MARKING TERRITORY. The Atin Ito civilian flotilla yesterday dropped 12 buoys at a designated area in the country’s exclusive economic zone about 50 nautical miles from Panatag (Scarborough) shoal. Inset map shows location of Panatag in the West Philippine Sea. AFP
FACING the Commission on Appointments (CA), Minister and Consul General Arnel Talisayon divulged on Wednesday that the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China had been receiving ‘hate emails’ from unnamed Chinese citizens over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue. Talisayon and 15 other foreign service officials of the Department of Affairs (DFA) appeared before the CA foreign service committee for their ad interim appointment.
During the confirmation hearing, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa asked Talisayon if there are reports of harassment against Filipinos in China due to the country’s ongoing maritime dispute with China over WPS.
THE Commission on Elections
(Comelec) will no longer allow the substitution of candidates beyond the designated period to file certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections.
Chairman George Erwin Garcia
said this was unanimously approved by the Comelec en banc during its regular session.
“The decision was unanimous. The Commission en banc approved our proposal that there would be no more substitution after the last day of filing of candidacy, which is October 8
EST PHILIPPINE SEA—China Coast Guard vessels on Wednesday evening began shadowing a convoy of Filipino civilian boats on their way to the contested area of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal, a spokesman of the Atin Ito convoy said.
Three clearly marked China Coast Guard vessels sailed within sight of the convoy at dusk and broadcast radio warnings heard aboard one of the Philippine boats as the Atin Ito flotilla moved closer to Panatag Shoal, convoy spokesman Emman Hizon said. A Philippine Coast Guard aircraft was also issued a radio challenge by one of the Chinese vessels spotted in and around Panatag Shoal, located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales and within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
SOLICITOR General Menardo Guevarra said his office is now gathering information on the possible involvement of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), among other things. Guevarra said Wednesday that his office might file a quo warranto petition questioning the right of Mayor Gou to sit in office due to the matter of her nationality and identity. Guevarra said that if there is good reason that Guo is holding office as a public official illegally, thus the filing of a petition for quo warranto by the OSG. Quo warranto, according to the High Court, is a legal action requiring the subject to show ample proof for holding office or an official title. In a recent hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised questions as to the identity and nationality of Gou because no official records are
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill to reform, reorganize, and strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) citing the continuing aggression of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Under Senate Bill No. 2650, Gatchalian intends to repeal Republic Act 9993, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, and replace it with the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law.
The proposed measure seeks to enhance the organizational structure of the PCG and enable it to attract qualified personnel.
"It aims to better equip the Coast Guard to fulfill its mandate,
considering the importance of having a well-mannered and responsive institution to meet regional and international challenges related to the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines,” the bill read.
The senator noted that gaps in the organizational structure, administration, and ensuring personnel welfare have negatively impacted PCG operations.
The PCG, initially established as a major unit of the Philippine Army in
1967, transitioned to civilian administration, moving from the Office of the President to the Department of Transportation in 1998.
Earlier, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 2516 or the PCG Modernization Act to modernize the PCG.
It also aims to enhance PCG’s assets and facilities and bolster its capabilities. The proposed measure seeks to develop a more mobile and visible coast guard force that will establish its vision to become a world-class guardian of the sea by 2025.
The Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya meanwhile assured the PCG of Japan’s support in its capability development, specifically through the acquisition of additional capital ships.
Kazuya recently met with PCG Com-
mandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan in a courtesy visit in Manila.
PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said the Philippines and Japan will conduct a note signing for the acquisition of five 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) on Friday, May 17. The contract signing will ensue thereafter.
To date, the PCG has two 97-meter MRRVs, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), which are active in conducting maritime security and safety operations in the West Philippine Sea.
BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV9702) safely arrived in Port Area, Manila, after participating in the recently concluded PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2024.
A FILIPINO consul general on Wednesday defended the additional visa requirements for Chinese tourists, saying these were intended to ensure that the rights and welfare of the travelers are protected.
“I believe that this is an issue that is purely consular in nature and this has something to do with our efforts to make sure that the rights and welfare of travelers going to the Philippines are also protected, by making sure that legitimate travelers are the ones that obtain their visas while still here at the post,” Minister and Consul General Arnel Talisayon of the Philippine Embassy in China said.
Talisayon made the remarks during the Commission on Appointments hearing when asked if the recent announcement by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on visa requirements for Chinese tourists would affect the relationship between China and the Philippines.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian should be expelled and declared “persona non grata” if the allegation is proven.
“This desperate tactic employed should be stopped as they proliferate false information against our officials, thereby affecting our national security,” he said.
PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela also backed the position of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats involved in the illegal recording.
“If it is proven that there is a diplomat in the Chinese embassy who violated the anti-wiretapping law and did not respect our law as the Republic of the Philippines, then they should be expelled,” Tarriela said.
China’s foreign ministry earlier cautioned Manila to “stop provocations and infringements.”
“The Philippines’ response shows exactly their guilty conscience in the face of facts and evidence and how exasperated and desperate they have become,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press conference on May 10.
“We ask the Philippines to ensure that Chinese diplomats can carry out their duty normally, and to stop provocations and infringements,” he added.
But Tolentino said as an alternative, the Philippines should also consider recalling the country’s ambassador to China.
In filing Senate Resolution 1023, Tolentino noted that wiretapping is a very important and sensitive matter, and that the government should take appropriate actions to determine the extent of China’s interference in some of the country’s critical infrastructure that may undermine national security.
Last week, China threatened to release the transcript and audio recording of an alleged phone conversation that occurred last January 3 between Chinese officials and Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, then chief of the AFP WesCom, where the latter allegedly agreed to a “new model” in handling resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
THE country’s top think tank is calling on the government to invest in broadband infrastructure to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines in the global digital economy.
“Digital transformation has always been a stated priority of this administration,” said Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, President of the Stratbase Institute. “But the government need to allocate more resources to upgrade the national broadband infrastructure.”
Manhit said these can take the form of expansion of fiber-optic networks, the deployment of 5G technology, and the enhancement of last-mile connectivity to reach underserved communities.
He echoed the call of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) which asked for an increase in the budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to P240 billion, which in the six years from 2018 to 2024 totaled only 7.6 billion.
According to Manhit, broadband infrastructure serves as the conduit through which digital data flows, facilitating communication in commerce and social services, and enabling constant innovation.
“Business will be able to grow and expand, entrepreneurs will be given room to innovate, and individuals will be able to use information that they could use for educational and economic advancement,” he said.
Manhit added that the transformative potential of broadband infrastructure can be best harnessed by the Philippines’ young and digitally savvy population, even as all segments of the citizenry stand to benefit from digital transformation.
“Broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury, something that is nice to have or an added feature,” Manhit added.
“Internet connectivity is an indispensable utility of a digital economy.”
“Access to fast and reliable broadband services is a fundamental requirement for
en this kind of initiative,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela.
full and meaningful participation in the digitalized global economy. We stand to lose so much in real and potential benefits if we do not address the gaps in the country’s digital infrastructure.”
Despite best efforts by private telcos in the Philippines, challenges continue to hound the digital sector, with broadband penetration rates and internet speeds lagging behind those of other countries in the region.
“The Philippines’ tremendous potential in the global economy stands to be undermined by the digital divide,” said Manhit, adding that this divide can only perpetuate the deep socio-economic disparities and inequities in our society.
According to datareportal.com, there were 86.98 million internet users in January this year, representing an increase of 1.8 million users (2.1% ) year on year. However, the remaining 31.24 million individuals did not use the internet during this period, which translates to a good 26.4 percent of the population remaining offline.
manned by Filipino civilians, it is unmistakably exposed as an aggressor, usurper and illegal occupant,” she said.
The Consul General stressed that these regulations are “within the prerogative of the sovereign state.” Talisayon was among the 16 DFA officials whose promotions were confirmed by the Commission on Appointments yesterday.
The DFA last week announced that it would tighten the visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.
The department immediately clarified that this has nothing to do with national security issues. It added this would even benefit the Chinese citizens, who are often victims of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
The announcement came amid a series of aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said the intent is to “weed out” the illegitimate and “unsavory” tourists from the legitimate ones.
Four of the five main commercial fishing boats of the civilian mission, which locals call “Pangulong,” pushed through with the second phase of the trip and aim to reach the shoal today for another round of supply distribution to Filipino fisherfolk in the area.
According to a GMA News team on board the PCG’s Cessna Caravan 2081, at least 18 China Coast Guard and militia vessels and one People’s Liberation Army warship were scattered in the area, a significant increase from the usual deployment of eight vessels.
At one point, a Chinese Navy ship near the area issued warnings to the PCG pilots: “Leave immediately or you will be responsible for all the consequences” and “Philippine aircraft, this is Chinese Navy warship 105. China has undisputed sovereignty over the island.”
“They [China] really want to intimidate the civil society thinking that the more vessels they deploy it will threat-
The PCG on Wednesday deployed two additional ships – BRP Panglao and BRP Boracay – to monitor the safety of the civilian mission that was also being monitored by the 44-meter vessel BRP Bagacay.
One of Atin Ito’s five pangulong has already returned to land, along with about 100 small fishing boats after successfully installing orange-colored markers or buoys bearing the message “WPS, Atin Ito!” within the country’s exclusive economic zone yesterday.
“The Atin Ito contingent will now proceed to the second phase of its voyage, aiming to reach the vicinity of Panatag Shoal for another round of supply distribution to Filipino fisherfolk in the area,” the civilian mission said in a statement.
Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan president Rafaela David said China’s narrative has “significantly faltered.”
“When a superpower deploys a fleet of military vessels to act as a goalkeeper in a shoal it has no authority over, against a group of wooden fishing boats
Dela Rosa told Talisayon to continue monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our people just in case our problem with China escalate.
“China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea reveal not strength, but a glaring weakness. When it resorts to intimidating small, civilian fishing vessels with military might, it showcases a narrative built on fear rather than legitimate authority,” she added.
Edicio Dela Torre of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) added: “Our mission is a testament to the resilience and rightful assertion of our sovereignty by the Filipino people. This civilian supply mission is not just about delivering supplies, it’s about reaffirming our presence and rights in our own waters. The world is watching, and the narrative of rightful ownership and peaceful assertion is clearly on our side.”
The PCG said Atin Ito coalition’s mission is already a victory for the Philippines as it managed to deliver supplies such as fuel and food packs to Filipino fishermen sailing in the area of Panatag Shoal. Vince Lopez with AFP
are treating them.
Talisayon said they are all professional and cordial.
But the Philippine Travel Agencies Association lamented that tighter visa rules could discourage Chinese tourists from visiting the country, thus impacting travel businesses as well as the hotel and accommodations sector.
For its part, the Bureau of Immigration expressed support for tighter visa requirements, saying this would also help protect the Philippines from activities that are “probably inimical to national security or public interest.”
mechanisms between law enforcement agencies and increased regional and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In a previous remark, President Marcos has been vocal in using the country’s “full force” against terrorism and extremist ideologies, citing the need to be vigilant against enemies of peace.
