic, while the Israeli army said it had “no record of the incident described”.

Witnesses told AFP that shots were fired, both by Gazans overseeing the delivery and Israeli troops nearby, and that panicked lorry drivers sped off and hit several people.

To help alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s 2.4 million people, another aid ship was sailing from the Mediterranean island-nation of Cyprus to bring 400 tonnes of food relief, as part of a small flotilla. Foreign powers have ramped up aid airdrops,

although UN agencies and charities warn this falls far short of the dire need. Several people have died in stampedes or drowned trying to retrieve packages from the sea.

At least 75 people were killed overnight in new Israeli bombardment and ground combat, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. The fighting has raged on unabated despite a UN Security Council resolution last Monday that demanded an “immediate ceasefire” and the release of all hostages held by militants.

Tensions have risen over the spiralling civilian death toll between Israel and its chief backer the United States, especially over Israeli threats to push ground forces into Gaza’s crowded farsouthern city of Rafah. Washington has nonetheless approved billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets for Israel in recent days, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed officials.

The war began with Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,705 people, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. Palestinian militants also seized some 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead.

Under intense pressure to bring the captives home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday approved a new round of ceasefire talks to take place in Doha and Cairo.

Egyptian TV station Al-Qahera, which is close to the country’s intelligence services, said that the talks would resume in Cairo on Sunday.

An anchor said on Saturday that “an Egyp-

tian security source confirmed to Al-Qahera News the resumption of negotiations on a truce between Israel and Hamas in the Egyptian capital Cairo tomorrow”.

Netanyahu is under pressure from the captives’ relatives and supporters, including at mass rallies Saturday night in Tel Aviv where police used water cannon against protesters who lit fires and blocked highways. AFP

ROLE. Cranes begin the clean-up of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge and the container ship Dali in Baltimore, Maryland, on Sunday. Three heavy lift floating cranes arrived in Baltimore harbor last weekend to begin what officials described as a ‘remarkably complex operation.’ Migrant groups meantime honored the six Latino construction workers who lost their lives when the Dali container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge long before dawn March 26, toppling it. The six were part of a pothole repair team. AFP

Baltimore bridge highlights migrants’ role in workforce

LOS ANGELES – The death of six Latino workers who were fixing potholes when a Baltimore bridge collapsed highlights the crucial role immigrants play in keeping America running, say advocates.

And it stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of populists like Donald Trump, who cast them as criminal invaders ruining the country.

“Migrants come and do the jobs that Americans don’t want to do,” said Luis Vega, an activist and former construction worker.

The work is too hard, the hours are too long, or the conditions too difficult.

“Who here wants to clean hotel rooms? Who wants to work under the hot sun? Who wants to be in the fields?” said Vega.

A team of eight men were doing road maintenance overnight Monday into Tuesday on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when a huge container ship smashed into a support pillar, sending almost the entire span crashing into the Patapsco River. Two were pulled alive from the water, but six died; brothers, husbands and fathers from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

“Immigrants -- we get the job done,” said senior White House adviser Tom Perez, himself a Latino.

“The six people who perished, the two others who survived... this is America, the immigrants (were) repairing potholes.”

The tragedy comes at a time many Latinos feel they are under assault from sections of the political class, as the United States ramps up for a bitter presidential election in November between Trump and incumbent Joe Biden.

Trump’s stridently anti-immigrant campaign includes suggestions that, if elected, he will embark on a mass expulsion of people he blames for crime and drug addiction he says are wracking America.

“The former president doesn’t see how much damage he does with his poison,” said Vega.

“Terrorists don’t sneak over the US-Mexico border; they fly in on a visa.”

The people who pay traffickers to smuggle them across the hostile deserts of the US southwest are the people who end up doing the dirty and difficult jobs that Americans depend on.

“In 2020, when we had the Covid pandemic... no one wanted to work closely with another person,” said Vega. “So who did the work? The cleaning in the hospitals? Harvesting the food? It was the immigrants who risked their lives.” AFP

Trump, Republicans slam Biden ‘assault’ on Christianity

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump and fellow Republicans assailed President Joe Biden on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) for what they called an assault on Christianity, after the US leader highlighted the Transgender Day of Visibility that this year coincides with Easter.

It was the latest skirmish in the culture war shaping the White House race, as Trump seeks support from religious conservatives while Biden stakes his claim as the standardbearer for an inclusive America.

Biden on Friday issued a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, falling every year on March 31, which this time is also Easter Sunday.

In a statement slamming Biden’s “blasphemous” declaration, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the move was part of “the Biden Administration’s yearslong assault on the Christian faith.”

“We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only -- the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Republican House speaker Mike Johnson said on X it was “outrageous and abhorrent” to proclaim “Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day.’”

“The American people are taking note,” he added.

The White House snapped back with a statement pointing out that Biden, a devout Catholic, “stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.”

“Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric,” spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement. AFP

UN: 3 military observers, staff wounded in Lebanon blast

BEIRUT, Lebanon – United Nations peacekeepers said three military observers and a translator were wounded during the weekend in a blast in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants trade frequent cross-border fire.

The military observers, from Australia, Chile and Norway, and a Lebanese language assistant had been on foot patrol around the socalled Blue Line -- the UNdemarcated border between Israel and Lebanon.

The four “were injured when an explosion occurred near their location”, according to Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported an “enemy (Israeli) drone” raided the Rmeish area of southern Lebanon where the incident is said to have occurred.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned what he called a “dangerous incident”, while his foreign ministry said the attack was “in violation of international law”.

The Israeli army told AFP in a statement: “We did not strike in the area.”

Hezbollah, which has a powerful arsenal of rockets and missiles, says its attacks on Israel are in support of Hamas.

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned Saturday’s blast and underscored “grave concern” over the frequent exchange of fire along the Blue Line, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric. AFP

The personnel were working for the UN Truce Supervision Organization, which supports the UN peacekeeping force. They were “evacuated for medical treatment” and were in a stable condition, Tenenti said, adding the United Nations was “investigating the origin of the explosion”. Israel and Lebanon’s Iranbacked Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily fire since Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, triggering war in Gaza.

Paris mayor: Russian, Belarusian athletes not welcome at Olympics

PARIS—Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Saturday Russian and Belarusian athletes “were not welcome” at the Olympics being staged in the French capital this year.

“I want to tell Russian and Belarusian athletes that they are not welcome in Paris and to tell Ukrainian athletes and all the Ukrainian people that we support them very strongly,” Hidalgo said in a video posted by Ukrainian YouTube channel, United News.

Hidalgo made her comments on a trip to Kyiv where she visited a training centre for Ukrainian athletes.

Russian athletes can compete in the Paris Olympics, which run from July 26 until August 11 but only as neutrals.

Russia and Belarus have been banned from taking part in the opening ceremony which will be staged on the River Seine in the heart of the city.

In response, Moscow launched a furious tirade at the International Olympic Committee, arguing the IOC’s restrictions on Russian athletes amounted to “neo-Nazism”.

The IOC suspended Russia from the 2024 Games last year, but gave the green light for its athletes to compete as neutrals as long as they did not actively support the Kremlin’s assault on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in Vitry-Sur-Seine, France, refugees were caught up in Paris’ clean-up drive.

Cycle PH rides to wellness on April 7

IN its continuing effort to motivate Filipinos towards embracing a healthier and more active lifestyle while enhancing family ties, Sun Life holds the Cycle PH on Sunday (April 7) at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, featuring a range of cycling categories suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Participants can choose from individual rides covering 30km and 45km, as well as corporate challenge spanning 60km. Additionally, the event caters to young cyclists with a kids ride for ages 6-15, a family ride that allows a child to bike alongside an adult, and tricycle rides for toddlers aged 2-5, varying in distance from 100 to 500 meters.

Top celebrities, including actor Piolo Pascual, provide star power to the event as they ride alongside both beginners and cycling aficionados through the scenic yet demanding paths of Vermosa.

To complement the cycling event, the Sun Life Cycle Philippines Expo will kick off on Friday (April 5) at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, offering a hub for fitness enthusiasts.

Vermosa, renowned for hosting premier sporting events like the SEA Games in 2019 and IronKids in 2022, returns as the proud venue for this year’s Sun Life Cycle PH, backed by Lightwater, Manila Bulletin and Tempo.

Despite having a job and refugee status, he was ordered on to the vehicle.

“We didn’t have any choice,” he explained.

“The police arrived at 7am and said to us ‘get in the bus’,” Ali, a refugee from war-torn Sudan, remembers of the morning that police raided the squat he was living in last April in northern Paris along with 500 other migrants.

“They (the police) went from room to room to tell us to get out, then they took our identity documents and said ‘get in the bus’,” he added in an interview with AFP. “It was impossible to get out of it. They were saying we had to hurry up.”

Along with others scooped up at the disaffected office building, he was told he was being sent by bus to Toulouse -- a nearly 700-kilometre (435mile) trip of seven or eight hours to the southwest.

