Manila Standard - 2022 February 18 - Friday

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(Story on A4)

15 MORE PARENTS PETITION TO STOP VAX FOR KIDS AGED 5-11

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo MORE parents have joined ex-broadcast journalist Dominic Almelor and a mother of two, Girlie Samonte, to seek a temporary restraining order before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court stopping the vaccination of children five to 11 years old.

Joel Corpuz, Jonalyn Masula, Analyn Ebona, Gemmilyn Kayte Millare, Mar-

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 5 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

lene Solamo, Ma. Cristina Nayve, Rowena Polistico, Vilma Hinayon, HoneyDee Rosal, Danilo Bautista, Raymond Ancheta, Terry Barbacena, Melodie Rose Gaton, Virgie Losanga and Edwin Asong filed a motion for leave to intervene with herein-incorporated petition-in-intervention before Branch 96.

“A TRO order and/or writ of preliminary injunction be issued to enjoin the Department of Health from rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination program for Next page

Duque: We’re past Omicron But warns PH not out of COVID crisis yet, says face mask still a must

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

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HE Philippines has already crossed the crisis stage of the surge caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Thursday.

In an interview on Dobol B TV, Duque noted improvements in the two-week growth rate, average daily attack rate (ADAR) and health care utilization nationwide.

“We’re over with the Omicron, but not the COVID-19,” he said in a separate interview with GMA News Online. “”We’re not out of the COVID crisis.

The COVID crisis is still there.”

He noted that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines were low from November to December last year until the emergence of the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Now, he said, the two-week growth rate was minus 81 percent while the ADAR was at 7 cases per 100,000, which he said is considered “low-risk.”

“Then our health systems capacity is also at low risk.

A little over 30 percent of bed capacity is utilized. That's Next page three out of 10, so that's low,” Duque said.

PENITENTIAL WALK. Priests and other members

of the Catholic Church hold a penitential walk from the Manila Cathedral to the Gomburza Monument in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of the three priests, Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora. The priests also prayed for a safe and honest elections on May 9. Norman Cruz

OBJECTION RAISED. Veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal questions implementation of 'Oplan Baklas' where the Commission on Elections ordered the takedown of campaign tarpaulins and billboards even in private properties.

DBM releases P7.92b to fund allowance of 500k frontliners THE Department of Budget and Management has released P7.92 billion to the Department of Health for the provision of the One COVID-19 Allowance (OCA) of 526,727 eligible public and private healthcare workers and non-HCWs involved in COVID-19 response.

Of this amount, P4.50 billion is allocated for the COVID-19 benefits of 100,313 DOH plantilla personnel in public hospitals, offices, and rehabilitation centers including those who are in mili-

tary and state university hospitals.

The remaining P3.42 billion is for other 426,414 health workers reporting in local government units and private health facilities, among others.

Under the OCA, each HCW and nonHCW shall receive COVID-19 benefits depending on their level of COVID-19 exposure as prescribed under DOH Administrative Order 2022-0001.

Specifically, health workers who are

By Willie Casas and Joel E. Zurbano

million target, said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, during a press briefing.

“It's still slacking a bit… It needs to be sped up. We might not reach the 5 million target,” she said.

“The uptick is not yet that quick, especially for the booster. They see this as important, but the... urgency is lacking.

They do not see that they should get the booster immediately,” she said.

The first two rounds of "Bayanihan,

Leni's camp mulls filing case vs. Comelec over poster issue 3rd mass vax drive short of 5m goal, low urgency for booster shot blamed

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE camp of Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo is considering suing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for what it says is the unconstitutional removal of tarpaulins and posters from private property.

Robredo’s spokesman, Barry

3,646,793 2,196

66,588

55,330

107

3,524,875

4,409

(As of 4 PM, FEBRUARY 17

Gutierrez, and her election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the Comelec violated the Fair Elections Act and jurisprudence.

“It is very arbitrary and a clear case of abuse of power and discretion, and violation of one’s constitutional right to property.

This is what the Comelec has done to those non-candidates who posted alleged oversized campaign materials Next page

DILG eyeing local links of Hamas group INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año has said some persons are being monitored in connection with the reported plan of the Middle East-based Hamas militant group to operate in the Philippines.

"Those people mentioned in the report are now under surveillance and monitoring," he said, referring to a report submitted to him by the Philippine National Police.

At the same time, the Israel Embassy in Manila is monitoring developments Next page

THE government acknowledged Thursday that its third nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive may fall short of its 5 million target, due in part to the low public urgency for booster jabs.

Extended until Friday, the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" program has so far vaccinated about 2.6 million of its 5

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ILLEGAL SHIPMENT. The Bureau of Customs-Port of NAIA has seized misdeclared exotic aquatic wildlife amounting to P3.5 million from Thailand.

90% OF ILOCOS SUR FOR UNITEAM—CHAVIT

LOCAL officials of Ilocos Sur led

by Narvacan Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson Sr. on Thursday vowed to deliver more than 90 percent of the total votes in their province on May 9 to the UniTeam tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

NEWS / A4

PACQUIAO: BRO. EDDIE TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao said he will appoint evangelist and lawmaker Eddie Villanueva as his anti-corruption czar should he become President after the May 9 national elections.

NEWS / A4

LACSON TARGETED BY ‘OPLAN WASAK’

ONCE validated and with solid proof, Partido Reporma presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday warned they will confront those behind the "Oplan Wasak" being mounted against him to destroy his presidential bid.

NEWS / A4

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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NATO ‘deadly serious’ on Kyiv

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"We are deadly serious in how we're going to face the threat that is currently being posed to both Ukraine and potentially to our security," Wallace said.

The Kremlin said Thursday that Russia's withdrawal of forces from around Ukraine's borders would take place over an extended period, after reports of Moscow's drawdown drew skepticism from Kyiv's allies.

"This is a process that will take some time," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, after Moscow had announced two separate pullbacks following drills that raised fears of a Russian invasion of

Ukraine.

Western countries have accused Russia of building up more than 100,000 troops around ex-Soviet Ukraine and warned of crippling sanctions if Moscow escalates an ongoing separatist conflict there by moving in troops.

The Kremlin denies planning to invade and has said the troops are taking part in drills. It has also criticized Western officials for commenting on how Russia moves its army on its own territory.

Wallace, for his part, was speaking ahead of talks in Brussels between NATO defense ministers and their counterparts

from Ukraine and Georgia.

"This is not a joke or a light matter.

This is a real challenge to the stability of Europe," he said.

"One of the ways we can make sure there is no overspill or escalation is to provide resilience to our partners at NATO and that's what we're all doing,” Wallace added.

The Western military alliance on Wednesday asked its military commanders to draw up plans to send more forces to its eastern members, amid persistent fears of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Wallace repeated accusations that Moscow was continuing to build up military deployments at its neighbour's border despite announcing the withdrawal of some troop.

"I think we have seen the opposite of some of the statements. We've seen an increase of troops over the last 48 hours

Duque:...

But the Palace said the mandatory use of face masks would be in effect even under the “new normal.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said on Thursday that 251 areas in the country are under granular lockdown due to COVID-19 cases, affecting 363 people, as of Wednesday.

The PNP said 139 of these areas were in Cordillera, 83 were in Ilocos, 16 were in the National Capital Region, and 13 in Cagayan.

Even if the country shifts to "new normal," Vergerie hopes Filipinos will continue wearing face masks and practice other safety protocols.

“One of the things we are relying on as we shift to this new normal, meaning easing off restrictions, would be that people would be imbibing that culture or that practice where masks would be part of our daily lives, vaccination is there and also the safety protocols that we implement,” she said.

Meanwhile, acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the pandemic's acute phase may end this year if 70 percent of the population is fully vaccinated by the middle of 2022.

In reaction to the concern aired by some doctors that the country was easing restrictions too soon, Vergeire said the transition to the “new normal” would be gradual.

“We're not going to open up sectors drastically...we need to be able to slowly transition into a new normal. We need to go on and move on with our lives," Vergeire said in an interview with ANC's Headstart.

An area must have at least 80 percent vaccination rate for the elderly and persons with comorbidities, in addition to the safety seal requirement for establishments, in order to de-escalate to Alert Level 1, Vergeire said.

The Philippines on Thursday logged 2,196 new COVID-19 cases, the fourth consecutive day the tally remained be-

low 3,000, as the total case count reached 3,646,793, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

The positivity rate was at 9.7 percent, based on samples of 29,392 individuals tested on Feb. 15.

There were 66,588 active cases, of which 1,090 were asymptomatic; 60,848 were mild; 2,913 were moderate; 1,428 were severe; and 309 were critical.

There were 107 new fatalities reported, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 55,330.

There were 4,409 more recoveries, raising the total number of recuperations to 3,524,875.

Nationwide, 31 percent of ICU beds, 27 percent of isolation beds, 23 percent of ward beds, and 17 percent of ventilators, are in use.

In Metro Manila, 31 percent of ICU beds, 25 percent of isolation beds, 26 percent of ward beds, and 20 percent of ventilators, are in use.

Colmenares said the poll body should review and overhaul its regulations, "which put moneyed candidates at an advantage and disenfranchise people running grassroots campaigns."

He also said the Comelec should focus more on scrutinizing massive monetary donations instead of people expressing support for their chosen candidates.

Another presidential candidate, Senator Panfilo Lacson, said the Comelec should have more practical and realistic regulations in the run-up to the May 9 national elections.

Lacson questioned the Comelec’s view that it was all right to take down election materials on private property.

"This is my property, I can do what I please with it, as long as I don’t hurt anyone else. Why won’t you allow it? If I put menacing cannon on my property that scare others, maybe then the homeowner or private property owner could be liable.

But something as harmless as tarpaulins, I think they should revisit that (regulation)," Lacson said.

Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, said the Comelec’s statement that candidates would be held liable for infractions was ill considered.

"For instance, I’ll find a vacant house and put up a 50-by-50 foot portrait of (presidential candidate) Manny Pacquiao there. So what? Is Manny disqualified?”

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said anyone was free to file a complaint before the Comelec.

"I would recommend to anyone who has a problem with what we are doing to file a complaint about what we are doing. In the meantime, we are taking steps to make sure that our laws are being complied with,” he said in a press briefing.

Based on Comelec rules, common poster areas are located in public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and other areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the city/municipality as approved by the election officers.

Also, posters and tarpaulins may be posted in private properties, provided that the posting has the consent of the owner.

DILG...

information that is being acted upon by the intelligence community," the DILG chief added.

On Tuesday, the PNP Intelligence Group said it has uncovered a plan to recruit Filipinos who will be "utilized to kill Jews present in the country, conduct rallies at the Israeli embassy and spread (of) video propaganda against Israel."

The information was uncovered through information provided by a local contact of Hamas who was allegedly approached by Hamas-Foreign Liaison Section head Fares Al Shikli, who is based in Turkey, as early as 2016.

The "local contact" reportedly made several trips to Malaysia from 2016 to 2018 to discuss the possibility of launching attacks in the Philippines in exchange for financial assistance.

This is not the first time Hamas tried to establish a presence in the country.

In January 2018, police operatives arrested Iraqi national Taha Mohammed Ahmed al-Jabouri in Pampanga.

The 64-year-old Al-Jabouri, who was later deported by the Bureau of Immigration to Turkey, was described by the police as a "chemist with knowledge on explosives" and "closely affiliated" with Hamas.

ATO would keep bolstering its eastern flank to counter Russian threats, and repeated accusations the Kremlin was building up forces around Ukraine, British defense minister Ben Wallace said on Thursday.

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Still, he said now was not the time to remove the mandatory face mask policy.

“I don't believe that the time is near to lift the face mask policy especially since we have campaign rallies. We should in fact intensify our compliance with minimum health standards,” he said in Filipino.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said health experts agree that face masks will be the last to go as they also protect people from other diseases apart from COVID-19.

Vergeire added that masks may go by the end of the year only if the COVID-19 cases are already manageable and the country reaches the endemic state by then.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the mandatory use of face masks would “most likely” be dropped by the fourth quarter of the year.

Leni’s...

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on their own private properties,” Macalintal said.

“It was a very arbitrary act of the Comelec because said persons were never given the chance to be heard, which violated their procedural right to due process, when said campaign materials were removed without any hearing,” he added.

Gutierrez urged the Comelec to review its policy because “that is a clear violation of the Constitution,” The Comelec on Wednesday led the removal of election campaign posters that it said were either oversized or posted in restricted areas. One of the tarpaulins taken down, based on a livestream aired on the Comelec's Facebook page, was of Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Macalintal, who represented Robredo in the poll protest filed by defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in 2016, stressed that the Fair Elections Act does not apply to non-candidates, and that its provisions on election propaganda materials pertain only to candidates and political parties.

He also said the Comelec resolution limiting the common poster area size for political parties, party-lists and independent candidates was “absurd,” given the number of candidates there were.

In a separate statement, former Bayan Muna representative and human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said the poll body's Oplan Baklas "runs counter to what our regulations ought to be."

"We have always pointed out that election laws exist to create an equal playing field for all candidates. The essence of these regulations allows the marginalized to participate in the most important democratic exercise in our country so that the people may elect deserving leaders," Colmenares, who is running for senator, said.

"Instead of letting people express their support, Comelec has overreached through the takedown of campaign materials in private properties without due process," he added.

DBM...

From A1

identified to be at high risk shall receive P9,000 a month while those who are determined to be in moderate and low risk are entitled to a monthly benefit of P6,000 and P3,000 respectively.

The benefit shall be given in full amount provided the health professional physically reports to work for at least 96 hours per month, otherwise the benefit shall be prorated.

Moreover, on top of the P7.92 billion lodged under the DOH’s budget, an additional P42.0 billion can be tapped under Unprogrammed Appropriations for the provision of the OCA this year.

The agencies issued DBM-DOH

Joint Circular 2022-0001 to prescribe the guidelines for the grant of the OCA. The DBM will continue to ensure the timely and prudent approval of the budget releases to ensure the welfare of the frontliners as we bounce back from the impacts of the health crisis.

Last month, the DBM released the amount of P1.18 billion to serve as additional funds for special risk allowance of medical frontliners who are handling COVID-19 patients.

The release came after President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the funding request, the agency’s statement read.

The funds were intended for 63,812 eligible public and private health workers directly attending to patients who contracted the virus.

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in the Philippines following the reported plan to mount an attack against Israeli nationals.

"We appreciate the efficient response of the Philippine police and their efforts to make sure that the Israelis are wellprotected. We are closely monitoring this," the Embassy said Thursday.

The statement came following a report that Hamas has denied the supposed plot.

But Año did not say how many individuals are being monitored for supposedly being involved in the plot.

"The PNP Intelligence Group is into this, they're monitoring the movement of these Filipinos who are reportedly (involved)," said Año, adding that the effort has been coordinated with the AntiTerrorism Council.

While he believes that the plot was already preempted, the DILG chief said intelligence personnel continue to monitor and gather relevant information on the matter.

"There are no indicators that they are really on the verge of implementing it (plan to establish foothold). It's still

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Bakunahan" administered 10.2 million vaccine doses from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, and at least 6.4 million jabs from Dec. 15 to 22.

Cabotaje, chairperson of the National Vaccination Operations Center, said authorities have moved vaccination sites closer to residents, while some local governments also offer house-tohouse inoculation.

She said the government will assess if the Bayanihan, Bakunahan drive should continue nationwide or if it should just target specific areas and sectors.

For example, Cabotaje noted only 68 percent of senior citizens, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19, have been fully vaccinated.

“We might do a vaccination drive only for senior citizens,” she said.

The government is also considering the use of company clinics as vaccination hubs, she added.

The Philippines has so far fully vaccinated about 61.9 million of its 109 million population.

At least 9.3 million have received booster jabs, Cabotaje said.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday that five regions had the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) topped the list, with vaccination coverage of only 24.64 percent, followed by Soccsksargen, 53.69 percent; Central Visayas, 56.93 percent; Mimaropa, 60.13 percent, and Caraga, 61.19 percent.

Cabotaje said vaccine hesitancy, especially among senior citizens, is among the reasons for the low vaccination rate.

Meanwhile, the government is

– up to 7,000. We've seen a bridge constructed from Belarus, into Ukraine or near Ukraine," he said.

"We'll take them at their word but we're going to judge Russia by their actions and at the moment, the troop buildup continues."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also reiterated the West had "so far... not see any sign of withdrawal or deescalation."

NATO allies have rushed thousands of troops and hardware to bolster the alliance's eastern flank in response to Moscow's deployments around Ukraine.