“As we defend the gains we have achieved, we will be vigilant against the enemies of peace,” President Marcos said.
“We will bear the full force of the state against terrorist elements, to those who preach the discarded and debunked ideology of dismemberment. The people will reject your selfish agenda,” he added.
Talisayon gave a negative answer, but mentioned that the embassy has been receiving hate emails.
“But for the Filipino community, so far, we haven’t heard such news,” he said.
The senator hopes they’re just hate mails and no physical harm will happen.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the CA panel chairperson, asked Talisayon how the Chinese government officials
The diplomat noted that he oftentimes attended meetings and other engagements at the Foreign Ministry.
Except for the hate emails, he said nobody is bothering them in the Philippine Embassy.
(2024) if the ground is withdrawal,” he added.
Garcia said substitution would only be allowed if the reason was because of death or disqualification of the candidate, provided that the substitute candidate has the same family name and belongs to the same political party.
“We will no longer allow substitution of candidates. Let us not deceive the nation. Whoever is the candidate, he should be open about it, file your [CoCs]. Don’t be a front for someone who is, all along, the one who will be running,” Garcia said.
He clarified that during the period of filing of COCs, withdrawals will still be allowed. The only allowable reason for substitution is when the candidate dies or gets disqualified by the Comelec.
when she was 17 years old.
Gou defended her stance by saying that she was a Filipino at the time of her proclamation as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac.
As for the filing of the quo warranto, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the OSG has the right to file a quo warranto, more so if the citizenship of the individual is under question.
Comelec chair George Garcia averred that the Comelec has no jurisdiction over the case of Gou who now sits as mayor because their jurisdiction begins and ends at the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) up to the final proclamation, respectively.
Former Comelec commissioner Gregorio “Goyo” Larrazabal agreed in a separate interview on Kapihan sa Manila Bay. “You can file a quo warranto,” Larrazabal said.
Meanwhile, Gou has denied involvement in another charge being
leveled against her: the alleged involvement in POGO operations which were raided in her hometown in Bamban last March.
On this note, Larrazabal urged that it’s time to revise the Omnibus Election Code due to the outmoded provisions which were enforced in the 1980s.
He also said that while people are given leeway to question applications, very few people care to actually do it. This is why, he added, that people should be vigilant.
“It is easier said than done,” he said. Garcia, on the other hand, urged
the public to be vigilant on two important fronts: the filing of the COC and voter registration.
No one opposed the voter registration of Guo in April 2021, Garcia said. He also added that foreigners have no way of filing their registration in the country. According to Garcia, Gou’s case may be subject to the inquiry of the court due to the questions being raised. This led Garcia to immediately check the Commission’s Clerk of Court for records filed by Gou when she ran as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac in 2022.
HOUSE leaders on Wednesday urged the Senate to help ease the burden on Filipinos grappling with high rice prices by passing the proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez expressed confidence the Senate would be able to act on the RTL amendment bill, which provides safety nets to stabilize rice prices and ensure the viability of the local rice industry.
With rice prices steadily increasing, Suarez stressed the need for government intervention to curb excessive price hikes.
“If we don’t do government intervention, that will serve as some sort of competition to the traders and the importers of rice. There won’t be a regulatory function or a balancing activity to be done by government,” Suarez said at a news conference.
He underscored the crucial role of government regulation on maintaining stability in the rice market.
Last Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill (HB) 10381, which allows the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell subsidized rice to address exigencies like shortages of the cereal. The bill also extends the validity period for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or RCEF for six more years and raises its budget from P10 billion to P15 billion.
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday announced it would go after operators and drivers of unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) starting today.
“We can flag down today and we can hunt down the driver of the vehicle since the grace period we gave them is over so that those who have not yet consolidated do not travel,” LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said.
PUV operators that failed to con-
MRT-3 MORNING
MRT-3 personnel go through their routine morning exercise to keep physically fit to meet the rigors of their daily tasks. DOTr photo
solidate operations as required by the PUV modernization program after the April 30 deadline were considered illegal or colorum.
Any driver of an unconsolidated jeepney still plying routes starting Thursday could face a one-year suspension, Guadiz said.
The PUV unit of an erring operator or driver could be fined P50,000, plus 30-day impoundment, of the vehicle, he added.
According to the LTFRB chief, only 1,900 PUVs remained unconsolidated into transport cooperatives or corporations.
The agency earlier issued showcause orders to unconsolidated PUV operators to explain their failure within five days or face punishment provided by law.
“Almost all have been sent since May 2. We are monitoring their receipt of the show-cause order,” Guadiz said.
THE Philippine mining industry took center stage in a recent conference in Makati City organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the international think tank group Stratbase Institute. During the meeting, the ambassadors of Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union vowed to assist in developing the domestic mining industry.
Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya underscored the importance of the import and export of critical materials in the economic relationship between his country and the Philippines. Japan is a major importer of Philippine minerals, notably nickel, copper, and iron.
“As the price of critical minerals, including nickel, could be volatile, a stable business environment is essential. And I would like to thank the
government of the Philippines for its continuous support for maintaining such an environment,” Kazuya said.
By working together to address challenges and opportunities in the mineral trade, Japan and the Philippines can further enhance our strategic partnership and contribute to the growth of our respective industries,” the envoy added.
THE United States government has inaugurated a fellowship program in the Philippines aimed at strengthening Filipino academic officials’ capacity to drive innovation within their organizations.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered with the Commission on Higher Education in launching the Higher Education Innovation Leaders Fellowship Program as part of USAID’s fiveyear, P1.6 billion worth of USPhilippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Life-long Learning (UPSKILL) initiative.
The US Embassy, in a statement, said the program will bring together 16 senior Philippine academic officials for an eight-month learning experience that will empower them to drive innovation within their respective organizations.
“This fellowship program represents our investment in developing leaders who will inspire change and strengthen the country’s higher education sector through innovation and collaboration,” USAID Philippines mission director Ryan Washburn said. Throughout the program, fellows will engage in learning sessions covering global trends in higher education, driving organizational reforms, and crafting innovative solutions to enhance the impact of higher education programs.
Rey E. Requejo
CHR now accepting complaints online
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has unveiled a “game-changing” online complaint portal to provide more accessible services to vulnerable individuals.
The CHR recently introduced a management information system monitoring outlet (MISMO) to connect with clients, particularly the most vulnerable, in real-time, regardless of their location, including the most remote areas of the country.
CHR chairman Richard Palpallatoc cited the importance of digitalization to be able to keep up to the modern times and maximize the benefits of technology in the delivery of human rights services.
“We recognize the inevitability of changes occurring in our midst, so we must learn to adapt so that we can effectively march forward and meet head-on the challenges brought about by the times,” he said.
“CHR MISMO was designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and timeliness in transactions. It is expected to bridge the gap between the people and the Commission’s services, thus, ensuring smoother and hassle-free interactions in the pursuit of human rights service for the Filipinos,” he explained. Rio N. Araja
‘Food stamp program to help feed the poor’
Australian ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu expressed her country’s interest in bolstering its critical minerals strategy through collaboration with like-minded countries such as the Philippines.
“So, this focus by the Philippines on critical minerals could not have come at a better time,” Yu said.
He also expressed Japan’s interest in exploring the Philippines’ proposal for a joint geological survey to assess the potential of mineral resources in the country.
DHSUD ties up with Clark company to boost gov’t mass housing program
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) have teamed up to explore possible collaboration under President Marcos’ flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program (4PH).
“Clark has a very big potential in terms of location and infrastructure. It’s very ideal for our concept of township development under the President’s flagship 4PH program,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said.
Acuzar noted that the projected collaboration “is like hitting four birds with one stone” in terms of addressing the perennial housing crisis.
The DHSUD chief said they aim to address homelessness by providing shelters to workers, resolve massive
urbanization by expanding development outside Metro Manila, raise the value of real estate by establishing new green and smart cities, and create communities to trigger economic activities.
The establishment of townships within the vicinities of Clark Special Economic Zone and the Clark Freeport Zone was among the priorities discussed during the meeting last Monday between Acuzar and CDC president and chief executive officer Agnes Devanadera. Acuzar noted that most ingredients of an ideal new and modern city were already in place inside Clark, such as an international airport, hotels, hospitals, schools and other modern infrastructure. Rio N. Araja
ILOILO Rep. Janette Garin has lauded the implementation of Food Stamp Program (FSP) of the administration of President Marcos, saying it would ensure that every poor family will have something on the table.
“The good thing is that this program was started under the PBBM administration because it has been a long time since we have been complaining about having a food stamp program, and now it has been implemented,” Garin said in Filipino.
She also said the program would not only alleviate the plight of Filipino families, but also help farmers and small entrepreneurs as the aid that would be given will be only purchased from accredited retailers.
The program aims to reduce the incidence of hunger experienced by low-income households by providing monetary-based assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase select food items from eligible partner merchant store.
Meanwhile, Garin said the program might not be enough at present, but it would possibly increase to provide greater assistance to Filipino families.
“In other words, it is just one component of the whole big buy of public services. If we look, there will be more job opportunities, there will be more help,” she said. Maricel V. Cruz
of Health (DOH)
Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the government should invest in telehealth and
digital literacy programs to bridge healthcare challenges in the country.
Despite progress since the COVID-19 pandemic, Herbosa also noted that nearly 60% of households still lack internet access, while infrastructure remains inadequate outside the National Capital Region.
He particularly mentioned the country’s successful implementa-
He noted, however, that the lack of electricity is a huge challenge. Herbosa added that the country’s unique geography, in which 12 percent of Filipinos lack electricity, hinders digital technology use in health care, especially in isolated areas.
tion of digital health – the advent of telemedicine that played a role in helping patients by offering remote healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under telemedicine, there is no need for a patient to visit a health facility which eventually reduces unnecessary burdens on the health system.
“As we navigate the intersection of technology and healthcare, we must remember that behind every data point and digital interface, there’s a human being seeking care and compassion,” Herbosa said. He called on the public to harness the power of innovation responsibly, ensuring that it serves humanity rather than replacing it.
ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda pushed for a separate senior citizens insurance program under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to cover catastrophic health expenditures.
Salceda, chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday, manifested the proposal in his sponsorship speech of House Bill 52, or the PhilHealth Reform Act.
“Our proposed framework is to allow PhilHealth to create a catastrophic health insurance program for senior citizens on top of the government’s sponsorship of coverage for Senior Citizens,” Salceda said in his speech at the House Committee on Health which deliberated on the bill.
Erice says Comelec should just use existing machines
CUSTOMS authorities intercepted an illegal shipment of 36 scorpion heads and isopods at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The parcel was without the required permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), authorities said.
The parcel, declared as a traditional designed shoulder bag, was shipped from Quezon City to a recipient in Mexico.
“Upon closer inspection, authorities discovered that the package concealed 23 large scorpion heads, 13 small scorpion heads, and a container of isopods,” according to NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa.
She said the confiscated shipment was turned over to the DENR for proper handling and safekeeping.
The seized shipment constitutes a serious violation of Philippine laws, including Section 1113 in relation to Sections 117 and 1401 of RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as Section 27 of RA 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Vito Barcelo
THE Supreme Court (SC) through its education arm, the Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJA), will hold a symposium on “Contemporary and Enduring Challenges to Freedom of Expression.”
