Manila Standard - 2022 March 8 - Tuesday

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DOMINGUEZ SEES PH LIKELY ‘COLLATERAL DAMAGE’ IN UKRAINE CONFLICT

By Joyce Pangco Pañares WHILE conflict between Russia and Ukraine “does not involve us directly,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Philippine economy will still “likely be a collateral damage.”

“It is as if we are hit by a ricocheting

bullet,” Dominguez said in his report to President Rodrigo Duterte Monday.

“These indirect shocks are likely to be felt through four major channels – the commodity market, the financial market, investments, and the impact on our fiscal health,” he added.

Dominguez said oil and food prices

are expected to go up as Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas and wheat, while Ukraine is the fourth largest exporter of corn.

“The conflict will also likely cause a surge in interest rates or cost of borrowing which was already expected to go up even prior to the crisis because

of the US Fed’s tightening of monetary policies. The conflict will increase the perception of risk in investments,” he said.

Investments are likely to decline or at least be on hold in the face of uncertainty, he said.

“All these economic impacts will

likely require government support to protect our vulnerable citizens and the critical sectors most affected by the crisis and this will stretch our budget even further,” Dominguez added.

The Finance chief, however, said he does not expect the crisis to be a protracted one.

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Next oil shocker: P10/liter

This much spike forecast next week if crude price trajectory persists

By Alena Mae S. Flores, Julito G. Rada, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Aranta

UMP prices could go up by P10 per liter next week if there is no letup in the increases in world oil prices, which shot up by $10 a barrel on Monday alone to a high of $135, industry insiders said.

P

Jesus Suntay, Cleanfuel Group Every $10 per barrel increase of Companies president and CEO, translates to a P3 to P4 per liter increase said during a congressional hearing in domestic pump prices, Suntay said. that Dubai crude already rose to “So, if this goes on next week, $124 a barrel and even traded at a pump prices could go up by P10. This high of $135 per barrel.

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VOL. XXXVI • NO. 23 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Hiked fuel subsidy for PUVs eyed billion to expand the coverage period for another month amid the spiraling THE government is eyeing to double oil prices aggravated by Russia’s the fuel subsidy for public utility invasion of Ukraine.

National Economic Development vehicles from P2.5 billion to P5

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua, in his report to President Rodrigo Duterte Monday, said this is part of a 14-point plan crafted by Next page

QUEUE FOR FUEL. Motorists clog Governor’s Drive in Dasmarinas, Cavite on Monday as they queue at a gas station ahead of the scheduled leap in pump prices today, Tuesday. Lino Santos

DFA starts forced evacuations Ukraine claims 20k foreigners join fight of Pinoys, kin still in Ukraine THE Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, raised on Monday the crisis alert level in Ukraine to Alert Level 4 as Russia's military invasion kept inching towards the capital of Kyiv.

Under Alert level 4, the DFA will enforce the mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Ukraine, at government expense, with Filipinos in Ukraine

assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Poland, the DFA said.

Several Filipinos, including at least 21 seafarers, have returned to Manila, while others have fled to neighboring countries, the DFA said.

There were still around 116 Filipinos in Ukraine, whose 44-year-old President Volodymyr Zelensky had joined his Next page

WASHINGTON—Some 20,000 international volunteers have traveled to Ukraine to join in the fight against invading Russian forces, a top Ukrainian official said Sunday.

"This number is around 20,000 now.

They come from many European countries mostly," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told US broadcaster CNN. "Many people in the world hated Russia and what it was doing in recent years, but no one dared to openly oppose and fight them," he said.

"So, when people saw that Ukrainians are fighting, that Ukrainians are not giving up, many felt motivated to join the fight" and bring Russia to account for its invasion.”

Meanwhile, Russia declined to attend a hearing at the United Nations' top court

CROSSING TO SAFETY.

Evacuees cross a destroyed bridge as they flee the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 7. Ukraine dismissed Moscow's offer to set up humanitarian corridors from several bombarded cities on Monday after it emerged some routes would lead refugees into Russia or Belarus. AFP

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Comelec: Skip prexy debates, face penalty

By Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENTIAL and vice-presidential aspirants who will skip the debates organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot air their electronic rally (e-rally) on the poll body’s platform, according to its

spokesman James Jimenez.