The United States has said it is temporarily deploying around 4,700 additional soldiers to Poland.

Wallace said Britain had put an extra 1,000 troops on standby and was looking to double its contribution to NATO's battle group in Estonia. AFP

also ramping up pediatric COVID-19 vaccination so students can safely return to school by August 2022.

“We are really trying to vaccinate our children so that they will be safe also when they go to school. I think by August for this next school year, the plan would be that schools will really open,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an ANC interview.

“We’ve started already with the pilot implementation for face-to-face classes and the whole objective would be that eventually, by this next school year, everything will be starting,” Vergeire said.

The pilot testing of face-to-face classes started on Nov. 15, 2021 in several areas in the country.

Some 100 public schools—subject to strict health protocols—have participated.

Several private schools from areas deemed low risk for COVID-19 also started their own pilot face-to-face classes on Nov. 22, 2021.

So far, only those in kindergarten to grade 3, as well as senior high school, are included in the pilot run.

Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan earlier noted that more grade levels will be included in the conduct of expanded face-to-face classes.

The government is currently conducting a COVID-19 vaccination drive for minors aged 5 to 11, on top of the inoculation of those 12 to 17, which started in November 2021.

The government on Wednesday night received the third batch of reformulated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for kids.

The government-procured reformulated Pfizer vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 arrived Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International AirportTerminal 3 via Air Hongkong flight LD456.

Gov’t to run after sellers of fake antigen

By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES are on the lookout for individuals, pharmacies and other commercial establishments storing and selling fake medicines, especially COVID-19 antigen test kits and counterfeit health products used to treat patients infected with the deadly virus.

The Department of Interior and Local Government tapped the police and local government units to go after and prosecute unscrupulous individuals and establishments responsible.

The DILG also urged LGUs to enact ordinances banning the sale of medicines in sari-sari stores nationwide.

The move followed reports that counterfeit health goods related to COVID-19 proliferated and were being sold openly in local markets and sari-sari stores nationwide.

Just recently, government agents seized smuggled fake COVID-19 antigen test kits and other counterfeit health products worth P150 million during a raid at a storage facility in Manila.

Operatives of the Manila International Container Port – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS) raided the facility situated at 555 Carlos Palanca Street in San Miguel based on the Mission Order and Letter of Authority issued by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

SG allows entry of fully-vaxxed Pinoy travelers FILIPINOS fully vaccinated against the coronavirus will be allowed entry to Singapore starting March 4, the Singaporean Ministry of Transport announced.

This, after the city-state included the Philippines in its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) program, which allows passengers to enter Singapore quarantine-free via designated VTL flights.

Vaccine travel pass applications for the Philippines will open on March 1 at 10 a.m. (Singapore time).

"In late November, when Omicron was first reported, we tightened our border measures to limit our exposure, better understand the new variant, and get more people boosted. Now that we have greater certainty over the nature of Omicron and the associated public health risks, it is important that we want to resume the safe reopening of our borders to reclaim our position as a global business and aviation hub," Singapore Minister for Transport S. Iswaran said in a statement dated February 16.

"We will be launching new VTLs to the Philippines, Israel and Hong Kong and deepen existing VTLs with Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand," he said.

The new Singaporean policy for Filipinos comes less than a week since the Philippines reopened its doors to fully vaccinated foreign tourists, including Singaporeans.

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children five to 11 years old,” the motion read.

With help from the Public Attorney’s Office, the petitioners said “notably, in the DOH website, the latter admitted that the COVID-19 vaccine has risks of complications but severe or life-threatening reactions are extremely rare. This ‘rare thing’ cannot be taken for granted by the herein petitioners-intervenors,” it added.

For its part, the Office of the Solicitor General asked the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, to dismiss the petition of the Public Attorney’s Office to enjoin the roll-out of the pediatric vaccination program.

In a 21-page-comment to the petition filed by Almelor and Samonte through the PAO, Solicitor General Jose Calida stressed the petitioners and the court should respect the choice of parents who want to have their children vaccinated.

Calida said the general public stood to suffer “great and irreparable injury” if an injunction was issued.

“To prevent willing parents and children from participating in the DOH’s pediatric vaccine roll-out would risk keeping these children vulnerable to severe cases of COVID-19,” Calida argued.

“These children, who could otherwise be protected from serious health implications, would thus stand to suffer grave and irreparable injury.

Their parents, who should be able to exercise their right to choose how to care for and protect their children, would also undoubtedly suffer from not being able to make that choice,” the chief state lawyer said.

Calida agreed that parents’ rights to choose not to vaccinate their children should be respected, but he countered that the rights of the parents who want to have their children vaccinated should also be respected.

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US will continue defending Indo-Pacific

By Nash B. Maulana

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(First of Two Parts)

XTENDING a modernized role drawn on “all instruments of power,” the U.S. will defend Indo-Pacific interests, deter aggression on American territory and allay threats against its allies in the region, a White House document declassified this month showed.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS. Clowns entertain children who are about to undergo vaccination against COVID-19 in SM San Lazaro, Manila on Thursday. One of the movie houses of the mall was used for the vaccination drive for minors. Danny Pata

IN BRIEF Govt urged to use digital technology for economic resilience, recovery AN ADVOCACY group championing environmental stewardship is calling on the national and local governments to follow the lead of the private sector in investing in digital technologies to achieve economic recovery and environmental sustainability.

Philippine Business for Environmental Sustainability convenor, Engr. Felix Vitangcol, said it is crucial to achieve environment-friendly operations and build resilience to extreme weather events caused by climate change.

“We only have to look at how the breakdown of power and telecommunication services hampered critical rescue and rehabilitation efforts in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Odette in December,” Vitangcol said.

“If we fail to optimize digital technologies, we will only widen social divides and expose the most vulnerable among us to economic and environmental risks.”

He added that aside from crucial responses during and after calamities, digital technologies can enable industries to become greener by being efficient in waste and pollution management. This also translates to efficiency and competitiveness because of lower operating costs, allowing for growth, expansion, and more jobs.

NBI nabs 5 suspects involved in a sex den operation in Atimonan THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday announced the arrest of five individuals by operatives of NBILucena District Office (NBI-LUCDO) for operating a sex den in Atimonan, Quezon.

NBI Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Eric Distor identified the suspects as Renita Agoho Francia, Rowena Tocayon Abo, Lyra Amado Riego, Josefina D. Devilles, and Mary Anne Parco Alvarez.

The suspects were presented before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings with the recommendation that they will be charged for Qualified Trafficking in Person under RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003). Subjects are being detained in NBI-LUCDO detention facility, pending inquest disposition.

Distor said the suspects were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted on February 10, 2022, against the operator and maintainer of Kingfisher Lodge Hotel and Videoke Bar. Willie Casas

Immigration agents arrest two South Koreans for telco fraud THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) ordered the deportation of two South Koreans wanted by authorities in their country for telecom fraud.

The two suspects were reportedly able to amass more than P8.3 million from their victims. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the captured alien fugitives as Kim Youngsoo and Choi Youngsoo.

They were arrested on Valentine’s Day by FSU operatives at their residence in Bgy. Baudago, Angeles City pursuant to a warrant of deportation issued by Morente.

According to FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy, a deportation order against Kim and Choi was already issued by the BI board of commissioners in 2015 after the South Korean authorities informed the bureau about their crimes. Vito Barcelo

11 cops slapped with murder charges for Albay EJK case THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has been asked to prosecute for three counts of murder the 11 policemen who were allegedly involved in the extrajudicial killing of a rent-a-car driver and two others last year in Oas, Albay.

In a 211-page complaint, the National Bureau of Investigation rejected the claim of the policemen that the victims Jose Maria Arvin Samson Bautista, 28-year-old rent a car driver; Ramon Mutuc, 44, and Gregorio Garcia Jr., 42, were killed during an alleged anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation on July 20, 2021.

The NBI named the respondents as Oas Municipal Police Station chief Police Major Jerald John Villafuerte, Police Major Ray Anthony Villanueva; Police Captain Raul Racho, Police Lieutenant Victor Borjal, Police Staff Sergeant Mark Anthony Reblora, Police Master Sergeant Nestor Salire Jr., .Patrolman Geoffrey Avila y Vargas, Police Staff Master Sergeant Romeo .Raro Jr; Police Chief Master Sergeant Marvin Boral y Reoveros, .Police Staff Sergeant Henry Ballon, and Police Staff Sergeant Mark Jay Sevilla. Rey E. Requejo

Nobody probably saw this unfold as did Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, insisting that a relatively unintended military preparation might just get the country pinned into a clash of giants for bigger interests. The Philippine political opposition wanted Duterte to pursue “the gains of the (Philippines’) victory in the International Tribunal” in The Hague over the country’s South China Sea territorial claims—but “not necessarily to go to war against China.”

“For 75 years, the U.S. has maintained a strong and consistent defense presence necessary to support regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity. It is extending and modernizing that role and enhancing capabilities to defend its interests and to deter aggression against U.S. territory and against its allies and partners.”

Moreover, the U.S. “will strengthen Indo-Pacific security, drawing on all instruments of power to deter aggression and to counter coercion,” the White House said in a declassified Fact Sheet on the U.S. IndoPacific Strategy (IPS).

And keen foreign observers see a transnational security alliance in the region will keep at bay China’s probable military aid to Russia in the current Ukraine Crisis in Europe—and beyond.

In the local shores, the security aspect of the IPS strengthened will establish a geopolitically allied position on the much-disputed South China Sea. Albeit unspecific on that issue, some of the countries that have signified interest of claims over certain parts of the SCS are into the IPS alliance,

including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The sea lane in Taiwan Strait is also mentioned in the U.S. IPS Facts Sheet. It can be recalled that then President Benigno S. Aquino III issued in 2016 a unilateral declaration to rename territorial waters within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea. The Indo-Pacific Region is made up of Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, United States and Vietnam. The South China Sea is by and large circumscribed by the Indo-Pacific Region.

On February 11, nearly six years after the landmark International Tribunal decision in favor of the Philippines over its SCS claims, the White House has disclosed a Fact Sheet on the United States’ Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). “This strategy outlines President Biden’s vision to more firmly anchor the United States in the IndoPacific and strengthen the region in the process,” according to a declassified information The Asia-Pacific Media Hub hosted a press teleconference for select Asian journalists Thursday midmorning, having for resource persons top-level officials of the Department of State: Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. However, some techni-

cal issues emerged unexpectedly.

According to the declassified information, the five core objectives of the U.S. IPS are: 1) advance a free and open Indo-Pacific; 2) build connections within and beyond the region; 3) drive regional prosperity; 4) bolster Indo-Pacific security; and 5) build regional resilience to transnational threats.

The fact sheet underscores the historic strides made by the Biden-Harris Administration “to restore American leadership in the Indo-Pacific, as the U.S. adapts to its role in the region in the 21st century.”

Modernizing longstanding alliances, the U.S. has, since last year, strengthened emerging partnerships, and has forged innovative links—among them, to meet urgent challenges, from competition with China, to climate change, to the pandemic.

The U.S. has adjusted to such factors as her allies around the world have increasingly enhanced their engagement in the IndoPacific, and at a time that broad bipartisan agreement is emerging at the homefront in the U.S. Congress.

Such a convergence, a commitment to the region across oceans and political party lines, “reflects the reality that the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world, and its future affects peoples everywhere.”

That “reality” is the basis of the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the U.S., even as the White House stated that: “Its central focus is sustained on creative collaboration with allies, partners, and institutions, within the region and beyond it.”

(To be continued tomorrow)

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News

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

TOURING ILOCOS. Lakas-CMD Vice Presidential

Candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte delivers her message of unity during the UniTeam Grand Rally at the Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Earlier, Duterte, UniTeam Presidential Candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and LMP President and Narvacan Mayor Luis Chavit Singson (inset) wave to thousands of supporters in front of the Sinait Municipal Hall in Ilocos Sur. Ver Noveno

‘90% of Ilocos Sur for BBM-Sara’

By Maricel V. Cruz

L

OCAL officials of Ilocos Sur led by Narvacan Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson Sr. on Thursday vowed to deliver more than 90 percent of the total votes in their province on May 9 to the UniTeam tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Singson, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and his son Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Singson led the local officials in welcoming Marcos of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and Duterte of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), who campaigned in Ilocos Sur and attended a grand rally at the Quirino Stadium here.

Marcos said he brought vice presiden-

tial bet Duterte to his home in Ilocos Norte and introduced her to his hometown folks like any Ilocano gentleman would.

In his speech during his homecomingproclamation rally in Ilocos Norte late Wednesday with UniTeam candidates, Marcos admitted that he was accompanied by someone very special -- Duterte.

“I came home with someone, someone I can be proud of to our ‘kakailian’, my partner in this campaign, in this

fight for the forces of unity, the best one,” Marcos said in Tagalog as he began to introduce the Davao mayor to his very discerning kababayans at a campaign rally at the Paoay Sand Dunes.

Meanwhile, with just around 80 days before the May 9 elections, Marcos Jr. pulling further away from his rivals in the recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia clearly shows that his refusal to participate in some interviews did not affect his numbers.

In fact, his strategy to skip some media interviews might even have helped him increase his lead over his opponents, said political analyst Atty. Ed Chico in a radio interview.

The recent Pulse Asia survey conducted last January 19-24 showed Marcos improving by seven percent more

compared with the previous survey result in December 2021. From 53 percent last December, Marcos garnered 60 percent in the latest Pulse Asia poll.

“All the towns here will vote for BBM-Sara. I estimate that more than 90% of votes (will be for them) because all officials here are united on that,” Singson said in Tagalog.

“Not only that, the volunteers were the first to pledge their support, and most of our elected officials have followed, not just here but across the country. I have gone around the country as the president of the League of Mayors of the Philippines. They are all the same,” the LMP chief told reporters in an ambush interview after the grand rally at the Quirino Stadium Thursday afternoon.

Isko wants Ping in Cabinet if he wins presidency

By Rey E. Requejo IF HE becomes President, Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso is willing to give a Cabinet post to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, whom he described as “an asset of the country.”

“I don’t want to preempt the result.

For example, Senator Ping Lacson.

Senator Ping Lacson is an asset of the country. That, I guarantee. He has a particular set of skills that are useful to suppress a problem in our community. And I do believe, he is qualified to that. And I will cross the bridge when I get there because I don’t know if I will be lucky.

Maybe he will prosper, or the others will prosper,” Moreno told reporters in Los Banos, Laguna on Wednesday.

Lacson, whose term as senator ends on June 30 this year, is also running for President, under the Partido Reporma party. He has repeatedly said that should he lose the 2022 presidential race, he will definitely retire from politics.

As chief of the Philippine National Police for 14 months, Lacson was able to clean up the police force of ICUs – the inept, corrupt, and undisciplined police officers. Leadership by example has been the hallmark of Lacson, who implemented a “no-take” policy on all illegal activities, particularly illegal gambling, Moreno noted.

“You know one of the best things is really fighting corruption. As much as the President of the country will have economic problems because we have already committed to the people that the first two years of six years, Doc Willie and I will focus on life and livelihood.”

“And I think with all the problems of our country, I need the same qualities as Senator Ping Lacson to address corruption and discipline in the government,” Moreno explained.

Reacting to Domagoso’s remarks, Lacson said he thanked the Manila Mayor for his kind words.

“But I also intend to win. So, how can he appoint me if I win?” said Lacson in yesterday’s “Meet the Press.”

According to Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, other candidates should first focus on winning the election before delving into their possible appointments.

IN BRIEF Gov’t hospitals in QC getting more funds SEVERAL government-owned COVID-19 treatment hospitals in Quezon City are getting P1.3 billion in additional funds this year, a party-list legislator said on Thursday.

“The extra taxpayer subsidy will allow these hospitals to provide more services and financial assistance to their patients, many of whom are residents of Quezon City,” Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said.

He said the additional funds are allocated in the P5.024-trillion 2022 national budget.

Defensor added that the Lung Center of the Philippines, a COVID-19 referral and treatment hospital, will receive an augmentation of P179 million, from P505 million last year to P684 million this year.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute will get P300 million more, from P1.3 billion to P1.6 billion, while the Philippine Heart Center will have an additional P100 million, from P1.8 billion to P1.9 billion, Defensor said.

In the case of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, its 2022 budget will go down by P400 million to P1.5 billion because it’s allocation for the procurement of various medical equipment in 2021 was a one-time appropriation, he pointed out.

He said the East Avenue Medical Center, another Covid-19 treatment hospital, will get an additional P400 million, from P2.2 billion to P2.6 billion; while the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, formerly Labor Hospital, will have P200 million more, from P1.1 billion to P1.3 billion.