Ali, who has a job as a cleaner at Disneyland Paris earning 1,400 euros ($1,500) a month, had been caught up in the French government’s policy of sending migrants from the capital to regional towns. It was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in September 2022 during a speech in which he criticized the idea of concentrating refugees and migrants in low-income and troubled neighborhoods of Paris as “absurd”. AFP

Sche ler in 5-way tie for lead at Houston Open

LOS ANGELES—World number one

Scottie Scheffler, chasing a third straight US PGA Tour title, rebounded from a late double-bogey with back-to-back birdies to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Houston Open on Saturday.

For the second day in a row Scheffler had a double-bogey on his card, but the American’s four-under par 66 was enough to put him atop the board on nine-under 201 alongside England’s David Skinns, Germany’s Stephan Jaeger, Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti and Belgian Thomas Detry.

Skinns had five birdies in his bogeyfree 65 at Memorial Park, Jaeger had six birdies and two bogeys in his four-under 66, Tosti shook off an early double-bogey with five birdies in a two-under 68 and Detry had four birdies and a bogey in his three-under 67.

Scheffler, who was frustrated to end his second round on Friday with a doublebogey at 18, had six birdies and a bogey in his first 12 holes to cruise to the top of the leaderboard at 10-under.

He was tied for the lead after a bogey at 13 and ran afoul of the short par-three 15th—which played as the toughest hole on the course on Saturday.

Scheffler’s tee shot hit the green some six feet from the hole but spun off the putting surface and into the water. He would take double-bogey to drop

two shots off the pace, but responded by reaching the green in two on the way to a birdie at the par-five 16th and drilling a four and a half foot birdie putt at 17.

“(I) feel like I did a lot of stuff really well out there today,” Scheffler said. “Feel like I played better than my score. “I had a few shots I didn’t really get rewarded for and somewhat punished for some pretty good shots.

“Overall it was nice to finish with those two birdies. Hit a really good shot into 16, good shot into 17—yeah, felt like I did a lot of things well today.” It happens

Scheffler said it wasn’t too hard to stay on an even keel after his “horrendous break” at the 15th.

“I hit a great shot and the ball goes in the water. It’s not great, but it happens, it’s part of the game,” said Scheffler.

“I didn’t expect it to spin back, I didn’t expect it to spin back off the green and I didn’t expect it to be in the water... But I’m proud of how I bounced back there.”

Scheffler ended a near year-long title drought with a victory at Bay Hill this month, then defended his title at the Players Championship.

This week, he is vying to become the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three consecutive PGA Tour starts as preps for the Masters at

Augusta National.

“Winning the last two doesn’t help me do anything tomorrow,” Scheffler said, adding that he would “stick to my process” as he tries to break free of the crowd on Sunday.

Nick Dunlap carded a seven-under par 63 to lead a trio one-shot back on 202, where he was joined by Taylor Moore and Akshay Bhatia, who both shot 67.

Registration is ongoing. For details, visit sunlife.cycleph.com.

Since its inception in 2016 by Sun Life, in partnership with the Sunrise Events, Inc./The IRONMAN Group, the event has grown in popularity, attracting a large turnout, including celebrated three-time Tour de France winner Robbie McEwen in its second year, alongside celebrities and sports figures.

Sun Life has emphasized the collaboration between the company’s health advocacy and its product offerings, which include health and insurance solutions designed to safeguard the Filipinos’ well-being.

Beyond the event, Sun Life has broadened its health and wellness initiatives, offering classes, sponsoring fitness clubs, and organizing signature activities like fun runs and endurance races, all aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle among Filipinos.

The host city has also expressed strong support for the event, recognizing its potential to foster physical fitness and welfare among its residents, especially the youth.

Scottie Sche er of the United States hits onto the eighth green during the third round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. AFP

Defending champion Tony Finau, who shot to the top of the leaderboard with a 62 on Friday, carded a two-over 72 to fall into a group on 203 that also included England’s Aaron Rai, Max Greyserman and Chad Ramey. Ramey had the solo lead at 10-under after his fifth birdie of the day at the 13th, but he had three bogeys coming in to post a two-under 68.

No. 53 Collins is lowest-ranked player to win Miami Open

MIAMI—American Danielle Collins upset the odds to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, beating Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-3 to claim her first WTA 1000 title in her final season on the tour. The 30-year-old Collins, number 53 in the world, is the lowest-ranked woman ever to win the tournament, clinching her biggest career title in a hour triumph.

Collins announced in January that she will be retiring from the sport at the end of this year and her unexpected run to the final and victory over the world number four delighted the home crowd.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to win my first 1000 title. It means the world to me,” Collins said.

“The encouragement and support that I got, it was hard to hide the emotion because I think these are the moments that we live for and we don’t always get to have them. It was really special,” she said. While she insists that her recent run of form won’t lead her to reconsider her departure from the sport, Collins will rise to 22 in Monday’s WTA rankings. It was a disappointing second straight loss in a Miami final for Rybakina, who missed out to Petra Kvitova last year. Both players looked strong on their serve in the early exchanges but Floridan Collins had to work hardest to hold her serve.

Collins broke at the end of the first set, capitalizing on a third break point to win the set when Rybakina went long.

Then the momentum shifted heavily in Collins’s direction when she broke Rybakina’s first service game of the second set.

first opportunity. Neither player was able to truly dominate, but Collins struck the decisive blow when she broke to go 5-3 up as Rybakina at full stretch on the baseline went long.

The American had not defeated a top five player since a win over then world number two Paula Badosa at San Diego in October of 2022. Perhaps it was inevitable then that Collins showed nerves at the end as she struggled to serve out, denying two break points and finally clinching on her fourth championship point. Hanging in there

“It’s hard,” Collins said. “You’ve got the crowd supporting you and pushing you to close it out and they wanted me to win so bad. It was like playing in front of my best friends and I didn’t want to let the crowd down and it was tough.

“Elena does not give up and she just kept slinging those shots right and left, I just had to hang in there.”

Rybakina had missed out on Indian Wells due to a gastrointestinal illness and said that with four of her five matches in Miami en route to the final having gone to three sets, she was not in peak condition.

“I was feeling the body, of course. Also, it was not easy tournament, because the first matches I was playing quite late, finishing, and then I was going to sleep around 2:00, 3:00. Then some matches were during the day. So the schedule was also up and down, and recovery, it doesn’t help, for sure,” she said.

30-team MPBL 6th season starts April 6 in Calasiao

THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) goes to the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan for the opening of the MPBL Sixth Season on Saturday, April 6.

Inaugural games pit Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., followed by the 8 p.m. tussle between newcomers Abra and Pangasinan.

MPBL Founder Manny Pacquiao will grace the opening ceremonies of the country’s top regional league. Expected to join boxing’s only eightdivision world champion are Pangasinan’s key officials, including Gov. Ramon Guico, Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste and former Bayambang mayor Cezar Quiambao.

On April 8, the MPBL follows its regular 6-day weekly schedule with a tripleheader at the Kamalig Coliseum in Orion, Bataan. Bicol battles Mindoro at 4 p.m., Marikina tests Negros at 6 p.m. and Sarangani battles Bataan at 8 p.m.

Each of the 30 teams split into the North and South divisions are competing in this year’s nine-month tournament, led by reigning MPBL national champion Pampanga, will be represented by their muses and key personnel in the parade of teams ushering the welcome program starting at 4 p.m.

She saved four break points as she hung on for 4-3 and showed resistance again to deny a break point at 5-5 with a brilliant backhand winner after a long rally.

“I had a lot of tough matches. Some of them went my way with a bit of luck here and there. This one didn’t, and of course I was not expecting to be fresh in this final, and she played really well,” she added. AFP

Pampanga heads the North division also composed of 2022 national champion Nueva Ecija, MPBL Datu Cup titlist San Juan, Caloocan, Marikina, Bataan, Tarlac, Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pangasinan, Abra, Bulacan, Rizal and Pasay.

A view of the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee is shown here.

Danielle Collins of the United States reacts after winning a point in the rst set against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during the Women’s Final at Hard Rock Stadium at the Miami Gardens, Florida. AFP

MONDAY,

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Perez, Cruz power SMB past Phoenix

CJ

16-14 win in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

For etching her name in the annals of Philippine volleyball, the 26-year-old winger earned the sixth PVL Press Corps Player of the Week accolade.

“Ayaw naming matalo kasi naranasan na namin ‘yung ganung scenario before. Hindi ko lang matandaan kung sinong kalaban namin pero palagi ‘yun eh, tumatakbo sa isip ko,” Carlos said as Creamline last

By Peter Atencio

KRISTINA Knott is back in her old form.

SPORTS

ond in 11 seconds, while Tamara Clark took third in 11.03 seconds.

The 28-year-old Knott ran as fast the late Lydia de Vega-Mercado when she almost equalled the Philippine national mark that she currently owns.

The Orlando, Florida-based Knott came up with one of her fastest clockings on her third meeting in the outdoor season this year, when she competed this weekend in the 2024 Texas Relays at the Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas.