The SC stressed that while the symposium will be held on Dec. 10 and 11 in Manila, it needed to announce the event early because its Committee on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law has started accepting abstracts on the topic of freedom of speech, expression and the press, and its cognate rights. The deadline for submission is June 15.
The symposium aims to enrich the discourse on the impact of contemporary developments in the exercise of these fundamental freedoms and encourage critical legal scholarship on the decisions and policies of the Court,” the SC said, in a media briefer. According to the tribunal, members of the bench and bar, law practitioners in the private and public sectors, members of the academe, law students, and other interested individuals are invited to submit their work and “all submissions will undergo blind deliberations.” Rey Requejo
FORMER Caloocan representative Edgar Erice has requested the Supreme Court (SC) to direct the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to use its existing inventory of 97,000 vote-counting machines (VCMs) in the 2025 polls.
This plea comes as part of a supplement to the certiorari petition Erice filed last month, seeking to annul the P18 billion contract between Comelec and South Korean provider Miru Systems.
“It borders on absurdity why Comelec needed to conduct a bidding for the lease of vote-counting machines and other election-related paraphernalia when it already made a prior purchase of the very same items for which the bidding was conducted,” Erice said.
Moreover, Erice pointed out that theComelec has a standing Service Contract with Smartmatic, which includes a warranty for free replacement parts, ensuring the continued functionality of the machines for multiple elections.
“In support of the President’s call for fiscal prudence, Comelec might want to reuse the VCMs it already owns, thereby saving the taxpayers at least P8 billion,” Erice said.
In his analysis of Comelec’s Terms of Reference (TOR), Erice revealed that 95% of the required functionalities are already satisfied by the existing VCMs, particularly in their Optical Mark Reader (OMR) functionality. He clarified that for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), only the OMR functionality of the VCMs will be utilized.
IN ONE of the regular weekly lunches I attend with friends from all stripes of the political spectrum, a debate between two members ensued.
One repeated what he has always been saying in the many talk shows he is current darling of --- that the UniTeam is now all but dead except for the burial rites.
The reason he advanced was that the “alliance” between PBbM and ISZDC in 2022 was not based on any ideology or common principles, but was purely for purposes of electoral victory.
To which an incumbent governor, our lunch group’s resident “pilosopo” who always has something to say about anything, mostly street smart quips though based on a good reading of political history, retorted: “Meron bang ideology sa Pilipinas? Komunista lang ang may ideology.”
Almost everybody in our lunch group agreed with undisguised glee to his quip. Looking back, was there any real ideological debate between Bonifacio’s Magdiwang and Aguinaldo’s Magdalo, other than the “educado” faction belittling the abilities of the plebeian founder of the Katipunan?
For a while, Juan Sumulong thought that becoming a state of the US of A was the way to go when the Americans hijacked our revolution. Manuel Luis Quezon however staunchly advocated independence.
But, later, Sumulong found common cause with Quezon in disapproving the Hare-Hawes-Cutting bill which the Osmena-Roxas faction brought home after their Washington sojourn.
His party “coalesced” with Quezon’s Nacionalista, although in 1941, when Quezon ran for re-election, Sumulong broke the alliance, ran for president, and lost.
After the Pacific War, just before the Americans “granted” us our “independence,” the election pitted Nacionalista Pres. Osmena against the newly formed Liberal Party’s Manuel A. Roxas who won. Roxas died while visiting Clark in Pampanga, and VP Quirino succeeded him, but when he clamped down on corruption, his party-mate, Senate Pres. Avelino balked, and in 1949, formed an Avelino wing of the LP. Again, where was ideology?
To stem the growing Hukbalahap uprising, Quirino appointed a neophyte LP congressman, Ramon Magsaysay of Zambales, to the defense portfolio.
In 1953, when Quirino sought re-election, Magsaysay bolted the LP, and became the Nacionalista candidate against his patron. He won overwhelmingly, “with a little help from the Americans” who hated Quirino’s nationalistic bent.
History soon repeated itself when Magsaysay died in a plane crash, and was succeeded by his vice president, Bohol’s Carlos P. Garcia, who in the 1957 election, prevailed in a four-way contest over Jose Yulo of the LP, Manuel Manahan of the PPP, and the great Claro M. Recto of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party. When he sought re-election in 1961, Garcia was up against his vice president, Diosdado P. Macapagal who won, bringing the Liberals back to power.
But in 1965, Senate President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. bolted the LP, and became a new member of the Nacionalista Party, went on to be its candidate, and was elected president. Once again, no ideology, only ambition was the singular goal.
In 1969, Marcos was re-elected, defeating Liberal candidate, Sergio Osmena Jr., son of the former president, a staunch Nacionalista.
Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and reigned until 1986, though he supposedly “lifted” his authoritarian rule in 1981, where a sham election was held. He then proceeded to “unite” the NPs and LPs in a monolith called the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan.
EDSA Uno cut him short, and a “forced” marriage of convenience again sans “ideology” (other than regaining democratic order) preceded the CoryDoy “uniteam” of UNIDO, Liberals, PDP, etc., which broke two years after. In 1992, the first presidential election
New coalitions, new alliances, new movements, new parties -- all flags of convenience camouflaging personal ambition, ideology and principles be damned
was held under the 1987 Constitution, with the huge Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino fielding Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, while a few short ribs disengaged and formed Lakas, which coalesced with the NUCD, and won with Fidel V. Ramos, Cory’s choice.
In 1998, another new alliance was formed, with then VP Joseph Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino, Eduardo Angara’s LDP, and Eduardo Cojuangco’s NPC, called Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAMMP).
EDSA Dos brought the Lakas VP, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who reigned from Jan. 23, 2001 till June 30, 2010, the second longest-running presidency in our history.
Ninoy and Cory’s son, Noynoy Aquino, an LP, defeated new NP Manny Villar, PMP’s returning Joseph Estrada, and GMA’s Lakas candidate Gilbert Teodoro in the 2010 election.
Then in 2016, the PDP-Laban was tapped to become Rodrigo Duterte’s vehicle to victory, following which, his daughter Inday Sara, not of PDP but a newly-formed Hugpong, coalesced to give birth to another “Uniteam” in 2022 with Bongbong Marcos’ also newlyformed Partido Federal.
New coalitions, new alliances, new movements, new parties -- all flags of convenience camouflaging personal ambition, ideology and principles be damned.
THROUGHOUT history, there have been many stories of patriotism and treachery.
This is particularly true in times of conflict.
As we know, there are many kinds of treachery and as many reasons why people become traitors to their country, friend, cause or religion.
Stories of patriotism, however, have always remained constant.
It is always about someone sacrificing for one’s country.
One of the earliest stories of betrayals known to every Christian all over the world is that of Judas who betrayed the Lord Jesus to the Romans for 30 pieces of silver.
Benedict Arnold, another familiar traitor, betrayed the cause of the American Revolution to the British.
We also all remember the famous phrase Et Tu Brute which was uttered by the dying Julius Cesar to his friend Brutus in the ides of March in Rome.
Another name that has now become
synonymous to treason is Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian politician who in the Second World War became a Nazi puppet and was executed by his own country after the war.
We also have our share of disloyal citizens.
No particular name comes to mind at the moment but we did have the hated Makapilis during the Japanese occupation.
These were Filipinos who served the Japanese by identifying suspected guerrilla members for execution and collaborated openly with them.
Many of our wartime leaders were in fact rounded up after the war for collaborating with the enemy and incarcerated in Palawan until eventually given full pardons.
Many of them returned to high government positions after the war and a couple of their descendants even became presidents.
In earlier times, there were those Filipinos who betrayed to the Ameri-
NOW that the Supreme Court has spoken, perhaps those who have been engaged in ‘red-tagging,’ or the act of branding political activists and critics of government as “communists” or even “terrorists,” would now think twice about continuing what they have been doing.
What the Supreme Court en banc has said in its 39-page ruling made public on May 8 is that red-tagging is a threat to the life, liberty and security of the intended victims.
In the ruling penned by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, the High Tribunal said red-tagging, as well as “vilification, labeling, and guilt by association,” could warrant the issuance of a writ of amparo to protect victims’ rights from aggressors.
The court pointed out that inherent in the practice of red-tagging was
the “use of threats and intimidation” to discourage what could be deemed “subversive” activities.
“Whether such threats ripen into actual abduction or killing of supposed ‘Reds’ is largely uncertain,” the Supreme Court said. But being branded a communist or terrorist could make a red-tagged individual a target of vigilantes, paramilitary groups, or even state agents, it said.
Perhaps the Supreme Court should clarify whether its ruling covers those in the AFP, PNP, NICA and other security agencies
In defining the concept of Red-tagging for the first time, the Supreme Court cited the United Nations Human Rights Council’s observation the practice had become prevalent in the Philippines, where progressive groups were identified as “front organizations of anti-democratic groups.”
Understandably, the Supreme Court
IN THE hallowed halls of governance, where the light of hope is supposed to shine brightest, darkness often lurks in the shadows, camouflaged by the very individuals entrusted with safeguarding the public trust.
Such is the somber tale that unfolds in the latest chapter of our nation’s struggle against corruption, as unveiled by the relentless pursuit of truth by the Ombudsman.
Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and erstwhile Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao, once figures of authority, now find themselves cast in the unforgiving spotlight of accountability.
The Ombudsman’s resolute decree reverberates with the weight of justice as it orders the filing of graft charges against them over the alleged misappropriation of over P41 billion earmarked for the urgent procurement of COVID-19 supplies in the fateful month of March 2020.
Within the confines of a 49-page resolution, meticulously crafted and unveiled with solemnity, lies the damning evidence of their transgressions.
The Ombudsman’s pronouncement is not merely a condemnation of their actions but a testament to the unwavering commitment to uphold the sanctity
cans the hiding place of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela that resulted in his capture on March 23, 1901. People become traitors for many reasons.
Money is one very common motivation.
Revenge for a perceived wrong done to the individual is another.
And since Cagayan governor Mamba believes China is so great, he should consider moving there to benefit from that country’s tremendous economic progress
Still another is thirst for power.
But the scariest reason is that some traitors actually have that perverted belief they are doing the country good by collaborating with another country.
ruling has been welcomed by activist groups and human rights organizations as an important piece of jurisprudence that could serve as the basis for future decisions involving persons unfairly tagged by state authorities as members of alleged communist groups. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said the Supreme Court’s “long overdue” decision was crucial as it “categorically and unequivocally” stated that red-tagging was a threat. “It is not a mere legally meritorious victory nor a vindication and potential shield of human rights defenders and a tribute to those fallen and already victimized by it, but a strong slap on selfrighteous red-taggers before and now,” the NUPL said. But will the Supreme Court ruling really stop the practice of red-tagging by those in government, including the military, police and other security agencies now engaged in counter-insurgency campaigns who have vowed to put an end to the armed rebellion by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army?
Perhaps the Supreme Court should clarify whether its ruling covers those in the AFP, PNP, NICA and other security agencies, as well as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-Elcac?
