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BIGGEST FRATERNITIES BACK BBM-SARA TANDEM, TINGOG PARTY-LIST

By Rey E. Requejo THE presidential and vice presidential bids of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Lakas-CMD Chair Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio respectively, and their allied Tingog party-list have gathered more solid support as one of the country’s largest fraternities has endorsed them.

The Scouts Royale Brotherhood International Service Fraternity and Sorority,

Inc. (SRB), through its national and international officers, has unanimously expressed support for Marcos and DuterteCarpio, adding to the long list of groups and organizations that have gravitated toward the UniTeam tandem.

SRB also endorsed the election of the Tingog party-list to the House of Representatives.

“SRB is convinced that Tingog Partylist’a thrust of championing regional development is critical in chart-

ing a productive future as the Philippines reels from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The countryside progress that Tingog Partylist aspires for is consistent with SRB's vision of molding individuals who aspire to work in brotherhood for the betterment of society," the group said.

House Majority Leader and LakasCMD President Martin Romualdez welcomed SRB’s endorsement of the tandem.

“We welcome the support. We are glad Next page

WIDE SUPPORT. (From left) Presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 22 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Electric bills next in line to shoot up

Meralco, other power producers advise higher rates loom as oil, coal costs soar

Inflation may go over 4% if fuel pressure continues

By Julito G. Rada INFLATION may breach 4 percent this year if oil prices continue to climb amid the uncertainty brought about by Russia's war in Ukraine, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said over the weekend.

In a report, BPI said although it kept its 2022 inflation forecast of 3.8 percent, the rate could shoot beyond 4 percent if upward pressure on oil prices doesn't ease soon.

"We continue to expect favorable base effects particularly in food to keep the headline print muted through March.

However, upside risks to inflation have built up due to recent global price devel-

opments and this could spill over to food products eventually. Global oil prices have breached the $100 [per barrel] threshold amid the conflict in Ukraine," it said.

It said major global oil producers have not expressed any intention to ramp up their production despite the pressure from the West.

“A prolonged period of elevated oil prices could push inflation close to the target of the BSP,” BPI said, referring to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

On Friday, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation remained at 3 percent in February 2022, the same Next page

By Alena Mae S. Flores

C

ONSUMERS will have to brace for high electricity bills amid soaring prices in the world market for oil and coal, compounding their

Amid the already sharp rise in pump prices, a federation of jeepney drivers called for an immediate P1 increase in the minimum fare while they petition the government for a P5 increase. Motorists, meanwhile, can expect diesel prices to rise a whopping P5.50 per liter and gasoline to shoot up by P3.50 a liter on March 8, one of the biggest one-time price hikes since the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law in 1998.

On Friday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi met with power generation companies to discuss the impact of increasing international coal prices, and seek measures to address the anticipated spike in the cost of electricity.

The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) informed Cusi that the high coal prices in the world market will have a P9 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) effect in the price of electricity, given the March 3 coal price of $446 per ton, up from only $100 a ton.

PIPPA urged the Department of Energy

IN HER SHOES. Male members of an activist group wearing women's shoes attend a demonstration to highlight the struggles and issues faced by Filipino women in Quezon City on March 6, 2022, ahead of the International Women's Day. AFP

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More Pinoys home from Ukraine, 21 seamen on Tuesday Putin warns to crush Ukraine

By Rey Requejo as invasion stalls, bans bite MORE Filipinos from Ukraine arrived in Manila yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said as 21 seafarers are set to be repatriated Tuesday.

In a statement, DFA said four Filipino adults, 3 Filipino-Ukrainian children and their Ukrainian

mothers arrived Sunday afternoon via a Qatar Airlines flight.

The batch of evacuees came from Kyiv and other areas in the western part of Ukraine, and left from Warsaw Saturday.

Another group of two Filipino adults, a Filipino-Ukrainian child and his Ukrainian mother are also expected to arrive Sunday, while a group of three Filipinos from Kyiv also left for Manila on their

account.

The DFA said a group of 21 Filipino seafarers from Ukraine are also expected to arrive on Tuesday.

“Good news! Twenty-one seafarers of MV S-Breeze arriving on 8 March and 13 crew members of Star Helena were evacuated from Chornomorsk, Ukraine to Moldova are now awaiting repatriation,” DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola posted on her Twitter Next page account.

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin threatened the existence of Ukrainian statehood as his army's invasion of the neighbor faced stiff resistance Sunday and his economy became increasingly asphyxiated by international sanctions.

In the latest efforts to freeze Moscow out of the world economy, US-based card payment giants Visa and Mastercard an-

Govt eyes 1.8m seniors in fourth inoculation drive

By Willie Casas

OUT AND ABOUT. A child looks at a lion in its enclosure in Manila Zoo. People flocked to the tourist attraction over the weekend as the government placed some parts of the country on the lowest pandemic alert system. AFP

THE government is targeting to vaccinate at least 1.8 million seniors nationwide during the fourth wave of the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" national vaccination drive this week, a Department of Health official said on Sunday.

Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center chairperson Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said Bayanihan, Next page

nounced they will suspend operations in Russia, while world leaders vowed to act over the intensifying onslaught.

"The current (Ukrainian) authorities must understand that if they continue to do what they are doing, they are putting in question the future of Ukrainian statehood," Putin said on Saturday.

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3,667,542 870

48,793

57,023

144

3,561,726

1,433

(As of 4 PM, MARCH 6)

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News

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ukraine: EU’s fastest growing refugee crisis T

HE number of people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine has topped 1.5 million, making it Europe's fastest growing refugee crisis since World War II, the United Nations said on Sunday.

"More than 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into neighboring countries in 10 days," the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grande tweeted.

The UN described the outflow as "the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II." The director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyesus, also expressed grave concern at the worsening humanitarian situation.

"WHO has confirmed several attacks on health care in #Ukraine, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Additional reports are being investigated," Tedros tweeted.

"Attacks on healthcare facilities or workers breach medical neutrality and are violations of international humanitarian law."

The WHO said on Sunday it had

deployed staff to Moldova, Poland and Romania "to scale up (the) response capacities of its country offices, including operations, engagement with partners and support to the (Ukrainian) government for the health response".

The body said it had also mobilized logistics to set up an operational hub in neighboring Poland and help secure land corridors "to facilitate rapid movement of supplies to affected populations."

It added a second shipment of health supplies was on its way to Poland, following a first shipment on Thursday that included trauma and emergency health supplies. AFP

Electric...

prices. We have to note, however, that these are pass-through charges and as far as Meralco's own cost is concerned, which is the distribution charge, it has not moved since July of 2015," Zaldarriaga said.

Meanwhile, the power generators also assured the Energy chief of their firm commitment to ensure their full availability during the critical summer and election periods.

PIPPA members recommended several solutions such as possible suspension of the secondary price cap in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the trading floor of electricity.

PIPPA also said the government should also explore the potential of providing government subsidies to electricity endusers through the Malampaya Fund.

Relief could come by way of exempting power from the value added tax, and suspending excise taxes on oil and coal and other electricity-related products.

It added that the DOE can explore relaxing the 30-day coal inventory requirement for generation companies to better manage the scheduling of their coal deliveries.

Meanwhile, the PIPPA also raised their concern over the actual completion date of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP).

They noted that based on recent pronouncements, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is targeting to partially energize the lines with a limited transfer capability this month.

PIPPA stressed the urgency of speeding up the completion of the MVIP, which will be beneficial in augmenting the power requirements of other regions in the country.

Cusi welcomed the PIPPA proposals and said the DOE would evaluate them.

The Energy chief said he will raise the VAT exemption and excise tax suspension in the forthcoming National Economic and Development Authority-Economic Development Committee (NEDA-EDC) meeting today (Monday).

He also asked the association to submit a formal paper on the price simulations, including their recommendations, in addressing the anticipated electricity price increases.

Also on Sunday, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) called on the government to allow them to temporarily raise the minimum fare for jeepneys by P1 as pump prices continue to rise.

In an interview on radio dzBB, FEJODAP president Ricardo Rebaño appealed for “immediate action” from the national government to help them in their plight while the hearing for their petition to increase jeepney fares by P5 before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still ongoing.

“We are really having a hard time,” he said in Filipino. “Some drivers are saying they just want to stop working because of what's happening. The big (oil) companies are taking advantage of us, because of the

war in Ukraine, and the government is not doing anything to help us.”

When pump prices rise again on March 8, it will be the 10th straight week of increases.

Last week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines forecast fuel prices to go up from March 8 to 14 by P5.40 to P5.50 per liter for diesel and P3.40 to P3.50 per liter for gasoline, triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This has pushed Duterte administration’s economic managers to meet on Monday to discuss how the soaring oil prices will impact domestic commodity prices, and come up with immediate solutions to cushion the effects on the economy Rosemarie Edillon, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) undersecretary, said during a briefing on Saturday that they, the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), will exchange analyses and estimates on how the continued increase in oil prices will affect inflation this month.

Cusi has also ordered the DOE to expedite the implementation of its strategic petroleum reserve plan — the government’s oil buffer stock — to cushion the impact of price hikes in the domestic market.

Tuesday's forecasted increase will be the 10th weekly consecutive price increase since January as world oil prices continued to surge. On March 3,

the benchmark Dubai crude soared to $116.56 per barrel, but slightly declined to $108.80 per barrel a day later.

Based on data from the DOE, the latest oil price hike will bring the average price of gasoline to P69.28 per liter, diesel at P58.65 per liter, and kerosene at P62.21 per liter.

However, some stations in the National Capital Region sell gasoline at a high of P79.48 per liter (RON91) and diesel at P62.59 per liter. Prices vary depending on the brand, location, and market forces.

“We will see what will come out in our estimates and what we can do about it. Once we have the estimates, what will be the immediate solutions —short-term, medium-term, long-term solutions,” Edillon said.

Oil prices are spiraling higher on supply concerns as the Russia-Ukraine crisis develops, and this could lead to demand destruction and an economic recession, according to an oil analyst.

“I’m concerned that we don’t have enough oil at all here, and we need to go to $120 to $150 [per barrel], and then we get into economic destruction,” said Paul Sankey of Sankey Research.

The firm sees oil trading between $100 and $150 per barrel until the situation in Ukraine is resolved, according to a research note.

International benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 3.24% to $116.59 per barrel, after earlier crossing the $119 level. U.S. crude futures climbed 3.26% to $114.21 per barrel.

To encourage more vaccinees, LRTA provides a free one-day unlimited pass to those who will avail of primary or booster shots at any LRT-2 vaccination sites.

The Antipolo station, Line 2's easternmost terminal and the first station outside Metro Manila, is strategically located as a point of convergence of passengers coming from Rizal province.

The Cubao station in Quezon City will also start giving free COVID-19 jabs on Mondays only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Manila’s Recto station vaccination will still be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We are expecting more vaccinees to ensure the safety and protection of our commuting public," LRTA Administrator Jeremy Regino said.

Meanwhile, independent monitoring OCTA Research Group on Sunday urged the public to continue following health protocols and get booster shots if eligible, warning of a possible resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the next months.

The country has been reporting fewer than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the past few days but "things can still change," said OCTA fellow Guido David.

"Technically, we can say the worst is over for now but things can still change," David said in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

"Maybe by April or May, we are vulnerable again," he said, explaining that the country usually experiences a surge after every three months.

The Philippines logged on Sunday 870 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 3,667,542.

The DOH also reported 144 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 57,023.

Active cases stood at 48,793, of which 401 are asymptomatic; 44,131 are mild; 2,693 are moderate; 1,279 are severe; and 289 are critical.

Inflation...

oil prices as well as the impact of positive base effects. Nonetheless, the BSP’s fullyear inflation forecasts continue to show that inflation would average within the 2-4 percent target range for 2022-2023 as government direct measures help address the supply constraints.

"However, the recent uptick in global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions have raised global and domestic macroeconomic uncertainty over the near term," he said.

Meanwhile, BPI continues to expect a 75-basis-point adjustment in the policy rate this year from a record-low of 2 percent to 2.75 percent.

BPI said aside from inflation risks, the US Federal Reserve was another factor

that could push the BSP to hike rates.

It said if the BSP decides to keep its policy rate at 2 percent for most of the year, the declining spread between US and local rates could exacerbate the depreciation of the peso.

"The BSP may need to sell dollars more aggressively in order to prevent the peso from depreciating to a level that hurts growth and drives inflation," it said.

The peso last Friday lost 24 centavos against the US dollar to close at 51.74 from 51.5 a day ago. It was its weakest level in more than two years or since Oct. 9, 2019 when it closed 51.79.

Earlier, the BSP projected inflation to settle within the target range of 2-4 percent this year.

"The sanctions against Russia are akin to a declaration of war. But thank God we're not at that point yet."

Putin also dismissed rumours that the Kremlin was planning to declare martial law in Russia.

Cards cut Visa and Mastercard both announced they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major American firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow.

Mastercard said it made the decision over the "unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment."

Visa meanwhile said that "effective immediately" it would "work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days."

Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack.

But Russia's major banks -- including its largest lender Sberbank and the Russia Central Bank -- downplayed the effects that the cards' suspensions would have on their clients.

The war has already had serious global economic effects, with the IMF warning that its effects would be "all the more devastating" should the conflict escalate.

Russia's business and other contacts with the West have been steadily cut. Moscow has suspended all flights by flagship carrier Aeroflot, effective Tuesday.

Frenzied diplomacy As frantic, top-level diplomatic talks continued, President Zelensky announced on Sunday that he spoke by phone with his US counterpart Joe Biden to discuss financial support and sanctions against Russia.

"The agenda included the issues of security, financial support for Ukraine and the continuation of sanctions against Russia,"

Zelensky tweeted.

Hours earlier, the Ukrainian leader had addressed US lawmakers by video call, pleading for further funding and an embargo on Russian oil imports.

The American legislators promised an additional $10 billion aid package, but the White House has so far ruled out an oil ban, fearing it would ratchet up prices and hurt US consumers already stung by record inflation.

Weapons, ammunition and funds have poured into Ukraine from Western allies as they seek to bolster Kyiv against Moscow's invasion.

Washington last week authorized $350 million of military equipment -- the largest such package in US history.

While visiting Ukrainian refugees on the Polish border over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was seeking $2.75 billion for the unfurling humanitarian crisis as nearly 1.4 million civilians have fled.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made a surprise visit to the Kremlin Saturday for three hours of talks -- Putin's first face-to-face meeting with a foreign leader since the invasion began.

The Israeli leader later spoke with Zelensky.

Kyiv had asked Israel -- which has strong relations with both Russia and Ukraine -- to launch a dialogue with Moscow.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said he is to launch an international "plan of action" to ensure Russia's invasion of Ukraine fails, including a flurry of diplomatic meetings next week.

City under siege The strategic city of Mariupol on the Azov Sea has for days been under siege and without electricity, food and water. AFP

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(DOE) to endorse their efforts to recover the costs, even on a staggered basis, to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

On Sunday, Cusi said the DOE was working with electric power companies to ensure a steady supply and to arrest rising electricity costs.

Present during the Friday meeting were officials from the DOE and PIPPA members SMC Global Power; Aboitiz Power; Semirara Power; First Gen; Quezon Power; AC Energy; Team Energy; FDC; and Meralco PowerGen Corp. and Global Business Power.

At the moment, the country's biggest power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects electricity prices to go up given the movement of oil prices in the world market.

"Malampaya natural gas, which is used for power generation, even though domestically produced, is priced in US dollars and the price moves with crude oil prices in the world market," Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga said that based on past data, a peso depreciation affects mainly generation costs.

"For example, the independent power producer (IPP) contracts of Meralco are more than 95 percent dollardenominated," he said.

"Given these conditions, there is pressure for power costs to mirror fuel

Govt...

From A1

Bakunahan 4 would push through on March

10, 11, and 12, and would include homes and workplaces this time.

The priority for the fourth round of nationwide inoculation drive would be senior citizens who have not yet completed their primary dose series and those set for booster shots.

“We are looking at vaccinating around 1.8 million A2 or senior citizens with their second dose or booster shots, which we expect the LGUs to achieve in coordination with all agencies and private sector,” said Cabotaje.

Cabotaje said the inoculation in LGUs slowed down the past week, having only about 300,000 individuals inoculated compared to the previous one million to 1.5 million individuals.

Cabotaje said some people were also losing the sense of urgency when it came to booster shots.

She said they would ramp up the vaccination for primary series and booster shots before the campaign period starts for candidates for the House of Representatives and local elective posts on March 25.