The Fil-American Knott, who saw action in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finished with a fast time of 11.28 seconds to settle for fourth place in the women’s 200-meter run invitationals, some 1/100 seconds off her record time of 11.27 seconds, which she submitted four years ago. The last time she ran this fast was dur-

ing LSU Alumni Gold meet at LSU Bernie Moore Stadium, Baton Rouge back in 2021 for the gold, also at 11.28 seconds. She was at her fastest when Knott broke the 33-year-old Philippine national mark of Lydia de Vega-Mercado, a year before in 2020 at 11.27 seconds.

De Vega-Mercado used to hold that Philippine record at 11.28 seconds when she saw action in the 1987 Southeast Asia Games.

Gabby Thomas, running for New Balance, took the gold medal in 10.88 seconds, while Celara Barnes settled for sec-

After that, Knott settled for seventh in the women’s 200-meter event, with her time of 23.21 seconds. This was .28 seconds off Knott’s season’s best of 23.49 seconds, which she did last week in the Willie Williams Classic at the Roy P. Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.

Thomas also took the gold in women’s 200-meter event in 22.08 seconds, a new meet record, with Clark in second in 22.21. Lyn Irby Jackson was third in 22.70.

Meanwhile, Lauren Hoffman celebrated her 25th birthday with a fourthplace finish in the women’s 400-meter hurdles invitationals.

Cheered on by family members, Hoffman reached the finish line in 58.37 seconds, with another Fil-American bet Robyn Brown in sixth in 58.63 seconds.

ELITE action returns to the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) hosts the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open starting this Thursday (April 4) until Sunday.

A total of 46 squads , including four from Team Philippines and also from Australia and New Zealand, will compete in the four-day event, one of six international tournaments that the PNVF is organizing this year ahead of the historic solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025.

“The Philippines has become destination for both regional [Asia and Southeast Asia] and international volleyball competitions and we are proud of that distinction, especially because we are world championship host for the first time next year,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

After the AVC Beach Pro Tour backed by Foton, Akari, Mikasa, Senoh, Seda, Asics, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live, the PNVF and Nuvali will host the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour-Futures from April 11 to 14.

The Philippine team under Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Kiodai and Mayi Molit-Prochina will have the women’s pairs of Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda, and Alexa Polidario and Jenny Gaviola in the main’s draw.

The tandems of James Buytrago and Rancel Varga, and Ranran Abdilla and AJ Pareja will also represent the country in the men’s main draw. Three teams from Australia, Japan and Thailand,

Tickets to the Smart AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open also primarily supported by PLDT and the City of Santa Rosa are now available at www.ticketmax.ph, where beach volleyball fans can also avail themselves of the P220 day pass. The PNVF and Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land are hosting a second major international tournament since the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge last December—with the Ayala venue also hosting the Philippine National Games and Batang Pinoy also last December besides being the official home of the national beach volleyball teams as well as a preferred training venue for Japan’s national squads.

LOS ANGELES—Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs may be headed to a bottom-of-the table finish, but the sensational French rookie has no doubt he’s on the right trajectory in his first NBA season.

The towering 20-year-old said nothing showed the young team’s progress more than their 130-126 overtime triumph over the New York Knicks on Friday, in which Wembanyama became the first rookie in three decades to score 40 points and grab 20 rebounds to help the Spurs withstand a dazzling 61-point performance from Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson.

“I’ve never seen so (much) greatness before this season,” Wembanyama said. “I’ve just witnessed so much greatness and I want to be a part of it.

“I always wanted to, but more and more seeing that (I’m) already able to compete with those guys. I’m not near (them) but I’m on the right path. I know it, and I’m going to get there one day soon.”

Plenty would argue that, based on his individual stats, Wembanyama has arrived as an elite player in the NBA, even if the rebuilding Spurs are last in the Western Conference and eliminated from playoff contention. His career-high 40 points with 20 rebounds against

Gen Eslapor in action in last December’s Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge also in Nuvali.

two pairs from Hong Kong, Singapore, Kazahkstan and New Zealand, as well as women’s squads from Indonesia, Macau and Malaysia have confirmed their participation.

In the men’s division, Australia, Japan and Thailand have entered three teams, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Iran and New Zealand each had two, while China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau are also in the mix.

the Knicks on Friday made him the first rookie with a 40-20 game since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993.

“It’s not the goal, but it still shows progression,” Wembanyama said of the statistical milestones he has managed in a season that has seen him post the first

10-block game in more than three years and become the 15th player—and the youngest—to post the statistical 5x5—at least five points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals in one game. The Spurs’ victory on Friday went a little way to alleviating the bitter memory of the Spurs’ loss to the Knicks in November in Wembanyama’s first game at the basketball cathedral of Madison Square Garden. In what Spurs coach Gregg Popovich called a “learning experience,” Wembanyama had just one basket in the first three quarters and the Knicks led by as many as 30 points on the way to a 126-105 win.

“The Knicks (in November) was a tough game for us and I would say a game that embodied a lot of our weaknesses that we’ve been able to erase a little bit throughout the season more and more,” Wembanyama said. “This is the type of contrast we want to see in the season. But I wouldn’t expect less of us. We’re a young team. We need to get better every night.” Brunson’s latest close-up view of the Frenchman left the Knicks star in no doubt of just where Wembanyama is headed.

“He’s going to be one of the greatest players this game has seen,” Brunson said. AFP

Kristina

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs greets the crowd after they defeated the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. AFP

Power rate increases expected in hot dry months starting April

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) expects prices at the electricity spot market to increase to a range of P5 to P7 per kilowatt-hour in the dry months starting April 2024.

It said average prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the trading floor of electricity, started to go up in March amid higher temperature exacerbated by the El Nino dry spell.

System-wide WESM prices averaged P5.46 per kWh in March, up from P4.03 per kWh in February amid a surge in demand.

PH, other countries flagged for excluding US motor standards

By Othel V. Campos

THE US said it will continue its engagement with the Philippines and other countries that exclude or seemingly failed to recognize US motor standards.

It represents a significant trade barrier on the part of US automotive manufacturers, according to the latest report by the Office of the US Trade Representative US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said that in the 2024 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the US government specifically mentioned that the Philippines seemed to have excluded US vehicles built to conform to the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

The USTR said it would like to ensure that US exports of FMVSScompliant vehicles gain access foreign markets including Colombia, Egypt, Laos, Morocco, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

It assured trading partners that the FMVSS provides a high level of protection that matches or exceeds that of other countries.

The Philippine automotive market is dominated by Japanese-made vehicles, followed by Korean-made cars. China is catching up and intends to lead the electric vehicle market in the Philippines.

The report also flagged China, the EU, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey on agricultural export policies affecting US agricultural trade.

Some of the trade barriers include burdensome facility registration requirements, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that are not based on science and procedures and requirements for agricultural biotechnology approvals.

The NTE mentioned the EU for having disparate policies or procedures across member states.

Data showed that power demand rose from 12,372 megawatts in February to 13,185 MW in March.

It said that in the Luzon grid, the average WESM prices surged to P5.26 per kWh in March from P3.97 per kWh in February.

“In terms of the WESM prices, I think it will increase at around P5 to P7 [per kWh], as the demand from

February going to March is increasing [and] the hot weather [rises],”

IEMOP assistant manager for market simulation and analysis Warren Manalo said.

Manalo said the increased power demand was driven by higher temperature, coupled with the El Nino weather phenomenon that translates to higher electricity prices.

“As the demand increases, the prices also increase, and it is also noteworthy some of the plants like the hydro plants are in the limit of the water level. Technically, the generation of our hydro capacity will be limited or in total no generation during those summer months,” he said.

IEMOP expects peak demand to reach 13,273 MW for Luzon, 2,628

MW for Visayas and 2,650 MW for Mindanao this year, but the agency said several new power plants may also come online to help secure supply.

IEMOP vice president for trading operations Isidro Cacho they were expecting a demand growth of 6 percent for Luzon, 7 percent for Visayas and 8 percent for Mindanao this year.

“Last year, Luzon had a peak demand of 12,522 MW from our record.

If we’re applying 6 percent of that, we expect peak demand in Luzon to reach as high as 13,273 MW,” Cacho said.

Cacho expressed hope there would be no unplanned power outages during the dry months, as it would also affect WESM prices.

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it plans to bid out the EDSA Busway Project next year.

“Within the next few months, we will finalize the feasibility study for EDSA Busway. We will submit it to NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority],” said DOTr Undersecretary for planning and project development Timothy John Batan.

“We’ll get approvals, and then we’ll eventually bid it out [next year],” he said.

The NCR EDSA Busway Project involves the financing, design and

construction of enhanced bus stations, operations control centers and parking depots and the purchase, operations and maintenance of a high-capacity busway plying through EDSA and other major and feeder roads.

It is expected to enhance the existing EDSA Carousel to address the high demand for transportation services along the median of EDSA and feeder roads by increasing capacity and service reliability.

The DOTr and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center on March 8, 2024 launched a market sounding

activity to engage potential private sector partners in the crucial transport infrastructure project. It sought to provide an overview of the proposed PPP project, gather initial feedback and valuable insights from private sector participants and identify potential issues or concerns affecting the project viability.