Ombudsman’s ruling exposes Duque and Lao’s
of public service. With surgical precision, the Ombudsman dissects the tangled web of deceit woven by Duque and Lao, laying bare their disregard for the law and their callous indifference to the plight of the people they were sworn to serve. Grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service—these are the damning indictments that now hang like a shroud over their once illustrious careers.
The guilty must be held to account, their crimes laid bare for all to see
But amidst the darkness, a beacon of integrity emerges in the form of the Ombudsman, steadfast in his pursuit of truth and justice.
His unwavering resolve serves as a bulwark against the tide of corruption that threatens to engulf our nation.
Yet, as we commend the Ombudsman for his unwavering commitment to the cause of justice, we cannot turn a blind eye to the festering rot that per-
And those maybe are the ones around us today.
We are now engaged in a rhetorical war with China with regard to the WPS issue.
It is a media war being played out here and in the international media.
Unfortunately, it would seem that China is managing its campaign better.
This is because we do not seem to be united.
There are some of us who by all accounts have openly taken the side of China and no longer bother to hide their positions by pretending to discuss the issues academically as they have been doing in the past. They are now out rightly parroting verbatim the Chinese position.
One might be tempted to ask if these people are committing treasonous acts or simply believe that our government’s position on the WPS issue is wrong.
From what I understand, these people are being officially invited to China for conferences and are met, briefed and entertained by senior government officials.
Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, for instance, bragged about his visit and conversation with a Deputy For-
vades our institutions.
The tendrils of corruption run deep, ensnaring even those entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting the public trust.
The Ombudsman’s decree is not merely a call to arms but a solemn reminder of the grave responsibility that rests upon our shoulders.
We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of such egregious transgressions. The time for action is now.
Let us stand united in our condemnation of corruption, for it is only through our collective resolve that we can hope to purge the rot that threatens to erode the very foundations of our democracy.
The guilty must be held to account, their crimes laid bare for all to see.
In the annals of history, let it be written that we did not falter in the face of adversity, that we stood firm in our commitment to truth and justice.
The road ahead may be fraught with peril, but with unwavering resolve, we shall overcome.
For in the end, it is not the darkness that defines us but the light that we kindle in the darkest of times.
Let us march forward, hand in hand, towards a future where integrity reigns supreme and justice prevails.
eign Minister. He is now the mouthpiece of that official. This is something way beyond his pay scale as Provincial Governor.
If he wants to conduct foreign affairs, he should run for national office and if elected, change the country’s Defense and Foreign Policies to his liking. And since he also believes China is so great, he should consider moving there to benefit from that country’s tremendous economic progress.
As I have often written, people in this country are allowed to express their opinions freely and take positions on political issues but must be careful not to cross the line to collaboration. They should understand that there is a very thin line that separates allowable actions becoming treason. This is especially so because our duly elected government has taken a position on the WPS issue.
The way some individuals have been acting, however, have come very dangerously close to what might be considered treasonous in the eyes of many. They should reassess their positions and be extra careful.
RAFAH, Palestinian Territories – Tens of thousands of civilians fled the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of a threatened Israeli ground offensive, as Palestinians on Wednesday mark the anniversary of their “Nakba” or “catastrophe” of 1948.
During the war that accompanied Israel’s creation, around 760,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes and many took refuge in what would later become the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Wednesday’s commemoration of the “Nakba” comes as multiple battles
between Israeli troops and Hamas militants across the Gaza Strip force waves of Palestinian mass displacement.
Nearly 450,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Rafah since May 6, and around 100,000 from northern Gaza, UN agencies said.
That means around a quarter of Gaza’s population of 2.4 million people have been displaced again in about one week.
“I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of all hostages. I call for the Rafah crossing to be re-opened immediately and for the unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza,” he posted Tuesday on social media site X.
The war and siege have triggered a
UN chief Antonio Guterres repeated his call for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow more aid into the besieged territory.
humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN repeatedly lamenting aid restrictions as famine stalks the north. Since Israeli troops moved into eastern Rafah, the aid crossing point from Egypt has remained closed and the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing lacks “safe and logistically viable access”, a UN report said late Monday.
Qatar, which has been mediating peace talks, said Gazans “have not received any aid” since May 9. AFP
WSHINGTON, DC – US President Joe Biden’s administration informed Congress on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) of a $1 billion weapons package for Israel, official sources told AFP, a week after threatening to withhold some arms over concerns of a Rafah assault.
The administration informally notified the weapons package to Congress, which will need to approve it, a US official said, while a congressional aide who also requested anonymity said the weapons bought from US weapons makers amounted to around $1 billion.
The weapons would come out of a major $95 billion package recently approved by Congress in defense support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, and the Biden administration has repeatedly said it planned to go ahead and appropriate the funds through purchases from US manufacturers. But the deal comes a week after Biden warned he may withhold bombs and artillery shells to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went ahead in defiance of US warnings with an assault on Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than one million Palestinians have taken shelter after half a year of war. AFP
Blinken vows US will back Ukraine
KYIV – The United States will back Ukraine until its security is “guaranteed,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed on a trip to Kyiv on Tuesday, after Russian forces claimed further advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
Blinken’s visit came just weeks after the US Congress finally approved a $61-billion financial aid package for Ukraine following months of political wrangling, unlocking much-needed arms for the country’s outgunned troops.
“We’re with you today. And we will stay by your side, until Ukraine’s security, sovereignty, and ability to choose its own path is guaranteed,” Blinken said in a speech.
“The assistance is now on its way. Some of it has already arrived. More will be arriving,” he had told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting earlier. AFP
Indonesia volcano belches ash tower
JAKARTA – A volcano in eastern Indonesia spewed ash five kilometers into the sky on Wednesday in one of its largest eruptions this year.
No damage or casualties were immediately reported but images showed a tower of ash soaring into the sky above Mount Ibu, located on the remote island of Halmahera in North Maluku province. The huge grey and black ash column was “seen in thick intensity and leaning towards the west”, said Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in a statement.
It called on locals and tourists not to go within five kilometres of Ibu’s crater.
“If ash fall occurs, residents carrying out outdoor activities are suggested to wear nose, mouth, and eye protections,” it said. Ibu also erupted on Monday, spewing another ash tower five kilometres above its peak.
Last week authorities raised Ibu’s alert status to the second-highest level.
Mount Ibu is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanos, erupting more than 21,000 times last year. AFP
NEW YORK, United States – Donald Trump’s lawyers on Tuesday got their first stab at Michael Cohen, the former president’s confidanteturned-foe, trying to paint him as a moneyhungry, untrustworthy narrator.
But the first two hours of defense attorney Todd Blanche’s questioning packed less of a punch than expected, even as senior Republican allies increasingly politicized the proceedings by showing up to support Trump -- who is again running for the White House but forced to sit through his own criminal trial, the first of any former US president. His most high-profile entourage to date turned out for the trial, including House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and pro-Trump politicians vying to be on the defendant’s vice-presidential shortlist. But the focus was squarely on Cohen, who served as Trump’s “fixer” for years and described himself as a repentant former surrogate who was “knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump.”
Trump is accused of falsifying business records as he reimbursed Cohen for a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, when her account of a sexual encounter with the thenRepublican nominee could have doomed his campaign.
The prosecution painstakingly detailed the alleged crimes, walking Cohen and the jury through the issue of 11 checks -- most signed by Trump -- in return for invoices Cohen said were falsified to cover up the hush money reimbursement. AFP
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
THE Perpetual Help Junior Altas Girls’ team was crowned the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 champion after defeating Arellano University in five sets, 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22, 18-16, in Game 2 of their best-of-three championship showdown at the Fil Oil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Wednesday.
The players of coaches Jason Sapin and Sandy Rieta did not lose their confidence when the elimination round top seed Arellano University won the first set (25-19) as they bounced back in the second with a close 25-23 score.
Arellano U got bounced back in the third, 26-24, but the Tony Tamayo owned school got the clinched the fourth and fifth sets to be crowned champion of the 2nd year of the Junior Girls Division of the oldest league in the country.
Grade 12 tossers Jemalyn Menor, Sherrie Acosta, Jaja San Juan, Middle Blocker Ashlee Buenaventura, setter Jamine Monte and libero Janine Espiritu starred for Perpetual Help.
“I saw in them the determination to win and become champions as they didn’t let go until the 5th set. Then I told them, let’s not let the series go to Game 3, we have Game 1,” coach Sapin said.
Perpetual won the Game 1 of the finals, also in five thrilling sets at 25-22, 17-25, 26-24, 21-25, 15-13, allowing the Altalette spikers to grab the series advantage after entering the championship round as the underdogs with a 3-2 win loss card in the eliminations.
The awarding ceremony of individual awards and champions, together with the podium finishers for the Boys and Girls Division is on May 19, 2024, after the Game 1 Finals of the Men’s Division.
FOREST Hills Golf and Country Club will host a record 600 players and stake an impressive lineup of holes in one prize in the coming 21st Cherrylume Forest Hills Invitational starting on Thursday.
Prizes for ace makers are an MG sedan, one golf cart each from MF Electric Carts, Get Go and SJK Guahan, a necklace with pendant from Marilou Jewellery and an XXiO EKS iron set from JTen Sports.
“This is, by far, the biggest number of participants for our Invitational and we will make sure that everyone will have a grand time in the four-day event,” said Forest Hills GM Raymond Bunquin.
Mileage Asia Corporation/Cherrylume is the title sponsor in partnership with Golforce Inc., Megaforce Security Services Corp., GolFX Performance Center, KLIO International Corp. and Escala Tagaytay. Edgepro Trading, J-Ten, Pin High, Microtel Inn and Suites Philippines are gold sponsors. MRT, Richbuild Construction, John Clements Consultants, Maybank Phils. and IQOS are silver sponsors. Bronze sponsors are Agrexplore, Aqua Haus, Arcadia Realty, Asia Cargo, Bryan Isaiah Trading & Const., ETON, Mightymart, Andelein Land, Waterworld, Eatwell Mancare, Handog Industrial Gasses, Hydro Tech Irrigation, Interconnect Systems, Primepower Manpower, Turf Co., Eastland Heights, LKHJG Advertising, Advertex Signs, Printworld, Alcon Enterprises, CDO Foodsphere, Jasmig Const., Bine Phils., WINDASIA, Great Supreme Trucks, Meenah Fong Filhomes, G&W Clubshares, Human’s Fit, Manila Southwoods, Pradera Verde, Silcon Computers, Grand Boracay Resort, JPCS Printing, Sherwood Hills, Splendido Golf, Camp John Hay GC, The Manor and Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, Shakey’s and Landers.
THE Palawan Pawnshop tennis series unveils two simultaneous tournaments today (Thursday, May 16) in Kalibo, Aklan and Ormoc City with both Group 2 tournaments attracting significant number of participants, highlighting the strong engagement in the country’s premier junior circuit.
The Tamagos Cup tournament at the Kalibo 1 courts boasts over 200 entries, led by Sandra Bautista and Maxene Panizales, who are both competing in the girls’ 16- and 18-andunder categories. Jann Ian Ituriaga leads the boys’ field in these top two divisions.