She said the government would focus on administering booster shots for areas that have already reached the 70 percent target population, and primary series for areas with low vaccine rates.

The government is eyeing to fully vaccinate 77 million Filipinos against COVID-19 by the end of March, and 90 million by the time President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from office on June 30.

In related developments, Antipolo City and Light Rail Transit Authority have stepped up the COVID-19 vaccination drive at Line 2’s Antipolo station from Mondays to Saturdays starting March 7 from the initial two-day schedule.

Biggest...

From A1

that more and more groups and organizations such as the SRB are hearing the messages of hope, economic recovery and development of the BBM-SARA tandem, and are heeding its call for unity,” Romualdez said.

The SRB made its official endorsement of Marcos and Duterte-Carpio through a Manifesto of Unity and Support that its officers signed and issued on behalf of the group, a copy of which was given to Romualdez, who represented the UniTeam tandem, by SRB Chairman Emmanuel Sipin.

In supporting the BBM-Sara tandem, the SRB acknowledged that the presidential and vice presidential candidates’ “crusade” to unite the country was significant in charting a productive future for the country as it suffers from the effects of the COVID-19.

The group also said that the call for unity of Marcos and Duterte augurs with

the vision of the SRB, which is to mold individuals “who aspire to work in brotherhood for the betterment of society.”

Meanwhile, re-electionist Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho has declared that his province is fully supporting the BBMSara UniTeam because most of his constituents believe the tandem will continue the legacy of their fathers.

In an interview before the arrival of Marcos at the Masbate Airport for the campaign sortie on Saturday, Kho said his constituents and local leaders believed that Marcos would follow the legacy of former president Marcos Sr., while Sara would follow the legacy of President Rodrigo Duterte who “both did great for the country.”

“BBM will continue the legacy that his father has started. Same with Sara, Sara will continue the legacy of his father.”

Kho said 17 of the 21 municipalities in the province were all in for the UniTeam.

“With this political machinery that we have, we are now in full-battle gear and ready to work to give our full support,” the governor said.

From A1

rate a month ago, as slowdowns in prices were seen in food, beverages and tobacco indices.

The February inflation was slower compared to the 4.2 percent a year ago.

This brought inflation in the first two months to 3 percent, the midpoint of the target range of 2-4 percent.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the February 2022 inflation of 3 percent was within the BSP’s forecast range of 2.8 to 3.6 percent for the month.

Diokno said inflation was seen to accelerate over the near term due to higher

Putin...

From A1

"And if this happens, they will be fully responsible."

Since Russia's invasion 10 days ago, the economic and humanitarian toll of the war has spiraled, sending more than 1 million people fleeing Ukraine. Officials have reported hundreds of civilians killed.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Ukraine military said it was engaged in "fierce battles" with Russian forces for the control of borders at the southern city of Mykolaiv and the Chernihiv in the north.

"The main efforts are focused on defending the city of Mariupol," it said, adding an operation by Ukrainian forces was also under way in the eastern part of the Donetsk region.

Kyiv has urged the West to boost military assistance to the besieged country, including warplanes, with President Volodymyr Zelensky pleading for Eastern European neighbors to provide Russian-made planes that his citizens are trained to fly.

Putin meanwhile escalated warnings against NATO, threatening a wider war if a nofly zone is set up, as his forces resumed their offensive against a key Ukrainian city where security fears stalled a planned evacuation.

While Zelensky criticized NATO for ruling out the no-fly zone, Putin spoke of "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world" if such a step was taken.

"Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," Putin said.

Hitting out at stiffening Western sanctions, the Russian leader said: "A lot of what we're coming up against right now is a way of waging war against Russia.

DISPLACED.

A child is comforted by his brother at a temporary shelter in the main train station of Krakow on March 6, 2022, as they wait to be relocated to other temporary accommodations in Poland or abroad.

AFP

(See full story online at manilastandard.net)

The DFA official said the Filipino seafarers were able to enter Chisinau, Moldova. From there, the Filipinos were From A1 transported to Romania where they arrived on March 4.

They will be arriving via Philippine Airlines PR659 on The 21 seafarers were extracted from MV-S Breeze at the Tuesday night.

Port of Odessa in Ukraine between Feb. 27 to March 1.

There are still about 116 Filipinos in Ukraine.

More...

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1,636 gun ban violators arrested

Govt recalls ambassador to Saudi THE government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), ordered the Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto to return to Manila after Alonto’s wife was “caught” endorsing former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The DFA said Alonto was ordered to return to the Philippines for “home office consultations.”

The DFA reportedly issued the order after Alonto’s wife was seen in a viral video campaigning Marcos Jr. The video was posted on social media.

In the said video, Alonto’s wife, speaking in front of overseas Filipino workers (OWFs) in the kingdom, said “I did not come here to urge you to vote for my candidate (in Tagalog).”

The video showed the as she spoke to the OFWs, campaign posters of Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte were plastered on the background.

“Please cast your vote. Do not waste this moment because ... it might just be the turning point so that we will have another Ilocano president,” she said, according to the recording.

The DFA in a statement over the weekend said it was “investigating the incident in Riyadh, and Ambassador Alonto has been instructed to return to the Philippines for home office consultations.”

The DFA further advise its personnel to avoid engaging in activities deemed to be partisan politics ahead of the May 9 elections.

“It does not condone acts that go against the Omnibus Election Code, the Overseas Voting Act of 2013 and the Comelec-CSC Joint Circular No. 001, series of 2016,” the DFA statement said.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) earlier warned that it would impose sanctions on government workers who engage in partisan political activities.

Those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one month and one day suspension to six months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense, according to the CSC circular.

A

total of 1,636 persons have been arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.

Those nabbed include 1,589 civilians, 23 security guards, 15 police officers, and nine military personnel.

A total of 1,516 police operations yielded 1,268 firearms, 7,106 piec-

es of ammunition, and 586 deadly weapons.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions with arrested violators are the National Capital Region with

536, Central Visayas (171), Central Luzon (116), Calabarzon (173), and Western Visayas (93).

The Comelec Resolution No. 10728 prohibits bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or deadly weapons outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.

Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and

Hiring foreign construction firms okay—SC

By Rey E. Requejo

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT. Devotees pray at the San Pedro Calungsod chapel in Taguig City during the First Sunday of Lent. The church is in full capacity since Alert Level 1 was implemented in many areas. Manny Palmero

Probe large transactions related to e-sabong, Tolentino says

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AUTHORITIES and financial institutions should closely monitor large transactions coming different e-wallet services since it may be used in moneylaundering and financing of terrorist activities in the country, Senator Francis N. Tolentino said.

Tolentino made the remarks following last Friday’s continuation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing in connection with the mysterious disappearances of close to three dozen cockfighting aficionados

wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.

Violators face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

They also face disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure a gun license.

involved in online sabong.

Tolentino was alarmed following the pronouncement made by Paymaya legal counsel Eloisa Sy that the e-wallet service provider only relies on the government IDs submitted by their subscribers as proof of legal age amid reports that several minors are already hooked and addicted with e-sabong games using their payment platform.

The senator stressed that if e-wallet providers like Paymaya and GCash can’t properly determine if such subscriber is really of legal age or not, their platforms is definitely prone not only to

money-laundering but also to terrorism financing affairs.

According to Sy, Paymaya is only using their own “KYC” or “know your customer” procedure in determining whether or not such a user is of legal age, adding that they can’t really determine if the documents submitted by their users for verification are authentic.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecoms senior legal counsel Gilbert Escoto insisted that it is impossible for minors to access GCash’s e-sabong platform, citing the embedded security features placed in their mobile application that supposedly

prevents those below 18-years old from playing or just accessing it.

But Tolentino was not satisfied with Escoto’s explanation, adding that the Senate panel might bring in the next hearings some cockfighting aficionados who are below legal age that were able to place bets in e-sabong using the GCash platform.

Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, panel chair seconded Tolentino’s manifestation that there are really several minors hooked in virtual game fowl betting using either GCash or Paymaya platforms.

THE Supreme Court (SC) has sustained its 2020 decision that effectively allowed foreign construction firms to secure regular licenses to engage in public or private projects in the country.

In a resolution made public last March 3, the SC junked the motion for reconsideration filed by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board and various petitions and motions filed by several construction associations and privatelyowned construction firms.

The resolution was issued on the petition filed by PCAB against Manila Water Company, Inc. The controversy stemmed from the petition of Manila Water for PCAB to accredit its foreign contractors to undertake its contracts for the construction of necessary facilities for its waterworks and sewerage system.

When PCAB denied Manila Water’s plea, the water company brought the issue before the trial court which ruled in its favor, prompting the PCAB to appeal the lower court’s ruling before with the high court.

In its March 10, 2020 decision, the SC affirmed with modification the trial court’s order and resolution.

“Wherefore, the motions for Leave to Intervene are denied and the admission of the Motions for Reconsideration-in-Intervention and Petitions-in Intervention is declined. The Motion for Reconsideration is likewise denied,” the SC ruled.

The SC declared “void Section 3.1 (a) paragraph 2, Rule 3; Section 3.1 subparagraph (bb), Rule 3; and Section 12.7, Rule 12 of the 1989 Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Licensing and Accreditation of Contractors in the Philippines, implementing Republic Act No. 4566 or Contractors’ License Law.” “These regulations defining nationality-based licensing categories were adopted by PCAB in excess of its authority,” the SC held.

It also resolved that the “PCAB’s reliance on Section 14, Article XII of the Constitution is misplaced as it pertains to the regulation of practice of profession by natural persons based on nationality rather than to the business of construction by juridical entities, whether corporations, partnerships or sole enterprises.”

Manila LGU intensifies anti-COVID vax campaign for 5-11 age group Villar says no

By Willie Casas

FIRE BRIGADE. Barangay watch persons or “tanods” of Brgy. 292, Zone 3 are taught how to use fire extinguishers and fire hoses during a community prevention training spearheaded by the Brixton fire volunteer group in Alvarado Street in Binondo, Manila on Sunday. Danny Pata

Exec: Marawi housing in ‘final stages’

By Rio N. Araja HOUSING czar Eduardo del Rosario on Sunday cited subdivision-like development in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, saying the resettlement sites in the area are now in the final stages of completion for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He recently spearheaded the turnover of 250 housing units to the affected families of the Marawi siege, a five-month-long armed conflict that started on May 23, 2017, between the Philippine government and rebel groups.

All resettlement sites would

be finished before the term of the Duterte administration ends on June 30, he said.

He lauded the modern housing designs on subdivision-like communities developed jointly by the National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corp., and United Nations Habitat.

Over 2,700 permanent shelters would be given by the Duterte administration as a grant to the rightful beneficiaries.

TFBM has already completed 940 units while the remaining are now in various stages of completion.

THE Manila Health Department (MHD) has intensified its pediatric vaccination drive against COVID-19 on children ages 5 to 11 years old in the different vaccination sites of the city, the department said during the weekend.

Among the vaccination sites are Manila Zoo, San Nicolas Health Center, Dimasalang Health Center, V. Fugoso Health Center, San Sebastian Health Center, Dapitan Health Center, and F. Lanuza Health Center, as well as several other sites in the different barangays in the City of Manila.

Several vaccination sites have also opened in several schools and malls in Manila. As of March 2022, the MHD has administered more than 24,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to children, according to the department.

Of the total, around 2,000 children have

been fully vaccinated, while the rest, or more than 22,000, have already received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines. More than 3,300,000 vaccines have been administered in Manila for both kids and adults.

A total of 736,880 children aged 5 to 11 years old have been inoculated against COVID-19 since the pediatric vaccination started on February 7, a health official said on Tuesday.

“Inaasahan po natin na tataas pa ito sa darating na mga linggo kaya po ang lahat ng mga magulang at legal guardian ay amin pong hinihikayat na magparehistro na para sa kanila pong mga anak para sa karagdagang proteksiyon para sa lalong madaling panahon (We expect the numbers to rise in the coming weeks so we encourage parents and legal guardians to register their children for additional protection immediately),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said recently during an online media forum.

MEDICAL MISSIONS.

Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman participates in the medical, dental, and optical missions of the provincial government of Albay in San Miguel Island, Tabaco City.

Norman Cruz

need to replace PhilMech chief A CHANGE in leadership in PhilMech now does not appear to be practical due to its sterling performance, especially with regards to its Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program that improves Filipino rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amid the liberalization of our Philippine rice trade policy, said Sen. Cynthia A. Villar.

Since its implementation, Villar said RCEF under the leadership of PhilMech Director Dr. Baldwin Jallorina, has consistently enabled the government to provide farmers with modern machinery that significantly increased their yields and sustained the growth in agricultural production.

Villar, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte, in his 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA), commended RCEF because it stabilized rice supply and food prices.

But PhilMech is currently confronted with the impending replacement of Jallorina.

While emphasizing that she recognizes and respects that appointments made by the President are his exclusive prerogatives, Villar said that “replacing the leadership of Jallorina disregards all that has been achieved by PhilMech, which he led passionately, within a short span of time. “ “The implementation of RCEF has been doing well because of all the agencies and people especially Dr. Jallorina, comprising the components,” said Villar.

The senator said the mandate of agricultural mechanization was given to PhilMech, to which 50 percent of the RCEF is allocated. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘No advance questions for poll debates’

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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

News

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

ROMDI presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider its position of giving in advance topics and questions to candidates in the forthcoming face-toface debates.

Senator Pacquiao

He said these debates were meant to provide the people an informed choice about their candidates, the quality of their leadership, and their style of governance.

He reminded the Comelec that the poll body’s mandate was not only to ensure an honest and clean election but also to provide the electorate the avenue to make the right decision.

The presidential candidates who shun

public debates and refuse to be subjected to full public scrutiny, he said, are obviously not ready to lead the country.

He said it was best for the Comelec not to provide questions in advance so that the electorate can truly get a sense of the “purity” of the intention of the candidates in seeking the presidency.

When asked about the precondition of some candidates that they should get in advance questions and topics before agreeing to join face-to-face debates, Pacquiao said: “You are running for President and then you are asking for questions. You should be ready for the questions because you are running for the President of the Philippines.”

Pacquiao said that the people should not entrust the future of the nation to candidates who refuse to participate in simple debates because they would take no responsibility for their actions.

These candidates, he said, without naming names, also have no intention to serve the public good and were only driven “by their greed for wealth and power.”

These days, Pacquiao said it was easier for the public to demand a performance audit on their leaders because “every promise they make is now recorded digitally and can be easily accessed by the public.”

ROBREDOCS. A group of 60 doctors from Bulacan, collectively known as ‘Robredocs’ perform the Filipino version of ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ during a people’s rally for presidential aspirant Leni Robredo that was attended by more than 45,000 people at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center Saturday evening.

VP Leni condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

VICE President Leni Robredo condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying that one must always “stand against bullying and unprovoked aggression,” particularly when violence is inflicted on innocent civilians.

In a statement released Sunday, the presidential aspirant also hailed the Philippine diplomats and other public servants who have been ensuring the safety of the Filipinos in Ukraine.

“I condemn the violence that has been inflicted upon the people of Ukraine, the violation of its sovereignty, and the threat that now hangs above all the innocent lives in the region,” Robredo said.

“It is a moral imperative to stand against bullying and unprovoked aggres-

the Philippine vote in the United Nations and the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines voted alongside 141 other members of the United Nations in deploring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called for “massive assistance commensurate with the growing humanitarian crisis.”

Much like Ukraine, a small country defending itself from a bigger nation, the Philippines is also protecting its maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea by upholding the rule of law and the decision of the international arbitral tribunal invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea, Gutierrez said.

Lacson remains optimistic amid strong support from grassroots

Mayor Isko vows to protect farmers’ welfare, livelihood

By Rey E. Requejo AKSYON Demokratiko standard bearer Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has committed to protect the welfare and livelihood of farmers if he is elected president in the May 9 elections.

Domagoso made the statement as he wrapped up Team Isko’s three-day sortie of the Cagayan Valley region and Kalinga province over the weekend.

Speaking before Tabuk City residents who are mostly farmers, the 47-year-old presidential candidate also vowed to go hard against smugglers of rice, garlic, onion and vegetables as this is the primary reason why farmers cannot sell their produce at good prices.

“On top of that, our anti-smuggling campaign for other agricultural products will also be vigorously pursued.

When the farmers are protected, including those who grow or take care of their animals, will be reassured that their family will benefit from their agricultural produce,” he assured Kalinga farmers.

Domagoso maintained there should be a balance on everything when it comes to food supply, which ensures the country’s food security.