The potential scope of responsibility of the private sector partner could encompass financing, design, construction, operations and maintenance of upgraded bus stations and

amid the elevated interest rates for both short-term and medium-to long-term (MLT) loans. Outstanding FCDU loans also decreased by 3.9 percent on a year-onyear basis from $15.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. Darwin G. Amojelar

Gov’t debt payments up 232% to P158b in January—BTr

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE government’s debt payments jumped 232 percent in January 2024 on higher amortization, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Data from the BTr showed that the debt service reached P158.89 billion in January, up from P47.83 billion in the same period last year.

The government paid P74.22 billion in interest in January, higher by 58 percent than P46.97 billion a year ago. Interest payments to domestic creditors amounted to P48.82 billion, while those to external creditors reached P25.39 billion.

Broken down, the government paid P40.92 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds (T-bonds), P3.57 billion in retail T-bonds, P2.59 billion in Treasury bills (T-bills) and P1.72 billion in other instruments.

Meanwhile, about P84.53 billion in debt principal was paid to external creditors.

Data released by BTr earlier showed that the national government ’s total outstanding debt hit P14.79 trillion as of end-January, a 1.19-percent increase from the previous month.

It said that of the total debt stock, 31.29 percent represented external debt and 68.71 percent, domestic obligations.

Domestic debt rose P144 billion, or 1.44 percent, to P10.16 trillion as of end-January following the net issuance of government securities.

Gross issuance of domestic debt reached P211.11 billion, while principal payments totaled P69.67 billion, resulting in a net issuance of P141.44 billion.

facilities, procurement of bus fleet, operations and maintenance of busway systems, the agency said.

It said about 60 private sector participants and five government agencies attended the market sounding activity.

The PPP Center and the DOTr on April 5, 2023 signed a technical assistance agreement for the provision of project preparation and transaction advisory services, funded through the Project Development and Monitoring Facility managed by the PPP Center.

Darwin G. Amojelar

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it is in talks with a power generating company to supply its 260-megawatt interim peaking power supply requirement in the dry months.

“We are asking around who has available capacity. At the moment, only one has expressed interest,” Meralco senior vice president and head of regulatory management Jose Ronald Valles said.

Meralco previously declared as failed bidding the second round of competitive selection process for its 260- MW peaking supply after no offers were submitted.

Meralco said in a report that on March 8, 2024, its bids and awards committee did not receive any expression of interest, and no prospective bidder purchased the bidding documents. The first CSP round on Feb. 26, 2024 also failed in the absence of bidders.

Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez earlier said the 260-MW peaking supply would be needed in the dry season. Fernandez said they were preparing for a negotiated bidding as Meralco should secure the additional supply by July.

“If we do not have the 260 MW, then we will have to resort to use up more of the other contracts. If there is nothing available, then we’ll have to get from the spot market,” Fernandez said. Alena Mae S. Flores

in Dubai.

participation in the biggest food and beverage event yielded $133

FAMILY. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnaldo Ignacio (left) confers the 2023 Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) to Amir Hawari (second from left), a land-based OF from Zamboanga who is joined by his wife Armina and daughter Nizma.

Stock market seen trading sideways on higher inflation

US inflation,” it said. Investors will also focus on firstquarter corporate earnings report and outlook for the second quarter given the bullish indicators in the first two months of the year.

“Our core sector picks are sustained, seasonally strong industries might surprise in the short term: construction, tourism and leisure, energy, aviation, among others,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) is expected to hover between 6,800 and 7,000 points this week.

“It is likely to stay here in the nearterm, pending strong impetus on the macro side,” it said.

The PSEi ended at 6,903.53 last week, up 0.31 percent week-on-week while the broader all shares index finished at 3,607.51, up 0.55 percent from a week earlier.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Globe

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said over the weekend it continues to cement its position as the leader in the Philippine mobile industry for seven straight years, capturing a 54.7-percent mobile revenue market share (RMS) in 2023.

RMS is widely considered the true measure of competitive market leadership in the telecom industry as it reflects actual consumer spending and accounts for all mobile revenue streams including voice, SMS and mobile data services.

Globe said it maintained an RMS ranging from 51.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 54.9 percent by the third quarter of 2023, peaking at 56.8 percent in the first quarter of 2019.

The company’s mobile revenues soared to a record P112.4 billion in 2023, up 5 percent from the previous year, driven by its data-centric and value-packed offers catering to evolving customer preferences.

“Staying number one in mobile RMS is always a tough challenge in a highly competitive market like the Philippines, but Globe has maintained its edge through superior network performance, digital innovation, and customer focus,” Globe vice president and consumer mobile business head Darius Delgado said.

“We are intent on staying on top through sharpening our differentiation from competition: an inimitable ecosystem of digital services that only Globe can offer. With this kind of an approach, the customer always wins. And that’s most important for us,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

SEC imposes higher fines on erring firms

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

over the weekend it is imposing higher fines and penalties on erring corporations for the late and non-filing of reportorial requirements starting April 1, 2024.

The imposition of higher fines and penalties will be implemented three months after the SEC Amnesty Program, which gave corporations a chance to settle the fines and penalties they have accumulated for non-compliance with reportorial requirements

at a lower cost, ended in December 2023.

The SEC on March 27 issued Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2024, providing for the updated fines and penalties on the late and non-submission of unaudited financial state-

ments (AFS), general information sheet (GIS) and non-compliance with

SEC Memorandum Circular No. 28, Series of 2020 (MC 28).

The previous scale of fines was implemented about 22 years ago in July 2002. Under the new scale of fines and penalties, one-person corporations (OPC) and domestic stock corporations with retained earnings of not more than P100,000 will incur a basic penalty of P5,000 for the late filing of their general information statement (GIS) or annual financial statement (AFS), plus P1,000 for every month of continuing violation.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SMART Communications, a subsidiary of PLDT Inc., said it deployed a new “green radio” solution across its network that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

“Smart’s nationwide network is supported with advance & intelligent functionalities maximizing operational efficiencies. Running the network constantly even when traffic is much lower, especially during evening hours, is costly and inefficient in the use of network resources. Our green radio innovation is proven to harness artificial intelligence to track activity on our network so that we can reduce the power consumption of our cell sites whenever they are not being fully utilized,” PLDT and Smart head of network quality Radames Zalameda said.

“This means that certain elements of a cell site are turned off when demand is low but are automatically switched on when demand comes back. Combined with Smart’s SelfOrganizing Network [SON], this also enables us to adjust the capacity of the cell sites as needed to support data traffic,” he said.

Intelligent and automated shutdowns, sleep, adaptive power to traffic consumption and multilayer radio power optimization are among the newest eco-friendly innovations that Smart has implemented on its network to help cut its energy cost.

The AI-powered solution, piloted nationwide in 2023, enables remote and automatic adjustments to capacity and power usage depending on load conditions, which enables the company to consolidate and conserve radio resources.

CITIGROUP announced the appointment of Riswas “Vis” Raghavan as its new banking and executive vice chair, leading Citi’s investment, corporate and commercial banking globally.

Raghavan will help shape and drive the company’s firm-wide strategy and assist with key strategic initiatives as executive vice chair of Citi.

Raghavan will lead one of Citi’s five core businesses. His decision to join Citi from a strong competitor where he’s had a remarkable career speaks volumes about Citi’s enviable platform and is a recognition of the hard work the global bank has done to ensure that it reaches its full potential, the US bank said.

Before joining Citi, Raghavan was the head of global investment banking at J.P. Morgan in the Europe and Middle East Asia (EMEA) regions, working with the bank’s senior country officers and business heads to deliver for clients across all lines of business. Prior to becoming the head of global investment banking, he was co-head of global investment and corporate banking, and head of EMEA investment and corporate banking and treasury services.

Raghavan expressed excitement about joining Citi to solidify its strategic vision, highly skilled talents and the value proposition that Citi’s global platform

Inc. (PGPC), a part of SM Group, provides resources in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry-Albay, including training on threading abaca fiber, product development and budgeting to the United Stakeholders Working to Achieve Growth (USWAG). The group is composed of

of Tiwi,

Tiwi

Inc.

Citigroup executive vice chairman Riswas Raghavan

Salceda: Real property valuation reform bill up for President’s signing

APRIORITY bill that seeks to reform the property valuation and tax assessment in the country now awaits President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature following its ratification by both houses of Congress.

House Ways and Means Committee chair and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said both the Senate and House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 6558 and Senate Bill 2386, which now bears the title Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA). The measure seeks to support the long-

MID-INCOME boutique property developer ISOC Land said it teamed up with leading experts in the real estate sector to bring innovation and ease of living in its pioneering mid-rise, sustainability-oriented urban residential condominium community I-Land Residences Sucat in Parañaque City. It said that with the master-planned development’s first of six towers, Lime, already completed and thriving with initial residents moving in, it signed up with industry leader JLL to provide property management services in the building.

JLL will provide value-added services such as leasing for unit owners, apart from the usual facilities management, security and maintenance.