“We do have a e-rally that we do allow them to use the platform and one of the agreements is that if they skip the debates, then they will not be able to air their e-rallies on our e-rally platform,” Jimenez said during a memorandum of agreement signing between the Comelec

and Vote Pilipinas.

Jimenez said that would be the result for candidates who would not participate in the debate.

The Comelec is organizing presidential and vice presidential debates for the May 2022 polls which will be held on March Next page

SolGen asks SC to void Rappler deal Nograles named

By Rey E. Requejo as Civil Service Commissioner New law raises sexual consent to age 16 NO GUNS, JUST ROSES. Lady officers of the Manila Police District (MPD) receive flowers from their superiors on the eve of International Women's Day celebrations on Monday after the regular flag ceremony at the MPD headquarters along United Nations Avenue in Manila. Norman Cruz

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years.

Signed on March 4, 2022, Republic Act 11648, which amended RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against

Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, increases the age for determining the commission of statutory rape in a bid to provide stronger protection for children against sexual abuse and exploitation.

The new law also provides additional protection to minors aged 16 and under against qualified seduction, child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child

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summary of the case.

The Solicitor General earlier gave Comelec until March 4 to rescind the MOA, which it signed with Rappler on Feb. 24. If it did not, the OSG said it would file a case in court to nullify the agreement.

“Today’s event is an unprecedented one, as the government’s chief lawyer sues one of its statutory clients ultimately in the interest of preserving the integrity of the country’s elections which is just two months away,” the OSG said.

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Monday asked the Supreme Court to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from implementing its memorandum of agreement with the online news service Rappler to provide “fact-checking, poll-related content production, and voter awareness promotion during the election season.”

In a petition, the OSG argued that the agreement violated the Constitution and “Given the urgency of the situation and the was onerous to the government. transcendental importance of the issues The OSG did not provide the media copies of the petition but provided a Next page

FORMER Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles has been named chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

A livestream from state-run RTVM showed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administering the oath of Nograles as new CSC chairperson at Malacañang.

Photos of Nograles’ oath-taking ceremony were also shared to reporters.

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News

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DOH starts weekly COVID report ADAR pertains to the incidence showing the average number of new cases in a period per 100,000 people, David said.

The positivity rate is also “very low” in the four areas with Angeles, Dagupan, and Lucena all recording 2 percent, while Olango has 3 percent.

The reproduction rate in these areas, along with other highly urbanized cities in Luzon, was also “very low,” ranging from 0.14 to 0.48, OCTA said.

'Lowest in Angeles' The healthcare utilization rate, meanwhile, is lowest in Angeles with 1 percent, followed

by Naga City with 3 percent.

Both Dagupan and Santiago also reported an HCUR of 8 percent.

This is the first weekly COVID-19 case bulletin issued by the Department since it announced last Tuesday it would “permanently” shift from issuing it daily to a weekly basis, focusing on active severe and critical infections and the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario

Vergeire said the purpose for these changes was to make the public look beyond the number of infections, and instead focus on the severity of the patients’ condition and the healthcare utilization in the country.

The DOH said the daily average of cases was at 899, lower by 30 percent than the cases reported from February 22 to 28.

The health department likewise reported 1,055 severe and critical cases and an intensive care unit utilization rate of 25.7percent, or 807 out of the 3,138 ICU beds. Both are cumulative totals based on admissions as of March 6.

The country’s death toll increased to 615.

'Very low risk' COVID-19 cases in four highly urbanized cities in Luzon are now classified under the “very low risk” category due to improved data, the independent monitoring OCTA Research Group said.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David, in a tweet, showed that as of Sunday, March 6, Angeles, Dagupan, Lucena, and Olangapo all have average daily attack rate (ADAR) of 0.55 and below.

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companies.

At the same time, Erguiza said, the government would put up a strategic reserve.

Meanwhile, the president of the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, Noel Soriano, said the industry will have to shell out an additional P12.5 billion to finance the cost of capital due to the high oil prices.

This he said was a concern for oil companies, particularly the smaller ones, which might have a problem securing loans.