Funds for the Philippine Orthopedic Center will be augmented by P102 million, from P934 to P1.036 billion; while those for the National Children’s Hospital will go up by P66 million, from P595 million to P661 million. Maricel V. Cruz

End of ‘budol-budol’ gangs near – Win MANDATING the registration of subscriber identification module (SIM) cards would mark the end to the modus operandi called “dugo-dugo” or “budol-budol,” Senator Win Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian, who is seeking a second term in the Senate, is the proponent of the SIM Card Registration Act now awaiting the President’s signature.

Nearly two weeks after the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the measure that aims to eradicate phone-aided criminal activities, a 14-year-old fell prey to a “dugo-dugo” gang that stole almost P10 million worth of her parents’ money and jewelry.

It will prove too difficult to carry out such a scheme once the bill becomes a law as all SIM subscribers, including those with active services, shall be required to register with their respective public telecommunications entity (PTE) within a year from effectivity of the measure.

He noted that failure to register within the prescribed period shall authorize the PTEs to automatically deactivate or retire the SIM card number. Macon Ramos-Araneta

PACQUIAO’S PLEDGE.

Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao signs a manifest of unity following a motorcade in Montalban, Rizal, where he also held a caucus with residents of Kasiglahan Village on Thursday.

Manny Palmero

Lacson targeted by ‘Oplan Wasak’ Pacquiao picking

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ONCE validated and with solid proof, Partido Reporma presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday warned they will confront those behind the “Oplan Wasak” to be mounted against him to destroy his presidential bid.

“There is no other way around it,” stressed Lacson, a veteran lawmaker and former chief of the Philippine National Police.

He claimed getting reports and threats of black propaganda being planned against him allegedly by groups supporting another presidential bet, who has been “apparently hurt” by

his anti-corruption crusade.

Lacson said he remains undaunted by these dirty tactics and threats.

“For most of my career in public service, I was either eating death threats or smear campaigns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This is not new to me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lacson said an executive order institutionalizing the acceptance of the Philippine Identification (PhiIID) or Philippine Identification System Number (PSN) as sufficient proof of identity in all private and government transactions will mean better and easier lives for Filipinos, as well as foreign nationals residing and doing business in the Philippines.

Alan: Poll winners face difficult challenges SENATORIAL aspirant and Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday the winners of the May 2022 elections will face difficult challenges as the country works hard to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a media interview, Cayetano said while he is grateful that he has been consistently among the top choices of voters in recent surveys for senatorial preferences, he is aware that a victory in the 2022 polls means hard work for the candidates.

“I thank the Lord and our fellow Filipinos. We have our work cut out for us next term. Whoever wins, it will be all hands on deck because of the pandemic and because of all the recovery work that must be done. It is one of those elections where after you win, you will have to work very hard,” said Cayetano.

Cayetano said he decided to run as an independent in his comeback trail to the Senate so he can both support and criticize the presidential candidates as they lay out their plans for the recovery of the country from the pandemic. Maricel V. Cruz

ISKO IN LA UNION. Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Presidential bet Doc Willie Ong, and senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc reach out to the crowd during a campaign sortie in San Fernando, La Union on Thursday. Norman Cruz

Bro. Eddie V. to fight corruption

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao said he will appoint evangelist and lawmaker Eddie Villanueva as his anti-corruption czar should he become President after the May 9 national elections.

“If God wills that I will be president of our nation, I would appoint Congressman Eddie Villanueva, better known as Brother Eddie Villanueva, as corruption czar,” said Pacquiao, who is running under the banner of PROMDI. “With Brother Eddie, I am confident that justice can finally be attained against the corrupt officials of government – past and present,” the former champion boxer added of the founder of the Jesus is Lord Church.

Villanueva, who is currently a Deputy Speaker at the House of Representatives, represents the Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, whose main advocacy is to fight corruption.

One of Pacquiao’s major campaign promises is to rid the government of corruption, which he blamed for mass poverty and stunted economic growth.

He reiterated that corruption in government is one of the country’s biggest problems. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion The elusive truth

IN THIS day and age when fake news abounds, fact checking is necessary. The latter is a process that seeks to verify factual information to promote the veracity and correctness of the reporting (Wikipedia). It is obvious why people would want to know the truth or the reality of any fact or sets of facts.

What, then, is the meaning of truth? These are the real facts about something, or its actuality (Merriam Webster Dictionary). The Latin word for truth is veritas, as in verity and veritable. The necessity of knowing the truth is not only essential for purposes of reporting information, but is as important in determining the truth behind the facts in courts or administrative agencies.

Most of the time, the mention of truth elicits a discussion of justice. Justice has been used in different ways. It may be described as what we owe to each other, or the equitable distribution of resources. Justice may also pertain to the impartial application of laws within the context of the Rule of Law (Justice, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy).

The need to know the truth is incorporated in the definition of evidence in the Rules on Evidence. Evidence is defined as the means, sanctioned by these rules, of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth, respecting a matter of fact (Section 1, Rule 128, 2019 Rules on Evidence).

Hence, to know the truth, our courts will have to rely on the means to prove it, which is evidence. These include the testimonies of witnesses, and object and documentary evidence.

Since the judge did not personally perceive the facts and evidence presented or relayed to him or her, there must be some way to validate all the evidence. This process is known as the authentication of evidence.

Due to the importance of evidence for the judge to arrive at a judgment, some parties or interested persons may kill, threaten, or oppress witnesses. This led Congress to pass Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, to protect witnesses from physical and economic retaliation. On the other hand, some parties or witnesses can give false testimonies or perjure statements to suppress the truth.

Documentary or object evidence are sometimes destroyed or hidden by erring parties or lawyers to distort the truth. In one case, the counsel of record borrowed the medical records of a deceased person from the court and tore two of its pages. The Supreme Court disbarred the lawyer by saying that by descend-

By Nonnie Pelayo PRESIDENTIAL candidates all talk about the billions of pesos being allegedly stolen from public funds and their determination to stop the plunder.

What they do not realize is that it is not the stolen billions upon billions of pesos that directly affect the ordinary taxpayer but the petty graft that accompanies almost every government transaction.

Read on and weep.

When an ordinary citizen needs something from the government, or if he gets into trouble, be it as a crime victim or for any other unfortunate incident, he should be prepared to pay some amount of money for matrikula or tuition.

Why tuition? Because that is the amount he has to pay for his “education.”

Let us take the owner of a structure that got burned. You think he will get a fast and accurate investigation report from the fire department without paying “matrikula?” If tuition were not paid, the poor fire victim might end up being charged with arson.

Victims of burglaries and other petty crimes who report to the police are on the same boat.

Many times, the policeman assigned to the case will complain about not having the bond paper for writing the reports, gasoline for follow up operations, etc... The common quote from all of them is: Walang ini-isyu sa amin.

Kami ang gumagasta para sa kailangan sa trabaho. In short, the poor victim will have to spend for those needs. That is matrikula.

Those involved in traffic accidents are also on that boat. The traffic investigator upon arrival at the scene will confiscate the drivers’ licenses of both parties. They will then be told to go to the precinct where more senior policemen (and thus better hustlers) are present. Even if the parties involved were to settle the case by themselves, their licenses are in the hands of the policemen who then will hint that

ing to the level of a common thief, he has disgraced the profession (Fernandez, et al. v.

Grecia, A.M. 3694, June 17, 1993).

How can the court ascertain the truth?

Testimonial evidence. It can hear the testimonies of witnesses to determine if they have personal knowledge of or perceived the facts they testify on (Section 22, Rule 130, 2019 Rules on Evidence). These witnesses can be impeached or cross-examined on prior inconsistent statements, contrary evidence, on their general reputation for truth, honesty or integrity, perceived bias or prejudice, or undue interest in the subject matter of the litigation.

Ferreting out the truth must be the objective of all stakeholders in any judicial action.

The witnesses can also be excluded or disqualified even if they know the truth, if the subject matter of the supposed testimony is covered by privilege communications between spouses, attorneys and clients, doctors/ psychotherapists and patients, penitents and priests/ministers, public officers and the state, ascendants and descendants (filial), and trade secrets (Sections 24, 25 and 26, 2019 Rules on Evidence). There is no suppression of the truth because the Rules understand the sensitivity of the relationships and the confidential nature of the information received.

Documentary evidence. If the documents consist of writings, recordings, photographs, words, sounds, numbers or figures, and the contents of which are the subject of the inquiry, no evidence is admissible other than the original document itself (Section 3, Rule 130, 2019 Rules on Evidence). Hence, copies, recitals of some authentic documents, or testimonies of witnesses, will not be accepted by the court unless it is proven that the original has been lost or destroyed, in the custody of the adverse party or that the documents cannot be obtained by local judicial processes (Sections 5 and 6, Rule 130, 2019 Rules on Evidence).

Object evidence. These are evidence addressed to the senses of the court (Section 1, Rule 130, 2019 Rules on Evidence). The most common object evidence in criminal cases are firearms, bladed weapons, illegal drugs or substances, or fruits of the crime. On the other hand, object evidence in civil cases, involves various personal properties, or real properties subject to ocular inspection of the court. Like all other evidence, objects will have to be authenticated before admitted or considered by the court.

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they have to take seminars or something like that to get the license back. Tuition will then be paid to have the license released.

It is not only in the fire department and the police that tuition is paid.

Take a homeowner who has recently paid his amortization and has a duly executed deed of sale for the property he occupies.

He will have to pay tuition to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, where capital gain tax must be paid, to the assessor’s office at city hall where the name on the tax declaration will be changed to the new owner.

Read on and weep.

The rules of the BIR on such transactions are so labyrinthine that only insiders and regular clients like the liaison officers of accounting and law offices, and yes the ubiquitous fixers, can navigate through smoothly. The ordinary citizen who wants to do it on his own will have to spend maybe months just trying to figure out what to do.

And so, after the BIR, the next stop of the hapless homeowner will be the Registry of Deeds, for the transfer of the property to his name on the Transfer Certificate of Title or titulo torrens. Here, unless tuition is paid, the functionary processing the transfer will suddenly become an eagle-eyed proofreader and woe to the homeowner if a period or comma is misplaced in the documents presented. If the documents were perfectly prepared, then all sorts of road blocks will be thrown the homeowner’s way just to delay the transaction.

Remember, the homeowner is raring, nay, excited to have the titulo torrens transferred to his name.

After the BIR and the Registry of Deeds, the next stop will be city hall for the issuance of the tax declaration in the name of the homeowner. The same thing as what happened at the registry of deeds will unfold. All sorts of “problems” with the documents presented will be found. Even the lockdowns are used to delay transactions. “Wala po si sir, work from

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EDITORIAL

Matrikula Everyman

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

A

Ukraine war fallout

Russia-Ukraine war will have a global economic fallout that most nations, including the Philippines, may not avoid. A deterioration in the current impasse—or war—will easily send the prices of oil and two other major commodities skyrocketing from their current high levels.

Russia is one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers while Ukraine serves as the main transit route for Russian natural gas sold to Europe. There is always a threat Russia could halt its energy supplies to Europe if the conflict escalates. A Western boycott of Russian oil and gas exports may also push global oil prices to uncharted territory and, consequently, threaten the world economic recovery. European countries, in the meantime, will have to secure an alternative source of natural gas that powers their industries and homes.

The war repercussions are not limited to energy supplies. Russia is the world’s biggest wheat

Any geopolitical conflict such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis highlights the need to be self-sufficient.

exporter while Ukraine ranks as the fourth-largest shipper of the commodity. The two nations combined account for almost a third of wheat’s world trade. Ukraine, meanwhile, is the world’s fourthlargest corn exporter and accounts for about 22 percent of the global

trade.

A squeeze in the global supply of oil and natural gas, and major commodities, such as wheat and corn, will hit developing nations such as the Philippines hard.

The inflation rate here and in the rest of the world will inevitably rise further with these supply shocks. Oil prices currently are at high levels and they will surge more as global economic recovery picks up amid the declining COVID-19 cases worldwide.

For the Philippines, higher petroleum prices will exert pressure on transportation fares and labor wages to increase. The inflationary spiral will extend to the prices of bread and pork, whose production is dependent on corn feeds.

Any geopolitical conflict such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis highlights the need to be self-sufficient. The Philippines may be far from achieving energy independence, but it must attain food security to weather the impact of natural disasters and offset global supply shocks.

Guanzon did not read Comelec’s BBM decision carefully tax was already collected by the government long before the salary is paid, and regardless of whether or not an ITR is filed.

To repeat, the CA declared that BBM should be faulted not for tax evasion, but for his failure to file his ITR. Thus, the CA did not order the imprisonment of BBM. LAST week, the First Division of the Commission on Elections finally came out with its decision dismissing the petitions seeking to disqualify former Senator Bongbong Marcos (BBM) from running for President in the May 2022 elections.

Commissioner Aimee Ferolino wrote the decision.

The petitioners had argued that BBM should be disqualified because almost 30 years ago, the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City (RTC) convicted BBM of tax evasion, and ordered BBM incarcerated.

Although they insisted that tax evasion is a crime involving moral turpitude, they did not elaborate on what happened after the RTC rendered its judgment.

BBM appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which eventually modified the RTC decision and declared that BBM failed to file his income tax return (ITR) when he was still the provincial governor of Ilocos Norte back in 1985. The CA required BBM to pay a fine, in lieu of imprisonment.

In sum, the CA ruled that BBM’s only fault was that he failed to file his ITR. The CA did not find BBM guilty of tax evasion.

Actually, BBM cannot be guilty of tax evasion because his salary as a government official is automatically subjected to the mandatory withholding system for income taxes, which covers the entire civil service. Under the withholding system, income tax is already collected by the government before the salary is paid.

Tax evasion means the government was not paid the taxes due it. Thus, there is a legal injury inflicted on the State.

In contrast, the failure to file an ITR does not result in any legal injury to the State because, as stated above, the income

Moral turpitude means an utter lack of a basic sense of moral obligations. Jurisprudence provides that the failure to file an ITR is not a crime involving moral turpitude. That is why there is nothing in the decision of the CA which declares BBM guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Initially, BBM filed a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) to question the ruling of the CA, but he withdrew it soon thereafter, with the permission of the SC. The State, represented by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), is not allowed to appeal from a court ruling in a criminal case, but it may file a petition for certiorari in a higher court to challenge the lower court’s ruling, if the ruling is attended with grave abuse of discretion.

Noticeably, the OSG did not file any such petition.

Eventually, the decision of the CA became final and executory. It is res judicata, which means it may no longer be disturbed, even by the SC. In dismissing the disqualification petitions, the Comelec said the existence of moral turpitude is a matter which only courts of law, and not administrative agencies like the Comelec, are empowered to rule on. Since the CA did not make a categorical finding that BBM committed a crime involving moral turpitude, the Comelec may not make such a finding. To hold otherwise is to allow the Comelec to amend a decision of the CA. The Comelec does not have that power.

Even assuming that the CA decision is erroneous, it can no longer be altered because it is res judicata as I mentioned

home kasi siya,” is the common excuse for not having the title prepared as promised.

And the worse scenario will be the assessor’s office sending an inspector to the property to measure if the area noted in the old tax declaration is accurate. Most of the time, if tuition were not paid, the inspector will find that the floor area is much bigger that what appears on the old tax declaration and the poor homeowner will be charged taxes and penalties dating back to the time Jose Rizal was shot at the Luneta.

And finally, the homeowner will want to improve his property and so he will apply for a building permit.

Aside from the hefty legal fee charged for building permits, tuition that is no less prohibitive is collected at various levels.

These are just a few examples of matrikula or tuition that the ordinary citizen must bear in the ordinary course of his life.

The voter really can not comprehend the abstract “billions of pesos” stolen from public funds and will identify with the candidate who will promise to stop this ground-level graft.

Finally, this piece was titled Matrikula because of an incident many years ago when the son of a friend got involved in a traffic accident. The son and the other party were taken to the police station where they settled the problem. Both drivers were asked for money in exchange for their licenses.

When my friend complained to the chief of police at the time, who was an acquaintance, the chief himself said: Ganoon talaga, kailangang mag-matrikula.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

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earlier, and because of the “law of the case” doctrine, which means the ruling is conclusively binding on both BBM and the State.

A crime can be mala in se (inherently evil) such as murder, or mala prohibita (illegal simply because the law says so) like the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In the Comelec decision, Commissioner Ferolino pointed out that the failure of BBM to file his ITR does not involve moral turpitude because the act is not mala in se, but merely mala prohibita.