Top contenders in the girls’ 12- and 14-and-U categories are Theriz Zapatos and Michael Suarez, while Ciaran Alipo-on, Phine Billones and Drig Escobar are set to challenge top seed Francisco de Juan III in the boys’ 12-and-U division of the event serving as part of the PPS-PEPP circuit, organized by Palawan Pawnshop under the leadership of
president/CEO Bobby Castro De Juan is also vying in the 14-andU side, which features top ranked John Rafael Santiago, Rizzjun Labindao and Alipo-on, while Abby Castigador, Kate Chavez, Arianne Tiongko and Arielle Opoc are among the key players in the youngest 10-and-under unisex division of the event sponsored by Tamagos Confectioneries.
The Kalibo tournament, originally scheduled for last week, was moved to accommodate the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA), according to event organizer Bobby Mangunay.
Simultaneously, fierce competition is expected at the Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez tournament at the Ormoc Midtown court, with over 150 players competing for top honors and ranking points in the five-day tournament sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis and presented by Dunlop with support from ICON Golf and Sports.
The Perpetual Help Junior Altas Girls flash the no. 1 sign and display their championship banner after emerging as NCAA Season 99 Junior Volleyball Fiesta Champion. Dennis Abrina
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
THE Philippines will host the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships for the first time.
Around 400 lifters from all over Asia will be around to seek out medal when action commences from Nov. 4 to 14 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“After so many, many, many years, we never had a hosting before, because we were not ready yet. But now, after we had so many gold medals in the last Asian Youth and Juniors, I feel that we are ready to host this,” said Samahan ng Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella.
Puentevella discussed the country’s hosting following a formal memorandum of agreement with Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) Secretary General Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi.
Al Harbi, who is also the president of the Saudi Arabia Weightlifting Federation, came to Manila on Wednesday last week for an ocular inspection.
After taking a look at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Al Harbi was delighted at what he saw as he also gave his nod at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which will serve as training venue. Peter Atencio
NATIONAL University sealed a date with history as it achieved a rare ‘four-peat’ in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Men’s Volleyball by re-asserting its dominance over University of Santo Tomas.
The Bulldogs reigned supreme in Season 86 after sweeping the Golden Spikers for the second straight year in the best-of-three Finals, taking Game 2 in four sets, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, on Wednesday afternoon, witnessed by 17,089 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Despite losing to UST in both of their matches in the elimination round, NU scored wins in the games that mattered most - the Finals - by also nabbing Game 1, 25-17, 26-24, 25-19. The Bulldogs became the first team to accomplish a ‘four-peat’ since UST did it in Season 70 to 73.
“Sobrang thankful kasi nakita ko na sa mga player ko pagpunta pa lang namin dito na gusto na nilang kunin itong championship,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Fittingly, it was graduating spiker Nico Almendras who dealt the finishing blows for the Bulldogs, putting them at match point with the sharpest of crosscourt kills while also nailing the clincher via a through-the-block hammer between Popoy Colinares and Jay Rack Dela Noche for the championship in one hour and 54 minutes.
The Golden Spikers equalized in the second frame with a 25-22 victory,
but National U’s response stunned, shocked, and paralyzed UST.
The Bulldogs, led by Michaelo Buddin, Almendras, and Leo Aringo, put on a show in the third, utterly dominating the Golden Spikers, leading by as much as 20-9, to move a set away from their sixth overall crown in the division. Sophomore outside spiker Buddin delivered a game-high 28 points on 22 attacks, five blocks, and one ace to go with 16 receptions - proving to be the missing piece after not playing in their two elimination round games against UST. Leo Aringo added 22 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Almendras had 20 points and 17-of-21 excellent receptions in his final game. Graduating playmaker Owa Retamar tossed 26 excellent sets to go
A COMPETITIVE national men’s and women’s volleyball teams will be known as Alas Pilipinas when they see action in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenger competitions in the coming weeks.
Officials of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by its president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, revealed their moniker on Wednesday following a partnership announcement
at the Cignal Customer Experience Center at Launchpad.
The new name of the national squads for the men’s and women’s teams represents the beacon of sportsmanship of Philippine volleyball to the world, the best the country can offer and the indomitable spirit of Filipino spikers to come out on top.
Suzara said that with the rise of the Philippines in the world rankings, the tournaments that the national squad will join in will serve as an excellent
conduit for Philippine volleyball.
“The rankings of the women’s national team in the last two years have risen from 170 to 63. The national men’s team was at 117 two years ago, and they are now at 57. Maraming salamat sa ating mga players. They have been working hard for this,” said Suzara.
Members of a 14-member pool for the women’s team was also revealed with Premier Volleyball League veterans and University Athletic Asso -
LAUREL, Batangas – Ryuji Suzuki and Maurysse Abalos shone brightly in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series, pulling off thrilling victories in the 8-10 age category with 79 and 95, respectively, at the Splendido Taal Golf Club Wednesday.
Suzuki blew a six-shot lead but maintained his composure in the stretch of a pressurepacked frontside finish in another sweltering day here. He capitalized on Jose Luis Espinosa’s costly bogey on No. 7 to pound out a one-stroke victory in the boys’ division despite a seven-over card for a 36-hole total of 157.
Espinosa made a strong comeback, narrowing the gap to four strokes with a backside start of 38 and then birdied No. 2, forcing a tie at 13-over with four holes left as Suzuki struggled with three bogeys in a four-hole stretch from the second hole.
Suzuki, however, regained the lead as Espinosa bogeyed No. 7 for the second straight day. Matching Espinosa’s pars on the last two holes, Suzuki secured the victory and, with Abalos, earned the honor of being the first champions of the JPGT series. “It’s feels nice and it’s an honor to win in this tournament,” said the 10-year-old Suzuki.
Espinosa, who bounced back from an opening 84 with a 74, ended in second place with a 158, while Kevin Tecson finished third with a 196 after a 96. Ranking points are awarded in each leg of the series, with the top four players in the boys’ and girls’ divisions after the seven-leg Luzon swing qualifying for the JPGT Match Play Championship at The Country Club in October. The tournament, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., aims to boost the sport and discover new talents through its country-wide circuit, including three legs in the Visayas and four in Mindanao.
ciation of the Philippines standouts in the mix.
The Alas women, coached by Brazilian Jorge Edson de Sousa, will be led by multi-titled setter Jia de Guzman, high-flying spiker Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva of Chery Tiggo. They will also have Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig of Cignal, Dell Palomata of PLDT, Cherry Nunag of Choco Mucho, and Akari’s Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos.
UAAP superstars in DLSU Lady Spikers’ Angel Canino, NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen, and UE Lady Warriors’ Casiey Dongallo will be there, too, with La Salle’s Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, and national team returnee Alyssa Solomon of NU.
The Filipina spikers will be among 10 teams which confirmed their participation for the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, slated from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The men’s side, coached by Sergio Veloso, will travel to Bahrain for the AVC Challenger Cup for Men set from June 2 to 9.
with three points to be named as the Finals MVP for the second straight year. He had 24 excellent sets and five points in Game 1.
“Nakakaproud ‘yung team namin. Nu’ng nagmeeting kami ng eam, sinabi ko sa kanila kapag nag-champion tayo ngayon magtutuloy-tuloy ‘yan kasi madadala niyo ‘yung pride ng pagiging champion,” said Retamar. The blocking of the Bulldogs made the biggest difference with 16 rejections to the Golden Spikers’ three. It was a delight for volleyball fans as the game featured minimal errors with NU only committing 13 and UST only having 12. Back-to-back league MVP Josh Ybañez carried the Golden Spikers with 24 points and seven digs while Gboy De Vega added 15 points and 15 receptions.
By Randy Caluag
AFFORDABLE PRODUCTS.
The Department of Labor and Employment holds Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets nationwide from April 15 to May 15, 2024, with thousands of sellers and enterprises offering products across various locations, including this one in SOCCKSARGEN region.
$2.74 billion
Cash remittances in March 2024
$3.05 billion $9.15 billion
By Darwin G. AmojelarPersonal remittances in March 2024
Personal remittances in first quarter
OFW money climbed 2.5% to $2.74b in March, —Bangko Sentral
FILIPINOS working overseas sent more money back home in March 2024, fueling household spending and supporting the growth of various industries, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.
The BSP said in a statement Wednesday cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.74 billion in March, up from $2.67 billion posted a year ago.
“The expansion in cash remittances in March 2024 was due to growth in receipts from both land- and seabased workers,” the BSP said.
This brought total cash remittances in the first quarter to $8.22 billion, up by 2.7 percent from $8 billion registered in the same period last year.
Remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore contributed mainly to the first-quarter increase.
Data showed that in terms of the countries where these remittances originated, the US had the highest share, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia Meanwhile, personal remittances which include items not coursed through banks reached $3.05 billion in March, higher than $2.97 billion recorded in the month last year, according to the BSP.
“The increase in personal remittances in March 2024 was due to remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said.
Personal remittances in the first quarter also went up by 2.8 percent to $9.15 billion from $8.90 billion in the same period last year.
Remittances, which account for about a tenth of the gross national income, support the growth of various sectors in the Philippines including banking, retail, transportation, education and healthcare.
Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is confident on achieving the lower range of the 2024 economic growth target despite the modest first-quarter expansion.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the 5.7-percent domestic product (GDP) increase in the first quarter was “still a good growth”, and “it’s still one of the highest.”
“But are we sticking to the target? I still think we can hit 6 percent before the end of the year because inflation is slowing down also. And we expect rising prices to start slowing down, too,” he said.
The government targets a GDP growth of 6 percent to 7 percent this year. Recto earlier said the Philippine economy remained a frontrunner in the ASEAN region with its first-quarter performance, with the industry sector being the brightest spot driven by strong domestic manufacturing. The Philippines grew the fastest alongside Vietnam (5.7 percent), followed by Indonesia (5.1 percent), Malaysia (3.9 percent) and Singapore (2.7 percent), he said.
“What is to be celebrated here is the encouraging growth seen in the manufacturing sector as it is the most crucial sector for long-term employment, productivity, value-added generation and innovation. This sets the course for the Philippines to become a premier manufacturing hub in Asia,” Recto said.
Meanwhile, Recto said the Monetary Board would likely keep its policy rates in its meeting on May 16.
“So far, the way I see it, unless something changes between now and then, I think more or less…maybe not this Monetary Board meeting,” Recto said.
“But it’s possible that within the end of the year, there could be a possible reduction in rates,” he said.
GMA Network Inc. said Wednesday it is open to a possible expansion of its partnership with ABS-CBN Corp. as part of its strategy to further build its audience.
“The collaboration between GMA and ABS-CBN with respect to the airing of ‘It’s Showtime’ was actually preceded by a number of other partnerships, all of which have been very smooth and characterized by reasonableness and have benefitted all the parties,” GMA president and chief executive Gilberto Duavit Jr. said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders’ meeting.
“Having said that, there is no reason not to assume that there may be future collaborations or partnerships in the future,” he said.
Duavit said the “unexpected developments” on television opened doors to a partnership that the industry also “deemed surprising.”