This, in turn, could reduce competition and could open the door to price abuse.

Soriano also said suspending the excise tax on fuel would not bring consumers immediate relief, because the oil companies have already paid the tax on the 40 to 60 days’ worth of fuel inventory, and would sell at a price that includes the tax until they deplete their existing stock.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday said the House of Representatives is looking at all possible options to cushion the impacts of rising oil prices on Filipinos, including suspension or reduction of fuel excise taxes.

“We can’t just sit idly by while our kababayan are suffering from the impacts of unabated oil price hikes. We must do something; we must find solutions to this crisis,” Velasco said.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda also lobbied for the inclusion of tricycle drivers in the government's fuel subsidy program, as they are also adversely affected by the continuous oil price hike.

Salceda, chairperson of the House committee on ways and means, said the 2022 General Appropriations Act provides for the inclusion of tricycles in the fuel subsidy program, with a total funding of P2.45 billion.

"Under the law, DOTr (Department of Transportation) is mandated to provide fuel subsidy for tricycles," Salceda said during a joint committee hearing with the House committees on energy and transportation.

As this developed, the Philippine Independent Power Producers (PIPPA) said the Philippines is experiencing an alarming increase in fuel costs which will be felt by every consumer.

PIPPA said its members are working with the Department of Energy and the Energy

Regulatory Commission to ensure that power plants will be available to ensure that the supply is sufficient.

PIPPA called for the removal or adjustment of the Secondary Price Cap (SPC) at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

"The EPIRA created the WESM as a market that provides proper and accurate price signals, which determine future investments in the power industry. The Secondary Price Cap only distorts the true cost and is not reflective of the real situation of the energy sector," it said.

As early as 2014, PIPPA has been advocating the removal of the SPC to provide proper price signals for additional investments in the power generation sector.

"More investments will lead to sufficiency of supply and competitive prices,” the group said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission earlier said the imposition of an SPC of P6.245 per kilowatt-hour upon breach of a P9 per kWh rolling average price over a three-day period aims to protect the public and prevent the repetition of excessive and unreasonably high market prices.

Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said he does not see any significant effect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the domestic economy and the local currency, saying the country's external position remains strong despite the uncertainty posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

"The BSP is seeing muted impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the domestic currency. In the peso-dollar exchange rate, the peso continued to trade sideways, with slight depreciation pressure," Diokno said in a message to reporters on Monday.

"The BSP views such development as a result of the impact of the geopolitical tensions on oil prices, which likewise affected the peso.

But this is in line with the behavior of other currencies in the region which also depreciated against the US dollar," he said.

Diokno said the Philippines has more than adequate level of foreign exchange reserves to temper any volatility in the exchange rate market and its external sector is supported by structural inflows from overseas Filipino remittances, receipts from business process

outsourcing, and foreign direct investments, which have shown resilience even amidst the pandemic.

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.

The latest BSP data showed that the country's gross international reserves stood at $107.69 billion as of end-January 2022, which represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 10.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It is also about 8.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.7 times based on residual maturity.

Cash remittances from Filipinos overseas in 2021 hit a record $31.418 billion, up 5.1 percent from $29.903 billion a year ago, due to sustained demand for skilled workers abroad as most countries reopen despite the continuing global health crisis.

The 5.1-percent expansion for remittances missed the 6-percent growth target earlier set by the government for last year but it was a significant improvement from the 0.8-percent contraction in 2020 amid the series of lockdowns imposed by countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, net inflows of foreign direct investments in the first 11 months of 2021 reached $9.2 billion, a 52.5 percent growth from the $6.1 billion net inflows in the same period in 2020.

Diokno also said that direct effects of the war through trade and investments are expected to be muted as Russia and Ukraine are not considered as major players in the world economy.

Also on Monday, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for suspending the excise tax on oil products to provide consumers some relief from soaring prices.

Senator Nancy Binay, for her part, urged the DOE to focus on immediately shoring up the country’s thinning power reserves rather than busying itself with other concerns.

She said instead of looking too far ahead, the department should look at the problem that’s staring them in the face.

PH...