Retired Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon claims Ferolino’s statement is not supported by what Guanzon calls the “latest jurisprudence” on the matter.

Guanzon posted her remarks on her social media account, where she egotistically indicated that she has a law degree and a master’s degree. Why Guanzon has to advertise the extent of her educational attainment is anybody’s guess.

Apparently, Guanzon did not read the Comelec decision carefully, as seen in her failure to comprehend the real import of the decision, which I discussed in detail above. In essence, whether the failure to file an ITR is mala in se or mala prohibita is immaterial, because jurisprudence provides that it is not a crime involving moral turpitude, period.

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RESCUERS SCOUR FOR SURVIVORS

Germany tries Russian space technology spy

Floods, landslides kill 94 in Brazil

R

ESCUE workers raced against the clock Wednesday [Thursday, Manila time] searching for any remaining survivors among mud and wreckage after devastating flash floods and landslides hit the picturesque Brazilian city of Petropolis, killing at least 94 people.

Streets were turned into torrential rivers and houses swept away Tuesday when heavy storms dumped a month’s worth of rain in three hours on the scenic tourist town in the hills north of Rio de Janeiro.

With 35 people still reported missing, fears that the death toll could climb further sent firefighters and volunteers scrambling through the remains of houses washed away in torrents of mud, many of them in impoverished hillside slums.

It is the latest in a series of deadly storms to hit Brazil in the past three months, which experts say are being made worse by climate change.

The state government said at least 24 people had been rescued alive, as it reported the latest death toll Wednesday evening.

Using dogs, excavators and helicopters, rescue workers were urgently searching for more before it was too late, with the Rio Public Prosecutor’s office reporting that the 35 missing

people had been registered on its missing persons list.

Around 300 people were being housed in shelters, mostly in schools, officials said. Charities called for donations of mattresses, food, water, clothing and face masks for victims.

Wendel Pio Lourenco, a 24-year-old resident, was walking through the street with a television in his arms, heading to a local church in search of shelter.

He said he was trying to save a few possessions, after spending a sleepless night helping search for victims.

“I found a girl who was buried alive,” he said. “Everyone is saying it looks like a war zone.”

Governor Claudio Castro said much the same after visiting the scene.

“It looks like a scene from a war. It’s incredible,” he said, adding that it was the worst rain since 1932.

He praised rescue workers for managing “to save a large number of people before it was too late.”

Videos posted on social media from Tuesday’s rains showed REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION streets in Petropolis, the 19thREGIONAL TRIAL COURT century summer capital of the MANDALUYONG CITY Brazilian empire, fill with violent BRANCH 278 floods that swept away cars, trees COLUMBIA OWNER’S ASSOCIATION, and nearly everything else in their INC., As duly reprensented by Ms. Diseree B. Sedigo, paths.

Defendants, Many shops were completely CIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-19-00821-CV inundated by the rising water, For: Enforcement of Lien which gushed down the streets -versusof the historic city center, leaving RODOLFO V. CRUZ, jumbled piles of overturned cars Plaintiff, x-------------------------------------------------------x in its wake. AFP NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, by virtue of Writ of Execution issued by HON. JAIME FORTUNATO A. CARINGAL, Presiding Judge of the Branch 278, Regional Trial Court, Mandaluyong City, on March 24, 2021, in Civil Case No.R-MND-19-00821-CV wherein COLUMBIA OWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC., As duly reprensented by Ms. Diseree B. Sedigo as the plaintiff and Mr. RODOLFO V. CRUZ as the defendant, with postal address at No. 27 Milkway Drive, Blue Ridge II, Quezon City, for the recovery of the sum of Four Million Seven hundred Seventeen Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven and 59/100 Pesos (Php 4,717,167.59) as well as One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Pesos (Php 165,000.00) by way of attorney’s fees, Levy was made by Sheriff WILLIAM T. CHENG on February 10, 2022 , thru the Registry of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, on rights, interest, and participation of said defendant Mr. RODOLFO V. CRUZ in the following condominium unit together with all the improvements existing thereon to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 5182 Registry of Deeds - City of Mandaluyong

LEVEL: Tenth Floor UNIT : 102 UNIT TYPE: Studio type with parking spaces B-48 and B-49 UNIT AREA (SQ.M.): 139.00 of THE COLUMBIA TOWER in the diagramatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 9588/T-48 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY, with an area of one thousand one hundred eighty three (1183) square meter.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, Sheriff WILLIAM T. CHENG will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGERS CHECK and in Philippine Currency on March 25, 2022 at 09:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the New Hall of Justice of Mandaluyong City, Regional Trial Court Branch 278, Maysilo Cirlce, Mandaluyong City, the rights, interest and participation of defendant Mr. RODOLFO V. CRUZ, in the above described real property in order to satisfy said Writ of Execution, together with interest, costs, sheriff’s fees and the expense of sale.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.”

“In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 13, 2022 or soon thereafter without further notice.”

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines, February 11, 2022 (Sgd.) WILLIAM T. CHENG Sheriff IV WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on Execution under penalty of Law. Copy Furnished: VILLAREAL LAW Counsel for the plaintiff Suite 304 Web Jet Bldg., 64 Quezon Ave., cor ..

BMA Ave. Quezon City Columbia Owners Association, Inc. Plaintiff GIF Columbia Tower, Ortigas Ave, Mandaluyong City Rodolfo Cruz Defendant 27 Milkyway Drive, Blue Ridge II, Quezon city Vicente R. Munoz, Michael R. Munoz, and Dorothy R. Munoz 51 Sparrow St. Green Meadows Subdivision Quezon City Antonio O. Mendoza Deputy Sheriff RTC Branch 58, Makati City (Manila Standard-Feb. 18, 25 & Mar. 4, 2022)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that FIESTA COMMUNITIES, INCORPORATED, with office address at 43-35 Don Bonifacio Ave., Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an expanding developer of economic and low-cost housing project (Fiesta Communities - Mexico Phase 3) with a capacity of 1,247 economic and low-cost housing units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP with project site located at Brgy. San Miguel, Mexico, Pampanga.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-FEB. 18, 2022)

RACE AGAINST TIME. Members of emergency services carry the corpse of a victim out of the rubble after a mudslide in Petropolis, Brazil on February 16, 2022. Large scale flooding destroyed hundreds of properties and claimed at least 94 lives in the area. AFP

Australia to list Palestine’s Hamas as terror group AUSTRALIA said Thursday it would list the whole of Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas as a terrorist organisation, the latest Western nation to do so.

Canberra had previously listed Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades military wing as a terror group, but the new designation will list the organisation in its entirety, including its political wing.

Hamas has fought successive wars with Israel since it seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

It swept the last Palestinian parlia-

mentary elections in 2006 and is the main opposition to ageing president Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah movement.

“The views of Hamas and the violent extremist groups listed today are deeply disturbing, and there is no place in Australia for their hateful ideologies,” said home affairs minister Karen Andrews.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett welcomed the Australian move, tweeting that it marked “another important step in the global fight against terrorism.”

The designation will place restric-

tions on financing or providing other support to Hamas – with certain offenses carrying a 25-year prison sentence.

“It is vital that our laws target not only terrorist acts and terrorists, but also the organisations that plan, finance and carry out these acts,” Andrews said.

The United States has long designated Hamas a terror group.

A similar EU decision had been the subject of a protracted court battle, that eventually resulted in Hamas being returned to the terror list. AFP

Kuwait army allows women but sans guns KUWAITI women are angry after the military, having allowed female soldiers in combat roles, decided they need the permission of a male guardian and banned them from carrying weapons.

Activists have decried the policy as “one step forward, two steps back” after the defense ministry also decided that women in the armed forces, unlike civilians, must wear head coverings.

The moves have sparked an online backlash in Kuwait, usually regarded as one of the most open societies in the Gulf.

“I don’t know why there are these restrictions to join the army,” Ghadeer al-Khashti, a sports teacher and member of Kuwait Football Association’s women committee, told AFP. “We have all kinds of women working in all fields, including the police force.”

She said her mother had helped the resistance when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1990 invaded Kuwait and occupied it for seven months before being pushed out by a US-led international coalition.

“My mum during the Iraqi invasion used to hide weapons under her abaya and transport them to members of Kuwait’s resistance, and my father encouraged it,” said Khashti.

“I don’t understand on what basis they see women as weak.”

The ministry decided in October to allow women in combat roles but then imposed the restrictions after the defense minister was questioned by conservative lawmaker Hamdan al-Azmi. AFP

A RUSSIAN scientist accused of spying for Moscow while working at a German university goes on trial Thursday, another source of friction in already frayed ties between the two countries.

The accused, identified only as Ilnur N. by prosecutors, allegedly shared information about Europe’s Ariane space rocket program with Moscow, receiving 2,500 euros ($2,800) in cash in exchange.

The case is the latest in a string of alleged Russian spies uncovered on German soil at a time of the worst tensions between Moscow and the West since the Cold War over President Vladimir Putin’s troop build-up at the border with Ukraine.

It reportedly led to the expulsion of a diplomat from Russia’s consulate in Munich, after another two embassy personnel were declared persona non grata over the 2019 assassination – allegedly ordered by Moscow – of an exChechen commander in a Berlin park.

Prosecutors allege that Ilnur N. was working at an unnamed Bavarian university when he was contacted by Russian foreign intelligence service SVR in the autumn of 2019 at the latest.

After agreeing to cooperate, he “passed on information on research projects in the field of aerospace technology, in particular the various development stages of the European launcher Ariane,” prosecutors said in a statement.

The European Space Agency’s Ariane program consists of a series of transportation rockets designed to ferry heavy loads including satellites into space.

The 40-year-old program, often held up as a model of industrial and political cooperation between European countries, faces growing competition from newcomers such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX. According to prosecutors, Ilnur N. held “regular meetings” from late November 2019 onwards with a senior officer of Russia’s foreign intelligence service stationed in Germany.

Mass-selling newspaper Bild identified the suspect as Ilnur Nagaev. His profile was not visible on the website of the University of Augsburg, which had confirmed that the suspect worked there at the time of his arrest in June last year.

But an unconfirmed account in his name on LinkedIn indicated that he worked as a research engineer at Russia’s Baikov Institute of Metallurgy in 2013 before moving to Germany in 2016 for an internship at Augsburg’s Fraunhofer institute for lightweight construction. AFP

$600m pledged for Haiti quake relief operations

HUNTING DOWN A PREDATOR. A fisheries boat patrols the site of a fatal shark attack off Little Bay Beach in Sydney on February 17, 2022, as authorities deployed baited lines to try to catch a giant great white shark that devoured an ocean swimmer, the city’s first such attack in decades. AFP

Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition HONDURAN ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled.

The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs – mainly from Colombia and Venezuela – to the United States via Honduras since 2004.

In turn, he allegedly received “millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico and other places,” according to a document from the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

A judge Wednesday decided to keep Hernandez in preventative detention “in order to guarantee his presence” at the second hearing in the case next month, Supreme Court spokesman Melvin

Duarte said.

Hernandez, who was still in office just three weeks ago, was brought to court for his first hearing in the case in a convoy that included armored vehicles and a helicopter from the police station where he had spent the night.

Outside the court building, supporters from his rightwing National Party (NP) shouted, “He is not alone!” while backers of the leftist Libre party that recently ousted the NP from power celebrated Hernandez’s fall from grace.

The judge – whose name authorities are withholding for his own protection – read Hernandez the charges in court Wednesday before ruling the former president will remain in preventative detention until the case’s next hearing on March 16.

Previous extradition requests had taken no more than four months to adjudicate, he added. AFP

THE international community pledged $600 million to help rebuild Haiti’s devastated south, where an earthquake killed more than 2,200 people six months ago.

“These contributions went well above our expectations,” said Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, after the conclusion of an international summit in Port-au-Prince.

With a total estimated cost of $2 billion over four years to build back the areas hardest hit by the August 14 earthquake, the $600 million figure corresponds to only 30 percent of the necessary funding, but is still higher than the 25 percent that had been expected.

Almost a billion dollars is needed just to rebuild the 130,000 homes that were leveled.

Three out of four schools in the region were also destroyed or severely damaged, contributing to an estimated $400 million cost for the education sector alone.

“These contributions, large and small, demonstrate that the international community is committed to a new approach to working with the Government and the people of this country,” said Deputy UN Secretary General Amina Mohammed, who visited Port-au-Prince for the summit.

In 2010, after a devastating earthquake killed more than 200,000 people and destroyed the homes of a million and half Haitians, the international aid effort was poorly coordinated and inefficient.

Twelve years later, the city center of Port-au-Prince – including multiple government agency headquarters and the presidential palace – has still not been rebuilt. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi February 17, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

MACAY

6.49

0.93

16.73%

2 3

RLT WIN

0.225 0.3

0.025 0.025

12.50% 9.09%

4 5 6 7

APC MEDIC OPM ALLHC

0.255 1.14 0.013 5.02

0.021 0.09 0.001 0.3

8.97% 8.57% 8.33% 6.36%

8

PSE

222

13

6.22%

9 10

MWIDE BLOOM

5.49 6.89

0.28 0.34

5.37% 5.19%

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LAST PRICE CHANGE 21.75 -1.6 1.12 -0.05

% CHANGE -6.85% -4.27%

3 4

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-4.11% -4.11%

5

C

1.68

-0.07

-4.00%

6 7

ABSP TFHI

12 119.1

-0.5 -4.6

-4.00% -3.72%

8 9 10

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0.39 1.1 13.02

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339,913,107 321,983,500 238,628,606

6 7 8 9 10

BDO SECB BPI ALI BLOOM

1,756,950 1,940,050 2,123,540 5,203,600 29,309,600

237,221,436 227,760,902 212,132,902 201,342,250 199,021,363

Fed officials expect quicker US rate hikes

G20 FINANCE TALKS. Japan’s Deputy Minister of Finance Masato Kanda (right) talks to Indonesia’s Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani (left) prior to the opening ceremony of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Manila Standard Jakarta one TODAY February 17, 2022. AFP

WASHINGTON, United States— Faced with stubbornly high inflation, US central bankers are considering an accelerated schedule for raising the benchmark borrowing rate, according to minutes of their latest meeting released Wednesday.

Most of those participating in the January 25-26 Federal Reserve discussions felt “a faster pace of increases... would likely be warranted” compared to the previous cycle of monetary tightening between 2015-18.

The Fed slashed rates to zero in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the US economy causing millions of layoffs.

Just two years later, with the economy facing decades-high inflation, the Fed has signaled that it is ready to begin rate hikes soon, with a first move widely expected next month.

Most economist say that lift-off from zero will followed by several NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OFbe STOCKHOLDERS more hikes this year—with some now Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the PHILIPPINE BANK saying a larger-than-usual half-point OF COMMUNICATIONS (“PBCOM”) will be held on Tuesday, 15 March 2022, 9:00 possible next month. at the a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The meeting will beincrease conductedis virtually and can be accessed link provided in the Bank’s website at https://www.pbcom.com.ph/.

Fed officials stressed that the recovhas Aery GEN D Abeen much quicker than the 1. Call to Order previous cycle.

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum “Compared 3. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation for the with Change conditions in Orimary andin Secondary Purposes-from Commercial Bankparticipants to Universal Bank 2015... viewed that there 4. Other Matters was a much stronger outlook for 5. Adjournment growth in economic activity, substanFor purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of February 14, 2022 are inflation, and a notably entitled to notice of, and to vote at, thetially Annualhigher Meeting of Stockholders. ing it had started withdrawing some soldiers.

HE stock market slipped Thursday tighter labor market,” the minutes said.

Considering that certain community quarantine measures are still in place, PBCOM The announcement and an apparently conciliatory tone Meeting.

After peaking at Special 14.7 Meeting percentwillin will more be holding a virtual Special The conduct of the on profit taking after climbing to a be streamed live, and stockholders may participate and vote only through from the Kremlin provided a much-needed lift to markets.

Aprilattend, 2020, the unemployment rate in proxy, remote communication or in absentia. The requirements and procedures for fresh two-year high the other day.