His commitment to farmers also included bringing down the prices of fertilizers which have recently gone up as some unscrupulous businessmen are reportedly cornering the supply from small traders who are willing to sell them at a slightly higher price.

“I wonder why the price of fertilizer is so high? About a year ago, it was almost P900 to P1,000. Today, P2,500 to P2,600. If we really believe food security is a threat to national security then, we must confront and address this (high prices of fertilizer) in favor of our agriculture sector,” he said.

sion, especially given the reports of civilians and residential areas deliberately targeted in the course of this invasion.

I stand in admiration of the Ukrainian people’s courage and resilience, and am proud of their efforts to defend freedom and a rights-based order— ideals that the Filipino people share.”

“I stand firmly behind the Philippine government’s stance supporting the international community in condemning the invasion of Ukraine,” Robredo added.

On the BiserBisyong Leni radio show also on Sunday, Robredo’s spokesperson, lawyer Barry Gutierrez, reiterated that her stand on the ongoing war between Russia and the Ukraine mirrors

INDIGENOUS MOVES. Presidential aspirant Isko Moreno dances with members of the Kalinga Indigenous People as they welcome him and his running mate, Doc Willie Ong, during their campaign sortie at the Bulanao Public Market in Tabuk on March 5, 2022. Norman Cruz

PARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo Lacson remains optimistic about his chances of winning the presidency, buoyed by the positive reception he is getting from supporters and the general public to his proposed policies to eliminate corruption and installing a more responsive government.

Lacson said he, his running mate Senate President Tito Sotto III, and their senatorial candidates would continue their interactive campaign strategy to win voters to their side regardless of what pre-election surveys were projecting, which he said did not necessarily reflect what was happening on the ground.

“I feel upbeat because what we see on the ground does not seem to reflect what the surveys are saying. That’s how I feel and the feeling is the same for Senate President Sotto,” said Lacson.

Ka Leody releases comprehensive youth platform PARTIDO Lakas ng Masa presidential candidate Ka Leody de Guzman bared on Sunday a comprehensive agenda detailing his policy platforms for youth issues on his social media accounts.

The platform focuses heavily on education reform, but also contains proposals for issues faced by children, out-ofschool youth, and government organs mandated for youth affairs such as the Sangguniang Kabataan and National Youth Commission.

“Young Filipinos are more than just the hope of the country in the future.

Even now, they are already exhibiting the capacity to effect changes and contribute to society toward a progressive, free and developed society,” he said.

“As they will inherit the society that we are forging now, a big part of my platform focuses on labor, climate

change, environment, and political reforms. We need to pave the way for the changes that our youth deserve,” De Guzman added.

One of the agenda’s major points is the Universal Students’ Magna Carta, which asserts 13 “unalienable rights that shall be the basis of state policy” with regards to on-campus life and activities.

Among the 13 rights in the Magna Carta are absolute and unconditional academic freedom; the right to organize and spaces for organizing, and access to free, quality, and accessible education; the right to SOGIE equality and anti-discrimination; and the right to be safe and secure from state security forces’ surveillance, harassment and violence “Our colleges and universities must

be more than just free and safe spaces but bulwarks for critical thinking,” the labor leader said.

The agenda also includes policies on the COVID-19 pandemic, including public funding of schools’ retrofitting costs for a safe return to face-to-face classes and subsidizing the required utilities for distance learning such as gadgets and internet connections.

It also includes sweeping reforms to school curricula to include sexual health education, labor rights, and climate science, as well as a general reorientation from global marketability to national development.

The out-of-school youth are also included in the agenda with policies such as improving the skill and capacitybuilding programs of TESDA.

QC mayoral bet Defensor eyes new drug rehab center, sports academy

AFTER TWO YEARS OF LOCKDOWN. A child looks on at a playground in Quezon City on March 6, 2022 as the government placed some parts of the country on the lowest pandemic alert system. AFP

CONGRESSMAN Mike Defensor of Anakalusugan party-list has pledged to build a new local government-funded residential treatment and rehabilitation center (TRC) for drug dependents if he is elected Quezon City mayor.

“There’s no question that the illegal drug scourge continues to wreak havoc on our communities. Even as we speak, there are many families breaking up or in crisis because of a drug-dependent parent, son, or daughter,” Defensor said.

“We recognize that drug dependents can harm themselves or others, so we want to encourage families to voluntarily bring them in for free treatment and rehabilitation,” he added.

Defensor said he intends to put up a modern TRC in Quezon City with two dormitories—one for female patients

and the other for males—where drug dependents can live with peace of mind while undergoing a six-month recovery program.

“We want drug dependents to recover and become highly productive citizens again for the sake of their families,” he said.

Drug dependency is not just a law enforcement challenge, but also as a health problem, according to Defensor.

He also vowed to establish a new Quezon City Sports Academy and to launch community-based sports programs.

“We absolutely need sports activities to fully develop our children, and to keep them away from illegal drugs,” said Defensor, who is also the vice chairman of the House committee on welfare of children.

“So, let’s see. Because, after all, the presidency is a destiny and it’s a calling.

If you are not called to it, then you really cannot serve. But if you are destined to play that role, certain events are always bound to happen that will take you in that direction,” he added.

Lacson, meanwhile, minced no words that voter education or miseducation proved a great challenge for him and his campaign teams, considering that most Filipinos were still measuring politicians based on how well they could “fool them every election season, not on the soundness of their platforms.”

Lacson is hoping that their issuesbased style of campaigning would resonate among the greater majority of Filipino voters because what they were offering were solutions to the ongoing, recurring and emerging problems of the country. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Villanueva: Exempt calamity-hit areas from public infra ban THE 45-day public works ban that will take effect on March 25 should be implemented in a way that it “will not affect jobs nor delay the completion of infrastructure projects in calamity areas,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said Sunday.

“Employment should not be a casualty of election. And pandemic recovery should not take a back seat to polls,” Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor committee, said.

“We have 10.1 million unemployed and underemployed. Let us not worsen this already bleak jobs picture,” he added.

Villanueva noted that the number of workers in construction dipped to 4 million after pandemic lockdowns stopped work on public and private projects.

As a share to GDP, government expenditures account for about 16 percent, “so any slowdown in public construction will drag down growth,” the senator said.

Villanueva said halting construction of schools and hospitals “during summer when it is the best time to build before the rains come” will set back their completion.

“We should also take advantage of the ‘good weather window’ to fix farm infrastructure like roads and irrigation,” he added.

Funding for P1.183 trillion worth of government infrastructure has been authorized in the 2022 national budget.

Villanueva said the government was still in a catch-up mode as a large chunk of 2020 and 2021 funds for infrastructure was shifted to boost health facilities and as aid to economically-hit households.

“If we press the ‘pause’ button, lalong atrasado na tayo,” he warned.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion Banking frontline readiness for the digital economy AS THE country is now slowly trying to ease out of what is hopefully the end of two hard years of repeated lockdowns and depressed economy, Filipinos have shifted to cloud-based technologies with digital tools that provided a virtual safe harbor from the COVID-19 virus. These digital tools have empowered Filipinos to be more resilient to the devastating impact of the pandemic.

This is reflected in the 2021 report on the readiness and maturity of cloud computing innovation and adoption in terms of the regulatory environment and support by the Asian Cloud Computing Association. The report ranked the Philippines third, behind Singapore and Japan.

However, the increasing adoption of these digital solutions has also created new challenges for Financial Service Institutions (FSI) and their frontliners in this new environment as they anticipate increasing engagements with clients.

Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof.

Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit pointed out in a recent online forum, “Digital Readiness for Banking Frontliners,” that “the growth of the digital economy through e-commerce, fintech and digital banking has become the cure to many of our financial ailments. But as frontline workers have gone digital, many lack the readiness for optimal and safe use of digital technologies.”

He challenged policy makers not to view digital readiness issues from the whole of government, but for the whole of society. Both the public and private sector for digital transformation must benefit from the enabling services of the financial industry.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director for Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision, Mr. Melchor Plabasan recognized that financial inclusion can be best achieved by digital transformation and have always been supportive of measures that will address gaps when it comes to providing financial products and services.

“Given that technological innovations move quickly, we must always be on our toes to ensure that we keep in step, staying light and nimble, so that we are able to fulfill our mandates,” Plabasan said.

The BSP has issued a circular on the Open Finance Framework, which maps out new means of innovative financial services by empowering consumers, giving them better access to their data, both financial and personal information, so that they have access to services that are responsive to their needs.

Microsoft APAC Modern Work and Security Sales Leader, Mr. Kshitij Gopal, observed that countries that are opening up in Western Europe, the United States and even in the Middle East are seeing the

pent-up demand for consumer interaction absolutely coming back.

Gopal said, “The reality is that the future of all our financial services, me as a customer, you as a bank, the regulators, all of us depend on investing in frontline workers, with security and compliance as top of mind.”

He advised, “When you think about frontline workers, the mantra that I ask you to think about is secure digital inclusion.”

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Chief Digital Officer Noel Santiago said that beyond technology, the biggest challenge they are grappling with right now is their rate of client adoption of digitalization is faster than their own labor force.

These digital tools have empowered Filipinos to be more resilient.

“We are retooling our technology infrastructure. We are re-skilling our people.

We are re-engineering the processes to be more suited to digital engagement. We are re-engaging our clients on a digital front,” Santiago said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer and Inclusion Officer, Lito Villanueva emphasized that digital transformation drives financial inclusion which in turn leads to digital transformation. He believes that we need to keep innovating in order to keep the momentum and the next great disruption is just around the corner.

University of the Philippines Law Center’s Director of Technology Law and Policy Program, Atty. JJ Disini, supported open finance as an opportunity for financial inclusion because of its potential to link directly with the unbanked people who are in remote areas.

In cases of phishing attacks, Atty. Disini proposed that there should be an ability for banks, all intermediaries in the middle, and most of all customers or the victims to recover through alternative dispute solutions. He suggested that to make the system stronger, all participants in these payment systems should be allowed to waive their deposit secrecy or the right to secrecy of their deposits in order to cooperate.

With new COVID-19 variants still a looming possibility, the digital readiness of our banks and their frontliners has become more critical for the continued responsiveness of our financial sector to serve all industries in our ongoing struggle to recover from the deep economic scars caused by this pandemic crisis.

Beyond the new solutions of digital technologies, gaps in the readiness of our human resources must be addressed to fully harness the most appropriate digital solutions for the seamless efficiency and security of electronic financial services.

‘Maladaptation’: how not to cope with climate change

By Marlowe Hood A CRESCENDO of deadly extreme weather is outpacing preparations for a climate-addled world, according to a landmark UN assessment of climate impacts released this week.

Whether it is sustainable farming or bioengineered crops to boost food security; restoring mangrove forests or building sea dams to buffer rising oceans; urban green corridors or air conditioning to temper killer heatwaves — the search for ways to cope with the fallout of global heating has become urgent.

“At current rates of adaptation planning and implementation, the adaptation gap will continue to grow,” the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns.

At the same time, however, the 3,650page IPCC report raises red flags about how schemes to deal with climate impacts can go wrong.

There’s even a word for it: “maladaptation”.

“We’re finding that there are many cases in which adaptation projects don’t work,” said Clark University professor Ed

Carr, lead author of a chapter in the IPCC report on climate resilient development.

“Some have actually made things worse.”

Building a dam, for example, to prevent urban flooding may help protect a small area for a limited time period.

“But if the measure you put in place has negative consequences along the rest of the river and makes things worse in the long run, that’s maladaptation,” said Imperial College London’s Friederike Otto.

Otto, a pioneer in quantifying the extent to which climate change makes extreme weather more likely or intense, said people often fail to recognise the role bad choices — building houses in a flood plain, for example — play in disasters.

Lack of data “Just blaming climate change alone can lead to maladaptation,” she told AFP. Sometimes coping measures have unintended consequences.

Kwame Owusu-Daaku, an assistant professor at the University of West Florida, investigated the aftermath of sea barriers erected in front of a modest fishing village near the Volta River estuary in

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EDITORIAL

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Check our biases

HIS whole month of March is Women’s Month, and tomorrow, March 8, will be International Women’s Day.

It has been a tradition to use the occasion to highlight the contributions of women to society, despite the barriers and hurdles put up to limit them. And indeed we have seen many women succeed in the world of government, business, and other sectors.

Many of them have proven themselves to be capable, inspiring leaders.

But there remains a lot of work ahead.

Those who have succeeded in breaking barriers could be seen as exceptions, not the rule. They had advantages to begin with – privilege, education, even personality. They

There remains a lot of work ahead. did not have to struggle against ageold mindsets that have imprisoned and limited women in many places.

These mindsets range from being perceived as not good enough for any task, to being the one who always has to make sacrifices and give way to males, to being too emotional or indecisive or distracted. In this

day and age, it still happens that no matter how much competence has been exhibited by a woman, her achievements are minimized or dismissed. When she asserts herself she is loud. And when she betrays emotion she is unhinged.

Worse, women from abusive households do not always know they have the choice to remove themselves from their situation, believing that it is a virtue to endure constant suffering, insults and even violence.

We can best commemorate this occasion and celebrate women in a concrete way by always checking our biases and making sure that our words and actions are enlightened and informed – not governed by stereotypes, discrimination, or plain ignorance.

Try harder next time, Globe

THE other day, the Senate resumed its hearing on the mysterious disappearances of almost three dozen cockfighting aficionados involved in online sabong, this time, dealing on how e-wallet service providers like Paymaya and GCash are possibly being exploited in the online gambling scheme by money launderers and even minor bettors.

Paymaya, represented by its legal counsel Eloisa Sy, expectedly refuted such allegations saying they employ their own KYC or Know Your Client procedure, requiring subscribers to submit documents when they register online.

Globe Telecom, on the other hand, through its senior legal counsel Gilbert Escoto insisted that it is impossible for minors to access GCash’s e-sabong platform, citing the embedded security features placed in their mobile application that supposedly prevents those below 18-years old from playing or just accessing it.

Really?

First, let’s dig into Paymaya’s KYC procedure. With such a simple requirement of requiring subscribers to submit documents online, and without any mechanism to verify their authenticity, there is no way Paymaya can determine whether their e-wallet services are being used by minors to access the online sabong and Ghana to prevent beach erosion due to storm surges and rising seas.

The sea walls worked. In fact they worked so well that a large real estate developer — hand in glove with the local government — took over the land to build luxury, beach-front chalets.

“The people who lived there were kicked off the land,” Owusu-Daaku said in an interview, calling the outcome an example of “maladaptation opportunism”.

Not only was this unfair, it is probably unsustainable too, according to the IPCC report.

The search for ways to cope with the fallout of global heating has become urgent.

Sea walls, dykes and flood-control gates “create long-term lock-in of vulnerability, exposure and risks that are difficult and costly to change,” it said.

And while hard engineered structures may protect against hazards up to a certain point, they also create “an illusion of no risk”.

Another source of maladaptation is lack of data.

“You can only adapt to what you know,” said Mohamed Adow, founder and director of the Nairobi-based Africa Power Shift.

“In the case of Africa, we know very little. How do you create early warning systems for extreme weather without data?”, he told AFP. Not well thought-out In a world where new infrastructure —

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

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

place their bets.

Even Sy acknowledged that during the hearing, prompting Senator Francis Tolentino to retort, “So kung pwedeng malusutan ng minor, pwede ring malusutan ng mga money launderers saka terrorism financial activities.”

Escoto’s defense is worse. Like Sy, he should have just admitted there is no way they can determine the authenticity of the documents being submitted by their subscriber. How would he react if Tolentino, just as he promised, would bring in the next hearings some cockfighting aficionados who are below legal age who were able to place bets in e-sabong using the GCash platform?

And GCash is not only being used by minors in placing bets for online gambling platforms or even possibly by money launderers or even terrorists, but even by online scammers. I should know because I fell victim once and Globe has no protection or safety net in place for subscribers like me.

A few months back, the mother of a childhood friend who is now based in the US, messaged me through a social media messaging app. I was not aware that her account was hacked as the impostor was aware I was in constant communication with my childhood friend.

Anyway, the hacker then asked me if I could lend her a favor, to send some

amount of money to her friend in Taguig as banks were already closed in the US at that time (It was about 3 am in Las Vegas when we were chatting).

I readily obliged since I have known their family for ages. But when the impostor asked me to send another amount of money to another individual also based here, it was then I started entertaining doubts on the identity of the person I was talking to. So, I initiated a voice call which the person on the other end rejected saying his or her signal was weak. It was then I messaged my friend, who then informed her mother about what transpired and it was then we realized her account was hacked and I was scammed.