The Embassy also arranged for their travel documents and visas, RT-PCR tests, and their eventual flights to Manila, it added.

As of last Thursday, 93 Filipinos had left Ukraine of the 209 that the DFA was able to account for, according to DFA Undersecretary Sarah Arriola. Some 45 Filipinos remain in Kiev, she said.

Meanwhile, former Philippine ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr. warned of a possible replication in Asia of what was happening in Ukraine.

At the online "The Alphan Forum" of the University of the Philippines Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity, Baja said Russia's invasion of Ukraine would have significant impact not just in Europe, but in Asia as well.

He pointed out how a major power might also invade other countries.

"What the Philippines should do is to watch out for two possible developments. One, the possibility of China thinking of a similar operation vis-a-vis Taiwan and visa-vis the West Philippine Sea. And two, a scrutiny, watch out on the current US' so-called pivot to Asia," said Baja. (See full story online at

By Willie Casas

T

HE Department of Health logged 6,297 new COVID-19 cases from March 1 to 7, 2022, as the agency shifted to a weekly bulletin.

From A1 is something we have to consider,” Suntay said in a mix of Filipino and English.

At 6 a.m. Tuesday, oil companies raised pump prices by P5.85 per liter of diesel, P4.10 per liter of kerosene and P3.60 per liter of gasoline—already the biggest increase in 10 consecutive weeks of price hikes.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines, however, opted to stagger the increase, implementing an increase of P3.85 per liter for diesel and P2 per liter for gasoline on March 8 and on March 11 by P2 per liter for diesel and P1.60 per liter for gasoline.

As of press time, Unioil is the only company that has announced a staggered increase.

World oil prices traded significantly higher on Monday as Russia continued its onslaught on neighboring Ukraine and as two oil fieldsin Libya were shut down by an armed group.

At the same hearing, Energy Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. called for a higher minimum inventory requirement (MIR) for petroleum products but said there was no supply problem.

“We don’t have a problem with supply. We have more than 40 days in our inventory. The problem is with the price, but we don't have any problem with the quantity,” Erguiza told lawmakers.

Executive Order No. 134 provides that oil companies and bulk suppliers need to maintain at least 15 days' worth of petroleum products’ supply, and a minimum stock equivalent to seven days for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Refiners, on the other hand, must secure a minimum inventory of crude oil and refined petroleum products equivalent to 30 days.

"There is a policy to ensure supply. There is an inventory the oil companies have to maintain, and we want to strengthen this through a law. We don't have a problem with the current inventory, there is no problem in supply," Erguiza said.

Rino Abad, director of the Oil Industry Management Bureau at the Department of Energy, said the country consumes around 60 million liters per day.

He said if they could set the MIR, they could discuss a 60-day inventory with the oil

Ukraine...

From A1

on Monday at which Ukraine is asking for an immediate order to halt the conflict, the head judge said (see related story on World page, B2 – Editors).

"The court regrets the non-appearance of the Russian Federation in these oral proceedings," International Court of Justice President Joan Donoghue said.

The Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin, wrote to the court and "indicated that his government did not intend to participate," she said.

Russian forces pummeled Ukrainian cities from the air, land and sea on Monday, with warnings they were preparing for an assault on the capital Kyiv, as terrified civilians remained trapped in besieged Mariupol.

The relentless fire has pushed more than 1.5 million people across Ukraine's borders as refugees, though many others are displaced internally or trapped in cities being reduced to rubble by Russian bombardment.

International sanctions intended to

SolGen...

From A1

involving matters of public interest, Solicitor General Jose C. Calida urges the highest court of the land to exercise its constitutional mandate to stop the numerous violations of the 1987 Constitution and other laws in the execution of the Rappler-Comelec MOA and to immediately issue a temporary restraining order,” the OSG said.

“It is beyond belief that the Comelec has allowed a foreign non-registered entity

Dominguez...

From A1 “We do not expect this crisis to last very long.

Hiked...

From A1

the economic cluster of the Cabinet to cushion the impact of the Ukraine crisis.

The fuel vouchers, worth P6,500 each, will cover 377,000 qualified PUV drivers who are operating jeepneys, UV

punish Moscow have so far done little to slow the invasion, and Washington said it was now discussing a ban on Russian oil imports with Europe.