However, while the general mood on trading floors up- through January was down to 4.0 voting in absentia andwas participation remote communication are percent. set forth in the information Statement.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 13.89 points, or beat that tensions had eased, Washington dismissed the RusMeanwhile, inflation has been accel0.2 percent, at 7,438.93 on a value turnover of P6.8 billion. sian claims and accused it of sending more soldiers, adding for submit months global supply Stockholders who choose to vote byerating proxy must andamid address their signed proxy to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at 5/F PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Gainers, however, beat losers, 107 to 77, with 56 issues un- there were “indications they could launch chain snarls and rising demand. a false pretext at Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City or via e-mail at CorporateSecretary@ consumer prices changed. any moment to justify an invasion.” pbcom.com.ph not later than 5:00 p.m. US on or before March 04, 2022.. in January climbed 7.5 percent compared to a SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group fell 1.3 percent to That came after NATO joined Ukraine in saying there was no year its upon largest increase A copy of the will earlier, be available request and willsince be P38, while parent SM Investments Corp. declined 1.1 percent sign of any retreat, while chief Jens Stoltenberg saidInformation tensionsStatement in uploaded in the Bank’s website at https://www.pbcom.com.ph/.

February 1982 and more than triple the to P927. the east with Russia were “the new normal in Europe.”

Fed’s 2 percent long-term target.

PBCOM IS NOTthough SOLICITING Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp., owned by port Asia enjoyed a broadly positive day Thursday, con-PROXIES. Fed officials, many of whom had extycoon Enrique Razon Jr., however, rose 5.2 percent to P6.89, fidence was knocked when reports said Russian separatists pected the pandemic-driven price preswhile Fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. in Ukraine said the country’s forces had fired at them—highsures toMICHAEL recede STEPHEN quickly, H. now noted the advanced 3.4 percent to P28.50. lighting the tense climate in the area.

LAO increases growing more widespread, Corporate Secretay The rest of Asian markets mostly rose Thursday as invesHong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Wellingand some worried inflation could rise tors assess the situation in Ukraine after the West said Rus- ton, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore were in positive terristill higher if wages accelerate. AFP sia had not started withdrawing troops from its border, while tory, though there were losses Manila minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting eased in Tokyo and Jakarta. concerns it was set to hike rates sharply.

The geopolitical uncertainty Standard TODAY Meanwhile, oil prices slipped on further signs of a break- jolted US markets Wednesday, through in Iran nuclear talks. though they enjoyed a late HEAD OFFICE: PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, 1226 Makati City Customer Care: (02) 8777-2266 or 1-800-10-777-2266 (Domestic Toll Free) Global equities were sent plunging and crude surged after a rally from CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK intraday lows after *Email: customercare@pbcom.com.ph*Website: www.pbcom.com.ph top US official said Russia could invade Ukraine imminently, the Fed minutes provided no BALANCE SHEET but Moscow appeared to soothe those fears Tuesday by say- surprises. With AFP (Head Office and Branches)

Stock market retreats; Bloomberry advances

T

(MS-FEB. 18, 2022)

Bananas to fish scales: Fashion’s hunt for eco-materials

By Eric Randolph PARIS, France—Sneakers made from banana or pineapple leaves, dresses from nettles or fish scales—the search for sustainable materials has taken the fashion industry to some wild places.

Experts warn these new textiles are not a quick fix for fashion’s enormous problems with over-consumption and waste, but may be a necessary step in developing cleaner technologies.

“You could possibly eat the final product,” said Hannes Schoenegger, co-founder of Bananatex, which uses leaves from banana trees in the Philippines to make bags, T-shirts and a line of shoes for H&M that sold out within two hours.

He was speaking at the Premiere Vision Paris conference, where industry professionals gather to find out which fabrics will dominate coming seasons.

“We only harvest the sides of the plants, and they’re already growing in the forest, This file photo taken on February 10, 2022, shows clothes and accessories made from banana leaves at the Manila so no chemicals, pesticides or even water ‘Premiere Vision Paris,’ a fair dedicated to the companies supplying materials and services for the fashion Standard are used,” Schoenegger added. and luxury industries, at the Parc des Expositions convention center in Villepinte, north of Paris. AFP TODAY He was among multiple stalls present“Replacement materials serve no purpose ply chains that make it difficult for clothing ing new bio-sourced materials.

Brazil-based Nova Kaeru offered leather if we continue to make the same amount of companies to know who grows their raw mamade from the discarded scales of the giant clothing,” said Victoire Satto, of The Good terials and in what conditions. AFP pirarucu fish and another from the tropical Goods, a media firm specializing in re“elephant ear” plant.

Nearby, Ananas Anam showed off some sponsible fashion.

They could even Nike shoes made from waste pineapple NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS add to the problem if leaves.

Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the PHILIPPINE BANK scaled up by encourNettles are in OF COMMUNICATIONS (“PBCOM”) will be held on Tuesday, 15 March 2022, 9:00 These textiles can be relatively niche, but aging further defor- a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually and can be accessed at the some companies are determined to bring estation to make way link provided in the Bank’s website at https://www.pbcom.com.ph/. for newly fashionable them into the mainstream.

AGENDA 1. Call to Order Spanish firm Pyratex offers multiple op- plants, she said.

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum That is why com- 3. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation for the Change in Orimary and tions, from recycling the waste of corn and Purposes-from Commercial Bank to Universal Bank sugar cane production, to making fibers from panies like Bananatex 4. Secondary Other Matters Icelandic seaweed, Chinese bamboo or Aus- refuse to go beyond 5. Adjournment natural farming limtrian wood.

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of February 14, 2022 are “It’s not about replacing cotton with one its. entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

“Our project is part alternative crop. It’s about finding a wide vaConsidering that certain community quarantine measures are still in place, PBCOM riety of substitutes to make sure that nothing of a reforestation pro- will be holding a virtual Special Meeting. The conduct of the Special Meeting will streamed live, and stockholders may attend, participate and vote only through is over-used,” said spokesperson Pilar Tejada gram, a good way of be remote communication or in absentia. The requirements and procedures for revitalizing soils and proxy, Lopez. voting in absentia and participation through remote communication are set forth in the One plant getting particular interest is the providing work to information Statement. nettle, which can be turned into a silk-like local families,” said Stockholders who choose to vote by proxy must submit and address their signed proxy to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at 5/F PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala and incredibly strong fabric that can be used Schoenegger. corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City or via e-mail at CorporateSecretary@ “There’s a natural Avenue in everyday and luxury clothing. pbcom.com.ph not later than 5:00 p.m. on or before March 04, 2022.. limit and we won’t It highlights the fact that many of these go beyond that, be- A copy of the Information Statement will be available upon request and will be technologies are not new.

“Nettles have actually been used for cloth- cause then it would be uploaded in the Bank’s website at https://www.pbcom.com.ph/. ing for centuries, but we have largely forgot- harmful.”

PBCOM IS NOT SOLICITING PROXIES. Pyratex similarly ten,” said Lopez.

“Part of our job is reintroducing these puts a lot of emphasis on partnering with ideas that have been lost.”

MICHAEL STEPHEN H. LAO responsible farmNatural limits Corporate Secretay ers, and avoiding the Others warn of over-reliance on new mateultra-complex suprials in the drive towards sustainability.

(MS-FEB. 18, 2022)

Manila

Standard

TODAY

As of December 31, 2021

As of September 30, 2021

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Loans and Receivables - Net Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture & Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Other Assets - Net

P

2,802,164,126.41 10,271,486,135.65 1,383,549,724.31 882,732,452.12 6,464,507,116.93 16,426,825,476.71 65,726,029,129.08 62,745,109,069.91 3,470,889,369.00 489,969,309.83 582,072,767.25 20,474,809.24 1,492,706,074.45 782,289,843.29 4,832,524,430.53

TOTAL ASSETS

P

111,667,362,085.97

P

1,741,078,929.59 13,118,616,932.28 3,973,778,852.87 6,679,846,149.47 10,356,591,919.93 65,876,299,273.31 1,530,000,000.00 62,502,587,167.02 2,331,105,383.00 487,393,276.71 378,038,699.82 20,329,839.94 1,479,979,513.35 788,410,861.41 4,925,367,408.89

P 109,338,338,380.86

LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable: Interbank Loans Payable Other Deposit Substitutes Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

P

6,042,486.83 86,968,477,928.76 6,010,987,639.55 6,010,987,639.55 713,839,549.68 2,311,931,977.41

P

20,734,064.55 82,727,124,400.84 8,150,781,405.67 8,150,781,405.67 895,724,887.23 2,534,039,248.91

TOTAL LIABILITIES

P

96,011,279,582.23

P

94,328,404,007.20

14,278,374,781.56 3,194,916,295.55 -1,817,208,573.37

P

14,278,374,781.56 2,556,188,089.70 -1,824,628,497.60 15,009,934,373.66

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

P

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

15,656,082,503.74

P

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

111,667,362,085.97

P 109,338,338,380.86

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Financial Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts Agency Accounts Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

P

825,173,240.84 1,025,451,170.00 396,018,542.64 2,206,500.00 628,542,785.39 8,631,951,523.20 1,727,665,067.60 6,904,286,455.60 131,428,565.85

P

894,271,866.28 556,709,269.30 858,058,505.27 2,206,500.00 3,229,057,720.91 8,567,820,081.22 1,772,029,382.85 6,795,790,698.37 93,993,586.37

P

11,640,772,327.92

P

14,202,117,529.35

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 68,127,578,322.43 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,911,579,883.52 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 3,329,176,288.04 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 4.89% c. Net NPLs 1,688,814,471.89 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 2.48% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 72.14% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 57.42% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses 16,796,891,331.75 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 1,781,651.38 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 5.50% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 5.84% Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 10.31% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 18.18% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 15.58% c. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ 15.58% 1/

68,347,561,983.79 1,983,869,433.77 3,404,015,826.64 4.98% 1,694,380,194.46 2.48% 72.60% 58.28% 16,160,685,714.91 2,041,834.72 0.00% 0.00% 5.47% 5.91% 9.92% 17.49% 14.88% 14.88%

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

BASEL III Leverage Ratio Report, as prescribed under existing regulations

a. Capital Measure 13,376,459,168.77 b Exposure Measure 116,271,051,776.00 c. Basel III Leverage Ratio 11.50% BASEL III Liquidity Coverage Ratio Report, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total Stock of High-Quality Liquid Assets 32,847,879,776.80 b Total Net Cash Outflows 13,442,202,122.10 c. Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio 244.36%

12,708,443,000.15 113,103,817,892.74 11.24% 24,483,954 ,785.85 9,639,196,848.01 254.00%

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) City of Makati ) S.S. We, Arlene M. Datu and Patricia May T. Siy, of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(SGD.) ARLENE M. DATU Comptroller, SVP

(SGD.) PATRICIA MAY T. SIY President & CEO

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 7th day of February 2022 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their SSS nos. 0356633451 and 0373099955, respectively.

Doc. No. 497 Page No. 101 Book No. IV Series of 2022.

(SGD.) ATTY. GERVACIO B. ORTIZ JR. NOTARY PUBLIC City of Makati until December 31, 2022 IBP no. 05729 - Lifetime Member MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0024312 Appointment no. M-82 -(2021-2022) PTR No. 8852511 Jan. 3, 2022 Makati City Roll no. 40091 101 Urban Ave., Campos Rueda Bldg. Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City Member: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Maximum Deposit Insurance for each Deposit P500,000.00

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

IN BRIEF

Business

Nepomuceno’s Raslag eyes P805m from IPO RASLAG Corp., a renewable energy company owned by the Nepomuceno family of Pampanga province, plans to raise up to P805 million from an initial public offering to fund solar projects.

Raslag filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell up to 350 million common shares, with an overallotment option for another 52.5 million secondary common shares at an offer price of P2 apiece.

The offer shares represent 23 percent of the company’s total outstanding capital stock. Net proceeds from the maiden share offering will be used to fund for the equity portion of its fourth solar power venture (RASLAG-4) which is under development and construction and finance pre-development work for pipeline solar projects.

The company’s maiden project is the 10.046-megawatt-peak Pampanga Solar Power Project Phase I, while its second project is the 13.141-MWp Pampanga Solar Power Project Phase II. It is constructing its third venture—the 18.011- MWp Pampanga Solar Power Project Phase III. Jenniffer B. Austria

20 URC facilities begin switching to green energy

By Jenniffer B. Austria FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. said Thursday it will use renewable energy to power at least 20 facilities in Luzon and the Visayas.

URC said in a statement it signed an agreement with MPower/Vantage, Bacman and First Gen to supply at least 18 of its facilities in Luzon and two in the Visayas with geothermal, solar and hydro energy.

These include factories in Pasig, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, Antipolo and Bulacan and facilities in Cebu and Negros Occidental. The company said the pivot to towards renewable energy use is one of URC’s biggest projects so far, as it pursues “net zero” goal by 2050.

Net zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) the company emits with the amount it removes. This commitment will support the country’s pledge to Paris Agreement on Climate Change which aims to reduce Philippines’ greenhouse gas emission to 75 percent by 2030.

“One of our focus areas is climate action. Under climate action, URC is gearing towards net zero by 2050.

We aim for a low-carbon economy by optimizing the use of renewable energy among other tools to reduce the impact of GHG emissions,” said URC chief sustainability officer David Lim. Lim said URC’s ultimate goal is to have all its plants utilize electricity from 100-percent renewable energy by 2025. This is not URC’s first initiative at pivoting towards renewable energy.

URC, one of the largest branded consumer food and beverage product companies in the Philippines, began installing solar panels that generate close to 2 megawatts at its manufacturing facilities in Canlubang, Laguna and San Fernando, Pampanga.

Plans are also underway to install solar panels in Calamba, Misamis Oriental, Tarlac, Pampanga and Cebu plants.

$1.1-b wind projects a big lift to economy THE installation of more than 1,650 megawatts of wind projects is expected to infuse more than $1.1 billion in gross value added to the economy in the next five years, according to the Global Wind Energy Council report.

The report, titled “Capturing Green Recovery Opportunities from Wind Power in Developing Economies,” said “those installations would support a 70-percent increase in jobs as well as saving more than 65 million metric tons of carbon emissions equivalent.”

The Department of Energy is pushing for wind power development and collaborated with Carbon Trust and the GWEC to help unlock the country’s massive offshore wind potential.

It held a virtual workshop to determine how the Philippine government and the wind industry could jointly work together to develop the country’s offshore wind potential. The department earlier said the Philippines has an offshore wind power potential of over 170,000 MW. Offshore wind projects are situated in bodies of water which are said to have stronger wind potential than onshore wind projects. Alena Mae S. Flores

SCHOOL TURNOVER. Security Bank Corp.’s corporate social responsibility arm Security Bank Foundation Inc. donates a two-story, eight-classroom school building to Agusan del Sur National High School in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Attending the turnover of the school building to Agusan Del Sur National High School are (from left) General Parent Teacher Association president Aaliza Tudle, Security Bank San Francisco sales officer Michael Ceniza, Security Bank San Francisco branch business manager Edwin Abuhon, Mayor Solomon Rufila, Agusan Del Sur National High School principal Marilou Curugan, Department of Education Agusan Del Sur Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Minerva Albis and Barangay 5 chairman Jonathan Albienda.

Bangko Sentral keeps benchmark rate at 2%

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday maintained the benchmark interest rate at a record low of 2 percent on manageable inflation outlook.

The policy rate is now unchanged for more than a year since November 2020, when it was last reduced by 25 percentage points.

BSP Governor and MB chairman Benjamin Diokno said the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also kept at 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

“The latest baseline forecasts for 2022 and 2023 show that inflation could average within the 2 percent to 4 percent target range. However, the inflation projections have slightly in-

creased from the previous monetary policy meeting, reflecting the impact of higher domestic food inflation and global oil prices,” Diokno said.

He said inflation expectations rose marginally, but continued to be anchored within the target band.

“The risks to the inflation outlook continue to lean slightly towards the upside for 2022 but remain broadly balanced for 2023. Upside risks are linked mainly to the continued shortage in domestic pork and fish supply and the possible impact of higher oil prices on transport fares,” he said.

Diokno said the implementation of non-monetary measures to ensure adequate supply of key food commodities should be sustained to mitigate supply-side pressures on inflation.

He said increased volatility in international oil prices needed close monitoring and appropriate interventions when necessary to arrest potential second-round effects.

Meanwhile, downside risks still emanate from the lingering threat of COVID-19 infections owing to possible case resurgence from new variants, as delays in the easing of containment protocols could temper domestic growth prospects, he said.

“The Monetary Board also observed that the domestic economic recovery has continued to gain traction on the back of the government’s ongoing vaccination program and the easing of mobility restrictions,” Diokno said.

Great Transformation into the New Aboitiz ABOITIZ Group leaders are taking on the responsibility of bringing the team forward into a modern and transformative future. Focusing on “high-potential growth initiatives,” a “renewed entrepreneurial mindset,” and continuous investment in the “hypergrowth” of its team members in an enabling and inclusive work environment, the 100-year-old conglomerate is gearing up to thrive in a new business landscape.