I immediately called Globe Hotline and asked that the payment to the number I sent money be blocked but they won’t entertain my request. I have been a Globe subscriber for more than ten years. They could just have looked into my account to determine if I am a fraud.

That’s how scammers can easily exploit this e-wallet platform. And how much more with the money launderers and terrorists who can employ sophisticated apps and equipment if they want to utilize the said scheme for their agenda?

So, instead of trying to deny their systems are prone to exploitation, Globe should just admit its weaknesses and cooperate with these legislators in the ongoing hearing and help them in crafting a law to strengthen their programs for their own protection and for their clients.

Globe’s Escoto’s defense just won’t fly.

roads, buildings, sewage systems — must serve both development and adaptation objectives, a lot of construction is probably not fit for a 1.5C world, much less one that could warm 2C or 3C above preindustrial levels, experts say.

The Earth’s average surface temperature has already risen 1.1C compared to that benchmark.

“Maladaptation happens when you try to solve one problem and wind up creating another,” said Patrick Verkooijen from the Global Center on Adaptation.

“There are so many examples of wellintentioned measures that are not thought through in a holistic way.”

A study of more than 300 initiatives for coping with climate change cited in the IPCC report found that one-third may have unintended and negative consequences.

A more detailed analysis of three projects in Cambodia — promoting irrigation, forest protection and tree planting — “found evidence that local communities’ rights being violated and destruction of biodiverse habitats.”

The potential for maladaptation “had been ignored by international donors as well as national authorities,” the report concluded.

Other types of maladaptation are recurrent, especially in the global South.

Eighty percent of land used to grow food is rain-fed, and thus highly vulnerable to droughts made worse by rising temperatures. In parts of Africa, more frequent dry spells will likely double in length in a 2C world.

The most common adaptation response to drought is irrigation, but this potentially vital solution can cause problems of its own.

The adaptation COP Extracting groundwater for irrigation can deplete aquifers, which in turn can make water unsuitable for human consumption and aggravate drought conditions.

For heatwaves, air conditioning can be a literal life-saver, especially in regions projected to see an increase in so-called deadly heat days.

“But at the societal level, it is maladaptive because of its high demands on energy and associated heat emissions, especially in high-density cities,” the report warns.

And expensive: A study in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi found that some people don’t use air conditioners purchased to keep cool at night because they cost too much to run.

In the UN climate negotiations launched 30 years ago, adaptation has always been a poor cousin to goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

But the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow last Fall helped restore a balance, launching a two-year process to define adaptation goals and mobilise financing.

“Sharm-El-Sheikh must be seen as the adaptation COP,” said Adow, referring to the next year-end climate meet in Egypt.

A major goal of the political process will be to avoid the kinds of maladaptation highlighted by the IPCC. “We have waited so long to tackle climate change that we are already paying the price today of climate impacts,” said Verkooijen.

“But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t invest in adaptation for tomorrow, because the costs are only increasing over time if we don’t act.” AFP

It should just accept its weakness.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

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Invasion tests China’s ‘no limits’ bond with Russia CHINESE President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin toasted a friendship with “no limits” at a warm meeting in February, but just one month later that bond is being tested by the war in Ukraine.

With international outrage and sanctions mounting against Russia, Beijing is scrambling to avoid being tainted by association with Moscow while also maintaining their increasingly close ties.

Once bitter Cold War rivals, China and Russia have moved closer than ever since Xi Jinping took power nearly a decade ago, driven by their shared desire to confront US power.

But China seems to have been caught flat-footed by Russia’s military offensive, fierce Ukrainian resistance, and the volume of the resulting international antiKremlin backlash.

Beijing, which has long demanded respect for territorial integrity in border disputes with its own neighbors, has been forced into rhetorical contortions on Ukraine to avoid upsetting Russia.

While maintaining lip service to national sovereignty, China has insisted that Moscow’s security concerns regarding Ukraine and the broader expansion of the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are valid.

It has refused to condemn Moscow, with Chinese government spokespersons remonstrating foreign journalists at press conferences who refer to the assault on Ukraine as an “invasion.”

At the same time, censors on the tightly controlled Chinese internet have struggled to shape domestic public discourse, initially allowing vociferous posts that tracked Beijing’s anti-US rhetoric, before pivoting to scrub lewd messages objectifying women fleeing Ukraine as well as anti-war sentiment. AFP Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION

TODAY Regional Trial Court Branch 78 QuezonCity

HEED THE CHILDREN’S PLEA. Three

Slavic children living in Taiwan display posters during a protest against Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine at the Free Square outside the Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall in Taipei on March 6, 2022. AFP

Ukraine dominates socmed information war with Russia

U

KRAINE has succeeded in dominating social media in the first days since the Russian invasion, in an intensifying information war with Moscow that Kyiv so far appears to be winning, analysts say.

Even as President Volodymyr Zelensky remains bunkered down in Kyiv amid heavy bombardment and the fear of assassination, his government has

MARITES MACARAEG SINGH, Petitioner, -VersusS.P. PROC. CASE NO. R-QZN-2!-04941-SP FOR: JUDICIAL DECLARATION OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH. KASHMIR SINGH, Respondent. x-----------------------------------------------x

Plaintiff, -versus-

(Sgd.) ATTY. FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge (MStandard-Feb. 28 & Mar. 7, 2022)

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV FOR: Sum of Money and Damages

KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD and ERWIN PARUNGAO, Defendants. x------------------------------------------------x

ORDER The Court received the records of case on November 9, 2021 after the same was re-raffled among the different Special Family Courts of this jurisdiction pursuant to ADM. MATTER NO. 21-073 dated July 19. 2021 issued by the Office of the Honorable Executive Judge, RTC, Quezon City.

Instant case is for the PETITION FOR JUDIC IAL DECLARATION OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH OF KASHMIR SINGH filed by petitioner MARITES MACARAEG SINGH [Marites] on June 16, 2021 seeking the declaration of KASHMIR SINGH presumptively dead; and order the reversion of petitioner’s name into her maiden name- MARITES BELON MACARAEG “ x by invoking Article 41 of the Family Code and declare Kashmir Singh presumptively dead so that she can move on and find her happiness, and probably, to marry again if given the chance. After all she is now fifty years old and will soon be needing the company of another”.

Petitioner alleges in her petition, among others, that she is a Filipino citizen, of legal age, and residing at No. 2S-H Dona Yayang Street, Barangay Libis, Quezon City; while respondent KASHMIR SINGH (Kashmir) is an Indian National of legal age, and last resided at his last known address at D5 Apartments, Manuel Quezon Street, Antipolo City.

That Marites was introduced to Kashmir when she met the latter in Barangay Libis sometime in 1996 where Kashmir was doing a money lending business.

After more than two (2) years of relationship, Marites got pregnant and the two got married on September 11, 1999 at St Ignatius Chapel in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Less than three (3) months after they got married their daughter Sofia Kiran Singh (Kiran) was born.

The family lived together with no apparent problem for six (6) years. They rented an apartment in St. Joseph, Cainta and tended their Iives together with petitioner working as real estate broker while Kashmir continued to ran and manage his money lending business and he appeared to be very responsible and a good provider for the needs of his family treating them with utmost love and affection.

In 2005, Kashmir travelled back to Jalandhar, India and showed no signs of unusual situation. Marites and Kiran accompanied him to the airport they did not think that it was the last day that they will see him. When Kashmir arrived in India, he always call the petitioner and Kiran especially in the first four months of his arrival there; he also sends them financial support.

The months turned to years but Kashmir never returned to the Philippines or to his family until this very day. Even the telephone number that he uses in calling the petitioner and Kiran in the early months of his arrival in India was no longer functional when they tried to contact him back. That he too also stopped sending money to his wife and daughter. That after several months of being left alone, Marites already felt the burden of maintaining their rented apartment. Hence, she and her daughter transferred to their old house in Barangay Libis and resided until today.

In the entire duration of their marriage, Kashmir has introduced petitioner to only one relative by the name of BABU SINGH. During their boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, they frequently visited Babu in his residence in Antipolo City where Kashmir also used to live.

That in one occasion, Kashmir confided to Marites his problem about the stiff competition in money lending business. He mentioned that there are times that Indians who are in his kind of business quarrel about money and “territories”.

Sometime after Kashmir left for India, a group of Indian males and females were seen roaming near the house of Marites’ parents in Libis and asked about the whereabouts of Kashmir also the looks of Kiran if she too appears like an Indian.

Also when they at the house of Marites’ elder sister for several weeks before Kashmir went back to India she noticed unusual actuations from Kashmir. He was always looking outside by the window and was always suspicious of people who are passing by the house. He also started parking his motorcycle in a place where it is not readily seen.

Petitioner hoped for 15 long years that Kashmir will return. In these long years she kept on going back to Antipolo and other places that she and her husband frequented to such an Indian Restos, the Sikh Temple, and been asking friends of Kashmir if he already went back to the country. She also tried to check the travel records of Kashmir in the Bureau of Immigration but she always get negative answers. Until she became tired in looking for her husband and decided to focus her attention to her daughter. She thought that she can only look and wait so much and that she is also entitled to be happy. She selflessly gave up fifteen years of her life waiting raising and nurturing her daughter alone and ensured that she grows up well She is now before this court seeking the mantle of Article 41 of the Family Code, for her to marry again if given the chance.

Finding the instant Petition and its annexes to be sufficient in form and substance, set the petition for hearing on MARCH 9, 2022, WEDNESDAY AT EXACTLY 8:30 IN THE MORNING before this Court sitting at Room 203 Second Floor Hall of Justice Annex Building, QC Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City where all persons offices entities are required to attend and show cause why the instant petition should be denied by the Court.

Accordingly, petitioner and counsel are required to have copy of this Order published in a newspaper of national circulation for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper chosen in a raffle by the Office of the Honorable Executive Judge.

Petitioner’s counsel is required to furnish the Office of the Honorable Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of Quezon City and the City Prosecutor of Antipolo City within five (5) days from receipt of a copy of this Order a copy of the instant petition complete with annexes and to show compliance thereof soonest time possible.

Let also a copy of this Order, the petition and annexes be sent to KASHMIR SINGH at his address “care of MR SUBA SINGH & GIAN KAUR SINGH, Sidhu, Siohupor, Jalandhar, India” via Philippine Postal Service at the expense of the petitioner.

Further let copy of this Order, the petition and its annexes be posted by the Deputy Sheriff of this Court at the Bulletin Board of this court situated at the Ground Floor of this Building; Bulletin Boards of Quezon City and the City of Antipolo.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 16th day of November, 2021

forced an all-out assault on social me- Russia stepped up bombardments have war. When something happens, they dia to win supporters for their cause. also gripped people around the world. pull out their phones.”

Robert said the majority of proZelensky’s daily video addresses, More unverifiable viral claims have usually published with English sub- included the so-called “ghost of Kyiv,” a Ukraine videos doing the rounds on titles, have become viral sensations, flying ace said to have downed a dozen Twitter are genuine, but there have while the defense and foreign min- Russian warplanes, or the Kyiv woman been claims which subsequent factistries tout the military resistance of who purportedly knocked out a Russian checking proved to be exaggerated.

In the early stages of the war, Kyiv Ukraine in snazzy graphics. drone with a jar of pickled cucumbers.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians have posted “In the first phase of the conflict, hailed as heroes 13 border guards who videos showing the success of their forc- in terms of international opinion, the it said lost their lives defending a tiny es that have become viral trends, includ- Ukrainians are clearly ahead in infor- Black Sea island after swearing at the ing a Ukrainian missile shooting down mation,” said Baptiste Robert, founder Russian forces over the radio.

CYAN MAGENTA BLACK as the They had YELLOW in fact all survived, a Russian helicopter and a Ukrainian of Predicta Lab, a French company Ukrainian later acknowlfarmer towing away captured Russian fighting disinformation. equipment and items foundauthorities therein.

Republic of the Philippines National Capital Region thing is that in inParis demilitary hardware on his tractor.

“The mostJudicial impressive it edged.

5. Plaintiff offered to Ukraine’s help defendantsembassy talk to the lessor order that have a new Contract of Lease (therefore termination the COURT nies any deliberate attempt tothemislead, Self-shot videos of Ukrainians sob- isREGIONAL organic,”TRIAL he said.

“There is a real they de-may Lease Contract between plaintiff and the lessor), on condition Branch 84, Quezon City that they saying pay the balance the purchase price in full and issue “weofdon’t do fake news.”

AFPthe bing amid the ruins of their towns after sire of the Ukrainians to document this necessary post-dated checks.

GILBERT ANGCHONG,

SUMMONS

STREET ART.

A passerby

TO: KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD walks past THRU: THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 16th Floor, Commercial and Industry Plaza Bldg., Campus a 1030 poster cor. Park Avenues, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig bearing a City, Philippines Tel. No. +63 2 8567449 painting of E-mail: mofaicgovae@gmail.com

Japanese artist and YOU ARE HEREBY required within SIXTY (60) DAYS from ukiyo-e the last issue of publication to file with this Court and serve on print the plaintiff your answer to the Complaint, copy of which is here attached, together with the annexes thereto. You designer are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines Toshusai dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof asSharaku defenses inin the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time aforesaid, the plaintiff on the will take judgment against you by default and mayTokyo be granted relief applied for in the Petition.

March 6, WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court,2022. this 14 AFP Day of GREETINGS:

th

February 2022 at Quezon City, Metro Manila.

(Sgd.) ANNA MERCEDES A. BARCELO Officer-in-Charge

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 84 QUEZON CITY GILBERT ANGCHONG, Plaintiff,

At least 6 killed North Korea claims new test toward in US tornado ‘reconnaissance satellite’ creation -versus-

FOUR adults and two children were killed when a tornado hit Madison County in the US state of Iowa on Saturday, officials said.

At least four other adults were injured in the tornado that caused “widespread damage to both homes and properties,” the county’s emergency management director told a press briefing.

“This is, I think, the worst that anyone has seen in quite a long time,” Diogenes Ayala said. “This will be impactful for many years to come.”

National Weather Service Des Moines tweeted at 7:30 pm (0130 GMT Sunday) that “the worst is over for central Iowa.”

“Storms are moving off to the East. Areas west of the line, including the Des Moines metro, are in the clear.”

NWS said its survey teams would thoroughly investigate the damage on Sunday.

“This is pretty devastating for our community,” Ayala said, adding that rescue efforts would continue overnight.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Madison County, which allows state resources to be used to assist with recovery.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the deadly storms that tore through our state today,” Reynolds said in a statement. AFP

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV For: Sum of Money and Damages

KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD & ERWIN P ARUNGAO, Defendants. x --------------------------------------------------x

6. Accordingly, defendant Muhammad paid the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php300,000.00) as earnest money.

Thereafter, defendants started their operations under the name Zero Point.

Anti-feminist or foul-mouthed liberal? Sokor to elect president

7. From March 2019 10 April 2019, defendant Muhammad, through defendant Parungao, was able to pay the total amount of Three Million four Hundred Sixty One Thousand Pesos (Php3,461,000.00) in favor of plaintiff, broken down as follows: Date of Payment 25 March 2019 28 March 2019 19 March 2019 2 April 2021

Amount Php 500,000,00 Php 1,778,000.00 Php 138,000.00 Php 745.000.00

8. Nonetheless, while defendants continued their operations, they have not issued and replaced plaintiff’s post-dated checks as rental payment.

9. After April 201 9, defendants pay thearemaining balance SOUTH Koreafailed willtoelect new presiof One Million ‘Three Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Pesos dent Wednesday and andvoters face (Php 1,339,000.00).

Further, they failed continued to failato substitutestark the required post-dated checks. choice: a feminist-bashing con-

10. Despite plaintiff’s repeated requests for payment,liberal? defendants servative or a scandal-plagued did not pay the balance of purchase price as well as issue the far, it’s a dead heat. had been asking for necessarySo checks.