“It is important for us to partner with a property manager who has the knowledge and experience to deliver on I-Land Residences Sucat’s promise of everyday sustainability, and we have found that in JLL,” said ISOC Land president Mary Maylanie Lopez.

“We are truly excited and elated with this partnership,” Lopez said.

ISOC Land said it is making it easier for existing and potential home buyers in the development to complete their purchase with an innovative partnership with Matchmo—an online tool that utilizes technology to match clients’ qualifications with their accredited banks.

term revenue efforts of the government, improve real property valuation by adopting a market-based Schedule of Market Values (SMV) to be used as basis of local and national real property taxation and reorganize the Finance department’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), among others.

Salceda, who crafted the bill in the Lower House, said the measure,

once enacted, would also hasten the automation of services provided by local government units, which in turn would enhance the efficiency of tax collection and improve the delivery of public services.

The automation includes the creation of a Real Property Information System which will maintain an up-to-date electronic database of the sale, exchange, mortgage, lease, donation, transfer, and all other real property transactions and declarations in the country.

The measure also aims to implement uniform valuation standards for real property assets to promote transparency and enhance investor con-

fidence. Real property tax includes Special Education Fund, Idle Land Tax, and other special taxes local government units (LGU) may levy under the Local Government Code.

It will also establish the Real Property Valuation Service of the reorganized BLGF of the Department of Finance which will be tasked to “develop, adopt, maintain, and implement uniform valuation standards which shall be used by all appraisers and assessors in the LGUs and other concerned parties in the appraisal or valuation of lands, buildings, machinery and other real properties for taxation and other purposes.”

IEMOP clears registration of Nabas wind

expansion site

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PETROWIND

Energy Inc.

(PWEI) said over the weekend its 13.2-megawatt Nabas wind power project in Aklan province (Phase-2) secured approval for energization, a step towards eventual commercial operations.

The Independent Energy Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) approved the registration of the Phase-2 wind facility with the Wholesale Energy Spot Market (WESM), the trading floor of electricity.

“This WESM registration approval authorizes Phase-2 as an additional facility of PWEI. This came after the successful testing by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the facility’s metering equipment last February and the SCADA testing this March by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP),” PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) assistant vice president for power markets Dave Gadiano said.

NGCP issued on March 26, 2024 the certificate of approval to connect (CATC) for Phase-2 wind project as a load facility.

Lalamove expands to Baguio, other parts of Region 2 to support farmers

LALAMOVE, an on-demand delivery platform, said it is expanding to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) by providing simple and affordable same-day delivery services to farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

Lalamove Philippines managing director Djon Nacario said the presence of Lalamove in the region, particularly for Baguio City and Benguet province, would open doors for enabling the growth of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and offering flexible

livelihood opportunities to aspiring Lalamove partner drivers.

It said with the recently-launched Lalamove Partner Driver Center in Baguio, residents looking to earn extra income using their vehicles would be able to kick start their journey as partner drivers of the platform.

Nacario said Lalamove is connecting partner drivers to the MSME community and giving them access to the array of Panalomove benefits.

He said the convenience and access to affordable same-day and

long-distance delivery services from CAR to other parts of Luzon is what Lalamove aims to deliver to the communities in the region.

“In just a few taps using the app, users no longer have to go out of the house to pick up or drop off their packages – whether for personal errands or business needs. Lalamove can do that for them. More than this, the app also functions as an accessible source of livelihood for those in need of jobs by joining the Lalamove partner driver community,” he said.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin

Magalong expressed hope for the partnership with Lalamove after the city recorded 11.3-percent economic growth in 2022.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for Baguio City, where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and people prosper. May our partnership [with Lalamove] continue to thrive and grow over the years,” he said. Magalong signed Resolution No. 685, series of 2023 as a commitment to helping local farmers of the summer capital with a doable development plan.

Contractors join DPWH town hall meeting for Bataan-Cavite bridge

MAJOR contractors from the country and around the world expressed interest in joining the open competitive bidding for various stages of implementation of the inter-island bridge project that would connect Bataan and Cavite provinces over Manila Bay.

The contractors attended the recent Town Hall Meeting for the Bataan - Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project organized by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

BCIB is envisioned as a 32.15-kilometer bridge that will cut travel time between Bataan and Cavite from the 5 hours to just 45 minutes.

It is estimated to cost $3.91 billion (about P219.31 billion). Of the amount, $2.11 billion (about P118.32 billion) will be financed by the ADB while $1.14 billion (about P63.71 billion) is proposed to be co-financed by the AIIB. The remaining $664.23 million (about P37.28 billion) will be funded by the government.

Officials of the DPWH, together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) hosted on March 26, 2024 the contractors outreach program for the BCIB Project. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain led the event at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. It served as a pilot of the department’s series of Bagong Pilipinas townhall meetings in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other Cabinet members to champion the administration’s brand of governance and leadership. The

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp.

(Alternergy) said over the weekend its wholly-owned subsidiary Alabat Wind Power Corp. (AWPC) and transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) signed an interconnection agreement (ICA) for the 100-megawatt Alabat wind power project in Alabat, Quezon.

The ICA will pave the way for the evacuation of the renewable energy capacity from the Alabat wind power project through NGCP’s 69-kV Hondagua transmission line in Lopez, Quezon.

NGCP president and chief executive Anthony Almeda said the company understands the challenges faced by renewable energy developers.

Almeda said NGCP provided the Alabat wind power project with “an interconnection scheme that is most efficient and responsive to ensure viability and timely completion.”

“We are pleased to work with Alternergy and AWPC to ensure that the renewable power capacity from the Alabat wind power project will be delivered within its committed

“The ICA signing is a huge breakthrough for the Alabat Wind Power Project. We are grateful to NGCP for boosting the project’s ability to meet its commitment to the Department of Energy [DOE] under the Green Energy Auction 2 [GEA 2] Program,” Alternergy and AWPC president Gerry Magbanua said.

timeline,” said Almeda.

He said that as the transmission network provider and system operator, NGCP strives to assist power developers to bring the needed energy infrastructures that will bring socioeconomic benefits to the country and help accelerate energy transition goal of the government.

The Alabat wind power project is set to commence development phase following the award by the DOE of the certificate of confirmation of commerciality (CoCoC) and the completion and signing of the commercial contracts, particularly the wind turbine supply agreement and the balance of plant engineering, procurement and construction contract.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Lalamove opens a partner driver hub in Baguio City to connect its services in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (left), Department of Transportation regional director Jose Villacorta (center) and Lalamove Philippines managing director Djon Nacario lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Hot money yields $613-m net inflows

DA gets $1-m FAO technical grant to help boost domestic food production

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines received a $1-million technical grant from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said over the weekend.

It said the technical cooperation funding would be used to implement various projects aimed at improving food production capabilities.

Pru Life UK registers 11% sales growth

PRU Life UK said it ranked number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest new business annual premium equivalent (NBAPE) based on the recentlyreleased Insurance Commission (IC) report.

The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an NBAPE of P10.54 billion in 2023, representing 11 percent growth.

The company said it broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of P472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally-accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

Pru Life UK said its innovative offerings enabled it to lead in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over P45.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023.

Pru Life UK, with over 42,000 digitally-empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, said it strengthens its market leadership to reflect the company’s commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of Filipino families. It also attributed its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity.

Pru Life UK is a Golden Arrows awardee for five consecutive years since 2018.

“It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023,” said Francis Ortega, executive vicepresident and chief financial officer of Pru Life UK.

“We will make it a point to fast track the preparation process to ensure that our agricultural sector can benefit from this investment, especially the assistance intended for areas heavily damaged by El Nino, which is a key priority of the DA Secretary,” said DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa.

The FAO grant is about 40 percent higher than the $594,000 proposed by the DA. The final allocation of

$1 million signifies a significant investment in strengthening the Philippines’ agri-fisheries sector, it said.

FAO intends to execute the technical cooperation projects with a focus on creating a more efficient and sustainable food production chain.

The projects will provide additional support to regions affected by El Nino, helping communities recover and build resilience against future climate challenges, in addi-

tion to promoting investments in aquaculture and seaweed production.

The collaboration between the DA and FAO strengthens their existing partnership in tackling the challenges faced by the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

It said the grant is a potential springboard for securing further resources from other international organizations.

AXA PH first insurer to receive award of excellence for safety

AXA Philippines said said it became the first insurance company in the country to receive the Award of Excellence in Industrial Safe Man Hours from the Safety Organization of the Philippines Inc.

The insurance provider earned the recognition after achieving 8,935,704 safe man-hours without any lost-time accidents in the period covered. The industry-first award is among the various achievements reaffirming the company’s commitment to protecting its people and customers.

AXA Philippines said that since entering the local market in 1999, it has lived up to its reputation of being a global leader in insurance and invest

Local franchisers to launch certification program to protect investors from scams

THE Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) said it will launch the Certified Franchise Practitioner (CFP) program in the third quarter of 2024 to eliminate scams in the industry. AFFI president Jaypee Morales said the initiative aims to promote ethical franchising and eliminate fraudulent businesses.