At the 2022 Aboitiz Leaders Conference (LeadCon) held last February 10, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz emphasized that the way forward for the Group is through a “Great Transformation,” highlighting the value of Responsibility that is nurtured among all of its team members and being open-minded to more possibilities.

“As leaders, we have a responsibility to our team members and the entire organization to transform the way we think in order to transform the company into a greater one,” said Aboitiz. He stressed that reinvigorated people management is the key to ensuring the Great Transformation.

“The success of our individual team members is as, if not more, important than the success of the company— because the former ensures the latter and the latter encourages the former. This is the way to ensure that our evolution and transformation endures,” he explained.

The Aboitiz Group President also encouraged leaders to build on the momentum brought by the Group’s strategic partnerships (such as the recent partnership with Japanese power company JERA) and the continued expansion with new projects, product lines, and service locations.

During the Aboitiz LeadCon, heads of the Group’s various business units presented their performance updates and directions, and zeroed in on their respective Transformation initiatives.

POWER. AboitizPower will continue to grow its renewable energy portfolio to 4,600 MW by 2030, aligning its energy transition with the Philippines’ economic recovery and growth aspirations. This year, AboitizPower will operationalize Aboitiz Renewable Inc to accelerate its Cleanergy portfolio. In fact, over 600 MW of renewable energy projects are on track to commence construction.

AboitizPower will drive more to reach its 10-year pipeline projects for solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and Battery Energy Storage Systems. Through the strategic partnership with JERA, AboitizPower looks to explore new pathways to decarbonization and the potential joint development of LNG-to-Power projects.

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES. 2021 was the strongest year for Union Bank of the Philippines in terms of financial targets and hitting major points in its digital strategy. UnionBank onboarded another 2.5 million customers last year and had a major landmark by being the winning bidder to acquire the consumer banking business of banking giant Citi in the Philippines.

Its digital bank, UnionDigital, is prevued to be operational by mid-2022, after being granted one of only six digital banking licenses by the Bangko Sentral.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Aboitiz InfraCapital follows up its solid 2021 performance with expansion and operation projects this year. The next phase of expansion for its Economic Estates in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, and Balamban, Cebu will add 239 hectares of property in

Gov’t to complete 1,500 km of railways THE Department of Transportation said it is on track to build 1,500 kilometers of railways by the end of the Duterte administration.

“When the Duterte administration assumed its role in the government, our rail population was only 77 kilometers. We will not end this administration with 77 kilometers. Our target is to make 1,500 km of railway tracks,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the signing ceremony between the government of the Philippines and United Kingdom for education and skills development for maritime and rail sector.

“This is a toll order from 77 km. to 1,500 km. We may not be able to achieve 1,500 kilometers, but we are optimistic that we will be achieving 1,200 kilometers or railway tracks,” he said.

Tugade earlier said more than 400 km. of new railways would be partially operational by this year, up from just 76.9 kilometers of operational railways at present.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Three banks lend P5b PSE INDEX CLOSING February 17, 2022 to build Makati hospital Thursday, -13.89 PTS.

Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz underscores that the Great Transformation focuses on “People” and everything else follows, during the Aboitiz Leaders Conference held virtually on February 10, 2022.

total and spur economic activity in its areas. Its water businesses, which include Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. and LIMA Water Corporation, are working towards datadriven, innovative, and “green” solutions such as utilizing a water-energy nexus concept and creating a Smart Water Network that integrates water facilities into intelligent systems. Aboitiz InfraCapital also continues the growth of its common tower joint venture with Partners Group, Unity Digital Infrastructure.

FOOD. Pilmico and Gold Coin aim to continue its expansions and acquisitions of facilities not just in the Philippines but across the entire Asian region, spanning China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. With the goal of becoming a leading integrated agribusiness and food company, Pilmico will increase its presence in fastgrowing market segments like aquaculture, pet food, and specialty nutrition, and grow its business-to-consumer brands such as The Good Meat, Maxime, Woofy, and Tommy.

LAND. AboitizLand thrived in 2021 and achieved its best sales performance in the company’s 27-year history. For 2022 and beyond, AboitizLand is looking at exponential transformation powered by its investments in technology, data science and artificial intelligence, as well as strategic partnerships with future-forward companies.

AboitizLand also plans to grow its customer base by positioning itself as the premier residential choice in new growth cities, as more and more Filipinos appreciate bigger living spaces and open areas.

CONSTRUCTION. Aboitiz Construction implemented its “Big Shift” strategy last year which pushed them to adapt to the changing market dynamics, resulting in improved financial performance. Coming into 2022 with a more diversified client base, a better-balanced project portfolio, and a new brand image, Aboitiz Construction is ready to aggressively grow its presence in markets such as heavy and light industries, infrastructures, and services.

Summing it up, Aboitiz emphasized that “a transformed organization is one that is clear-minded about the need to constantly change and pivot without being told to do so, because that transformational value is already instilled in you. We have to believe in it in order to instill it. When everyone thinks the same, then you have a fully and holistically transformed organization.”

THREE banks are extending a P5-billion syndicated loan facility to Life Nurture Inc. to complete the state-of-the-art Makati Life Medical Center under the public-private partnership scheme.

Life Nurture, a hospital building developer, said in a statement Thursday it signed an omnibus loan and security agreement with state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines and Union Bank of the Philippines to bankroll the completion of the former Ospital ng Makati Building 2 in Makati City. The hospital will be renamed Makati Life Medical Center.

Under the agreement, DBP will extend P2.5 billion in loans to LNI, followed by Landbank with P2 billion and UnionBank with P500 million. Of the total, a P3.5-billion tranche is payable in 10 years inclusive of two-year grace period for principal repayment, P1.2 billion payable in seven years and P300 million in working capital line.

LNI president Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana and Makati Life chairman Dr. Andrew Prieto led hospital executives in signing the loan agreement with DBP senior vice president and development lending sector head Paul Lazaro, Landbank executive vice president and head of treasury and investment banking Carel Halog and UnionBank vice president and commercial banking group head Rosma Auza.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay witnessed the agreement signing. Julito G. Rada

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

911,040,255 82,602

6,815,351,509.39

ADVANCES

7,438.93

107

DECLINES UNCHANGED

77 56

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.2960

Japan

Yen

0.008661

0.4443

UK

Pound

1.358800

69.7010

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128197

6.5760

Switzerland

Franc

1.083893

55.5994

Canada

Dollar

0.788581

40.4511

Singapore

Dollar

0.744325

38.1809

Australia

Dollar

0.719200

36.8921

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

136.0745

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266503

13.6705

Brunei

Dollar

0.741565

38.0393

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030921

1.5861

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.9672

Euro

Euro

1.137500

58.3492

Korea

Won

0.000836

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.157813

8.0952

India

Rupee

0.013329

0.6837

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239034

12.2615

New Zealand

Dollar

0.667700

34.2503

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035936

1.8434 Source: BSP

Economic zone exports reached $63b in 2021

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Thursday reported a 14-percent increase in export receipts of economic zone locators in 2021 to $63 billion from $55.3 billion in 2020.

“Amid the slowdown caused by the pandemic in 2021, this is still good news,” said PEZA director-general Charito Plaza.

Employment inside the ecozones also rose 13.9 percent to 1,782,913 million from 1.5 million workers in 2020. PEZA said 217,700 new jobs were opened in 2021, following the expansion of some industries.

It said while the influx of investments remained slow, dropping 27 to P69.301 billion, investments would likely recover with at least 6-percent growth in 2022.

Plaza attributed the decrease in investments to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with its Delta and Omicron variants and the recent impact of Super Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao in December 2021.

“This phenomenon of decline in new investments is indeed unfortunate but expected, as investors are still coupling and making adjustments caused by the pandemic to the efficiency factors of production such as logistics and transportation costs, global supply chain, health conditions, and lockdowns limiting the production and movement of goods and services,” said Plaza.

She said the agency is committed and hopeful in attracting more local and foreign investments for 2022 despite challenges to FDI generation.

The PEZA board approved 326 approved projects in 2021, down by 39.6 percent from 540 in 2019.

The manufacturing industry generated P25.5 billion in investments while the IT industry contributed P7.32 billion.

Japan remained PEZA’s top country investor with 21.72 percent share in total investments in 2021. About 961 PEZA-registered Japanese companies invested P22.87 billion in 2021, or 190.2 percent higher than P7.88 billion in 2020.

Sports

NorthPort ends slide, notches 1st win in 6 tiffs

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

C1

By Peter Atencio NORTHPORT leaned on its outside shooting in the third period to finally record a win and end the unbeaten run of the Meralco Bolts, 109-98.

Batang Pier’s first win ended a fivegame losing skid on Thursday in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier connected with six of their 10 three-point attempts in the third period and took control the rest of the game.

Arwind Santos started it all with one of his two treys in the last 8:42, kicking off a 15-4 blast that gave the Batang Pier a 23-point spread at the end of the period, 84-61.

Troy Rike, who only had 10 points, capped the Batang Pier’s climb to their biggest lead with another triple, 86-66, in the final 11:05 of the fourth.

“Iyung 0-5 namin, puro heartbreak losses iyung first three games. Tapos, iyung sa Ginebra ay wala na sa huwisyo. Sa ROS, kulang naman sa players. Wala pa si (Robert) Bolick at kaka-sign lang. Ngayon, naka-settle na ang team, medyo nagkakaroon na ng chemistry,” said Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio.

Jamel Arits powered NorthPort with 26 points and seven rebounds to the victory, which marked the return of Bolick, who unloaded 22 points.

Tony Bishop made 34 points for the Bolts, who suffered their first loss in five outings.

PH obstacle sports team to train for 6 months MEMBERS of the national obstacle sports team, led by Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Mervin Guarte, are set to go through a six-month training program in Baguio City this week.

This is to prepare them for a busy schedule that the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation has put for the rest of the year, now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing down.

Federation officials and their athletes discussed their coming activities during a face-to-face huddle with scribes Wednesday at the Rizal Park Manila Hotel yesterday in Luneta.

“Sa Saturday, akyat na kami sa Baguio, mag-bubble training kami doon for six months para sa aming mga events,” said Guarte, who won the 5-km event during the 2019 SEA Games.

The 29-year-old Guarte, who used to be a middle-distance runner in the national athletics’ team, is among a sixmember group, which will go into highaltitude training activities in Baguio City.

Joining Guarte in Baguio City are Sherwin Manangil, Elias Tabac, Glorien Merisco and Tess Nocyao.

The POSF, headed by its president Alberto Agra, has rolled out its activities for the year with training and competitions that have been lined up starting next month.

These includes three inaugural events for ninja and OCR short athletes.

Lined up are the qualifying event for the Ultimate Ninja Athletic Association World Championship on March 4 to 6 at the Obstacle Sports Factory, and the Obstacle Course Race 400M and the OCR 800 on May 14 to 15 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, which will also serve as qualifier to the World Championships in Moscow, Russia late this year. Peter Atencio

NorthPort’s Jamel Artis splits the defense of Meralco’s Raymond Almazan and Bong Quinto in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Batang Pier, 109-98.

By Randy Caluag

C

ALL him a trueblue (or black-red, if you will) Alaska Milkman.

Unlike other former Alaska personnel that switched loyalty to other teams in the Philippine Basketball Association, Sean Chambers played only for the Wilfred Uytengsu franchise in his 12 seasons in Asia’s first professional cage league.

Chambers: Forever grateful to Alaska 5 And of course, he has good words for the loyal fans of Alaska. “Please keep all the Alaska Aces die-hard fans in your prayers.”

Chambers, now 55 years old, first came to the Philippines in 1987 as part of the Los Angeles Jaguars in the PBAIBA (International Basketball Association) Challenges series. He caught the fancy of local fans when he emerged the Slam Dunk champion in a side event of the said series.

The following year, he played one more time with the Jaguars in the PBA. It was in 1989 though when he wore the Alaska red-black jersey for the first time.

Coach Bogs Adornado hired him as Alaska import to replace Car Lott in the PBA First Conference.

Now living in the US, Chambers maintains a sports club named Just Believe Sports.

Catch Chambers and ask him more questions when he guests at the online show of Manila Standard named Sports Tsika live on Feb. 18 at 8 P.M (Philippine Time) on the Manila Standard Facebook page, with hosts Malou Aquino and Gracea Torres.

The former Alaska resident import paid tribute and expressed affection and gratitude to the only PBA team he has played for.

“Thank you to everyone reaching out to me about the news of my beloved Alaska Aces. I haven’t found the right words to express my love and gratitude for Mr. Uytengsu, my teammates, the Alaska family, fans, and the entire PBA Family,” said Chambers, who has seven championships with Alaska.

“My career and legacy in the Philippines, all the memories with my brothers and teammates, and all the wonderful Filipinos that are still a huge part of my life. These memories will last a lifetime and beyond. My family and I are forever grateful,” said Chambers.

Support Gilas in FIBA tourney; tickets now on sale THE Philippines is set to face its legendary rival South Korea twice in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

As basketball fans and the whole country recall, Gilas Pillipinas pulled off one of its historic victories after breaking the ‘Korean Curse’ in the 2013 FIBA Asian Championships, winning 86-79.

The Philippines again beat the Koreans in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, winning 81-78 and 82-77. South Korea is sure to come back with a vengeance but Gilas, strong and fearless, will face them once more and defend honor and country.

Fans can rally behind Gilas Pilipinas as tickets are now on in all TicketNet outlets and online via www.ticketnet.com.ph.

For ticket prices, Lower Box is P500 and Upper Box is P200 (both exclusive of ticketing fees).

The qualifiers will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the following schedule.

February 24, Thursday: 3PM - New Zealand vs India; 6PM - South Korea vs Philippines February 25, Friday: 3PM- New Zealand vs South Korea; 6PM - India vs Philippines February 27, Sunday: 4:30 PM - India vs South Korea; 7PM - New Zealand vs Philippines

February 28, Monday: 3PM - India vs New Zealand; 6PM - Philippines vs South Korea Following the IATF Guidelines, only fully-vaccinated individuals aged 12 years old and above will be allowed.

Fans are required to present their vaccination cards together with any valid ID / governmentissued ID with picture, and use of a face mask inside the arena is mandatory. Food will only be allowed at the concourse of the coliseum, not at the audience area. Finally, a strict ‘No Kyusi pass, no entry’ policy (even for non-QC Residents) will be implemented.

Korea loses 7 players to COVID-19, injury

By Peter Atencio THE Korean national basketball team has lost half of its 14-member team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers next week after six tested positive for COVID-19, while another one is recovering from an injury.

Basketball officials in Korea announced this following RT-PCR tests done to the team on Wednesday, before the national pool entered a training bubble in Goyang.

The coaching staff, headed by Cho Sang Yun, will be forced to come up with a new 14-man roster of seven mainstays, plus seven new players from their 24-member pool.

The final list of players leaving for Manila is now being completed, with COVID-infected veterans Ra Gun-Ah, Kim Jong Kyu, Kim Sun-hyung and Yang Hong Seok unable to join the team.

The two more, who tested positive were Heo Hoon and Lee Woosuk, while Choi Junyong is

recovering from a sprained ankle.

The absence of the seven is expected to significantly affect Korea’s performance when it clashes with Gilas Pilipinas, India and New Zealand in their Group A matches.

The 6’8” Ra, also known as American cager Ricardo Ratliffe, and his backup Kim, are Korea’s reliable big men.

Ratliffe plays for the Jeonju KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League, while the 6’2” Kim is part of the Wonju DB Promy. The 5’11” Heo plays for KT Sonicboom in the KBL and is the league’s Most Valuable Player back in 2020.

The KBL is experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, with a large of players testing positive in the past days, forcing the league to cancel their games for the meantime.

Meanwhile, Gilas coach Chot Reyes has added Jayson Castro to the preliminary list of players.

Castro still made the cut after getting hurt late in the TNT Tropang Giga’s game with San

Miguel on Wednesday night in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup. The 35-year-old Castro will join young players Dwight Ramos, Juan Gomez De Liano, Ange Kouame, Tzaddy Rangel, Jaydee Tungcab and Will Navarro.

Also in the preliminary list are Thirdy Ravena, Poy Erram, Troy Rosario and Robert Bolick, J-Jay Alejandro, Gab Banal, Brian Heruela, Kib Montalbo, Lebron Lopez and Glenn Khobuntin.

Roger Pogoy was also included despite having a calf injury.