The comments sent the price of Brent crude soaring to near a 14-year high, with markets in Tokyo and Hong Kong slumping.

While Ukraine's top diplomat said he understood the desire of foreigners to contribute on the ground, it was most important to receive "sustainable, political, economic and military support" from around the world.

"And we need US leadership in this exercise, with special focus on air defense," Kuleba said.

Late last month, at the start of the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly invited foreigners to his country to form part of an "International Legion" that would fight side by side with Ukrainians against the Russians.

Volunteers were invited to apply at Ukrainian embassies in their respective countries.

Denmark has given the green light for its nationals to take up arms in Ukraine. (See

full story online at manilastandard. net) to interfere in the conduct of the country’s elections! The SEC had earlier revoked Rapper’s certificate of incorporation. On appeal, the Court of Appeals (CA) did not issue any resolution which stayed or reversed the revocation,” the OSG said.

Calida said that even if Rappler were treated as an existing corporation, it is a foreign mass media entity managed by an American citizen and whose operations are funded or controlled by foreign entities that include Omidyar Network Fund L.L.C. (See

From A1

troops in bunkers waiting for the advancing Russians.

The DFA said in a statement three groups of Filipino evacuees, along with their dependents, arrived in Manila Sunday.

The latest arrivals came from the capital city of Kyiv and other areas in the western part of Ukraine.

The first group, consisting of four Filipino adults, three Filipino-Ukrainian children with their three Ukrainian mothers, arrived in the afternoon via a Qatar Airlines flight.

The second group of two Filipino adults, a Filipino-Ukrainian child, and his Ukrainian mother arrived in the evening.

The third group consists of three Filipinos who arrived in Manila on their own arrangements.

The Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kyiv assisted the evacuees in traveling from Kyiv to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, while the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw provided for their transportation, accommodation, and meals, DFA said.

New...

From A1

manilastandard.net) maximum period and a fine of not less than P50,000," part of the law read.

The new law exempts minors engaging in consensual sexual activity from criminal liability as long as their age difference is not more than three years.

The sexual act must also be non-abusive and non-exploitative. The exemption, however, would not apply if the victim is under 13 years of age.

RA 11648 takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. (See

full story online at manilastandard. net)

trafficking, and forceful hiring of minors for obscene publications and indecent shows.

“Any person who shall keep or have in his company a minor 16 years of age or under or who is 10 years or more his junior in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach, and/or other tourist or similar places shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its

However, there may be some lingering effects we have had – we have seen similar crises in the past such as the Gulf War in 1990, the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the oil price shock of 2008, and also the first Russia-Ukraine conflict

in 2014, and we have weathered all of these crises very well,” he said.

“We have experienced crises whose effects were more severe and direct to the economy. These crises lasted much longer

and yet we were able to get through them.

Based on these experiences, we are confident that we have the tools and the preparation necessary to help our people through this crisis,” Dominguez added.

express, taxis, tricycles, and other fulltime ride-hailing and delivery services nationwide for a total of P2,453,379,500 for March.

Once doubled, Chua said a second tranche can be released in April.

The government will also continue working with private firms on the promotional discount of oil companies

from P1 to P4 per liter.

It will also provide additional fuel vouchers for agricultural producers with an increased budget of P1.1 billion from P500 million, Chua added.

He cited the need to increase the country's oil buffer stock from the current 30 to 45 days as well as the buffer stock for liquefied petroleum gas

from 7 days to 15 days, but said these would need a law to implement.

Economic managers also proposed to shift the entire country to Alert Level 1 and to open schools for face-toface classes “to increase our domestic economy and offset the external risks,” Chua said. See full story online at manilastandard.net)

full story online at manilastandard.net)

(WEEK OF MARCH 1 TO 7)

3,667,542 6,297

48,793

57,023

615

3,561,726

1,433

(As of 4 PM, MARCH 7)

SWS: 40% say PH life quality has worsened

By Vito Barcelo AT LEAST 40 percent of Filipinos said their quality of life has worsened over the last 12 months, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey also showed that 24 percent of 1,440 the respondents nationwide said their lives got better, while 36 percent said it remains unchanged compared to a year ago.