Instead, defendants extensions of time to pay their debts to plaintiff, and on numerous The two dour foroccasions, promised to settlefrontrunners, its unpaid obligations.

mernoprosecutor Suk-yeol of the 11. However, payment ever Yoon came. And because defendants repeatedlyPeople reneged Power on its promises pay, the plaintiff sent to party toand incumdefendant Parungao a letter dated 27 May 2019, demanding the bent Democratic party’s maverick eximmediate payment of their overdue account. governor Jae-myung arebytrapped A copy of the letter datedLee 27 May 2019 duly received defendants is attached as Annex “B”. inhereto a neck-and-neck race to become

12. Consequently, dated 24fourth June 2019, plaintiff the nextin another leaderletter of Asia’s largest reiterated its demand for defendants to fully settle its obligation economy. with the plaintiff and to issue the necessary post-dated checks.

whatplaintiff’s propels one ofcheck them to 2 12.1. DuringAnd this time, post-dated dated June 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos victory will not be their populist cam(Php300,000.00) was applied to defendants’ supposed rent for North Korea the monthpaign of Junepromises 2019 due toor defendants’ failure topolicy, substitute plaintiff’s issued checks. analysts say. Instead, it’s what the pa-

A copy of the letter dated 24 June 2019 duly received by pers have dubbed a “cycle of revenge” defendants is attached hereto as Annex “C”.

in South Korea’s famously adversarial

12.2. Again, while defendants continued their operations, defendants failed to heed plaintiff’s demand for payment. politics.

13. Then, on“This 2 July 2019, plaintiff’s dated 2 election is post-dated a battlecheck between July 2019 in the amount, of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos two opposite progressives (Php300,000.00) was again forces—the applied to defendants’ rent payment for the month of July 2019 as defendants continue toanarefuse and conservatives,” said political to replace plaintiff’s post-dated checks with the lessor. As a lyst itPark consequence. would Sang-byoung. now appear that plaintiff continues to pay for the rent ofSouth defendants while presidents the latter continue to operateby and Korean are allowed generate income therefrom.

NORTH Korea carried out “another The development of a military reORDER important test” towards the developconnaissance satellite – along with Submitted for resolution of the Court is the “Ex-Parte Motion for the (to Serve Summons)” weapons filed by plaintiff Gilbert Angchong ment of a reconnaissance satellite,Leave state hypersonic tested in January law to serve a single five year term, and through counsel on 29 November 2021.

14. On 8 July 2019, defendant Muhammad requested for media said Sunday, but analysts warned – is officially one of Pyongyang’s key every living During formersaidpresident has been a meeting with plaintiff. meeting however, only In the said Motion, plaintiff substantially states the following: defendant Parungao and defendant Muhammad’s brother it was a thinly-veiled ballistic missile defense projects, as outlined by leader investigated and jailed for corruption after attended. They undertook to pay by next week the balance of the 1. That there was aJong failureUn of service summons to defendant launch, just days before South Korea Kim last ofyear. purchase leaving price together with the amount of Php600,000.00 as a office.

Muhammad on several occasions. As per Sheriffs Return dated reimbursement for the rental payment for the months of June and 09 October 2019, the summons was not National served as said defendant elects a new president.

“The DPRK Aerospace Outgoing President Moon Jae-in July 2019. Hoping that the matter would finally be settled, plaintiff was then in Dubai and his return is uncertain. Plaintiffs then went accommodated defendants’ for the last himself sweptrequest to power intime.

2017 after From hypersonic to medium-range Administration to defendant Development Muhammad’s business address several times, (NADA) but the summons was returned unserved as per Supplemental Sheriff’s Still, defendants failed to pay. predecessor Park Geunhis disgraced ballistic missiles, Pyongyang test-fired and the Academy of Defense Science Report dated 05 November 2019.

15. On 2hye August plaintiff’s post-dated dated 2 was2019, impeached over an check influencea string of banned weapons in January conducted another important test on August 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos 2. On 20 November 2019 and 09 December 2019, Atty. Jason peddling scandal also putsupposed a Sam(Php300,000.00) was again appliedthat for defendants’ rent and last week launched what it claimed under plan of developing a Evangelista Saturday filed a Formal Entry the of Appearance with Motion payment sung becauseheir defendants and continue to refuse to for Extension of Time to File Answer and a Motion to Dismiss, behindrefuse bars. was a component of a “reconnaissance reconnaissance satellite,” KCNA news issue the post-dated checks. respectively, representing only defendant Erwin Parungao.

Now, Park’s conservatives are eager satellite” – although Seoul described it agency said, using the acronyms of the 16. As a result of defendants’ continuous refusal and unwillingness 3. On 28 January 2021, plaintiffs allegedly received defendants’ revenge.checks, plaintiff was constrained to preto replacefor the post-dated as another ballistic missile.

North’s official name.

Motion and Manifestation (with Formal Entry of Appearance) as terminate his contract with the lessor and withdraw from the lessor Ironically, their candidate Yoon was well as their Answer (with Compulsory Counterclaim) under the his remaining postdated checks as he could not anymore carry North Korea is under biting interna“Through test, the NADA conimpression that both defendants the were properly represented. out the payment. chief prosecutor under Moon and purtional sanctions for its nuclear weapons firmed the reliability of the data trans17. Still, out of good plaintiff defendant that – the 4. That defendant Muhammad even admitted his personal sued Parkfaith, when sheinformed was impeached Contract of Lease executed between him and the lessor in relation circumstances in the saidand Answer. programs, but peaceful satellite launchmission reception system of the satanforexperience that has boosted his profile to the lease Oblivion’s operations been pre-terminated as a es are not subject to the same level ellite, itsAtty. control result of defendant’s refusal to substitute and/or replace 5. Onof 28 October 2021, Amazonacommand manifested his system withdrawal and and popularity and pushed him toplaintiff’s enpost-dated checks which served as rental payment. in representing defendantground-based Khalid Mushtaq Muhammad assystems,” he was restrictions – although they use much of various control ter politics. AFP not given any Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

A copy of the Notice dated 14 August 2019 is attached hereto as the same technology. it added. AFP Annex “ D”.

6. That it appears this Court has yet to acquire jurisdiction over the person of defendant Muhammad.

Flood-hit eastern Australia braces for more wild weather 7. Plaintiff thus prays for leave of court to effect service of summons to defendant Muhammad out of the Philippines.

Based on the record and pleading filed by plaintiff thru counsel,

18. Defendant Muhammad promised to give check payments for the balance and for the rental payment but not a single centavo was given to the plaintiff.

To date, plaintiff has not received any payment (after April 2019) from defendants.

AUSTRALIAN towns devastated

by Muhamman to hit further south inin the stateaddress of New local charity organization, said he spent defendant is no longer residing his stated 19. Thereafter, the lessor accepted plaintiff’s request to prein the Philippines, and Wales, he has already returned tothe his Country terminate his Leasecollecting Contract and agreed to returnof theinsulin, post-dated deadly flooding over the past week preSouth including town of Saturday donations of Origin in Dubai, UAE. Thus, it would appear that in order for checks provided that all the equipment and other movables are Court to Lismore, obtain jurisdiction over the person,saw summons pared for further intense weatherthisSunwhich lastsaidweek record which were delivered by2019. a privateremoved from the leasedthen premises by 31 August by publication is not sufficient but also extra-territorial service is day, with expected downpours halting flooding and dramatic rescue efforts to ly-chartered helicopter diabetic resi-of imperative thru the Embassy of UAE. 20. Plaintiff informed defendants of theto lessor’s acceptance the pretermination of his Lease Contract andWoodburn. requested them to volunteer recovery and clean-up efforts. save residents stranded on their roofs. dents in the nearby town of WHEREFORE, in the light of the foregoing, the Court RESOLVES move all their equipment and movables. Plaintiff likewise advised The national weather bureau warned The death toll from the floods in Minister Dutton as follows: them to Defense directly communicate withPeter the lessor if they Sunwant to continue their operations on the premises concerned. of severe thunderstorms and major New South Wales stands at five, after day defended the work of his depart1. GRANTS the Summons by Publication; let summons be However, defendants suddenly stopped communicating with the effected uponthe the body defendant AQ MUHAMMAD flooding in the state of Queensland, ofKHALID a manMUSHT was found Saturday. ment in the aftermath of the record plaintiff. publication, together with the copy of the complaint and its where 11 people died in theby past Some locals in flood-affected areas flooding, saying he was “absolutely annexes, once in a newspaper of general circulation 21. Then, on 31 August 201 9, plaintiff discovered that defendants continue to operatewith on the the leased premises. response.” week’s floods. have taken to social media to vent frussatisfied defense 2. ORDERS Plaintiff and the Counsel to furnish the UAB 22. As a result, the lessor continued to apply plaintiff’s post-dated Flash flooding is forecast for the ma- in Manila, trationcopyabout what they by seePublication, as a lack “We’ve come in force, and we will Embassy of the said Summons checks as rental payment because the leased property was not yet Complaint and its Annexes and this Order; jor city of Brisbane, home to 2.6 mil- of police, defense personnel and emerincrease the numbers dramatically,” he cleared. On 2 September 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated 2 September 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand 3. ORDERSgency Defendant KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD lion people. services on the ground to ishelp said, promising there would be 5,000 Pesos (Php300,000.00) was again applied for defendants’ hereby ordered to file his Answer within sixty (60) calendar days Heavy rains, large hailstones the recovery effort. troops on the ground in refuse the and coming supposed rent payment because defendants continue afterand notice ofwith such summons

by Publication from receipt of the to issue the post-dated checks. said Embassy. damaging winds were also expected In Lismore, Tom Wolff, who runs toa refuse days.

AFP 4. ORDERS Plaintiff thru counsel to submit proof of compliance herewith within FIFTEEN (15) days from the last issue of publication and Submission to the DAB Embassy.

5. Set the continuation of hearing is set on 06 April 2022 at 9:00 in the morning thru video conference hearing, as previously scheduled.

23. Under the circumstances, it has become obvious to plaintiff that defendants have no intention and/or is not about to make any payment.

24 . For defendants’ unjust failure and/or refusal to pay its monetary obligations to plaintiff, despite repeated demands upon it to do so, defendants must be ordered to pay plaintiff the amount of TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE THOUSAND

Business Visa, Mastercard announce plan to halt Russia services NEW YORK, United States—Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

“Noting the unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment,” Mastercard said it had “decided to suspend our network services in Russia.”

Visa, for its part, said that “effective immediately” it would “work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days.”

US President Joe Biden “welcomed the decision” during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in which the two discussed US, ally and private industry actions to deter Russia from aggression, according to a White House readout.

Major corporations across a range of industries have halted business in Russia since its invasion began on Feb. 24, including everything from US-based tech firms such as Intel and Airbnb to French luxury giants LVMH, Hermes and Chanel.

Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack.

“Our colleagues, our customers and our partners have been affected in ways that most of us could not imagine,” Mastercard said, stating that its cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the company’s network.

Visa similarly said that cards issued in Russia would no longer work outside the country. AFP

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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

DIGITAL LAB. People work at the TechWorks digital fabrication lab in Jordan’s capital Amman on Feb. 20, 2022. A wealth of ideas would not have seen the light of day without TechWorks, a Jordanian platform aimed at bringing together youth, ideas and resources to jumpstart innovations. Set up in 2018, TechWorks says its mission is “to plug into entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems” and turn ideas into reality. It is equipped with state-of-theart technology such as 3D printers and affiliated with a foundation set up by Crown Prince Hussein. AFP

Stocks to move sideways amid Russia-Ukraine war

By Jenniffer B. Austria

L

OCAL stocks are expected to continue moving sideways over the near term as the positive developments in the domestic front are being tempered by the worsening Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Analysts said while the shift in the lower alert level and the positive earnings report boosted market sentiments, investors were also anticipating the negative impact of the Russia-Ukraine tension on the domestic economy.

“There is no real winner to war, and this applies to even equity holders as value chains get disrupted and macroeconomic fundamentals are upheaved.

Brace for further broad-based volatility,” online brokerage firm 2TradeA-

sia.com said.

The International Monetary Fund said the already “serious” global economic impacts of the war in Ukraine would be “all the more devastating” should the conflict escalate.

“Price shocks will have an impact worldwide, especially on poor households for whom food and fuel are a higher proportion of expenses,” the international lender said.

It said that emergency financial assistance requested by Ukraine amounted to $1.4 billion.

Security Bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group said despite the external developments, the Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, may hit the 8,000 mark by the end of the year as companies adapt to the new normal.

“With listed companies being able to adapt Manila to the new normal, this has made Standard them more resilient to lockTODAY

Rainbow: Appreciating the beauty of diversities and differences ANTHONY ALFARO

Green Light

GROWING up in a society where norms dictate the standards for right and wrong, I experienced a myriad of judgments. It is difficult for me to deal with different comments that I hear. I experience discrimination in the workplace because I’m a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is disheartening that it seems hard for people to accept that genders are not only men and women, and we are free to show who we are inside. I believe that this is the main reason why many LGBTQIA+ are hiding their true feelings— their true gender identity.

I hear that most of the members of this community also experienced workplace discrimination as there are companies that refused to hire them because of their gender. What’s worst is that the Philippines is still bombarded with people who do not know how diverse this group of individuals is. There are times when I almost lose hope. However, I always put in mind the bible verse from Deuteronomy 1:17, which says that You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.

Undeniably, a person or a group of people is treated unfairly or unequally in the job due to a set of qualities. This is indeed the concept of workplace discrimination. As I have learned, employer-employee discrimination can take place in the workplace between coworkers, job candidates and employees themselves. The discrimination could be in gender, ethnicity, religion or culture. I believe this is rooted in every place’s culture, norms, tradition and taboos. We cannot deny that society has set standards for what is expected and what is not, and those outside it are being criticized. In terms of gender discrimination, I believe this is a product of our patriarchal cul-

ture. Patriarchy makes us believe that men should be strong and masculine.

However, this should change, and businesses play a significant role in ensuring that workplace discrimination will come to an end. Small efforts can be taken by businesses to make their workplace more inclusive, such as being aware of micro-aggressions, training employees, building a strong support network and reinforcing the company’s policy on providing LGBT employees with a comfortable and safe working environment. We must understand that we have diverse traits and respect the differences.

As an employee who experienced workplace discrimination, I commit myself to ensuring that no other members of the community will suffer from unjust and unfair treatment just because they are different, even if their traits do not conform to the social norms. I will advocate equality, most especially in terms of gender. I will also share my thoughts with the LGBTQ Allies and those against them to realize that everybody deserves respect— no matter what their gender is.

However, we must also learn to forgive those who have judged us, as there are instances that they are just less educated or blinded by societal standards.

The best approach is to educate them.

Let us all have a positive outlook and accept each other’s differences. With this, I’ll end this with a Bible verse from Romans 15:5-7, May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God. The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. He can be reached at anthony_alfaro@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

downs, allowing both local institutional and retail investors to be more comfortable in increasing investments in the stock market. This is reflected in the continued recovery of the PSEi every time a sell-off occurs,” Basil John Go, head of equities at Security Bank Trust and Asset Management Group, said.

Go said despite the optimism, several scenarios could affect the bullish outlook on the stock market, such as new deadly COVID-19 variants, higher-than-normal inflation, a more hawkish Federal Reserve that could lead to higher-than-expected interest rates, an escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the possibility of having a challenging election season.

The PSEi rose 1.8 percent last week to close at 7,342.01 while the broader all-share index climbed 1.37 percent to 3,895.52. With AFP

Switzerland business forced to readjust to sanctions on Russia ZURICH, Switzerland—Switzerland’s newly adopted tough stance on Russia has forced the Swiss economy to readjust to sanctions, blowing a wind of panic through the raw materials market in particular.

Switzerland announced Monday it would follow the sanctions being imposed by the European Union, abandoning Bern’s traditional reserve by ordering the immediate freezing of assets belonging to Russian companies and individuals appearing on the EU blacklist.

And it went further on Friday, adopting even stricter EU sanctions applied in response to Moscow’s Feb. 24 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Exporting goods that could enhance Russia’s military capabilities is prohibited, as is the exportation of certain goods and services in the oil sector, and aviation technology.

“The implementation of these sanctions is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality,” the government insisted in a statement.

The wealthy Alpine nation’s businesses are complying with the sanctions but have also stressed that Russian money accounts for only a fraction of their turnover, in an attempt to reassure investors.

The airline Swiss, a subsidiary of Germany’s Lufthansa, has suspended its flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Luxury group Richemont, which owns jewellery company Cartier, told business press agency AWP on Thursday that it had halted its commercial activities in Russia.

Global container shipping company MSC and freight logistics firm Kuehne + Nagel have stopped taking Russian orders for cargo, except for food, medical and humanitarian goods.

Business lobby Economiesuisse said the sanctions would have “limited” direct consequences on foreign trade. AFP

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

B4

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

IN BRIEF

Cebu Pacific expands domestic network CEBU Pacific said over the weekend it ramped up its domestic network by adding more flights to key hubs, following the continuous easing of travels for Filipinos and foreign tourists alike.