Gilas will meet Korea twice on Febr u a r y 24 and 28; India on Fe b r u a r y 25 and New Zealand on February 27.

Heo Hoon

C2

Sports

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Miller: I’ll be back in ‘26 Winter Olympics YANQING, China—Now a two-time Olympian Asa Miller promised to come back stronger and more confident as he targets the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano and Cortina in Italy.

The 21-year-old Filipino-American from Portland also expressed his sadness on Thursday morning after coming up with two DNFs (Did Not Finish) in the men’s giant slalom last Sunday and slalom on Wednesday at the Ice River course at the National Alpine Skiing Centre.

Those performances were far from what he achieved in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where he finished 70th among 110 top skiers in giant slalom.

But the Economics student at Westminster College in Salt Lake City is now looking forward to improving his skiing career.

“We’ll have to see how things go four years from now, but I’ll certainly be a much stronger and much more developed skier if I continue skiing,” Miller said. “So I’m hoping to make another appearance in the 2026 Olympics, but let’s see what will happen.”

He also plans to compete in more races in the United States until April and hopes to continue representing the Philippines.

“It’s hard to see what will happen, but I’m more excited to represent the Philippines, maybe in the World Ski Championships next year and some stuff like that,” Miller said.

Miller admitted he lost his confidence in the last race due to the course conditions.

“So the snow is very slippery and very hard, and I didn’t quite feel 100 percent confident on my skis yesterday [slalom],” he said. “I believe it didn’t play well on my part. In ski racing, you have to be 100 percent confident in all you do.”

“There was a little bit of hesitation that led to a mistake,” he said. “Yesterday wasn’t my day. I’m not comfortable with my skis, but there will be more races coming up. I’ll be back then.”

Miller thanked the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine delegation here, as well as Filipinos who cheered for him in his campaign.

“It was a super, super fan and super very grateful and lucky to represent the Philippines despite my competition not ending well,” he said. “I’m still very, very happy representing our country and our flag.”

Miller and his father Kelly are taking a breather here after a stressful two-week training.

“I want to relax a little bit and see some events that are still happening and I am looking forward to carry the Philippine flag in the closing ceremony,” Miller said.

Asa Miller

Today is not that day THE Philippine men’s national under-23 football team drew its first game in the AFF U-23 Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia against Timor-Leste on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The Philippine side came back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits, courtesy of Ivan Ouano’s brace.

Instead of showering the boys, who gallantly fought back to salvage a point, with love, some football fans criticized the team’s “poor” performance. Some even said the team played a trashy game. And someone even asked if we deserved this same results and efforts from the team over and over again.

Fans can say whatever they want

Pacatiw vows to be decisive vs Andrade USA’s Mikaela Shiffrin reacts as she did not finish the women’s alpine combined slalom event during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre in Yanqing. AFP

Shiffrin’s Beijing stint hits new low; Valieva eyes title B

EIJING— Mikaela Shiffrin’s last chance of winning an individual medal at the Beijing Olympics vanished on Thursday, while Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was aiming for her second title under the cloud of doping.

Shiffrin crashed out of the alpine combined event, meaning she has failed to complete three races and finished out of the medals in two others—an almost unthinkable disappointment for one of the world’s best skiers.

Michelle Gisin of Switzerland went on to win the alpine combined, retaining her title from four years ago.

The 26-year-old Shiffrin had seemed perfectly poised after posting the fifth-

fastest downhill time.

But in the slalom, a discipline in which she was Olympic gold medallist in 2014, the American went wide on one turn and could not get back on course.

Shiffrin’s only chance of any kind of medal is now Saturday’s programmeending mixed team parallel.

“I didn’t make it to the finish again and that’s like 60 percent of my DNF (did not finish) rate from my entire career has happened at this Olympic Games,” she said, describing her performance as “mindboggling”.

All eyes will now be on 15-year-old Valieva, who is in pole position to win the women’s singles figure skating title.

Despite facing days of intense scrutiny after failing a drugs test, she finished top in Tuesday’s first half of the women’s singles competition ahead of the all-important free skate that starts at 1000 GMT. For the first time in Olympic history, medals will not be presented if the Russian finishes in the top three.

The teenager tested positive in December for trimetazidine, a drug used to treat angina but which is banned for athletes by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can boost endurance.

While the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that she could continue to skate in the Olympics, it did not absolve her of doping and the investigation looks set to rumble on well after the action ends in Beijing.

Before that was announced, Valieva played a central role in helping the Russians win skating team gold last week, becoming the first woman to perform a quadruple jump in Olympic competition.

No medal ceremony took place for that event either because of Valieva’s involvement.

IOC president Thomas Bach met on Wednesday with members of the silver medal-winning US team, but the IOC refused to comment on reports he offered the skaters Olympic torches in place of their medals. AFP

Olympic Broadcasting in Cloud delivers efficiency, innovation, inclusiveness IN collaboration with Olympic Broadcasting Services, Alibaba’s cloud technologies are being utilized further during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, as an effort to increase broadcasting efficiency whilst bolstering the coverage of the Games through more innovative and inclusive viewing experience for global sports fans.

Now for the first time during the Olympic Winter Games, Rights-Holding Broadcasters can receive live footage through the public cloud infrastructure – a more agile option with only a fraction of the cost compared to other transmission methods.

In addition, leveraging Alibaba’s leading edge cloud solutions, global sports fans can now experience immersive viewing of the exciting competition moments from a wide range of optimal angles.

Yiannis Exarchos, OBS Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Amid the backdrop of COVID-19, our partnership with Alibaba Cloud has continued to transform the way

about the team—they can curse them because of lost chances in what they expected as a win or an easy game.

They can fault the team’s management for not being able to assemble the squad as early as possible and they can even blame the person in charge of securing the players’ airplane tickets for all I care.

The boys came from different parts of the world, went over strict travel restrictions, dealt with passport concerns—some had to wait for their tickets to be confirmed because the person in charge was in some place else. And these happened even before their boots touched the grass of Cambodia’s capital.

Despite these concerns and being down twice in the game, the boys managed to salvage a point.

And we should be thankful for that. Most of these boys are 17 and 18-year-olds playing in their first major tournament.

Real fans are not the ones present only when the team is winning. They are not the ones who come in droves when a team accomplishes something great or historic.

Real fans celebrate in silence, in prayer, and in just knowing that they did their part in supporting the team when

we broadcast the Olympic Games. OBS Cloud is one of the most profound technological changes to our operation: it not only offers broadcasters unprecedented efficiency, but also enables endless opportunities for innovation and to seamlessly deliver the

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nobody else loves them and when it’s not cool to be fan because the team loses a game or goes home empty-handed.

Don’t get me wrong – these football fans may have a point. Heck, in some bad days, I might even agree with them.

But today is not that day.

The boys’ next game will be against host Cambodia Thursday night and by the time this column comes out, hopefully we got the result that we wanted and some love from the team’s hard-toplease fans.

If we can all be just as demanding when it comes to our presidential candidates, that our country, and not only football, will be in good hands.

But then again...

Meanwhile, despite the distractions, Asia’s best pole vaulter and source of Pinoy pride, Ernest John (EJ) Obiena won the gold medal in the 2022 Orlen Cup in Lodz, Poland.

The Asian record-holder soared over 5.81 meters in his first attempt to secure the title against an elite cast of opponents. The 5.81 meters is his personal best and came at a very crucial time as the Tokyo Games veteran is still at odds with his mother NSA, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association. He is also coming from a

knee operation and is currently going through financial concerns.

As of writing, Obiena is competing at the Meeting Hauts-De-France in Lievin, France. He is also set to see action in the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland on February 22.

His Orlen win, however, has secured his appearances at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA. One could just imagine what EJ can do if he is physically and mentally prepared for such big events without worrying about clerical duties and battling politicians masquerading as sports leaders.

It is quite good to know that despite many offers from rich countries for EJ to switch his allegiances, he remains steadfast and committed to represent the sun and three stars.

Your move, PATAFA! Back to football, our favorite Sukhotai FC player, Marco Casambre, finally made his 2022 debut in the Thai League 2 on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Casambre came off the bench in the 67th minute in their game against Ranong United and helped the team get the full three points with a 5-1.

JEREMY “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw believes that he’s near the pinnacle of the ONE Championship bantamweight division, and he doesn’t plan on wasting the opportunities coming his way.

That’s why he’s eyeing another decisive performance against #4-ranked Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE: FULL CIRCLE on February 25 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

A win over the fancied Brazilian could catapult him among the division’s top five contenders, including two of his Team Lakay teammates. Stephen “The Sniper” Loman is currently at number three while former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon sits fifth.

“This fight is huge for me. It’s big because, in my second fight, I get to face a ranked opponent in Andrade.

It’s going to be an exciting fight for sure,” Pacatiw said.

“I know a win here would give me a chance to crack the rankings and join the elite of the division. That’s why I have to give my best to get the win.”

The 25-year-old knows that beating Andrade is easier said than done, especially that “Wonder Boy” is also carrying some momentum entering into this contest.

The fighting pride of Fortaleza currently owns a five-fight winning streak, with his last three bouts coming against fierce competitors like Mark “Tyson” Abelardo, Shoko Sato, and “The Underdog” Li Kai Wen. However, the pride of Benguet Province knows that tweaking a few errors from his fight against Chen puts him in a good spot versus Andrade.

“I learned that hesitating will do me no good. I have to be more decisive. As coach Mark [Sangiao] told me, ‘Hesitation is cancer.’ So, in this fight, I have to trust myself more,” Pacatiw shared.

“I have to build the confidence that I can land those critical strikes when the opportunity presents itself. So yeah, one thing that I’ll be bringing in this fight is killing instinct.” to receive the multilateral live signals of the Games in either ultra-high definition or high definition via OBS Cloud. For the first time in Olympic broadcasting, a very new and innovative technology able for global contribution for live content has been borne, able to effectively rival the legacy solutions based on dedicated telecommunication lines and satellite links.

As part of the OBS Cloud, an innovative broadcasting solution brought together by OBS and Alibaba, Live Cloud has been introduced as a standard service to RHBs during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. Prior to this technology breakthrough, broadcasters had to rely on dedicated and more costly international telecommunication optical circuits and spend a considerable amount of time to set up the equipment, in order to send live footage halfway across the globe back to their home countries. Now leveraging the highly scalable, resilient and secure global infrastructure of Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, OBS is able to deliver all the live multilateral content in high quality over the public cloud with a fraction of the cost and minimum time for set-up.

With the benefits of low latency and high

“Medyo nanibago po ako kasi medyo matagal ako na hindi nakapaglaro. Siguro dahil na rin sa atmosphere at sa laro in general,” he said after the game.

Casambre said he hopes to get better as the season gets to the final stretch with his team still in contention of getting promoted to the 1st Division next season.

“Ginagawa ko naman po best ko palagi kada game at practice para makatulong sa team,” he said Sukhotai trails Trat FC by five points for the top spot in the league.

The team has won 14 games, lost two and drew seven games for a total of 49 points, just three points ahead of thirdrunning Lamphun Warrior.

Casambre is hoping that he can play more minutes in the next few games and gain more experience.

Sukhotai will face Muangkan United in an away game today. A win will definitely help the team create more separation against Lamphun.

Casambre also mentioned that his cooking woes have eased. He doesn’t need to cook in the meantime because of affordable food delivery services in Sukhotai.

“Dami po rito nagde-deliver pagkain. Mura pa,” he chuckled.

Entertainment ‘Agimat ng Agila’ returns for more action-packed, stunning surprises

By Patricia Taculao

S

EN. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. continues his crusade to protect the environment as Major Gabriel Labrador in GMA’s action-packed fantasy drama series Agimat ng Agila.

In the first episode of season two, which premiered on January 29, viewers saw that the series took it up a notch in the action scenes and narrative as its story explores the different elements of action, adventure, drama, fantasy, and romance.

“Talagang nag-level up tayo dahil we have to surpass the first one. Kailangan mas matindi at mas pinalaki,” said Bong during an online media conference for the series.

Addressing the series’ head writer Jojo Tawasil Nones, the senator commended him for doing an exemplary job

The cast of ‘Agimat ng Agila’ season 2

of exploring all the possible avenues to make the story complex and gripping.

He added that another aspect that audiences should keep an eye out for is the performance of his talented costars. Reprising her role as Serpenta is Kapuso actress and beauty queen Michelle Dee. It’s no secret in the entertainment industry that Michelle takes her acting seriously, which is why audiences commend her for nailing her role in Agimat ng Agila, where she plays a strong female character that’s different from what she used to do.

Yet, as Bong said, there’s more to expect from the series’ second season.

Last Saturday, February 12, Miss Universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo surprised fans with her acting skills as she takes on the role of Bong’s new leading lady.

Agimat ng Agila is Rabiya’s debut series since she signed in as a Kapuso actress in November last year. Although just a newbie, Rabiya impressed her co-stars as she strived to show her more badass side compared to Kapuso actress and being a beauty queen.

Rabiya plays the role of Agent Asha Raj Miss World 2019 and will work closely with Gabriel as they uncover Michelle Dee secrets and foil their enemies’ plans. Viewers will also see a spark between the pair as their adventures take them down intimate paths.

They say that “third time’s the charm,” and with two Filipino beauty queens already joining the star-studded cast of Agimat ng Agila, adding a third pageant queen to the series brings more flair to the story as well as a platform for the ladies to show their acting skills in a hybrid genre.

Also joining the cast is Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, who plays Rosebud in Agimat ng Agila. Although not much is known about her character, as she’s yet to appear in the series, MJ

FDCP celebrates PH Cinema’s global wins at top international film festivals with three THE Film Development Council of recipients; and the Gabay ng Industriya the Philippines (FDCP) will once again Award (Ilaw ng Industriya and Haligi ng be honoring the stalwarts of Philippine Industriya), given to individuals who have cinema whose performances and made outstanding contributions during their cinematic work have brought recognition lifetime becoming respected pillars of the to our country through their awards and Philippine film industry. Honorees for these citations from the foremost international will be unveiled by the agency in the coming film festivals of the world at the 6th days.

Film Ambassador’s Night on February 27, at the reopened historical Manila Film Ambassador’s Night recognizes the films and The year 2021 was a challenging one filmmakers that highlights Philippine excellence in the for the industry with the global pandemic Metropolitan Theater.

Every year, the Film Ambassador’s past year limiting distribution opportunities, onNight aims to recognize the films and ground events, and filming logistics. As our cultural heritage in cinema over the years. filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines As we have continued to reach altitudes on the Philippine cinema continues to transition in the past year— films that competed and the global stage, we applaud each filmmaker and overcome challenges, recognitions and screened on the global stage, placing Filipino who shared his or her talent, creativity, and notable participation in the major leagues of talent side by side to the finest ones in the world. passion with the world. We created this night to the international film scene is a worthy cause For the past five years of this gathering of celebrate you,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO, of celebration on this much-awaited occasion.

The 6th Film Ambassador’s Night will be some of the brightest artists of the Philippine Liza Diño expressed her excitement for this an exclusive, invitational event for this year’s film industry, FDCP has honored a total of 319 year’s awarding.

Film ambassadors. The list grows even longer The annual ceremony will also be honorees at the MET Theater—a fitting home with the addition of 77 awardees for this year’s presenting the special honors of the evening for this very important event—the cultural gem edition.

— the Camera Obscura Award, as the highest of Manila which recently celebrated its 90th “It’s another year’s worth of victories honor granted by the FDCP to a film worker or anniversary. The event held in hybrid format with the best of the best Filipino films being a film project with extraordinary achievements will be telecast on the FDCP Channel at a later recognized around the world, highlighting with two recipients; A-list Winners for winning date.

Spanish agricultural drama ‘Alcarras’ wins Berlin film fest The Berlinale has a shorter competition this year with strict COVID regulations for audiences

THE 72nd Berlin film festival awarded its Golden Bear top prize on Wednesday to Spanish director Carla Simon’s semiautobiographical drama Alcarras, about a family of peach farmers fighting for their future.

This year’s Berlinale was held in-person for the first time in two years but was a shorter competition than usual, with strict regulations for audiences just as COVID-19 infections

were peaking in Germany.

There were 18 films from 15 countries vying for the Golden Bear, with the jury led

by Indian-born American director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense).

Simon, 35, dedicated the prize to her family, saying that “without them and my closeness to this world I wouldn’t have been able to tell this story”.

The Berlinale is now the third major European film festival in a row to award its top prize to a woman director, following Cannes and Venice last year.

German-Turkish comedian Meltem Kaptan, 41, won the festival’s second-ever gender-neutral acting prize for her performance in Rabiye Kurnaz vs George W. Bush.