The SWS survey was conducted from December 12 to 16. Sampling error margins are ±2.6% for national percentages and ±5.2% for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The 40 percent whose lives worsened were referred to by the SWS as the “losers” while those whose lives improved were the “gainers.”

The resulting “net gainers” score is -16 (percentage of gainers minus percentage of losers)—classified by SWS as “mediocre.”

“The December 2021 Net Gainer score is 28 points up from the extremely low -44 in September 2021, but still 34 points below the pre-pandemic level of the very high +18 in December 2019,” the SWS said.

The pollster noted that the grade “excellent” is applied to scores at +20 and above; “very high” to scores between +10 and +19; “high” to scores between +1 and +9; “fair” to scores between –9 and zero; “mediocre” to scores between –19 and –10; “Low” to scores between –29 and –20; “very low” to scores between –39 and –30; “extremely low” to scores at –49 to –40; and “catastrophic” to scores –50 and below.

Comelec:...

From A1

19 and 20 y, at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

A second presidential debate is slated on April 3.

Each debate is anchored on a set of predetermined topics on pressing concerns of the country, such as pandemic and the economy, and the pool of questions will come from the concerned sector groups.

Jimenez said that all 10 presidential bets have signified their intent to join in the first debate However, pre-election surveys frontrunner former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that he was still uncertain in his participation as he was “still looking at the format.”

The debate will follow a singlemoderator format with no live audience.

Acting Comelec chairman Socorro Inting has encouraged all presidential and vice presidential candidates to attend the debates to help the electorate decide.

“The debate’s only goal is to help our voters know where you stand on issues that are being faced by our society and what are your plans to resolve them,” she said.

She said the voters would have a better comparison of candidates based on what they will see and what they will hear, adding “they could decide who will they vote for in the upcoming elections.” (See full story

online at manilastandard.net)

Nograles...

From A1 Malacañang has yet to release Nograles’ appointment papers.

CSC commissioner Aileen Lizada earlier confirmed Nograles’ appointment and released his appointment papers.

Nograles replaced Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, who retired on February 2, the end of her seven-year term.

His new post requires confirmation by Congress. If his appointment is confirmed, he will be CSC chairperson until 2029.

Nograles has been Duterte’s cabinet secretary since 2018, replacing Leoncio Evasco Jr., who resigned to run for Bohol governor in the 2019 elections.

He co-chairs the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and chairs the Task Force on Zero Hunger.

Nograles is also vice president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), which Duterte chairs.

He was named acting presidential spokesperson after Harry Roque joined the senatorial race in 2022.

Prior to joining Duterte's Cabinet, Nograles served his third and final term as Davao City Representative.

News

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Solon urges govt to help struggling private schools

By Maricel V. Cruz

SEIZED FIREARMS. On Monday, Manila Police District spokesperson Major Philipp Ines inspects 20 firearms seized from police personnel who were AWOL, resigned, and have administrative cases. Danny Pata

IN BRIEF 2 injured in training aircraft crash in Davao A TRAINING aircraft crash-landed injuring a flight instructor and his student Monday morning in Davao Oriental.

Flight instructor Capt. Manuel Nierra II and student pilot Jeremiah Agonia were rushed to the Mati Provincial Hospital due to head and body injuries.

Initial reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines showed that the Cessna-150 aircraft owned and operated by Mactan Aviation Tech Center, Inc. crash-landed at around 7;40 a.m. in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati.

The aircraft, bearing the registry number RP-C 9005, took off Mati Airport’s Runway 14 around 7:30 a.m. for touch and go landing but experienced a technical problem causing the aircraft to dive down and crash.

“The crash, which partially damaged the aircraft happened at approximately one kilometer from the runway end,” said CAAP chief information officer and spokesman Eric Apolonio.

Apolonio said CAAP Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) investigators have been dispatched to examine the incident and are now coordinating with the aircraft operator. Joel E. Zurbano

In-person graduation rites pushed S

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for in-person graduation, citing that if political rallies are allowed, then it’s time to also allow these ceremonies.