It said that starting March 27, flights from Manila and Boracay will operate up to 16 times daily; to Bohol up to seven times daily; to Cagayan de Oro up to 10 times daily; to Cebu up to 18 times daily; to Davao 10 times daily; and to Iloilo three times daily.

CEB will also resume flights this month to other destinations across the country such as Siargao and Surigao via Manila, Calbayog via Cebu, Iloilo and Zamboanga via Davao, and General Santos via Iloilo.

“We are very happy to continuously see positive indicators in the industry, that is why we are also doing what we can to ensure we address the travel demand. Our passengers’ safety and comfort remain our primary concerns and we look forward to flying them to their desired destinations,” CEB chief commercial officer Xander Lao. CEB operates with 100-percent fullyvaccinated active flying crew. It started its booster program to ensure the continued safety of employees and passengers.

Business SM Prime boosts 2022 capex to P80b to build malls, condos

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

M PRIME Holdings Inc., a leading integrated property developer, allocated P80 billion in capital expenditures this year to finance the rollout of more malls, residential projects and land banking activities.

SM Prime said in a recent investor presentation said it was planning to open four new shopping malls and expand five existing ones that would add around 300,000 square meters of gross floor area to the company’s mall portfolio.

The four new malls are SM City Roxas (41,000 sq. m.), SM City Tugeuga-

ro (63,000 sq. m.) SM City Sorsogon (40,000 sq. m.) and SM City Tanza (60,000 sq. m.).

SM Prime said it would also expand the floor area of SM Mall of Asia, SM City Urdaneta, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Cagayan de Oro and SM City Iloilo.

It said the funding for this year’s capital expenditures would be from internally-generated funds and external borrowings.

The P80-billion programmed spending for 2022 is 23 percent higher than the P65 billion it actually spent in 2021.

SM Prime has 78 malls in the country with 8.9 million sq. m. of GFA and seven malls in China with 1.3 million sq. m. of GFA. SM Prime said the expansion of SM Xiamen and the construction of the new SM Yangzhou already started.

The company is also expanding its residential business. SM Prime said in a recent regulatory filing it planned to launch 15,000 to 20,000 residential units this year.

SM Prime has 61 residential projects, including 46 in Metro Manila and 15 in the provinces.

The property firm also has 12 office buildings with combined GFA of 700,000 sq. m., five convention centers, two trade halls and nine hotels with over 2,200 room keys.

SM Prime reported a net income of P21.8 billion in 2021, up 21 percent from P18 billion it booked in 2020 on the back of higher revenues from malls.

Consolidated revenues reached P82.32 billion, including 56 percent from residential business and 36 percent from mall business. Other businesses accounted for the balance of 8 percent.

Return to on-site work to affect BPO attrition BUSINESS process outsourcing companies expressed concern over the possible impact of the return to on-site work on the rising attrition rate within the sector.

“This is what our sector is fearing for,” said IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines president Jack Madrid at the recent webinar “ICT outlook for 2022: A Fuel for Economic Progress”.

“There is difficulty in finding enough people to fill roles. There is too much attrition in our industry, which has put pressure on our operations and there is also a misalignment of talent and supply,” he said.

The Philippines’ attrition rate is estimated between 30 percent and 40 percent, which is higher than normal attrition across all sectors and industries. Based on a survey conducted by the group during the pandemic, up to 14 percent of IT and business process management employees were looking to change jobs in the next three to six months.

The survey revealed that both entry-level and high-skilled jobs are in short supply, and employers are having difficulty attracting and retaining talent. Othel V. Campos

Sky Fiber ups the ante in broadband competion THE broadband unit of the ABS-CBN Corp. upped raised the ante in the ongoing price war in the industry as it offers fast and reliable internet speed at affordable prices for Filipino households.

“While the proliferation of broadband options is beneficial for consumers, choosing the right plan for their daily needs is proving to be a challenge,” SKY Fiber head of consumer product, programming and airtime group James Dumlao said.

“And, more often than not, there would be a trade-off in terms of price, speed, reliability, or overall service,” he said.

Sky head of consumer broadband Alan Supnet said budget-conscious consumers tend to settle for low-cost plans with an unreliable connection, while those concerned about poor internet connection go for mega high-speed plans but end up paying exorbitant fees.

Given this, Sky Fiber is offering Super Speed Plans for affordable and faster broadband service for Filipino consumers.

Darwin G. Amojelar

SCRAP TO CROP. Aboitiz Construction, in collaboration with the Agriculture’s Office and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Toledo City and Balamban in Cebu, leads a “Scrap to Crop and Waste Management Program” that capacitated 55 farmers on gardening and waste management. Farmers were trained to do organic farming, vegetable production, and solid waste management.

ICTSI spending P15b to build 8th berth at Manila Container Terminal

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said over the weekend it is spending P15 billion to expand the capacity of Manila International Container Terminal with the development of another berth—Berth 8.

The port operator led by businessman Enrique Razon said the construction of the new berth in two phases would allow MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve new-generation container ships that can carry up to 18,000 TEUs or twenty-foot equivalent units.

It said that with the growing trend towards larger container ships, MICT will be ready to service these very large

container ships with ease and efficiency.

“The added capacity will allow us to stay ahead of demand and address the steadily increasing volume, a sure sign of economic recovery for our country.

Berth 8 will be a game-changer for the city; it will take Manila’s port capabilities to a whole new level with the ability to handle the larger capacity ships and the additional volume that comes with them,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said.

Berth 8 will add a total of 400 meters quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases. Along with port equipment, the expansion is estimated to cost P15 billion.

Water alongside will be initially dredged to a depth of 13.5 meters, with potential

MICT EXPANSION. MOL Success becomes the first vessel to dock at Berth 7 of Manila International Container Terminal, the flagship project of International Container Terminal Services Inc., following the completion of the berth’s expansion in 2021. ICTSI continues to expand the capacity of MICT with the ongoing development of Berth 8. The construction of the new berth, which will be done in two phases, will allow MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve new-generation container ships that can carry up to 18,000 TEUs.

further deepening to 15-meter draft.

“ICTSI is not specifically obligated under its contract with the Philippine Ports Authority to build Berth 8. We’re doing it to become more competitive in the face of rising global trade. Our commitment has always been to provide the highest levels of service and infrastructure and building another berth to increase our terminal’s capability is one way of honoring that commitment,” Gonzalez said.

The full build, including Berths 6 and 7 and combined with the 1,300 meters of Berths 1 to 5, will give MICT a total berth length of 2,300 meters and expand the MICT berthing and total capacities by 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, March 4, 2022

-46.08 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

7,342.01

1,326,856,706 80,129 5,222,047,508.96 89

DECLINES

102

UNCHANGED

44

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.4700

Japan

Yen

0.008661

0.4458

UK

Pound

1.335400

68.7330

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127946

6.5854

Switzerland

Franc

1.090394

56.1226

Canada

Dollar

0.788644

40.5915

Singapore

Dollar

0.737354

37.9516

Australia

Dollar

0.732900

37.7224

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

136.5325

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266539

13.7188

Brunei

Dollar

0.734646

37.8122

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030684

1.5793

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.0146

Euro

Euro

1.106800

56.9670

Korea

Won

0.000830

0.0427

China

Yuan

0.158208

8.1430

India

Rupee

0.013168

0.6778

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238977

12.3001

New Zealand

Dollar

0.680000

34.9996

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035638

1.8343 Source: BSP

PH seen keeping investment grade despite rising debt

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno expressed optimism the Philippines will maintain its investment-grade scores from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Rating as the country’s debt level remains manageable.

Diokno made the comment over the weekend following economists’ opinion that the country’s record P12.03trillion government debt might be a cause for concern.

“The common misconception is that the absolute level of the public debt matters. It shouldn’t be. What matters is the level of public debt as percent of the size of the economy [or the gross domestic product, GDP], whether public debt is sustainable, and whether public borrowings were justified,” Diokno said.

The public debt to GDP ratio prior to the pandemic was 39.6 percent.

It rose to roughly 61 percent as the government ramped up pandemic response. The debt consists of 70 percent local borrowings and 30 percent foreign.

Diokno said the domestic debt included the zero-interest P300 billion in provisional advances by the BSP to the national government—which was lower than the similar loan the government received from the BSP worth P540 billion. The BSP expects the provisional advances to be fully settled by end-June 2022.

Diokno said that by international comparison, a debt-to-GDP of 61 percent is manageable.

“Is the current level of public debt sustainable? The short answer is yes.

The often-used metric for debt sustainability is debt as percent of GDP. The old doctrine suggests that 60 percent is the threshold. [This is one of the two eligibility requirements for countries that would like to join the Euro community; the other requirement is that the deficit-to-GDP ratio should be lower than 3 percent. These twin requirements are supposed to be measures of the fiscal health of the potential member country],” he said.

“As I mentioned earlier, before the pandemic, the Philippines debtto-GDP ratio was 39.6 percent and as a result of the pandemic, it is now slightly above 60 percent,” he said.

San Miguel unit plans to construct 300-MW LNG plant in San Carlos City

By Alena Mae S. Flores RELIANCE Energy Development Inc., a power producer controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., plans to construct a 300-megawatt liquefied natural gas combined cycle power plant at San Carlos City Ecozone in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental at a cost of P18.5 billion.

Documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that REDI’s power plant would be composed of four units, with 75-megawatt capacity each.

“The proposed power plant of REDI will help augment the demand for reliable and affordable power supply,” the company said.

REDI cited the Department of Energy’s Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040 where peak electricity requirements will increase by almost four times, or equivalent to a 6.6-percent annual growth rate to 54,655 MW by 2040 from 15,282 MW in 2020.

The Philippines will need to increase the total installed capacity on the system by 69,400 MW to 95,700 MW from 26,300 MW in 2020.

“The proposed project will also support DOE’s advocacy to shift to cleaner source of energy to reduce the GHG emissions from the energy sector,” the company said.

REDI said natural gas is a more flexible, secured, environment-friendly and cost-effective source of energy.

Common station for 4 railway lines nears completion, likely to open to passengers by July this year, says DOTr THE Department of Transportation said over the weekend said it expects the common station for the four railway systems in Metro Manila to start operations

by July this year.

The agency said the station building of Area A of the common station is now connected to Area B, or the Atrium, which was 100-percent completed.

The 13,700-square-meter concourse area will interconnect the four major railway lines of LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-

7, and soon, the Metro Manila Subway Project.

“Notwithstanding the fact that I did not close EDSA to traffic, notwithstanding the fact that I did not suspend or realign the operations of MRT-3, the construction of the common station’s building structure will be completed by end of March,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Targeted to start operations by July, Tugade ordered commencement of op-

erations at an earlier date, “without sacrificing quality of work and reasonability of cost”.

“I will henceforth, until my term ends, inspect and make sure that the electromechanical system will also be in place so that this common station—a longtime dream of the Filipino people—will come into reality. I hope it can be done during the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Tugade said.

The project’s contractor, BF Con-

struction, assured that it will meet the timeline set by Tugade with non-stop construction works.

BF Construction chief executive Marides Fernando said the concreting of the platform level, where the MRT-3 and LRT-1 lines are set to merge, is ongoing.

Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa lauded the relentless efforts of the DOTr to improve mobility and connectivity in the country.

“So, in the near future, I can change

from the MRT-3 to the LRT-1 and MRT7 or Metro Manila Subway via this common station. And I can go anywhere in a short time period. Needless to say that railway connectivity is indispensable for efficient transport. That’s why the opening of this common station will offer a significant level of comfort to use these railways,” Kazuhiko said.

Once operational, the common station can accommodate nearly 500,000 passengers daily. Darwin G. Amojelar

Sports

Beermen crowned 3x3 Leg 2 champion SAN Miguel Beer extended its championship lineage in the PBA 3x3 Lakas Ng Tatlo as it bagged the Leg 2 title Sunday at the expense of Barangay Ginebra.

Spunky guard Jeff Manday sparked an early run by the Beermen of coach Boyzie Zamar, before holding their ground against a late rally by the Kings to notch their first championship in the three-a-side tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Manday finished with a game-high 13 points, Bacon Austria and Ken Bono with three, while Mon Rogado added two for the newly-crowned champions who bagged the P100,000 prize money.

The 3x3 title run was the latest feat for the proud San Miguel franchise, the most accomplished team in the PBA with a total of 27 championships won.

“Ang tagal naming hinintay ito,” said Austria, one of the original mainstays of the team since the standalone meet began in November last year.

“We stayed the course lang. We got new players in Ken (Bono) and Mon (Rogado), and ang laking tulong talaga nila,” added the big man out Ateneo.

Manday typified the Beermen’s serious bid for the championship by averaging 11.7 points per game beginning the playoffs after finishing the pool play with just a 4.8-point average.

Behind Manday’s outside snipings, the Beermen went on and led by as much as 14-4 to set the pace of the title match that came about after a thrilling finish to the pair of semifinal matches held earlier.

San Miguel edged out top seed Pioneer Pro Tibay, 21-19, while Barangay Ginebra came back and upset Limitless App, 21-18, behind the late baskets of Dennis Villamor and Encho Serrano.

Barangay Ginebra settled for the P50,000 runner-up purse as it eclipsed its previous highest finish of third place during the first leg of the meet two weeks ago.

In the battle for third place, Limitless trounced Pioneer Pro Tibay, 21-13, to take home the P30,000 prize money.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

C1

Members of the San Miguel Beer team celebrate their title conquest in the PBA 3x3 Lakas Ng Tatlo Leg 2 title on Sunday at the expense Ginebra.

Japan officials to sponsor new gymnastics’ facility in Calamba A

By Peter Atencio

NEW gymnastics’ facility similar to the one inaugurated Saturday in Intramuros, Manila is now in the planning stages.

Construction work of the place that will be provided by the local government unit of Calamba, Laguna is expected to happen by August.

International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe, who is on a weeklong visit in the country, is currently discussing the plans with the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan and officials of Calamba.

“This will happen in August and the Japanese Embassy and Philippine gymnastics will support to make this

happen next year,” said Watanabe, who was around during the inauguration of the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation Gymnastics training center in Victoria St., Intramuros on Saturday.

The facility in Laguna will cater to the grassroots and development program of the GAP and its quest to discover talents at the junior level.

“We are forming another partnership with Japan, and that’s why we are having another gym in Calamba,” said GAP president Cynthia Carrion.

The office of Calamba City mayor

Timmy Chipeco will sign a deal with Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa on Thursday to begin their plans for a gymnastics’ center in Calamba.

Activities concerning the development of the new facility will take place once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, according to Carrion.

Two-time world artistics’ champion Carlos Yulo and his coach Munehiro Kugimiya were present during the unveiling rites done on the new gym, housed inside a 2,300-meter property just across the Pamantasan ng Lungsod na Maynila campus.

International Olympic Committee representative Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski was also present with Philippine Sports Commission board member Celia Kiram, Philippine Olympic Committee deputy secretary general Carl Sam-

brano and MVPSF executive director Jude Turcuato.

Former Philippine president and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also graced the occasion with Japanese embassy official, Deputy chief of mission, Yasushi Yamamoto.

The entire f loor area, which will house the training facilities for national athletes, measures around 1,200 meters.

Gymnastics officials have been scouting around for a new venue to train their national athletes over the last two years.

That’s because the venue that they used to have at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila is not available as it has been used as a quarantine facility for people infected with COVID-19.

Excellent Noodles to flaunt experience at Ronda PH Ravena, Ramos EXCELLENT Noodles is expected to rely on experience as it seeks glory in the 10-stage LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2022 that hits the road on Friday in Sorsogon and concludes in March 20 in Baguio.

No less than multiple Ronda champions Santy Barnachea and Jan Paul Morales are spearheading the squad that is out to challenge the cream of the crop of Philippine cycling in the annual cycling spectacle that stakes a whopping P3.5 million including P1 million to the overall individual winner.

Barnachea, 47, and Morales, 36, have amassed a total of five Ronda titles combined with the former reigning supreme in the maiden edition in 2011 and repeated inb 2015 and the latter lording it over twice in 2016 and 2017.

And the grizzled pair is hoping to rub their vast experience to their younger and promising teammates Ryan Tugawin, Mervin Corpuz, Bonijoe Martin, Joshua Bonifacio and under-23 riders Mar

Francis Sudario and Joshua Pascual.

“We have a team capable of winning, don’t count us out,” said Morales, formerly Navy Standard Insurance’s captain.