The popular program “It’s Showtime!” was made available on GTV in June 2023 through a co-production agreement with ABS-CBN. The partnership was later extended for its broadcast on the noontime slot of GMA’s main channel starting April 2024.
Duavit also said GMA continued to expand its presence in the digital space, more solidly establishing its relevance to the growing online audiences, particularly in the key social media platforms.
“Through all our content-producing teams within the network and its subsidiaries, we’ve expanded our content offerings, ramped up the volume of exclusive digital content, and implemented specific strategies to enhance audience growth while improving engagement and audience diversity,” Duavit said. Darwin G. Amojelar
THE local government of Nasugbu, Batangas is seeking the collection of alleged unpaid real property taxes of Palico, Banilad and Kaylaway plantations, collectively known as the Roxas Haciendas, owned by Roxas and Company Inc. (RCI). Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Jose Barcelon, in a letter to RCI, warned the company of possible revocation of its business permit for its alleged failure to settle real property taxes based on the records of the municipal treasurer.
“Therefore, this serves as a formal notice to your company of possible revocation of your business permit by this office should you continue to fail to settle your real property taxes which have become due and demandable to date,” said Barcelon in a letter to RCI board of directors on May 13, 2024. The letter was posted on Nasugbu LGU social media account.
Barcelon also sent a letter to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to seek the bank’s assistance in resolving the issue.
The unpaid taxes cover eight barangays with a total population of 38,523. Barcelon asked BPI to assist in whatever legal and appropriate action to resolve these issues.
(Cerberus)
BEYOND MINING. Members of the Golden Malilibeg Livelihood Association Inc. (GMLAI)
By Alena Mae S. FloresJune billing period equivalent to an estimated P0.20 per kilowatthour to P0.60 per kWh increase. Based on the simulation, ERC said the estimated total amount to be partially paid to generators in the Reserve Market would be P1.723 billion, subject to adjustments pending the submission of the list of noncompliant generators by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), an intervenor in the case, during the subject period.
PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) said Wednesday it is set to open on Friday SM City Caloocan, its 86th mall in the country.
SM City Caloocan is the first of four malls that SM Prime will open this year.
SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange SM City Caloocan will be the group’s third mall in Caloocan City, and first in the northern cluster of the city. It will have more than 94,000 square meters of gross floor area.
SM City Caloocan, nestled along Deparo Road in Barangay 171, Zone 15, District 1, Bagumbong,
follows the success of SM City Sangandaan and SM City Grand Central, which are both located in the south cluster of Caloocan City.
“With the opening of SM City Caloocan, we bring to the northern part of the city the same world-class shopping experience we offer in the southern part with our SM City Grand Central, opened just over two years ago. We also hope to attract patrons from neighboring cities as we have more than 90,000 square meters of retail space curated to serve and cater the demands of highly urbanized residents of these communities,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said.
The mall will have three levels of mixed-use commercial space sharing a colorful mix of dining, shopping and entertainment spaces. It will open with more than 90 percent of space lease-awarded to tenants,
SHELL Pilipinas Corp. on Wednesday reported
a net income of P1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a turnaround from the P310-million net loss it suffered in the same period last year.
The company said its significant recovery in the first three months was due to its focused cost discipline, supply chain efficiencies and inventory holding gains.
Revenues, however, were lower at P59.95 billion, compared to P65.61 billion in the same period last year on lower sales volumes.
“We are making strategic choices to strengthen our market position, boost business resilience and drive financial strength. We will win every day and win together with our motivated workforce, business partners and the best retailer network in the country,” Shell Pilipinas president and chief executive Lorelie Quiambao-Osial said. Shell Pilipinas said that amid external headwinds, the company continued to be the preferred brand in the country with world-class products delivered through safe and clean mobility facilities. Shell gas stations, with focus on innovation and customer-centricity, are now transforming into one-stop mobility destinations designed to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.
“As we evolve in an increasingly competitive industry, Shell Pilipinas remains steadfast in delivering value
to our shareholders fueled by our refreshed strategy, strong focus on performance, and disciplined delivery,” Quiambao-Osial said. The company significantly improved its free cash flow from negative P5.9 billion in the same period last year to positive P2.2 billion this year. This was attributed to the company’s active working capital management and value delivery on investments. Alena Mae S. Flores
at the 28* Floor, NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila (the “2024 AGM” or the “Meeting”). The order of business thereat will be as follows:
Ratification and approval of the acts of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers during the year 2023
7. Appointment of independent auditors
8. Election of directors, including independent directors
9. Other matters 10. Adjournment
Stockholders of record at the close of business on 27 March 2024 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this year’s Meeting. Shareholders may only participate via remote communication.
To register, certificated stockholders who will attend the Meeting should send a scanned copy of one (1) valid government identification card (ID) to NIKL-ASM2024t nickeIasia.com
Indirect shareholders should send scanned copies of their broker’s certification and one (1) valid ID to NIKL- ASM2024@ nickelasia.com. Deadline for registration is on 28 May 2024.
The Company is not soliciting proxies. Should you be unable to attend the meeting, you can nevertheless be represented and vote at the AGM by submitting a proxy by email to NIKLASM2024tBnickeIasia.com or by sending a physical copy to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s principal address at 28th* Floor, NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. The deadline for submission of proxies is on 28 May 2024.
Inquiries and/or comments limited to the items in the Agenda of the Meeting may be sent to NIKL- ASM2024@nickelasia.com on or before 28 May 2024. Inquiries and/or comments received after the deadline, or those unrelated to the items in the Agenda of the Meeting shall be referred to the Corporation’s proper officer for the appropriate response.
including anchor tenants from SM group.
The mall will have almost 1,200 parking slots, a public transport terminal and an electric vehicle charging station at the third level, which aims to promote sustainable transportation development in the area.
SM Prime is also set to open SM City J Mall in Mandaue, Cebu; SM City San Fernando La Union;
By Jenniffer B. Austria
fees and commissions. Return on equity (ROE) was at 9.87 percent.
Net interest income, which comprises more than 80 percent of the bank’s total revenues, grew 1.2 times to P2.25 billion on steady expansion in lending and financial assets. This translated into a net interest margin (NIM) of 4.46 percent.
BoC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its gross revenues rose 17 percent to P2.65 billion in the first quarter on the back of higher net interest income and service charges,
STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said Wednesday the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the first quarter of 2024 reached P81.70 billion, up by 18.54 percent from P68.92 billion in the same quarter last year.
The latest GGR is another new record, sustaining an upward trend for the local gaming industry since the post-pandemic recovery started in the last quarter of 2022, PAGCOR said in a statement.
PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco said the electronic games (E-Games) sector continued its record-breaking performance, bringing in P22.5 billion or more than six times the 2023 first-quarter revenues of P3.5 billion.
“The E-Games revenue performance continues to exceed our projections, and this reflects how gaming technology and the proliferation of mobile devices is influencing not only our daily lives but our entertainment choices as well,” he said.
“With the way technology is constantly shaping our lives and the way we do business, and even the way we choose to be entertained, the future of gaming clearly lies in this sector,” Tengco said.
The PAGCOR chief said the state-run gaming agency’s improved regulatory policies and reduced fees also contributed to the success of the E-Games sector.
“We are confident that with our new regulatory policies, more gaming companies both here and abroad will continue to look at business and investment opportunities in the Philippine gaming industry,” he said.
Other income went up 17 percent to P398.34 million, mostly coming from service charges, fees and commissions and real and other properties acquired (ROPA)-related gains.
Service charges, fees, and commis-
He says rich people-to-people ties have long been enjoyed by both countries in the course of its 75 years of diplomatic relations, as he expresses Canada’s strong interest in further deepening the partnership.
sions expanded to P250.91 million due to investment banking, credit card and trust fees.
The bank also booked gains on the foreclosure and sale of property and equipment. It set aside P28.65 million as provision for credit and impairment losses.
Operating expenses, excluding provision for credit and impairment losses, climbed 18 percent to P1.61 billion from P1.36 billion last year, driven by increases in compensation and benefits, service fees and commission, taxes and licenses and rent and utilities
It said that on a year-on-year basis, net profit grew 11 percent, as total revenues increased 27 percent to P12.5 billion. Net interest income rose 44 percent to P10.7 billion, while non-interest income reached P1.8 billion. Service charges, fees and commissions surged 136 percent year-on-year to P3.1 billion, boosted by the Bancassurance milestone fee.
Excluding extraordinary items on both revenue and expense, which offset each other, normalized net income would be largely unchanged, it said.
The bank said that on a sequential quarter-on-quarter basis, net profit rose 71 percent, while total revenues increased 6 percent.
It said that with sustained investments in manpower and technology to accelerate transformation, operating expense increased 24 percent. The strong revenue performance led to a cost-to-income ratio of 60.7 percent, lower than 62.6 percent a year
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines and Qatar are on the cusp of finalizing an investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA), signaling a commitment to strengthen economic ties. The Department of Trade and In-
By Alena Mae S. FloresPETROENERGY Resources Corp.
(PERC) of the Yuchengco Group said Wednesday consolidated net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company climbed 7 percent in the first quarter of 2024 to P186 million from P173 million in the same period last year.
Gross revenues increased 55 percent to P945 million from P608 million. PERC attributed the higher revenues to its direct acquisition of EEI Power Corp. (EEIPC)’s 20-percent equity interest in PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI), 44-percent equity interest in PetroSolar Corp. (PSC) and
PERC said in a statement the acquisition of EEIPC’s investments and the consolidation of PWEI’s financials boosted not only the company’s gross revenues, but also led to a rise in financing expenses tied to the acquisition of the said shares. This resulted in a 5-percent drop in consolidated net income to P322 million from P340 Million in the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (left) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Qassim Al-Abdullah Al-Thani of the Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI)
dustry (DTI) and the Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), in a meeting at the Qatar Economic Forum, pledged to complete the IPPA ratification process by year-end.
“The entry into force of the IPPA is expected to significantly deepen the economic ties between the Philippines
and Qatar. We are confident that finalizing the ratification process will translate into productive investment figures contributing to our mutually shared prosperity,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
The Philippines finalized its domestic ratification procedures in April.
Both parties also agreed to pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection to foster information sharing, training programs and high-level dialogues on IP policy.
The Philippines raised concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit Filipino brands in the Middle East, including Qatar. Enhanced IPR cooperation, as envisioned in the MOU, is seen as a solution to create a fairer and more secure business environment.
ago. Pre-provision operating profit was P4.9 billion, up 34 percent year-onyear. The bank set aside P1.5 billion as provisions for credit losses, or 30 percent lower than the quarter-ago provisions of P2.2 billion. Gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.4 percent and NPL reserve cover was 81 percent. Return on shareholders’ equity increased to 7.71 percent from 7.42 percent a year ago. Return on assets also improved to 1.20 percent from 1.15 percent.
Total deposits rose 22 percent to P638 billion, with CASA deposits rising 6 percent year-on-year. CASA as percent of total deposits was at 56 percent.
Security Bank opened three branches in the first four months of 2024, bringing its branch network to 328. Net loans increased 12 percent to P545 billion, with MSME loans accelerated 32 percent year-on-year.
THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) led by president Samuel Lee Uy welcomed a delegation from Qingpu District, Shanghai, China on May 10 at the CFBCI headquarters in Binondo, Manila. The six-member delegation, representing key leaders from financial, economic and development sectors in Qingpu District, was accompanied by Jameson Ong, special assistant to Chairman Carlos Chan of the Liwayway Group and owner of the
renowned Oishi snack brand. Other CFBCI officers who were present at the meeting were president emeritus Allan Wong But Loy, honorary vice president/auditor Johnny Lee, vice president Paul Yeung, vice president Willy Chuakimtong, director Juan Go, vice chairman Ramon Cheng and vice chairman Stella Lim. Uy lauded Shanghai’s economic prowess and underscored the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations despite territorial disputes. He noted the steady growth of bi-
lateral trade between the Philippines and China, as reported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
CFBCI showed a video highlighting its social welfare initiatives and
flagship projects aimed at fostering economic and cultural exchanges within the Filipino and Tsinoy communities. The two parties then engaged in
formal introductions and discussions on future business opportunities.
CFBCI presented the delegation with its limited edition 20th anniversary celebration coffee table book.
FO GUAN Shan (FGS) Mabuhay Temple, led by Master Miaojing, celebrated the 2024 Buddha Bathing Ceremony on May 4 and 5 at the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Manila.
The event, jointly organized by the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) chapters in Quezon City, San Juan, Greenhills and Makati, along with the Manila Youth Adult Division, attracted nearly 4,000 attendees over the course of two days.
Participants were provided with hand beads and candies as they experienced a sense of Dharma joy.
FGS Mabuhay Temple head Abbess Master Miaojing led the public to chant and pray for blessings.
The Buddha’s Birthday Prayer by FGS founder Master Hsing Yun was recited to pray for world peace, prosperity for the Philippines, social harmony and people’s happiness.
“Bathing of the Buddha purifies the body, speech and mind while eliminating greed, anger and ignorance. It increases wisdom and makes life meaningful,” BLIA president Kathy Lim said.
She encouraged everyone to practice the “Three Acts of Goodness” advocated by Master Hsing Yun: do good deeds, say good words think good thoughts.
Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) vice president Victor Lim was also present during the event.
“In times of international turmoil, the Bathing of the Buddha ceremony serves as a vital means for individuals to cleanse their bodies and minds. Buddhism provides a pathway to eliminate ignorance and troubles, facilitating the attainment of wisdom,” Lim said.
By Michael Wong Ho’VE been in the Philippines for 28 years, and recently, I visited Zamboanga City for business.
Exploring its history, I discovered it was established by the Sultanate of Sulu in the 14th Century. The Sulu Sultanate visited Ming dynasty’s Yongle Empire in 1417. After that, the ruling power shifted between Spanish and the Sultanate.
When we trace back the name of “Zamboanga”, we have to mention Zheng He (1371-1433), also known as Sambao Eunuch, his official title.
Zheng He is a renowned Chinese mariner, explorer and diplomat of the Ming Dynasty. He commanded seven voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia and East Africa from 1405 to 1433, leaving behind him different kinds of stories and legends in the countries he visited.
In Southeast Asia and South Asia, a great many places are relevant to Zheng He: Sam Po Kong port in Thailand, Bukit China in Malaysia, Zamboanga port in the Philippines and Sambao Long (Semarang) in Indonesia, hence their names.
While Zamboanga City is predominantly inhabited by Muslim and Catholic communities, it also has a sizable Filipino-Chinese population, coexisting harmoniously. Local markets, or palengkes, feature Muslim vendors selling traditional woven textiles and goods from Malaysia, Indonesia and China, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.
As a Buddhist, I sought out Buddhist temples, including the Sambao Temple, likely named after Zheng He. However, these temples are often
Federation of FilipinoChinese Volunteer Firefighters and Rescuers. Michael Wong Ho
managed by lay believers and lack structured Dharma promotion activities. Peter, a staff member at Sambao Temple, noted a decline in attendance among Filipino-Chinese youth, contrasting with the interest shown by young Filipinos in visiting temples to seek blessings and protection from disasters.
Buddhist temples hold significant importance within the local Chinese community, exemplified by institutions like the renowned Zamboanga Avalokitesvara School, established and run by a Buddhist temple. Beyond providing education, these temples actively participate in disaster relief efforts, charitable initiatives, and contribute to national development endeavors.
On a separate note, my quest for Chinese cuisine in the city led me to discover Abalone Restaurant. The menu at Abalone undoubtedly stands out, placing a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. A standout feature of the menu is undoubtedly the namesake dish - abalone. The restaurant offers a tantalizing array of dishes showcasing other seafood treasures, including lobster, crab, and fish. I’ve savored their sotanghon, mixed vegetables, siopao, machang and siomai, and each dish was simply divine.
Zamboanga City’s ability to maintain harmony among its multicultural and multireligious inhabitants left a profound impression on me as the gateway to the southwest of the Philippines.
Wu Jian Me donates P500k for education
STANDING consultant Wu Jian Mei of the Association of Chinese-Filipino Schools in the Philippines donated P500,000 to the “Filipino Chinese Community Respecting Teachers and Respecting Discipline Incentives Project” during her 80th birthday celebration at Gloria Maris Restaurant on April 20, 2024.
Wu was the former acting principal of Hope Christian High School and is currently its honorary board chairperson. She is also a retired emeritus of United Evangelical Church of the Philippines.
Alongside her late husband, Wu established the “Wu Sun Nan Memorial Foundation.”
She is dedicated to preserving Chinese culture and supporting Filipino-Chinese school education. Her commitment extends to supporting Filipino Chinese elementary schools and kindergartens through various contests promoting Chinese singing and reading, with her donations totaling up to P1.3 million to date. Michael Wong
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
First look, backstage access featuring DonBelle, BINI, ‘High Street’ cast
ABS-CBN Entertainment is revolutionizing the Kapamilya YouTube experience with the introduction of “Super Kapamilya,” a membership program designed to offer fans exclusive access and exciting perks to their favorite celebrities and shows. “Super Kapamilya” grants loyal Kapamilyas access to a host of exclusive benefits, including livestreams of the latest events, Q&A sessions with beloved stars, behind-the-scenes content, and early access to select content. This membership feature is available on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, which boasts an impressive 47.7 million subscribers, making it the most subscribed YouTube channel in Southeast Asia.
By Juliana Maxine VasquezAFTER six years, singersongwriter
Niall Horan made his way back to Manila on May 13, for his Niall Horan: The Show Live On Tour concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena presented by Live Nation Philippines.
Currently, members have been enjoying exclusive Q&A sessions with the cast of High Street and had the opportunity to submit questions for “Kapamilya Chat” featuring the stars of Can’t Buy Me Love Additionally, members have gained access to the first drop of Alternate Killers from Can’t Buy Me Love and are eagerly anticipating the release of a special wedding video for DonBelle fans.
Exclusive content continues to roll out for members, including a sneak peek of the hit “Made for YouTube” series Zoomers: Dumaguete Vlog , featuring behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews, and the Star Magic Hot Summer 2024 event on May 15, where they enjoyed behind-thescenes insights, interviews, and the opportunity to interact with P-Pop girl group BINI
Next in the pipeline are Super Kapamilya and Star Magic All-Star Games on June 2.
To join the “Super Kapamilya” community, fans can visit the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, click “join,” complete the monthly membership
Niall, who was a member of the boyband One Direction, gave his Filipino “Lovers” a mix of mellow and energetic performances.
“It’s so good to be back in Manila. Thank you so much for filling this place up for me. I’ve missed you guys,” said Niall.
Niall performed a selection of songs from his “Flicker,” “The Show,” and “Heartbreak Weather” albums to open the evening, including “Nice To Meet Ya,” “Small Talk,” “On The Loose,” and “On A Night Like Tonight.” During an acoustic session, the 30-year-old singer and songwriter also performed “Flicker,” “You Could Start a Cult,” and “This Town,” which was his first song as a solo artist. In between performances, Niall would interact with the audience and read their signs. Niall also electrified the entire arena and made everyone nostalgic as he sang One Direction’s “Night Changes.”
WITH Taylor Swift at the height of her power as a global phenomenon, it’s a good time to give a nod to those who laid the pathway for her and her generation of female stars to walk on en route to the stardom they, presumably deservingly, enjoy.
It’s difficult to compare artists coming from different eras without being subjective, so it’s fair to just give the hats off to those who’ve done it way ahead before the reigning queens of rock - or that lady singing with a guitar or even without it for as long as she rocks it in her own right. Besides, the young ones, whether they admit it or not, sure had something to be thankful for musicians who have significantly influenced them.
Let’s take a look at some ladies who have proven themselves in empowering women by way of their musical talents whether as a singer, songwriter, frontwoman, or all of these. Yes, we’re
While waiting for Niall’s encore performance, everyone in the audience sang the chorus of the One Direction song “Stockholm Syndrome.” All of them chanting, “I’ll never leave you if you keep holding me this way.”
There was love all around, not just from Niall but also from his admirers, who planned several fan projects for him, such as fan chants, banners, and orange lights for when he performed “Heaven.”
Niall referred to his concert in the Philippines as “one of his favorite nights on the tour” and he left the stage waving the Philippine flag and giving away a handful of his guitar picks to the audience. He also promised not to wait another six years to return to Manila.
He then gave encore performances of “Save Me” and “ Slow Hands” to round off the show.
talking about women who made it in the years prior to the advent of social media, digital recording, or reality TV sensations. I mean these women had no choice but to go through the traditional route of becoming famous or keeping the tunes in their heads probably by sheer memory as they may have no voice recorders at hand when some inspiration came over. Without devaluing the sacrifices that today’s successful recording artists had to endure themselves, may I say the icons from the yesteryears were truly tough acts to follow. Here are 10 of them opposite a song that can be classified as their signature piece.
Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen: We call it respect once we realize that the chugging guitar on this single from her debut solo 1981 album Bella Donna is sampled on Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious.”
Curiously, the song’s lyrics had to do with the same week-deaths of the singer’s uncle Jonathan and Beatle John Lennon. So far, she is the only woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac
Gwen Stefani - Don’t Speak: The song put her band No Doubt on the map without a doubt. It’s a melancholically hard-hitting ballad rock with lyrics she penned after her breakup with bandmate and bass player Tony Kanal. Last year Gwen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Pat Benatar - We Belong: The four-time Grammy Award winner hit us with her best shot with “Love Is a Battlefield” which became her biggest song in a lot of countries. But this anthemic track that reached number 3 on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks chart is poised to be pulled out by future generations when feeling “we belong to the light” and thunder.
Dolores O’Riordan - Zombie: The lead single from her band The Cranberries’ No Need To Argue album is without argument their signature hit. As the writer of the song, she wanted her bandmates to play it louder and harder than usual. She died in 2018 and was named The Top Female Artist of All Time on BIllboard’s Alternative Songs chart.