The National Capital Region and 38 other areas shifted to Alert Level 1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatchalian emphasized that for both parents and students, graduation ceremonies are oncein-a-lifetime moments. Considering the eased restrictions and the country’s improving situation.

The lawmaker took note, however, that public health protocols should still be observed to avoid turning these ceremonies into superspreader events.

Under Alert Level 1 which is the lowest level of health restrictions, workplaces, establishments, and government

offices may operate at 100 percent capacity. Public transportation is also allowed to operate at full capacity. Individuals 18 years old and above, however, will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings such as meetings, conferences, and exhibition events.

In April 2020, amid the prolonged imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and other parts of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) indefinitely postponed graduation and moving up ceremonies. For School Year 2020-2021, the

DepEd did not allow face-to-face graduation and moving up rites to protect the health of learners, teachers, personnel, and parents.

Senator Sonny Angara meanwhile is pushing for the grant of cash incentives to Filipino artists who win awards internationally to encourage the development of the arts sector and provide the Philippines with even more recognition.

For those who bring home the highest awards in international competitions, film festivals or exhibitions determined by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the bill calls for the grant of P1 million as cash incentive.

The bill also provides for a P500,000 cash incentive to those who garnered special recognition or any other award that is not considered as the highest award in an

‘NO’ TO TOXIC PRODUCTS.

Toxic watchdog Ecowaste Coalition is calling on online shopping giants to stop the sale of cosmetic products with mercury, such as skin whitening facial creams. The coalition also said the online shops failed to rid their platforms of toxic products.

Manny Palmero

QC removes political ads, billboards THE Quezon City government on Monday cleared up ads and billboards posted in public places and even noncommon poster areas of the Commission on Elections.

As part of its routine clearing operations on the city’s major thoroughfares, the Quezon City Law and Order Cluster removed advertisements, posters, and stickers posted in public areas and non-authorized common poster areas.

The Law and Order Cluster took down at least 20,000 advertisements in unauthorized areas and plans to clear all roadways in the coming days.

Advertisements, such as streamers, product posters, signboards, printed notices, decals, stickers, and political propaganda, were among the materials removed during the operations.

According to Department of Public Order and Safety chief Elmo San Diego, the conduct of the operations was pursuant to City Ordinances SP-3044-2021, SP-21092011, SP-2021-2010, NC-153-90, and Republic Act 3571.

Over 600 law and order cluster personnel went around the major roads of the city’s six districts to remove all ads in public places and non-designated poster areas.

Last March 3, the city government put up a public announcement that the city would conduct a clearing operations on illegal outdoor media advertisements.

Rio N. Araja

IN A Resolution, House deputy majority leader and Rep. Alfred Vargas of Quezon City called for “urgent and decisive” government support for the struggling private school sector.

Vargas lamented the lack of action to address retrenched teachers and staff, affected students, and the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every private school closure is a tragic loss to learning and should be treated with concern by the State with the same gravity and seriousness,” Vargas said in the resolution.

“It means wasted infrastructure and human capital, uncertainty in the future of our teachers and educators, and anxiety for students and their families who are separated from communities of learning that they had been long part of,” he added.

Vargas cited UNICEF reports that the economic shock of the pandemic has placed private schools, especially low-

PH, US troops start 20-day annual ‘Salaknib’ exercise THE Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) formally started the 20-day “Salaknib” Exercise that aims to deepen interoperability between the two armies at the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on March 5.

“Salaknib demonstrates the longstanding partnership between PA and USARPAC,” USARPAC deputy chief Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, the guest of honor and speaker said in his speech, which was sent to reporters on Sunday.

“Salaknib,” which means “shield” in Ilocano, is an annual bilateral combined exercise that aims to enhance the defense readiness of Filipino and American troops

by developing tactical interoperability.

The 2022 edition of “Salaknib” focuses on the capability development of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT), the PA’s primary combined arms, and rapid deployment unit.

US soldiers and Philippine Army troops from 1BCT, Training and Doctrine Command, Army Support Command, 51st Engineering Brigade, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Army Artillery Regiment, Army Aviation Regiment, Armor Division, Light Reaction Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and First Scout Ranger Regiment, will be participating in the 20-day exercise.