Under the program, the franchisors would undergo a certification process by attending seminars and complete modules developed by AFFI to equip franchisors with the necessary skills to succeed as entrepreneurs.

ments, with its comprehensive range of quality products and services.

Beyond its innovative ways of addressing the ever-changing needs of its customers, the insurer also established a track record in enforcing industrial safety standards.

These standards are maintained through the implementation of sustainable industry safety best practices and programs such as deploying safety and health personnel in various offices, conducting Hazard Identification Risks Assessment and Control (HIRAC) initiatives across its operational areas, disseminating health-related advisories and providing employee training and awareness program.

It said it reinforces its health and industrial safety practices through guidance from certified professionals from various government and non-government organizations and through cooperation and dialogue with employees.

Kathleen Driz, chief operating officer of AXA Philippines, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the Safety Organization of the Philippines for our commitment to safety. As a company dedicated to protecting what really matters, we employ no less than the highest standards in safety for the well-being of our employees and customers,” she said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippines recorded $689 million in net inflows of foreign portfolio investments or hot money in February 2024, a reversal from the $76-million net outflows in January, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said over the weekend.

Hot money refers to foreign funds temporarily parked in the equities and money markets to take advantage of short-term interest.

The BSP said transactions on foreign investments registered through authorized agent banks (AABs) showed gross outflows of $859 million in February, lower by 34.5 percent than the $1.3-billion gross outflows recorded in January. It said the $1.5-billion registered investments in February also went up by 25.3 percent from the $1.2 billion seen in January 2024.

About 61.4 percent of the registered investments were in peso government securities ($951 million), while the balance of 38.6 percent were in PSElisted stocks ($598 million).

Investments in February mostly came from the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Luxembourg and Hongkong.

Data showed that in the first two months of 2024, foreign portfolio investments also yielded net inflows of $613 million, a turnaround from the $258-million net outflows observed in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the BSP said the Philippines’ net external liability position rose 4 percent in the third quarter of 2023, driven by non-financial sector’s activities.

The BSP said the country’s net external liability position reached P2.6 trillion in third quarter of 2023, up from P2.5 trillion in the second quarter of the same year.

It said that by sector, the general government’s net financial liability position expanded by 4.2 percent quarter-onquarter to P9 trillion from P8.6 trillion.

“This resulted from the decline in the national government’s deposits with the central bank, which the national government partly used for the repayment of its domestic and external obligations,” the BSP said.

Villar: New rail projects seen to ease gridlock

SENATOR Mark Villar said the government’s move to build mass transportation systems “holds the key to untangle the gridlock” that has hounded urban centers, particularly Metro Manila.

Villar said “the Philippines is moving in the right direction” as the country “builds and expands rail networks that can move more people faster to their destination.”

“This will hopefully discourage private vehicles from the roads in favor of trains – like in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore,” Villar, who served as Public Works and Highways Secretary during the Duterte administration, said.

The program is expected to begin in the third quarter, and AFFI anticipates 180 of its members to participate in the certification process. “We’re looking at all the franchisors of AFFI to be a CFP. That’s 180.

And then also the incoming members, maybe it could reach 300,” Morales said.

He said that the program is expected to boost the franchising industry, with a double-digit growth expected this year.

“It is our responsibility to protect the potential franchisees and the franchisors, most especially the franchising industry. These are the legitimate homegrown Filipino franchisors who do the right thing, follow the law, deliver what they promised to the franchisees,” Morales said.

INTERNATIONAL FEAT. EastWest, one of the fastest-growing banks in the Philippines, announces its recent achievement in the International Finance 2023 Awards, where it received the prestigious ‘Best Foreign Exchange (Forex) Broker’ recognition at Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, Thailand. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) EastWest

Villar also expressed support for the government’s move to accelerate the construction and funding of the country’s first subway train network. The P55.37-billion loan agreement for the third tranche of official development assistance (ODA) financing the country’s first underground railway system, the Metro Manila Subway project, was signed by the Philippine Department of Finance and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on March 26, 2024.

“Dubbed ‘the project of the century,’ the underground rail line is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of full operations,” Villar said.

He said that once completed and fully operational, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) would have 17 stations, including one at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

MRT-3 INSPECTION. Department of Transportation assistant secretary for railways and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 officer-incharge Jorjette

AXA

from the

ceremony are (from left) AXA Philippines chief security officer Ony Almazan, chief operating officer Kathleen Driz, physical security and safety director Dex Arquillano and health and safety manager Paulo Punzalan.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DM

of higher sales bookings as more projects are being completed. Laneda said while the office leasing may still see some pressure, big developers like

Ayala Land Inc., Robinsons Land Corp., SM Prime Holdings and Megaworld Corp. would likely post higher-than-market occupancy rates.

He said as the mall leasing business of property firms already managed to recover to prepandemic levels, it would still do better this year when lower inflation is expected to lead to higher disposable income.

The outstanding growth in hotel revenues in 2023 may not happen again this year, according to Laneda. The may continue to grow, but at a slower pace from last year in the absence of the so-called “low

base effect”. First Metro Investments Corp. head of research Christina Ulang said the outlook for 2024 earnings of property firms is robust as interest rates will would trend lower in the second half of the year. Ulang said this would improve the affordability of development and mortgage finance for residential projects.

The positive outlook is also supported by the completion and continued implementation of important infrastructure projects across the country. She said the rehabilitation of

the county’s main gateway— the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) would be a positive contributor to the growth of domestic and international travel, thereby boosting opportunities in hotel, resorts, and trade and investments.

Profits of big property firms ALI, SM Prime, RLC and Megaworld grew by double digits in 2023, boosted by stronger revenues from residential, malls, office and hotel businesses.

Bullish about the prospects for 2024, these companies budgeted higher capital spending to sustain their growth momentum.

Solaire lights up Quezon City with second luxury property

AYALALAND Hotels and Resorts Corp. (AHRC) has signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signifying its commitment to achieve EDGE Zero Carbon certification for 2,826 rooms in its hotel portfolio by 2026, a first for a hotel group in the Philippines. EDGE Zero Carbon is a globally recognized net zero building certification and the highest of three levels of certification for EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies. An innovation of IFC, EDGE is a green building certification system that promotes resource-efficient, low-carbon buildings, requiring a 20 percent improvement for each of energy use, water use, and embodied carbon in materials compared to

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corporation (BRC), owner and operator of Solaire Resort Entertainment City, is formally opening its second integrated resort (IR) – Solaire Resort North – in late May this year.

The new resort located in Quezon City is expected to solidify Solaire’s position as a leader in luxury entertainment while offering an elevated resort experience to clientele

base case. EDGE Zero Carbon goes further, requiring 40 percent savings on energy use via onsite measures, and that the buildings must be carbon neutral, through renewable energy, carbon offsets, or a combination of both.

AHRC’s pursuit of EDGE Zero Carbon certification follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ayala Land Inc. (ALI),

in the metropolis’ northern areas. At 1.5 hectares, Solaire Resort North is a USD 1 billion investment that is the first of its kind in the city.

The new Quezon City resort stands at 38 floors, offering a panoramic view of the urban landscape and bustling metropolis, while delivering a blend of modern sophistication and class.

The luxe property will offer Solaire’s signature service excellence, world-class facilities, and an elevated kind of lifestyle. Like its parent property, Solaire Resort North is an architectural marvel brought to life by esteemed architecture firms Aedas and Casas+Architects. The immersive, contemporary interiors are the creative breakthroughs of Habitus Design Group.

“We are excited and proud to share our new property and resort,” says Enrique K. Razon Jr., BRC chairman and chief executive officer.

He adds: “From a decade ago when we opened Solaire Resort Entertainment City, it has always been our mission to provide a fresh yet indulgent brand of luxury that has not been experienced in the Philippines before. With Solaire Resort North, we uphold the same mission in the hope that the property’

presence and operation will support Quezon City’s endeavors to enhance and promote tourism, generate employment for Filipinos, and further attract opportunities for economic and social investments. At the same time, we anticipate that our presence in Quezon City will positively impact our growth, widen our market footprint, and reinforce our brand’s strength.”

The rise of Solaire Resort North is a strategic expansion that aims to bring the signature Solaire brand of excellence closer to Metro Manila’s northern residents. Solaire Resort North is the only luxury resort with five-star facilities and amenities. It unveils 526 opulent guest rooms and suites; 2,669 electronic gaming machines; and 163 tables across four casino levels. It also offers a world of culinary experiences through its signature restaurants including contemporary Italian cuisine at Finestra Italian Steakhouse, fresh Japanese delicacies at Yakumi, and authentic Chinese fare at Red Lantern. There are also casual dining options featuring regional Filipino, Asian and international flavors. Bars and lounges offer a wide selection of spirits and cocktails.

Wenceslao

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

‘Cowboy Carter’ breaks Spotify 2024 record, fans celebrate album at Roller Rink party

IN BEYONCÉ ’S hometown of Houston, fans turned out in full force at a roller rink listening party celebrating the megastar’s new country album, ‘Cowboy Carter .’ The album smashed records on Spotify, becoming the most-streamed album in a single day for 2024 so far.