Suzanne Vega - Luka: While her song “Left of Center” from the film Pretty In Pink is an absolute 80s gem, this one dealing with child abuse cuts deep beyond her era. She was inspired to write it after noticing a boy named Luka from a group of playing kids. She came up with a fictitious storyline that in reality so many can relate to.
Alanis Morissette - Ironic: Her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill topped the charts in 13 countries and made her become the first Canadian artist to hit double diamond sales
By Nickie Wang
GMA Network capped off a sizzling April by bringing some of its brightest stars to headline major festivals across the country.
Up north, the festivities were extra special with balladeer Christian Bautista serenading Miss San Carlos City 2024 candidates on April 12. Sparkle artist Ysabel Ortega even joined the pageant as a judge, adding a touch of elegance to the event at San Carlos City Public Auditorium, San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
The celebration continued at the MangoBamboo Festival last April 15 at San Carlos City Public Auditorium where Shining Inheritance stars Kyline Alcantara, Kate Valdez, Roxie Smith, and Michael Sager and Lilet Matias Attorney-at-Law actors Jason Abalos and EA Guzman entertained the crowd.
Chef JR Royol of Farm to Table brought some cooking inspiration to the Pangasinenses with his special participation at the Ponsia: The Pangasinan Culinary Challenge for Pistay Dayat 2024 on April 13 at Provincial Training and Development Center II, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Western Visayas wasn’t left out. Fans in Negros Occidental and Capiz were treated to performances by Martin del Rosario, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Hannah Precillas during the Kinalipay sa Isabela, Sina-ot Festival, and Pasalamat Festival celebrations.
The celebration of Pistay Dayat 2024 last April 20 was made even more remarkable through the surprises and performances of Kelvin Miranda, Asawa ng Asawa Ko cast Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Joem Bascon, and Martin Del Rosario, and Abot-Kamay na Pangarap stars Jillian Ward, Jeff Moses, and Pinky Amador . Making the evening even livelier was Vaness del Moral , host of the Kapuso Fiesta at Capitol Beach Park, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Special performances and appearances elevated the Pistay Dayat Festival. Makiling star
Derrick Monsterio serenaded the crowd during the Limgas na Pangasinan Coronation Night on April 26. He was joined by Miss Universe 2023
Michelle Dee as one of the judges. Martin Javier, host of 24 Oras’ “Game Changer” segment, showcased his hosting skills at the event.
At the Takayan na Dayew singing competition on April 29, All-Out Sunday artists Anthony Rosaldo and Jeremiah Tiangco captivated the audience with their performances.
The festivities continued with Lianne Valentin and Widows’ War actor Juancho Triviño dancing at the Gayaga: Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition on May 1.
In Tarlac City, Kapuso Fiesta on April 17 featured Andrea Torres and Kaloy Tingcungco, along with Abot-Kamay na Pangarap star Richard Yap. They were joined by Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law stars Jason Abalos, Zonia Mejia, and Joaquin Domagoso, with Chariz Solomon as the event host.
In Cabarroguis, Quirino, Carla Abellana, Paul Salas, Mikee Quintos, Carlo San Juan, Larkin Castor, and Boobay delighted fans at the Kapuso Fiesta during the Motorino Festival on April 21.
Meanwhile, in Isabela, Negros Occidental on April 25, Hannah Precillas, Prince Clemente, Bruce Roeland, and Pekto entertained crowds at the Kinalipay sa Isabela celebration.
On the same day in President Roxas, Capiz, Martin del Rosario, Angela Alarcon, and
Jon Lucas brought joy to the Sina-ot Festival through a Kapuso Fiesta. Similarly, in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, stars from Lilet Matias: Attorney at Law and The Boobay and Tekla Show lit up the Pasalamat Festival on April 26. Batangueños were treated to a star-studded Kapuso Mall Show in Lipa City, Batangas, featuring a lineup including Running Man PH Pepito Manaloto Asawa ng Asawa Ko and Abot-Kamay ng Pangarap stars, as well as host Maey Bautista
In Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, Katrina Halili, Royce Cabrera, Mikee Quintos, and Radson Flores brought positive energy to fans at the Pagbana-ag Festival. Zamboanga City saw Yasser Marta and Juancho Triviño adding kilig to the coronation of Ms. Zambowood 2024 on April 29.
Dagupan City’s Bangus Festival on April 30 was celebrated with fervor, headlined by Makiling, Running Man PH, and The Boobay and Tekla Show stars, along with Anthony Rosaldo. Lastly, on April 30, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez participated in the coronation night of Hangaway kag Lin-ay sang Capiz 2024 in Roxas City, Capiz, concluding the month’s fiery Kapuso events.
“GMA Network, through Regional TV, continues to visit various regions across the country to show our love and appreciation to all loyal Kapuso viewers,” says Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
“We hope that through these efforts, we are able to strengthen our connection with our viewers, giving everyone opportunities to meet and greet their favorite Kapuso artists and personalities. Through these exciting regional initiatives, we would also like to thank the viewers for their support to our national and local programs,” Amoroso ends.
THERE is a strong case to be made that Meryl Streep , who picks up a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, is the most respected actor of her generation.
Streep, 74, has amassed a record haul of awards and built a filmography of modern classics that stretches across six decades, from dramas such as The Deer Hunter The French Lieutenant’s Woman , and Kramer vs. Kramer , to family favorites like Mamma Mia! and The Devil Wears Prada
It is her vocal skills that have often set her apart – from the Danish drawl in Out of Africa to her note-perfect impersonation of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady , to learning Polish so well for Sophie’s Choice that locals believed she was one of them.
She has picked up other skills along the way, practicing six hours a day for eight weeks to learn the violin for Music of the Heart
Streep has admitted her efforts could sometimes go too far. She took a method acting approach to her turn as a fashion magazine boss in The Devil Wears Prada , maintaining her icy facade even off-camera, but later said that it was a “horrible” experience and vowed never to do it again.
But her dedication has paid off time and again.
She has a record 21 Oscar nominations and three wins, a record eight Golden Globes, two BAFTAs, and many other prizes.
And unlike many of her contemporaries, she has remarkably few duds among her 60-plus appearances, still scoring regular critical acclaim with recent films such as The Post , The Laundromat , and Don’t Look Up
Surprisingly, she has been at Cannes only once before – though she did manage to win best actress that year –for 1989’s A Cry in the Dark Streep has never been one to get carried away by the trappings of fame, preferring to live as anonymously as possible at her home, where she has raised her four children.
“Being famous gets in the way of a lot of things,” she once said. “My family really does come first. It always did and always will.”
Born Mary Louise Streep in June 1949 to a New Jersey pharmaceutical executive and a commercial artist mother, Streep went to an exclusive school where she became a cheerleader and began acting in plays.
She continued acting at the historic Vassar liberal arts college, where she studied English and drama, before winning a drama scholarship to Yale, where she graduated in 1975. Her Broadway debut came the same year with Trelawny of the Wells , for which she won rave reviews, making her film debut two years later with World War II drama Julia
went stellar with three
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
By Abigail AdriaticoIMPROPER waste disposal has led to numerous problems for the environment such as the destruction of ecosystems, the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the endangerment of marine life, and many more. Such occurrences have led to calls for sustainable efforts to mitigate the effects of damaging human practices on the environment.
As a way to do their own part and encourage people to join this noble endeavor, executive assistant firm Athena has launched the “PawiCAN Sustainability Project” in partnership with the local government of San Juan, La Union, San Juan Resort and Hotel Association Inc. (SJRHASS), and Dragon 8 last April 22.
“Even though we’re a small organization, we take pride that it is our priority to actually have a meaningful impact on the communities that we
are
a better place than when you found it. That’s actually the objective of this activity,” said Athena Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Alcachupas.
The project entailed the installation of bins for collecting plastic waste that are placed in areas within Urbiztondo, San Juan Beach that are commonly flocked by tourists. The plastic waste collected from the turtle bins will be recycled.
Designed by La Union-based visual artist John Parmisano, the bins include a statue of a turtle made completely from sustainable materials such as recycled glass or bottles and bamboo. The structure took a total of three weeks to build.
Tina Antonio, a member of the SJRRHASS, said that the bins will be monitored for five months before being turned over to the Coastal
By Nickie WangIN RESPONSE to the common Filipino practice of holding onto sentimental belongings due to uncertainty about disposal methods, PLDT Inc. and its subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. have installed e-waste collection bins in select stores nationwide.
The initiative, spearheaded by John Y. Palanca, SVP and Head of Sales and Development, aims to promote responsible consumption and facilitate proper disposal of electronic devices.
Customers are encouraged to recycle old electronics such as telephones, routers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, chargers, cords, batteries, power banks, and USBs at designated PLDT and Smart stores.
“We recognize the importance of raising awareness about circularity and
Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA), a project aimed towards the conservation of sea turtles through educating people about how they may avoid plastic garbage as well as clean coastlines and prevent turtle nests from being handled by poachers.
“After [five months] we will turn it over to them and then the San Juan Resort and Hotel Association will create many versions [of the] hatchlings [or] baby pawikan [bins] on the other establishments,” said Antonio.
Also serving as part of Athena’s project is a coral planting activity which was led by Fostering Education and Environment for Development Inc. (FEED) Director for Partnerships AnneMarie Mananquil Bakker.
Bakker is also from EcoSurf, a local environmental engagement program developed by FEED.
responsible consumption among our stakeholders, by making it part of our daily store operations,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart.
“Through this initiative, we hope to educate and inspire our customers to responsibly dispose of their old gadgets for proper handling and recycling, and join us in our drive to help protect the environment by promoting circular economy in the country,” De Dios added.
PLDT and Smart store frontliners received training from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on e-waste management. They’ve partnered with SM Cyberzone and SM Cares to expand e-waste collection bins in malls nationwide.
This effort, which is part of the ‘Be Kind. Recycle.’ initiative launched in 2022, reflects PLDT’s commitment to promoting a circular economy and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG No. 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
throughout. It boasts a range of convenient features, including a foldable shelf, big vegetable box, flex-zone, cool beer space, sealed ice maker, adjustable half shelf, and sealed box. For those with limited space but a need for ample storage, Toshiba’s 18 Cu. Ft. No-Frost Side-By-Side Refrigerator is a perfect choice. Wider shelves allow for better organization and maximization of usable space. This Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator can be controlled remotely using the T-SmartLife App. Additional features include 7-layer
Toshiba’s 22
THE summer season brings intense heat and the craving for refreshing treats. But this also means food spoils quicker if not stored properly. To combat this, Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines offers a wide array of Japanese-quality refrigerators designed to keep your food fresh for longer while maximizing energy efficiency. For those looking to upgrade from a conventional refrigerator, Toshiba’s inverter models boast exceptional energy savings. The 7 and 9 Cu. Ft. options come with
an origin inverter compressor that precisely controls temperature, reducing energy consumption. Built-in Ag+ Bio Deodorizer filters odors and hinders bacteria growth, while airfall cooling and storage tray cooling ensure longlasting freshness. Indulge in frozen favorites with the Toshiba 12 Cu. Ft. NoFrost Bottom Mount Freezer. This ergonomically designed refrigerator features total nofrost technology and a multi-air flow system for even cooling