Excellent Noodles will be up against a strong field headed by powerhouse Navy Standard Insurance, which is headed by George Oconer and Ronald Oranza, who topped the last two Ronda editions in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Also seeing action are Philippine Army, Team Nueva Ecija, Dreyna, Eagle Cement, Champ Café, Bike Kings Laguna, Vantage Ilocos Norte, VPharma, Team Quezon Province, Team Ilocos Sur and Go for Gold.

Apart from the top purse, the second placer will receive P400,000 while the third pockets P200,000 with the team titlist getting P200,000 courtesy of LBC Express, Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, Quad X, Twin Cycle Gear, Standard Insurance, Print2Go,

Elves Bicycles, Elitewheels, Orome, Maynilad and Garmin, Petron, Boy Kanin, Green Planet Bikeshop, Prolite, Black Mamba, Lightwater, LBC Foundation, PhilCycling and Games and Amusements Board.

Ronda will unfold with a Stage One Individual Time Trial and Team Time Trial on March 11 in Sorsogon followed by the 163-kilometer SorsogonLegazpi City Stage Three on March 12 and 189.1km Legazpi-Daet Stage Four on March 13.

It will be followed by the 212km Daet-Lucena Stage Five on March 14 and 157.4km Lucena-Tagaytay Stage Six on March 15.

After a one-day break, the race will wind up with the 180.4km Tarlac-Baler Stage Seven on March 17, 174.4km Baler-Echgue, Isabela Stage Eight on March 18, 193.2km Santiago, Isabela-Baguio Stage Nine on March 19 and Baguio City Stage 10 criterium on March 20.

Tokyo Olympians to be feted at PSA Awards Night FILIPINO athletes who represented the country in the 2020 Olympic Games will be cited during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night next week at the Diamond Hotel.

Citations are going to be given to 19 athletes who carried the country’s tricolors in both the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics by the country’s oldest media organization when it holds its traditional awards ceremony presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Cignal TV. The special event is set on March 14 at the Diamond Hotel.

The list of Olympians include skateboarder Margielyn Didal, boxer Irish Magno, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan, weightlifter Elreen Ando, trackster Kristina Knott, swimmers Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, rower Cris Nievarez, taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa, and shooter Jayson Valdez.

Margielyn Didal

The Paralympians, meanwhile, include swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, trackster Jeanette Aceveda, and powerlifter Achelle Guion.

A future Olympian in weightlifter Vanessa Sarno was added to the list for winning two gold medals and a silver in the women’s 71 kg division of the Asian Women’s Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The rest of the Olympians not part of the citation led by first ever gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz, who will be feted with the PSA Athlete of the Year award, are going to be conferred with other recognition such as the President’s Award (Yuka Saso and Carlos Yulo) and Major Awards (Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Felix Marcial, and EJ Obiena).

Also part of the Major Awards list is US Open men’s billiards champion Carlo Biado.

All awardees, athletes, officials, guests, and PSA members are required to bring along and present their vaccination card to be allowed entry in the event venue.

A compact list of 39 athletes, officials, and entities make up the 2021 batch of awardees to be feted by the Philippine sportswriting fraternity during the gala night backed by MILO (official choco milk), 1Pacman, Philippine Basketball Association, Philracom, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, MVP Sports Foundation, and Smart.

impress Gilas coach Reyes

B.LEAGUE veterans Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos will be the ones to provide leadership on the floor for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team in its future games.

Their hard work and dedication to the team have left an impression on coach Chot Reyes.

“I expect them to be the leaders of the team, by their game and ethics, and the effort that they showed,” said Reyes on the weekly program, “Power and Play.”

Ravena plays for SanEn NeoPhoenix and Ramos is part of the Toyama Grouses in the B.League.

They played for the first time under Reyes in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last week at the Araneta Coliseum.

And it was the first time that they suited up in front of a Filipino audience, along with Angelo Kouame, and Will Navarro, who were part of the Gilas team that was under Tab Baldwin.

“It was my objective to get to know these players. And that’s because I never had a chance to coach them,” said Reyes.

The Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team is currently in a rebuilding mode.

Reyes is forming a new batch composed of young cagers and professional players in time for the next window.

These new batch of players will make up the next Gilas team that is being prepared for future competitions after the FIBA World Cup 2023 is finished. Peter Atencio

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Sports

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

Australia, Spain, US into Davis Cup finals PARIS—Australian Open doubles champion Thanasi Kokkinakis won a decisive singles rubber to power 28time winners Australia through to the next stage of the Davis Cup Saturday where they were joined by fellow multiple champions Spain, France and the United States.

Lleyton Hewitt’s Australians went into day two tied 1-1 with Hungary and were fighting an uphill battle after Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkusz upset John Peers and Luke Saville to clinch the doubles 6-4, 6-4.

That left world number 30 Alex de Minaur needing to win against 35thranked Marton Fucsovics to keep the clash alive—and backed by a rowdy crowd at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena he battled through 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

Kokkinakis last played in the Davis Cup seven years ago, but was recalled after claiming a first ATP singles title in Adelaide this year, then winning the Australian Open doubles crown with Nick Kyrgios.

With the tie on the line, he repaid skipper Hewitt’s faith with a gutsy 6-4, 6-4 win over young Hungarian number two Zsombor Piros.

“Thank you Lleyton for trusting me, it’s been a long time since I played and to play a fifth rubber at home has been incredible,” he said.

Six-time champions Spain, playing without Rafael Nadal, advanced after world number 15 Roberto Bautista Agut gave his team an unassailable 3-1 lead over Romania with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Marius Copil.

After losing their two opening singles matches on Friday, Romania kept their hopes alive by winning the doubles rubber, Copil and Horia Tecau defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Pedro Martinez 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in Marbella.

But world number 261 Copil was unable to overcome the impressive Bautista Agut, who faced only two break points in the match.

“Bautista Agut did not lose a single easy ball, he played phenomenal,” said Spain skipper Sergi Bruguera.

Kazakhstan’s Russians win France, 10-time Davis Cup champions, were also untroubled as PierreHugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut defeated Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Hidalgo 6-3, 7-5 in Pau for a 3-0 win over Ecuador.

Record 32-time winners the United States of America enjoyed a 3-0 win over Colombia in Reno when Jack Sock and Rajeev Ram defeated Nicolas Barrientos and Juan-Sebastian Cabal 6-3, 6-4.

Argentina, champions in 2016, wrapped up a 3-0 win over threetime winners Czech Republic in Buenos Aires when Horacio Zeballos and Maximo Gonzalez defeated rookies Jiri Lehecka and Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-4.

The Netherlands exploited the weaknesses of a Canada side missing top-15 stars Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov to coast to victory, secured

by Robin Haase who racked up the 32nd Davis Cup singles win of his career courtesy of a 6-1, 6-2 victory against Steven Diez.

Defending champions Russia may have been banned but there will be Russian players in the next stage after Kazakhstan defeated Norway 3-1 in Oslo.

Russian-born Alexander Bublik sealed the win by defeating world number eight Casper Ruud 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Bublik also won his opening singles rubber on Friday while fellow Russia native Andrey Golubev and Crimeaborn Aleksandr Nedovyesov claimed the doubles. AFP

Horschel, Gooch share lead at windy Bay Hill golf

COACH K’S LAST GAME. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils gives a speech after coaching his final game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The Duke Blue Devils lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels, 94-81. AFP

No Russian Grand Prix as F1 terminates pact P ARIS—Formula One has removed Russia as a Grand Prix host for good due to the invasion of Ukraine, by terminating its contract with the organisers, the championship promoters announced on Thursday.

“Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future,” they said in a statement.

The Black Sea resort of Sochi has hosted the race since the first running in 2014 but Saint Petersburg was due to replace it as the venue in 2023.

Formula One had already cancelled this year’s race following public unease among leading drivers.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel had both said they would not race there.

“For myself, my own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country,” said German Vettel.

But former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone—who played a pivotal role in bringing the race to Russia—told AFP the cancellation made no sense.

“It does not make sense whichever way you look at,” Ecclestone said on Wednesday. “There is no war in Russia to my knowledge so if it took place it would make no difference to anybody.

“This idea of trying to punish Russia this way in a sporting sense is not going to punish (Russian President Vladimir)

Putin at all.

“The race would not matter to him.”

Doubts also surround also the future of American Formula One team Haas’s Russian driver Nikita Mazepin and their title sponsor Uralkali.

Haas dropped the Uralkali branding during the last day of pre-season testing in Barcelona last Friday.

Uralkali, a group specialising in potash, has Nikita Mazepin’s father, Dmitry Mazepin, as its non-executive director.

Mazepin can still continue to drive although the FIA has announced a ban on Russian flags and the playing of the Russian national anthem.

Among other events stripped from Russia, European football’s governing body UEFA have taken away this year’s Champions League final from Saint Petersburg. AFP

MIAMI—Billy Horschel rolled in a 28-foot birdie putt from off the green at 18 on Saturday to grab a share of the third-round lead alongside Talor Gooch at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Horschel, the 2014 FedEx Cup champion, had four birdies in his one-underpar 71 on a day when gusting winds and slick greens made for tough going at Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida.

Gooch joined Horschel on sevenunder-par 209 with an even-par 72.

“It was a tough, tough day out there,” Horschel said. “I did a really good job of staying patient. To make that putt on 18 to shoot one-under par on a really tough day is really satisfying.”

Gooch had jarred a 33-foot birdie putt at 15 and a 14-footer at 16 to reach eight-under, then got up and down for par from a greenside bunker at the par-three 17th.

But he missed a five and a half foot par putt at 18, his fourth bogey of the day dropping him into a share of the lead.

Amid the swings and struggles of the day, overnight pacesetter Viktor Hovland had led by as many as four strokes, shaking off a bogey-bogey start with an eagle at the sixth, where he holed out from a greenside bunker.

The world number four from Norway curled in a 10-foot birdie at the eighth, but he was four-over on the back nine in a three-over par round capped by back-to-back bogeys that robbed of even a share of the lead.

At six-under 210, Hovland was one stroke in front of Scottie Scheffler, who matched the best round of the day with a four-under-par 68 for 211.

Although the Florida weather looked delightful, with warm temperatures and sunny skies, Scheffler said the wind and putting surfaces combined for a stiff challenge.

“The greens, it’s hard to putt on them because you don’t know if there’s going to be friction,” he said. “There’s so little grass, so sometimes there is (friction) and sometimes there isn’t.

With the wind the way it is, if you’re putting even uphill putts, the wind is affecting them so much that it’s so difficult to putt the greens.” AFP

LeBron scores 56 as Lakers down Warriors LOS ANGELES—LeBron James produced a 56-point masterpiece as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their four-game losing streak with a thrilling 124-116 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

James delivered his highest single-game points tally since joining the Lakers in a pulsating battle with the Warriors, who themselves are in a mini-slump that now runs to four straight defeats.

A see-saw game at the Lakers’ newly renamed Crypto.com Arena saw the lead change hands nine times, with the Lakers jumping out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter before the Warriors hit back with a 42-point second quarter display.

That left the Warriors in the driving seat and leading by 14 before James and the Lakers gradually worked their way back into the contest with a late burst of scoring in the fourth quarter.

James, who finished with 56 points and 10 rebounds, said afterwards that “desperation” had inspired the Lakers.

“Just desperation,” he said. “We needed this win for sure. It means a lot.

“Obviously they’re the second best team in the West. They’ve been struggling a little bit of late, but we’ve been struggling all year pretty much.

“For us to get a win like this in front of

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket between Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors during a 124-116 Lakers’ win at Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles. AFP

our home fans—they deserve it. We haven’t played like much of anything of late so it’s good to get a win like that in front of them.”

James hopes the win can act as a catalyst for the Lakers’ troubled season. The 2020

NBA champions remain out of the automatic playoff places and are ninth in the Western Conference with a 28-35 record.

“We’ve gotta see where we can take it from here,” James said. “We’ve got a two-

game road trip coming up so let’s see what we can do.”

Lakers coach Frank Vogel meanwhile saluted James’ leadership.

“He leads us with his consistent demeanor, trying to get better every day,” Vogel said.

“What he did tonight was spectacular.”

Heat too hot for Sixers James’ scoring was backed with 20 points from Russell Westbrook while veteran Carmelo Anthony added 14 off the bench.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors scorers with 30 points while Jordan Poole added 23.

Elsewhere Saturday, Jimmy Butler scored 21 points as the Miami Heat shut down Joel Embiid to end the Philadelphia 76ers’ five-game winning streak with a 99-82 victory.

The much-anticipated duel between the first and second-placed Eastern Conference rivals was a mostly onesided affair with the Sixers weakened by the decision to rest star new recruit James Harden.

That left Sixers big man Embiid isolated as the Heat’s defense took control to restrict the Sixers scoring, including a season-low 14 points in the first quarter. AFP

Kipchoge wins Tokyo marathon, but misses out on new world record

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the men’s category in the Tokyo Marathon in Tokyo. AFP

TOKYO—Kenya’s double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge won the Tokyo marathon on Sunday, but an attempt to break his own world record fell short as he crossed the line in 2hr 2min 40sec.

Kipchoge pulled away from countryman Amos Kipruto at around the 35km mark but was unable to beat the 2:01.39 he clocked at the 2018 Berlin marathon.

The 37-year-old was not helped by a wrong turn by the leading pack after about 10 kilometres, which cost the runners around 10 seconds and upset

their rhythm as they doubled back on themselves.

Kipchoge joined a select club of athletes last year when he defended his 2016 Rio Olympics marathon title at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in Sapporo.

“I’m really happy. I’m excited again to be in Japan, especially after winning the Olympic Games last year in Sapporo,” he said.

“I really, really, really appreciate the crowd. I think the Japanese are really helpful. That’s why I say in the press that I run strong in Japan.”

Kipruto finished second in 2:03.13.

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, another world record holder, won the women’s race in 2:16.02.

Kipchoge was making his Tokyo debut in one the six major marathons alongside New York, Berlin, Chicago, London and Boston.

He has already won in London, Chicago and Berlin and it is one of his career objectives to land all six.

Kipchoge said in January that he would be seeking to make it a recordbreaking three consecutive Olympic titles at Paris 2024. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

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Phallic talks in the movies

Jorron Lee Monroy (third from right) with the cast of ‘Artikulo 247’

A gripping legal drama

By Nickie Wang

T

ELEVISION director Jorron Lee Monroy summarizes Artikulo 247 in three words: crime, passion, and retribution.

The series, which took eight months before it could finally take off from when it was originally scheduled, is an unconventional, suspense thriller series starring Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras, Benjamin Alves, Chris Bernal, and Mike Tan. “Artikulo 247 after all is a crime series—in case the title does not give it away just yet. But as we developed the look, the cinematography and treatment, the interpretation of the material has also evolved. Decidedly, we took it into the campier side of storytelling,” Monroy said in an Instagram post.

“In the shoot process, I tried to master the art of bitch slaps, hair pulling, and water catfights. And some man brawls, too. Yet with all the turns and mishaps, this project faced, for the first time in my entire career, a series title remains

unchanged from its concept paper up until the on-air premiere,” he added.

A repealed law under the Revised Penal Code, Article 247 states that “any legally married person who having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro (banishment).”

The series showcases the emotional journey of a woman who bravely moves on from her past entanglement with her boss and his wife. But soon enough, her past slowly creeps in and catches up with her peaceful life.

In the series, Rhian Ramos is Jane Ortega, an aspiring career woman who will get involved with a married man; Benjamin Alves is Noah Borromeo, a principled man who is also recovering from a lost love like Jane. As their paths cross, they will build a new life together and help each other on the road to healing.

Kris Bernal plays Klaire Almazan/ Carmen Villarama, the cunning and manipulative wife who catches her cheating husband and ends up killing him; and Mark

Herras gets to showcase his range as he steps into a more mature role as Ellijah Borromeo, the perfect son and brother of Noah who will fall madly in love with Carmen.

Bringing more color and controversy to the series are Mike Tan as Julian, Klaire’s longtime lover who’s also a master manipulator and the brain behind her schemes; Glydel Mercado as Rose Ortega, the supportive mother of Jane; Maureen Larrazabal as Pinky, Rose’s friend and business partner; Denise Barbacena as ChiChi, Carmen’s right-hand woman; Brent Valdez as Jigs, the friendly bartender in the resort; Victor Silayan as Alfred, Klaire’s husband who will have an affair with Jane; Rain Matienzo as Tanya, Jane’s best friend; Topper Fabregas as Atty.

Marcel, Jane’s lawyer and family friend.

“When I finally set the names of the actors giving life to the characters, I felt relieved and excited that I will be spending the next four months (or possibly more) with them, collaborating and creating this peculiar story,” Monroy stated.