The jubilant scene on Friday night was a display of support for the 42-yearold Texan, who faced bigoted criticism when she announced the project.

Cowboy Carter ’ was released on March 29.

Despite the long lineage of Black artists in country music, overwhelmingly white and male gatekeepers of the genre have long vied to rigidly dictate its boundaries.

But they were no match for Beyonce, who pressed on and dropped a 27-track epic to great fanfare.

“I think Beyonce’s new album is awesome simply because in my opinion she’s bringing back awareness as to where country music started – a lot of people don’t know that country music started with us as Black Americans,” said Lashria Hadley , a nurse.

AFTER a well-deserved break to focus on family, Marian Rivera makes a triumphant return.

Following the success of Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa season 2 in January and the blockbuster film Rewind, the Philippines’ highestgrossing film of all time, she steps back into the spotlight with her first TV series in five years.

Tonight, viewers can catch her return in My Guardian , where she portrays an “out of this world” character.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing. A lot of things were appropriated from us and taken from us,” she continued. “So she’s just bringing back that awareness as to where it all started, and she’s doing it so effortlessly because she’s Beyonce.”

Cowboy Carter is the second installment of her Renaissance trilogy, a rollicking, history-rich honky tonk of an album that quickly soared to the top of the streaming rankings.

It’s rife with country elements but also draws across genres, including rap, dance, soul, rock, gospel and funk.

And for anyone who says Beyonce isn’t country enough to sing country?

“She’s from the south, she’s from Texas,” said Valeria Pasquel , who

Why did she choose My Guardian Alien for her

“When GMA presented it to me, this is what I really liked,” Marian said. “Because it’s new to me, and I’m sure my children will watch it. That’s important to me. I want to do a series that my children can watch and be proud of.”

She also admitted that returning to the small screen,

despite already doing a film and a sitcom, wasn’t a walk in the park. She had to readjust after a long hiatus.

At the media conference for My Guardian Alien, the 39-year-old actress discussed the challenges of returning to acting after taking a break to care for her kids, Zia and Sixto

“After five years of being away from soap operas, I didn’t know where my angle was, where the lighting was, so I felt my way through it,” the actress said.

Marian Rivera beams back to primetime in family series with sci-fi twist

“The director even said I was an ‘echosera’ at first,” she added, referring to series director Zig Dulay Marian further elaborated that she felt like she was “kind of struggling,” but the whole cast and crew were incredibly supportive.

on Earth on the night of Katherine’s funeral, containing an alien who takes her form.

The series also marks the long-awaited on-screen reunion of Marian with seasoned actor Gabby Concepcion. Concepcion plays Carlos, Katherine’s husband, who must navigate this unsettling turn of events.

“Working with Kuya Gabby is a dream come true,” Marian shared. “He’s a fantastic co-star, kind-hearted, and always knows how to lighten the mood.”

Rounding out the cast are Raphael Landicho as Doy, Katherine and Carlos’ son, and Max Collins as Venus, the Soriano family’s business partner with a hidden agenda.

The supporting cast boasts a stellar lineup, including Gabby Eigenmann, Marissa Delgado, Kiray Celis, Josh Ford, Caitlyn Stave, Christian Antolin, Kirts Viray, Sean Lucas, Arnold Reyes, Tanya Gomez, and Tart Carlos My Guardian Alien premieres tonight at 8:50 on GMA. It airs weeknights and will also have a delayed telecast on GTV at 10:50 p.m.

“It was difficult to memorize lines, but because of the help of the people around me, my job became easier,” she explained.

“And then Direk Zig, he didn’t lack in showing me what acting I needed to portray,” she added. Marian also shared the challenges of portraying an alien character, especially when she had no lines and had to rely solely on facial expressions.

In My Guardian Alien, Marian portrays Katherine Soriano, a devoted wife and mother whose seemingly perfect life takes a tragic turn when a shooting incident takes her away from her loving family. But the story doesn’t

‘Rewind’ tops Netflix PH, five Middle East countries

highest-grossing Filipino film of all Dingdong Dantes and achieved another milestone as it immediately hit the no. 1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 movies in the Philippines and several Middle East countries a day after it became available on the platform.

The Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry, which started streaming on Netflix on March 25, led the top 10 movies not just in the country but also in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and UAE, based on data published by streaming analytics site

The inspiring drama film is likewise making waves as part of the top 10 movies on Netflix in Canada, Hong Kong, Malta, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Mae Cruz-Alviar features the story of a

man named John (Dingdong) who gets an extraordinary opportunity to rewind time and save the life of Mary (Marian), the woman he loves. It was produced by Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, and AgostoDos Pictures. The blockbuster movie recently received a commendation from the Philippine Senate, via Sen. Robin Padilla’s Senate Resolution 909, which underscored the film’s role in revitalizing the local film industry. Rewind is now available for streaming on Netflix worldwide.

(left)

Marian (right) with ‘My Guardian Alien’ director Zig Dulay

end there. Adding a layer of mystery, a mysterious pod crash-lands

The cast and crew of the family drama ‘My Guardian Alien’

From left: ‘My Guardian Alien’ main cast Raphael Landicho, Gabby Concepcion, and Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera returns to TV screens as an alien character in ‘My Guardian Alien’

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

All ‘four’ one Wow Brands brings together classic favorites

By Angelica Villanueva

AONE-STOP dining destination has arrived in Quezon City with the grand opening of Wow Brands’ newest location along Mindanao Avenue on March 14.

The newest location brings together well-known favorites under one roof such as Shakey’s, Peri-Peri, R&B Milk Tea, and Potato Corner. This marks a significant milestone for all participating brands: the 268th store for Shakey’s, the 78th for Peri-Peri Mindanao, and the 4th joint venture between R&B and Potato Corner.

The opening reflects SPAVI’s dedication to growth and innovation, aiming to bring Shakey’s experience to even more communities. The Mindanao Avenue location, with its commitment to quality and service,

What makes Moira feel good

By Angelica Villanueva

WEARING a white kneelength dress, OPM singer Moira dela Torre looked dazzling and beautiful as she faced the local press during a media conference of her newest endorsement.

With her good aura and the radiance she brought when she appeared, she was asked what made her feel good these days.

“Sleep and my cat,” Moira quipped. “I am currently finishing my album, so I am really in work mode right now. I think that does make me feel good, accomplishing things and, you know, finishing something I started.”

Moira shared that the album was supposed to be finished already but emphasized that “good things take time.”

“And when it finally comes to completion after a very long time of waiting, that makes you feel very good,” she added.

The past years she had been very busy dropping singles left and right. She also had done concerts, gigs, and collaborations with fellow OPM artists. With Moira being in the spotlight for years, many noticed that the hit singer lost weight. She previously revealed that she had lost 60 pounds from her weight – from 180 pounds to 120 pounds, admitting to try sorts of fad diets.

promises to become a favorite hangout for both residents and visitors.

Joining Gregorio at the grand opening were General Managers Joey Alber (Peri-Peri), Rommel Turbanos (CBU Operations), Carlos Robles (Business Development), Gilbert Tolentino (Group Marketing), and Oliver Sicam Operations Managers June Joco (Peri-Peri), Emily Alvarez (Shakey’s), and Anna Bendero (R&B & Potato Corner) were also present. The event also acknowledged the unwavering support of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte

Shakey’s, an iconic pizza parlor cherished for its delectable pizzas and signature Chicken N Mojos offerings, joins hands with Peri-Peri, celebrated for its flame-grilled chicken and its aim to bring in flavors around the world. This dynamic duo is set to redefine casual dining experiences with their mouthwatering array of dishes.

For those seeking refreshing drinks, R&B Milk Tea is on hand. They’re known for their delicious cheese cream, signature brown sugar pearls, and high-quality ingredients. With a wide variety of flavors and customization options, there’s a perfect cup for everyone.

And no food adventure is complete without fries. Potato Corner, the ultimate destination for flavored fries, adds the perfect finishing touch with their addictive potato creations. “All of these complement each other, and they can become leaders in their category, and they’re supposed to deliver all the wowing experience,” said Shakey’s Pizza Asia Venture’s Inc. President and CEO Vic Gregorio

I’m sorry, I might have to say this trigger warning. I became bulimic for two years and it only worsened my situation and got me to gain more weight,” she continued.

“So in 2020, I started all these diets, I was vegan for a while, I did keto, I did intermittent, I did everything, I’ve tried everything,” recalled Moira.

“When I stopped putting pressure on myself and started allowing myself to just be me, I stopped feeling the pressure.

“When I stopped putting pressure on myself to just be, doon parang kumalma ang katawan ko and I started losing weight gradually. I think alam ng katawan mo kapag naaalagaan siya nang tama. Alam ng katawan natin kapag minamahal siya nang tama,” added Moira.

Talking about her weight loss

journey, the 30-year-old singer shared that it had changed her life and taught her a lot of lessons.