…are talking about

PEOPLE

Maymay Entrata

SHE shocked everyone by posting a photo of her with her beau on Instagram. The post served two purposes as the actress took the opportunity to greet her partner with a happy birthday on Valentine’s Day. As fans played detective to uncover the identity of her partner, Maymay’s mother dropped a hint in the comments saying that the mystery man’s name is Aaron. Maymay’s celebrity friends and fans congratulated her on this revelation. And they’re right; she does deserve to be happy with her “Valentino.”

Leody de Guzman

ALTHOUGH many consider him the overlooked presidential candidate, Ka Leody is making waves on social media after announcing that he’ll attend the presidential debate organized by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s SMNI. Ka Leody debated against fellow presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. For the last question, Ka Leody didn’t flinch as he told viewers that they should vote for him because he’s not a robber, he’s not from a political dynasty, and he’s not corrupt. Wonder who’s he alluding to?

The film by German director Andreas Dresen tells the true story of a mother’s battle to bring her son back from Guantanamo Bay. Kaptan dedicated the award “to all the mothers whose love is stronger than borders”.

Six of the festival’s seven top prizes went to women, including the gong for best director, clinched by France’s Claire Denis for Both Sides of the Blade, a tense pandemic-era love story, the film stars Juliette Binoche as a woman caught between two men -- her longtime partner Jean and her elusive ex Francois.

The Hollywood Reporter called it a “smart, moody, superbly acted melodrama”, while Britain’s Screen Daily said Binoche and costar Vincent Lindon, who plays Jean, were “at the top of their game.” AFP

...are not talking about Sandro Marcos

IS IT okay to have someone be in the government, leading the poor, and yet, out of touch with the real situation of his people? Sandro is looking to make a name for himself in politics by running as a congressman in Ilocos Norte. However, he’s not impressing anybody with his antics. In an interview with Thinking Pinoy, the dictator’s grandson unabashedly asked what “DH” means. After the host explained that it stands for domestic helper, Sandro added that it was first his first time learning about it. This angered viewers who said it was a blatant example of how detached he and his family are from the reality of their fellow Filipinos.

Darryl Yap

THE controversial director continues to earn flak from audiences for his untraditional pieces. But this time around, it’s his satirical skit titled “Pagod Len-Len” starring Senator Imee R. Marcos, Roanna Marie, and Juliana Parizcova Segovia that’s angering numerous Filipinos.

Regardless of their political affiliation, the working class felt particularly enraged after hearing that those who work for more than 18 hours a day are “either stupid or lying.”

Guess he doesn’t take 18 hours to finish his work.

What a dream.

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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Bong Revilla Jr. (right) with his new leading lady Rabiya Mateo in ‘Agimat ng Agila’

teased that she’s an ordinary character with an extraordinary revelation that viewers shouldn’t miss.

Bong said that casting the three stunning queens wasn’t deliberate.

It just so happened that the network chose to put them together in the series, a decision that paid off as Agimat ng Agila continues to receive glowing reviews from its audience.

Directed by the award-winning Rico Gutierrez, the series’ other cast members include Elizabeth Oropesa, Benjie Paras, Betong Sumaya, Kim de Leon, Lia Salvador, Sandro Muhlach, and Shermaine Santiago.

Catch Agimat ng Agila every Saturday at 7:15 p.m. on GMA-7.

Former ‘Voice Kids Philippines’ contestant named Miss Teen Universe Philippines S TAT U E S Q U E kick off on September Jomako Kylie Luy 25, interview and charity has earned the right to gala and fashion show on represent the country September 26, and grand in Miss Teen Universe coronation on September 2022 to be held in 27 in conjunction with Dubai, UAE on March the celebration of World 7.

Tourism Day. Raised in London, National titles at stake UK, the 19-year-old are Mrs. Face of Tourism Luy went through a Philippines-Universe, selection process and Mrs. Face of Tourism subsequently was Philippines-World, Mrs. Face chosen by Charlotte of Tourism Philippines Dianco, national International, Mrs. Face director of Miss of Culture and Heritage Teen Universe Philippines, Mrs. Philippines Face of Eco-Tourism Organization, Philippines, and and Jewel Queen of Elegance Lobaton, Philippines.

Bb. PilipinasInternational Universe competitions will 1998 and be held virtually, chairman tentatively in March of Miss 2023 with international Teen Universe titles Mrs. Face of Philippines Tourism Universe, Mrs. Face of Tourism World, Mrs. Organization.

Luy won the title based Mrs. Face of Tourism Face of Tourism International, on her talent, educational Philippines founder Mrs. Face of Tourism Global, Mrs. Face of Culture and Heritage, background, height, Annie Refrea and Mrs. Face of Eco-Tourism beauty, and overall World. Subsidiary titles are presence.

The teen beauty loves to sing and Queen of Elegance Universe, Queen of plays the guitar, piano, and violin. She Elegance World and Queen of Elegance is an incoming Freshman in Fashion International.

Design at ESMOD International Fashion Institute in Paris in September.

For further inquiries, call Tel. Nos. Luy can be best remembered for her 0977 243 9677, E-mail: mrsfotphl@ singing skill when she competed, at just gmail.com, Facebook@MFOTPH2022, 11 years old, in ABS-CBN’s The Voice or Youtube@Mrs. Face of Tourism.

Kids Philippines. She is set to launch her single “Hey Mr. Perfect,” an original composition, arranged by Rannie Raymundo and recorded at Vehnee Jomako Saturno’s studio.

Kylie Luy ••• Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2022 search is on The search is on for the first Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines queen, the gracious lady who best exemplifies as the most relatable woman there is, empowered and committed keeper of culture. It aims to provide a platform for modern Filipinas of marital stature to develop themselves to their fullest potential.

Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines will have a full one-year reign to inspire her community to enhance the positive impact of tourism, provide a new perspective and leadership voice in Philippine tourism. She will be transformed to become an effective ambassador of tourism, particularly, in harnessing the potential of the tourism industry in improving people’s lives.

“We’re new in this pageant for married women, but we promise to be at par with the established ones or even do better. They will serve as our inspiration,” founder Annie Refrea said during the virtual press conference held on Monday.

Aiming to get about 30 or more aspirants, the pre-pageant activities will

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

The couple will celebrate their second wedding anniversary this coming May

Worth the wait The Ernie and Michelle Lopez love story (continued from last week)

“I

is our spiritual values,” Ernie volunteered. He said that he would not have considered Michelle as a girlfriend or a wife if they were not spiritually aligned.

“Ernie and I are total opposites. We just get along well because we make each other happy by discovering new things together, laughing at the simplest of things, and respecting each other’s boundaries,” Michelle enthused. “And lastly, very vital, he accepts my singing voice while I accept his dancing moves!,” she said in jest.

While Ernie raved about his wife’s neatness, intense workout capacity, and superb hosting skills as his discoveries in marriage, Michelle had something else in mind.

“I discovered that Ernie farts 42 times in a day! He tried to hold it when we were just dating but now he says, he is so free to “Poor Michelle, she would not be able to say no to Gina. Mi- just let it all out,” she laughingly said. Before dropping the bomb, chelle would surely just say yes to her wishes. It would have been Michelle mentioned how the pandemic made them see through funny for me to watch,” Ernie chuckled and described with cer- their issues and magnified their differences but what is important tainty the kind of relationship his wife and sister would have had is that they work towards a common goal. as sisters-in-law.

It takes someone special to make one feel weak in the knees “They would have had a lot of fun. Remember, Gina was the and Ernie and Michelle seem to have found that person in each one who first fell in love with Michelle and my whole family did other. In their 50s and taking a second chance at love, they sound ahead of me,” he added. genuinely excited when talking about each other.

This coming May marks Ernie and Michelle’s second wedAsked about how his wife brings him the kilig feels, Ernie ding anniversary. As shared in my last week’s story, their brief naughtily answered, “I don’t think I can say it in public.” He encounter in 2019 has blossomed into a well-executed lockdown laughed and went on to share how his wife gives him the butterproposal and three simple weddings. One of those ceremonies had flies with the smallest gestures. them wearing sweaters, denim jeans, and At the time of the video interview, Ersneakers in the United States. Michelle nie was in Canada spending time with and Ernie made sure their matchmaker his children. He said, “We’ve been apart Gina was part of the event by placing her for almost two weeks now. Every day, photo in a locket attached to the wedding Michelle sends me messages, pictures, bouquet. or memes. She has the sweetest ones.”

While their relationship looks cool and With a wide smile, the doting husband calm, it is not without challenges. “Soon reached for his phone and giddily read after we were married, we both got COVmessages aloud. One photo message ID,” Ernie shared and joked about how the from his wife had the text “Love is” with “in sickness and in health, ‘til death, do a male character scratching the back of us part” line in their wedding vows was a female. Ernie clarified the representaimmediately put to test. Michelle also said tion, “It’s actually me. I love it when she that while they are newlyweds, it seems scratches my back. Even my kids do that. like they have already been married for a I really feel the love when she does that.” longer time because of the pandemic.

Trying his best to capture into words “The best part of being married to Ernie how kilig-worthy his wife is, he put it is that I wake up knowing I have a lifesimply, “I’m just pinching myself that Michelle (left) and Ernie Lopez time partner to share everything with,” someone like Michelle loves me. I’m so she said. grateful because she’s such a kind perMichelle detailed how she draws son. She truly loves me and appreciates strength from her husband and wakes up with God’s purpose. She me. She allows me to be me. She truly makes me happy. I enjoy also added, “I strive to be a better person because he is such a spending time with her. The kilig is there every day. Just seeing good man, truly kindhearted, and does not have a mean bone in her smile makes me happy.” his body.”

Separately, I asked Michelle the same question. She spilled, “I “I have to say it hasn’t been perfect but we both learned a lot of get kilig when Ernie pours physical affection on me since my love lessons from our previous marriages,” Ernie said, sounding real- language is exactly that. He always holds my hand, hugs me, and istic yet very positive about his marriage with Michelle. kisses me. Even when we sleep, our feet have to touch each other Their shared interests like watching movies, eating, and show- throughout the night.” ering their families with love glue them together.

She also added, “Ernie is also a grateful person, so he sees every “But the biggest and most important shared interest we have little thing I do for him even the most mundane like making the bed

WANT you for my brother!,” Creative Programs, Inc. Head and ABS-CBN Foundation Executive Director Ernie Lopez fondly recalled what his late sister Gina Lopez, known philanthropist and Bantay Bata founder, told his now wife and G Diaries co-host Michelle Arville on the day the two ladies first met at a hospital.

every morning or putting a fresh roll of toilet paper in the bathroom.”

Ernie and Michelle epitomize the saying that marriage requires effort. This is especially true as they go through the birth pains of being newly married. While Ernie admitted how he is still learning the art of listening when conflicts arise, Michelle said she is working on learning not to walk away but communicate her feelings instead. The use of a thanksgiving journal for processing of thoughts and emotions has been proven effective for Ernie.

Meanwhile, the concept of keeping an emotional love bank account for deposits and withdrawals works for both of them. The couple finds practical relationship tips and solutions in a faithbased marriage training seminar called 4 Gifts of Love, facilitated by more experienced husband-and-wife tag teams.

Looking forward to the future, both Ernie and Michelle are excited to travel and practice faith-based parenting. The two have also expressed the desire to help others through their award-winning advocacy show G Diaries (passed on to them by Gina) and 4 Gifts of Love seminar. As Ernie said, with particular enthusiasm in being 4GL facilitators, “I’m excited to see our impact as a couple on other couples. I know that when you help a marriage, you’re helping a whole family. The ripple effect is unimaginable.”

With an inspiring partnership like theirs in marriage and at work, it was inevitable that I seek their advice for singles looking for love.

“Both of us had the same prayer, we surrendered everything to God,” Ernie responded. Michelle then shared how she prayed for specific signs from God because she had a hard time hearing His words when doing prayer requests. She talked about the specifics of her granted prayer, “On the fifth day of my Simbang Gabi in 2019, I got my sign.

Ernie invited himself to join me.”

“When I met Michelle, I was already separated for about eight or nine years,” Ernie opened up. “During those years, I did not date anyone. I lost confidence in myself in choosing a spouse.”

He shared having set a personal rule of not being alone with a woman when watching a movie, riding a car, or dining at a restaurant during his annulment process.

Ernie shared that Michelle would lovingly tell him how she wishes they have met sooner in life. But for him, the timing was right. “I had so much to learn before I met her. I needed those eight years to heal, change, and grow.”

“My message for singles is be patient. Wait. At the right time, it will happen. It took me eight years,” Ernie said. He candidly shared how his 92-year-old mom is now married for 22 years after remarrying at age 70.

The happily married man ended our interview with a smile and reassurance, “If it’s God’s will for you to have someone in your life, that person will come around when you are ready and when he or she is ready. God is the one who decides.”

For your random thoughts, send an email to the author at kate. adajar@gmail.com

Spreading love with The Body Shop

Gigi de Lana

Markus Paterson

Kaori Oinuma

Celebrating love in all forms in #SpeedThatMovesYou musical series THIS love month, the country’s hottest stars Gigi de Lana, Markus Paterson, and Kaori Oinuma headline PLDT Home’s new music anthology #SpeedThatMovesYou that celebrates the power of connections in forming meaningful relationships and discovering love in all forms.

The two-episode mini-series dives deep into different kinds of love and how the internet allows people to find communities, friends, even that special someone despite the physical distance. The series drops on February 11 on the PLDT Home YouTube channel.

The Duet PLDT Home’s first episode tackles the relatable journey between Markus and Gigi whose unexpected love story highlights the power of online connections to find love and support in the most challenging moments.

In the episode dubbed as “Duet,” Markus portrays a popular singer-song-

writer experiencing an artist’s block– struggling and under extreme pressure to create a successful music record. He finds solace in writing music for himself and posting it under an anonymous account on TikTok. Meanwhile, a young college student Arlisa (portrayed by Gigi) is a talented artist who sings covers and duets under an anonymous account as she prefers to be low-key and away from the spotlight. Arlisa discovers Markus’ song on social media and creates a duet cover that started their online friendship and a budding romance.

The Confession It’s been said that people need to be “true to themselves” in order to attain happiness but that is often easier said than done as Abbie (portrayed by Kaori) discovers in the second episode dubbed “The Confession.”

The second episode of the musical mini-series talks about the importance of following your heart and being true to

oneself. Abbie is a professional gamer and streamer who has amassed a considerable following online and whose dream is to be a successful eSports player. Her mother is an overseas Filipino worker who wants Abbie to have a stable job as an Accountant. Eager to gain her mother’s approval, Abbie juggles both her studies and her passion for eSports – a side of her that she hides from her mother. With a major eSports competition coming up, her class responsibilities piling up, plus the emotional strain of hiding her dream career from her mother, how will Abbie be able to have a real connection within herself and continue to make her mother proud?

Watch and discover how the fastest connections can help form lasting love and meaningful relationships in this musical series on PLDT Home’s YouTube page.

You can also listen to the new original song “Speed of Love” performed by Gigi de Lana, Markus Paterson, and Kaori Oinuma and written by the award-winning songwriter Jonathan Manalo on Spotify.

THE Body Shop customers helped spread the love to medical front liners and Grab riders over the holidays.

In partnership with SM Cares, The Body A total of 700 Grab riders are the happy recipients of Goldilocks Shop had Buy 1 Donate 1 Body Butter to Bitbit Pack from The Body Shop a Medical Front Liner promotion. A to- Call to Deliver orders. tal of 1,500 Body Butters amounting to P1,275,000 were given to medical front liners from 14 partner hospitals.

Hospital partners include QC General Hospital, VRP Medical Center, The Medical City Pasig, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Las Pinas City Medical Center, Inc., Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center, University of Sto. Tomas Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Mission Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Marikina Doctors Hospital and Medical Center Inc., The Premier Medical Center, South Super Highway Medical Center, and Medical Center Paranaque.

Customers also shared the joy with 700 Grab riders through The Body Shop Call to Deliver orders made over the holidays. Through this, Grab riders received a Goldilocks Bitbit pack from The Body Shop.

For more information, visit and shop at The Body Shop store, on its online store www.thebodyshop.com.ph or via Call to Deliver 0917.1800259.

Quezon City Gen. Hospital Doctor-on-Duty Representative Dra. Ruzzel Adraygo (center) receives The Body Shop’s Body Butters donation from SM City North Edsa Mall Manager Don Edward B. Vijandre (right) and Carpark Operations Manager Frederick Ramos(left).