Artikulo 247 premieres today after Little Princess on GMA.

OF LATE, Hollywood movies and television shows give much attention and focus to the male reproductive organ. And some of the most recent talkedabout phallic displays are from Benedict Cumberbatch in the Oscar best picture nominee The Power of The Dog with his member, thinly covered with mud.

Bradley Cooper’s submerged family jewel did not disappoint in Nightmare Alley with screen scene partner Toni Collette having the chance to touch it.

Many male characters, with their penises in their flaccid or erect states, in various sizes and girths, are all over the palace in the polarizing teen drama Euphoria, too. Thus, I cannot help but wonder if this parade of the penises is the manifestation of Tom Cruise’s character’s mantra in Thomas Paul Anderson’s Magnolia, wherein he portrayed the motivational guru who urges his predominantly male believers to “respect the cock”?

These prime examples of fullfrontal scenes are now hailed as an integral part of a motion picture’s narrative. It is not just a wanton display of the male appendage. It is more of a showcase of the confidence and vulnerability of the character that the actor breathes life and gives feelings and morality to, all within the context and story arc of the motion picture.

Will we see this male full-frontal trend soon in the Philippines?

Case and point, in all the Vivamax movies shown so far, the female artists and the characters they portray, are objectified to the hilt.

The sexual congresses that transpired in these movie offerings intended for the online public’s consumption, female body parts go through the motions of adult foreplay with the “for art’s sake” and “art

imitating real life” as the justification for it.

The male actors, however, are more protected. We get to see are their naked bodies, buttocks, but the display of their genitalia, almost never as it immediately covered by a pillow, a blanket, or a well-blocked thigh to cover it.

The sight of a Filipino penis becoming the object of shrieks and ridicule, was captured best during the mid-December UP Oblation Run, a rage during the pre-pandemic years.

With the media coverage given to it, exhaustive and extensive are the proper adjectives to describe this rite of passage of masked college men who did the deed because it was part of a brotherhood initiation.

Movies about men engaged in the flesh trade, full-frontal scenes are givens with the likes of Sean de Guzman and Paolo Gumabao taking on the “it’s just a penis, you know” challenge.

What always amuses, is the level of discussions and debates about the phalluses on-screen, thirsty to know if it were the real deal, or covered and enhanced with prosthetics.

Why penises always become the subject of cheers, triggers the imagination to go ballistic or become the source of disappointment, especially to the size queens and those who claim they have bigger endowments, means that there is more to it than just a body part for procreation and yes, to cover it with a fig leaf does not give it justice.

Now, do our local actors ready to do a Benedict Cumberbatch and Bradley Cooper on screen?

As audiences, c a n we handle it?

Paolo Gumabao

Sean de Guzman

Benjamin Alves

Robi Domingo urges voters to make informed choice Rhian Ramos

Kris Bernal

…are talking about

PEOPLE

Francine Diaz

to come.

THE teen star who rose to fame through the highly-successful Kapamilya series Kadenang Ginto in 2018 turned 18 this year.

As she celebrated a new milestone in her life, Francine turned heads with a dreamland-themed birthday party that highlighted her natural beauty and elegance.

The dreamy event featured soft textures, flowers, and pastels that will serve as a blueprint for other debutant’s celebrations for years

Alyssa Valdez

WITH the elections approaching, voters are expressing support for their chosen candidate. This time, volleyball player Alyssa Valdez declared her vote for Leni Robredo in the presidential elections. Her fans were happy about her choice, but most importantly, they considered her character background and ability to make sound decisions. For them, Alyssa used her platform as a celebrity appropriately to influence others into making a decision, thus making her the talk of the online community.

Mike Tan

Mark Herras

...are not talking about Imee Marcos

EVERYONE is tired of Imee’s antics in the media. Despite a photo of her and her brother, presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, posing in a malicious scenario surfaced and drawing ire from netizens, the senator wasn’t particularly concerned and proceeded to appear in a new piece

by Darryl Yap titled The Exorcism of Lenlen Rose. By now, the public isn’t thrilled anymore, and even though she says she’s not involved in negative campaigning, her actions say otherwise—a clear example that not everyone can keep their word.

Vhong Navarro

THE It’s Showtime host and dancer is possibly the next target for “canceling.” During a segment for “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” Vhong flashed the peace sign, a universal symbol that the UniTeam party uses in their campaigns. Although Vhong has neither denied nor confirmed the allegations circulating on TikTok, netizens are already judging him based on a hand signal alone.

Whether the speculations are true or not, it just shows that the public closely monitors even the minute details among celebrities.

AFTER Angelica Panganiban, it was actor-host Robi Domingo’s turn to call on voters to choose their candidates wisely and not to fall for scammers or “mambubudol”.

Domingo partnered with Young Public Servants, a youth group pushing for good governance, in making the video, which features a fictional game show entitled “All or Nothing.”

In the video, Domingo hoisted a multiple-choice question “Sa pagpili ng kandidato, ano ang gagawin mo?

(In choosing candidates, what should you do?)” to the viewers.

Domingo gave the first choice “manghula,” (to guess) where he advised voters to be sure about their choices in the coming elections. “We can’t fall for and be with the wrong period.” He said.

As for the second choice “phone a friend”, Domingo cautioned viewers against believing fake news and rumors.

When it comes to the third choice “survey says”, Domingo said “Hindi porke’t nangunguna ‘raw’, magaling na. Minsan magaling lang mambudol (even if number 1 in survey, it doesn’t mean the best).”

Domingo then gave the final choice: “Piliin ang sigurado at may napatunayan na. May malinis na track record, palaging nandiyan, at hindi nagtatago. (Choose a candidate that is tested, with a clean track

record, you can always count on and not hiding.)”

The actor-host encouraged voters not to believe in Tik-Tok and make an informed choice, saying their future and the country depends on it.

“Sa eleksyon ngayong Mayo, hindi lang isang milyong piso ang nakataya rito. Future mo at ng buong Pilipinas ang mababago,”( In this, its not only a million pesos is at stake, but the future of the Philippines) Domingo said.

“Kaya intindihin na ang mga kailangan. I-eliminate mo na iyong mga obvious naman na mali at huwag maniniwala sa mga pangakong ginto,”(That’s why choose what is best, and don’t just believe on the promised gold) he added.

“Tandaan: huwag magpapabudol,” (remember: don’t be scammed) he stressed.

Actor-host Robi Domingo

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

Life

Serenity and scenery

Tagaytay Highlands ushers in the summer season TAGAYTAY Highlands, the premier mountain resort that offers a mesmerizing vista of scenic Taal Lake, is raising the bar for summer destinations with offerings for people who have been cocooning indoors for nearly two years.

“Now a much-touted recreational haven, Tagaytay Highlands is where serenity and adventure attain a perfect balance,” says Lennie Mendoza, Senior Vice President of Highlands Prime, Inc., developer of Tagaytay Highlands and a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings.

“Imagine outdoor enthusiasts going trekking, hiking, and swimming. Or dads bonding with their youngsters at the fishing pier, getting on the mountain estate’s bike trails, or even go-karting,” adds Mendoza.

More excitement lies ahead at Tagaytay Highlands

Country Club, a three-level sports center that features a slew of pools, an indoor basketball and badminton court, a fully equipped gym, a tennis lawn, and a 14lane bowling center. Surely, healthy and active kids and adults will be spoilt for choice.

Golfing families can also head for Tagaytay Highlands’ top-notch golf courses—the Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club and Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club, both of which boast championship-level layouts designed in harmony with the natural landscape.

Then, after a spate of indoor and outdoor activities, Spa & Lodge members and their guests can wind down at The Spa and Lodge, a two-level structure that has 25 well-appointed suites. A whole wing of treatment rooms offers spa services, all amid this mountain retreat’s heady, aromatic wood scent of red cedar.

The Tagaytay Highlands Country Club, a three-level sports center, features a slew of pools, an indoor basketball and badminton court, fully equipped gym, a tennis lawn, and a 14-lane bowling center.

And to wrap up their summer of a lifetime, residents and their guests can indulge their gastronomic passions at Tagaytay Highlands’ many casual and signature restaurants.

With all these complementing Tagaytay Highlands’ themed residential enclaves, well-heeled Filipino families are invited to settle down in their choice of alternative primary home. Options range from lots of sizeable cuts to signature log cabins that evoke Colorado’s mountain havens, as well as luxurious condominium units with their own world-class amenities. Individuals who value their privacy, security, and exclusive lifestyles need not look elsewhere for their premium domiciles.

Moreover, even amid nature’s bounty, Tagaytay Highlands is regarded by career-driven homeowners as conducive to productivity. With precious lessons culled

from a pandemic, property seekers who wish to work from home may do so as they step into a new and better normal.

Attesting to Tagaytay Highlands’ commitment to safety and security for all its members, residents, and their guests is its recently awarded “Safety Seal” of the City Government of Tagaytay.

Tagaytay Highlands’ competent club and property management teams ensure that all facilities and personnel will continue to adhere to strict sanitation procedures and safety protocols including disinfection, hand sanitation, wearing of face masks, and social distancing.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has likewise named Highlands Prime, Inc. as one of CALABARZON’s 2021 Outstanding Developers for Open Market Projects.

Swissôtel sets bar higher

for luxury hospitality in Clark, Pampanga Soon…

Cebu’s newest star

Swissôtel’s Atrium serves afternoon tea, snacks, drinks, and cocktails amidst a relaxing atmosphere

A bird’s-eye-view of the mega-development showing the lush tropical vegetation and the beautifully designed boardwalk for leisure promenaders

BEING a true- functionally-designed rooms bound to elevate blue Cebuano, the standard in de luxe accommodations. This any interesting integrated resort will also include a fourdevelopment in storey, massive, 35,000-square-meter retail my home city space that will house world-renowned labels, always excites high-fashion boutiques, plush VIP cinemas me. Although which may be booked for private screenings, I’ve lived here in Manila for the past 50 years, and a carefully selected mix of global and I still look forward to settling back in Cebu one regional dining concepts that cater to every day, where I still have close family members, discerning palate. because the city has always been and will Soon to become Asia’s newest landmark always be “home” to me. So, you can imagine attraction, NUSTAR also has its own Performing how thrilled I was to learn of this new mega- Arts Theater for exclusive productions, awardproject that will certainly catapult my city into winning musicals, and live concerts. Guaranteed the global horizon. to attract all sizes of Meetings, Incentives, Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. has Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) events announced that its flagship project, the is its state-of-the-art, technologically advanced NUSTAR Resort and Casino, will open soon. Convention Center which has easily expandable Construction actually started two years ago exhibition halls, elegant ballrooms, and a but it has been sidetracked by quarantine collection of venues that seamlessly combine restrictions brought about by the pandemic. business and leisure.

Scheduled to be completed later this year, this I am looking forward to the idyllic and scenic will be the biggest lifestyle and entertainment 580-meter Boardwalk, designed by the famous destination outside Metro Manila and is contemporary artist JEFRE, that connects designed to elevate and redefine five-star NUSTAR to the Cebu strait. Of course, I can luxury in gaming, hardly wait to have entertainment, leisure, some unadulterated YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE dining, and shopping fun with family and in Cebu and the rest of friends at the beautifully OVERHEARD FROM A SENIOR: The older I Central and Southern get, the earlier it gets late! designed Water Theme Philippines.

Park. But, I’m sure my first stop, when I visit, Located in Cebu’s picturesque Kawit Island, this new mega- will be up at the Skydeck of the main hotel tower, development is strategically poised along the which allows guests to experience the breathtaking province’s east coast and is easily accessible from views of Cebu strait and the cityscape from atop the newly expanded Mactan Cebu International the 116-meter-high summit.

Since we have to learn how to live with the Airport (MCIA) as well as through the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). These threat of Covid in our midst, this ultra-modern entry points will give the millions residing south resort guarantees the services of a 100 percentof Luzon and tourists from South Korea, China, vaccinated workforce, to ensure guests’ safety and Japan easy access to NUSTAR. and security during their visit. All entry points, Designed by renowned international master venues, and attractions are equipped with development planners and interior designers, modern, WHO-accredited disinfectant facilities this massively luxurious project is guaranteed and procedures, to give guests peace of mind to evoke a world-class sense of style and when they are at the resort. sophistication. It will feature a grand casino, with As a Cebuano in heart and spirit, I certainly a floor area of 21,000 square meters, occupied am looking forward to this newest star among by 1,500 slot machines and 250 gaming tables, my province’s sparkling galaxy of world-class exclusive private rooms, an entertainment bar, a attractions…NUSTAR Resort and Casino will sports bar, and gourmet dining. twinkle brightly like a diamond in the sky.

This architectural marvel will have three luxury hotels that will showcase beautifully and For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com NUSTAR Resort and Casino will soon be Cebu’s major tourist destination

The facade of Swissôtel

N

OTHING quite prepared me for the sights I got to see at the soft opening of the first Swissôtel property in Pampanga.

detail of the Swissôtel experience, vitality is the key philosophy that focuses on well-being and enjoying a high quality of life,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea.

“We are delighted to introduce our first Swissôtel property in the Philippines, which will keep the brand’s promise of promoting quality in life. Swissôtel Clark will offer an inspiring atmosphere, complimented by authentic Filipino charm,” Simmons added.

Swissôtel Clark aims to deliver a range of culinary concepts.

Inspired by the roots of Swissôtel, the specialty restaurant, Markt, serves European cuisine and grilled dishes in a colorful market setting.

The Atrium serves afternoon tea, snacks, drinks, and cocktails amidst a relaxing atmosphere. The dessert bar, Oma’s, satisfies the sweet tooth with freshly baked pastries and signature ice cream in a playful and dynamic setting.

From Q2 2022, diners will be able to experience the modern twist of classic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Di Verona in an Italianinspired indoor space or alfresco.

Homemade pasta and wood-fired

oven pizza can be enjoyed with a fine selection of wines from around On the fifth floor of the tallest the world. hotel in the Northern Metro Well-being is an integral part of Manila region, I was welcomed the Swissôtel Clark experience. by an infinity pool that kisses the Pürovel Spa & Sport is an approach Zambales Mountains from my to wellness inspired by the Alpine point of view. While everyone seasons and the four stages of natural was enjoying their wine at Swiss vitality. Pürovel Sport features Tropic, a playful poolside bar, I high-quality gym equipment. Set to was completely mesmerized by open in Q3 2022, the Pürovel Spa the view – the sun was just setting will provide a range of revitalizing and the gradually changing lights treatments. In addition, guests can that illuminate the facade of the choose to relax by the infinity pool 22-storey hotel was perfectly overlooking the lush mountains. complementing the skies.

Other facilities include a kid’s pool, Situated in Clark Freeport and the Swiss Executive Lounge, and Special Economic Zone, Swissôtel five meeting rooms.

Clark is positioning itself as a “Perfect for families, leisure, vibrant destination within the and business travelers, our evolving city, which is just a twointelligently designed guest rooms, hour drive from Manila. variety of culinary offerings, and The hotel has 1, 270 Premium exciting facilities make the hotel and Swiss Advantage Rooms now a destination in and of itself. The available for booking with the hotel will offer a relaxing base for broader hotel complex launching in all travelers to explore the very the last quarter of 2022. best that Clark has to offer,” said The hotel incorporates a modern Tarek Auoini, General Manager of take on Swiss design elements and Swissôtel Clark. architectural touches, resulting Swissôtel Clark is located in a space where guests feel inside the Clark Freeport Zone, at ease while they recharge. A three kilometers away from statement wall reflecting the Clark International Airport pattern of the Swiss Alps is one and 113 kilometers away from of the design highlights in each Manila International Airport. room. Overlooking the city and its The hotel is near many golf surrounding rolling hills, all rooms courses and tourist attractions feature plenty of natural light, with such as the Clark Museum, dramatic sunrise or sunset views.

Aqua Planet Water Park, “The Swissôtel brand is Dinosaur Island, Puning Hot internationally renowned for its (From left) Swissôtel’s assistant director for Spring, Mount Arayat National marketing Alex Aquino, Daily Tribune’s Dinah high standard of Swiss hospitality Ventura and Francine Marquez, Esquire’s Park, and Walking Street. that is infused with the freshness and Maan D’asis Pamaran, PhilStar.com’s Euden For more information, please vibrancy of alpine energy. In every Valdez, and Manila Standard’s Nickie Wang. visit Swissotel.com/clark.

Swissôtel’s specialty restaurant Markt serves European cuisine and grilled dishes in a colorful market setting

A well-appointed suite controlled by motion sensor