“My life changed a lot, but I think bago pa po yung weight loss, is more internal first, and it just manifested eventually, physically. I think the change started internally first before it manifested externally and my life changed so much after the last two and a half years,” explained Moira. She also shared how her journey had made her happier and healed. When asked on what advice she could give to those people who were experiencing what she had gone through, Moira pointed out how important it is to love yourself.

“I want you to care more about what you think about yourself because that matters more…For people who are going on a journey that I have been on, don’t be too hard on yourself. Be unapologetic when it comes to choosing yourself.

It’s not a bad thing,” Moira said. “Self-love is not a selfish thing. To the people who are trying to lose weight, I want you to care more about yourself. It had to take so much time to think that I was beautiful before. And then, the physical change happened. We are beautiful,” the singer stated. Her self-love journey continued as she was recently launched as the newest endorser of BonaSlim.

“On behalf of the BonaSlim and Bona Vita family, I am very grateful to Moira for trusting our brand and our family. We are also thankful to Cornerstone Management for the opportunity to be part of something big,” said BonaVita Philippines Chief Finance Officer Jethro Cerezo

On the other hand, Alvero emphasized the brand’s main goal to deliver a wide range of offerings for their diners.

“It would allow our guests to have more choices when eating,” Alvero stated.

“We also select brands purposely and consciously. If you like pizza, of course, [Shakey’s] is the way to go. But if you like fried chicken, we have chicken and chips. But if you want healthier, like grilled chicken, then we have now Peri-Peri. Kung yung mga kasama, mga bata ay gusto naman with French fries, we now have Potato Corner,” echoed Gregorio.

“Even in this place, in this facility, the fact that you can eat the chips, but if they like Peri-Peri chicken, our staff here will be more than happy to help them and get the chicken across the store. And the same thing with French fries. So, housing all of the brands together, whenever there is a chance, we will grab it because it provides more value for the consumer, for the guests,” he added.

Lizzo considers quitting after harassment claims, online abuse

POP STAR Lizzo, who built her brand on being a poster girl for selflove but has been hit by employee harassment suits, said she is quitting, tired of being targeted for her looks and character.

It was not immediately clear if the 35-year-old Grammy winner meant the music industry, social media, or something else.

Her statement came in an Instagram post on Friday, a day after she appeared at a Democratic campaign event for President Joe Biden “I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, wrote.

“All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it,” she continued.

“I didn’t sign up for this shit,” she wrote, adding in all capital letters: “I QUIT.” Lizzo, whose selflove message has resonated around the globe, was sued by three of her former dancers last year after they alleged sexual, religious, and racial harassment, among other accusations.

Last month a judge dismissed some of the claims but denied Lizzo’s motion to toss out the lawsuit, according to Billboard

Earlier this month she appeared to be enthusiastic about her career, posting: “I’m writing some of the best music and I’m so excited for y’all to hear.”

On Thursday night she helped warm up the crowd before Biden,

along with former Democratic presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, appeared at a fundraiser in New York City that raised a record $25 million. “It’s shameful that Lizzo would be chosen to headline an event like this amid such egregious allegations,” a lawyer for her former dancers, Ron Zambrano, was quoted as telling NewsNation

In her Instagram post, Lizzo said she was “constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views,” and that she was “the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look.” AFP

Grammy winner Lizzo is known for being an advocate for self-love and body positivity

Shakey’s brings its iconic flavors to Mindanao Avenue as it opens its 268th store

Peri-Peri offers delectable flame-grilled dishes along with a range of savory sauces with varying levels of spiciness

The newest location serves as R&B Milk Tea and Potato Corner’s fourth joint venture

Moira dela Torre embodies self-love in partnership with a slimming coffee brand

Shakey’s Pizza Asia Venture’s Inc. President and CEO Vic Gregorio (second from left) aims to deliver a ‘wowing experience’ to customers

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

CONRAD Manila’s Gallery C currently showcases 28 stunning artworks by nine accomplished artists – Lydia Velasco, Anita del Rosario, Addie Cukingnan, Flor Baradi, Dr. Meneline Wong, Lara Latosa, Celeste Lecaroz, Helena and Irish Galon.

As the latest installment of the hotel’s Of Art and Wine series, entitled Breaking the Glass Canvass, this captivating exhibit is in honor of Women’s Month. It banners the hotel’s appreciation of women’s contribution to the arts. This convergence of creativity serves as a beacon of empowerment, urging individuals to embrace their unique identities and celebrate the spirit of femininity.

Putting women’s achievements on a pedestal

Margie Moran Floirendo, and Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto Berto declared his profound

Novotel Manila is region’s top F&B performer among Accor brands

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

HAPPY servers, happy guests.

For May Malagamba, F&B Director of Novotel Manila Araneta City, taking care of one’s people will in turn make them take care of customers better.

This is especially true in the hospitality business in general and in the food and beverage section in particular. After all, everything begins at home. And she would be proven correct after Novotel Manila was recognized as the region’s top performer in F&B during the recent Accor Asia Awards 2023 in Jakarta.

“I have always believed that we have to take care of our people first, and then everything else will follow. This award is really an icing on the cake – the foundation is the dedication and commitment of the team to work and deliver,” Malagamba said.

“Our F&B team scored 98 out of 100 in our recent employee engagement survey. Because we are happy, we do not even count the hours,” she added.

Novotel Manila – the first Novotel brand of

Accor in the Philippines, was recognized for its dedicated commitment to delivering exceptional F&B experiences by offering unique signature cuisines and services that transcend the ordinary.

pride in unveiling this groundbreaking exhibition when he announced that by featuring “the unparalleled talent of these visionary lady artists, Conrad Manila reaffirms its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the realm of art and culture.”

Furthermore, co-curators Latosa and Nestor Jardin offered their insights into the significance of the exhibit. The former said that it “encapsulates the essence of empowerment, showcasing the resilience and triumphs inherent in every woman’s journey. Each masterpiece is a testament to the artist’s distinctive style and narrative, ranging from bold abstract to intricate sculptures, a multifaceted tapestry of artistic expression.”

of artists, instilling within them the courage to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.” The exhibit runs until May 17.

As I went through the entire gallery to take a closer look at all the attractive masterpieces, I was completely in awe, as every piece in the exhibit was something to marvel at. These ladies’ contributions to the world of art are certainly “Breaking The Glass Canvas.”

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

Restaurant Patron:

“Waiter, I’d like a bottle of wine.”

Waiter: “What year, sir?”

Patron: “Well, I’d like it right now!”

Jardin, on the other hand, invited the general public to view the beautiful artworks, “to inspire future generations

According to Sam Tse, the hotel’s Director of Commercial Sales, consistently meeting, if not exceeding, F&B expectations goes hand-in-hand with creating loyalty.

“Competition is non-stop.

Customers know what they want and we always have to be at par with new standards,” Tse said.

“A buffet is a buffet. A room is a room. A hotel is a hotel. But what makes us different is our service. A service with a heart will always make a difference.”

Evaluation for the Accor Awards

The following, shown in photos on this page, struck my inner sensibilities the most – Latosa’s Aruga ni Nanay (Mother’s Care) which is acrylic on canvas; Dr. Wong’s Strength In Beauty #3 which is mixed media; Lecaroz’s España y Filipinas in spontaneous realism which is acrylic on canvas; and Galon’s I’m Fine, Thank You which is also acrylic on canvas.

But, regardless of my personal choices, I know you will enjoy the exhibit because every item on display is worthy of acclaim.

More information on Conrad Manila’s current art collection and attractive room and food and beverage offers may be obtained from www. conradmanila.com or through +632 8833 9999.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

Some

The

The

included innovation, reputable performance score (RPS), food safety standards, financial achievements, employee engagement, and impactful marketing efforts in the region.

Food Exchange Manila, Gourmet Bar by Novotel, Indulge Gelato, The 6th Manila, and Prana Indian Cuisine were among the signature dining outlets as well as the meetings and banquets that contributed to the success of the hotel brand.

Novotel Manila was likewise recognized as a prominent Accor brand in the Philippines, securing three important nominations that included the Best Loyalty Performance and Hotel of the Year among five key categories.

Novotel Manila’s cluster GM and Accor’s first Filipino woman leader Maria Manlulu-Garcia credited the hotel’s heartists – a portmanteau of heart and artist to refer to their employees.

“Their creativity, dedication, and passion in providing guest experiences an extra mile during their stay and visit with us truly exemplify Accor’s DNA in continuously building long-term loyalty for all hotel guests and stakeholders,” ManluluGarcia said.

Novotel Manila’s Executive Chef, Massimiliano Pauletto added: “The difference is our philosophy. We do not work for Novotel. We are Novotel.”

‘España

From left: SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles, artist Lara Latosa, SMHCCPresident Elizabeth Sy, CCP President Margie Moran Floirendo, artist Lydia Velasco, and Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto during the ribbon cutting ceremony

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was done by SMHCC Executive Vice-President Peggy Angeles, artists Lydia Velasco and Lara Latosa, SMHCC President Elizabeth Sy, CCP President