“Salaknib” also showcases the US government’s resolve to fulfill its

alliance obligations in the region.

Last January 21, the PA and USARPAC teams completed the three-day inspection of the proposed training sites in Central Luzon to ensure availability, suitability, and training-worthiness.

PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier commended the “Salaknib” planning team for carrying out a thorough planning process aimed at ensuring the success of the bilateral exercise even amidst the pandemic.

“The conduct of combined training exercises between the Philippine and US armies will capacitate us in effectively dealing with the fast-changing security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Groups oppose Comelec-Rappler pact SEVERAL groups expressed opposition to the partnership between Commission on Elections and media firm Rappler on fact-checking.

At the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) alongside the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) and a growing number of concerned retired officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), former government officials and employees expressed their disapproval over the said collaboration.

Comelec and Rappler recently signed a memorandum of agreement for factchecking, poll-related content production, and voters awareness promotion

cost private schools, under significant financial stress.

According to UNICEF, only two million out of a former 4.3 million students in private schools had re-enrolled at the beginning of the pandemic in the Philippines.

Vargas called the private school sector’s plight an “educational crisis” in the making because of missing educational opportunities for millions of Filipino students.

According to the three-term congressman, his consultations with private school administrators and managers from his district signal that there is an education crisis at the horizon as many private schools in Quezon City had already closed because of serious financial losses.

“I personally met with members of the Association of Private School Administrators (APSA) - Quezon City and many of them voice their fear that with the opening of face-to-face classes in public schools, there will even be less concern for private schools from the Department of Education (DepEd),” Vargas stated.

during the election season.

Former Undersecretary Abraham Puruganan, speaking for the group calling themselves as “Warriors for Unity, Peaceful and Honest Elections” composed of some 235 former government officials and retired officers and enlisted men from the armed forces and the police, stated that “this arrangement endangers the credibility and integrity of the electoral process and puts the will of the people at risk.”

“We call upon COMELEC to immediately rescind this Memorandum of Agreement,” the group said, adding that they are backing the move of the OSG as the ‘People’s Lawyer’ in filing a petition before the Supreme Court to declare the MOA void for being unconstitutional, adding that “We should stand together and protect our electoral process, for the will of the people to prevail,” Puruganan said.

SUPPORTING BBM-SARA. Energy Undersecretary Benito Ranque (right) lead convenor of the Marcos Sara Duterte Alliance (MASADA) rallies participants at the 1st MASADA Summit at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City to support the BBM-SARA tandem in the May 9 national elections Joseph Muego

international competition or exhibition.

As a strong supporter of the arts, just like his father, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara before him, Angara noted how Filipino artists have been showcasing their skill and creativity to the world and in the process, helping to raise the awareness of the international community to the wealth of talent that is in the country.

Among the more recent awardees are actor John Arcilla who won the Coppi Volpi for “Best Actor” award at the 78th Venice Film Festival; director Diane Paragas, whose film Yellow Rose won the 2019 Reel Asian Best Feature Film award in the Toronto International Film Festival; vocalists Marlon Macabaya and Denise Melanie Du Lagrosa, who won first and second place respectively at the Stars of Albion Grand Prix 2019 in London; and painter Worth Lodriga, who as a seven year-old, won first place at the 2017 Student Mars Art Contest in the United States.

BI in full force as PH eases border rules for travelers

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) operations at the airports are in full force as the country approaches its first month of implementing its eased border restrictions.

BI port operations division Chief Atty. Carlos Capulong said they have already implemented the 100-percent on-site work capacity and have resumed their prepandemic shifting schedule as they expect that the number of arriving passengers will increase in the next few weeks.

“From around 8,000 daily passengers on the first week of implementation of our opened borders, we are now seeing more than 9,000 daily passengers. We are expecting this gradual increase as we transition to the new normal,” he added.

Capulong said that they are projecting that the figures will increase to 10,000 to 15,000 in the next few months.

Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said he has ordered border operations to prepare for the expected increase in travelers.

The Bureau of Customs meanwhile deployed more personnel to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in anticipation of the increasing number of arriving passengers following the government’s decision to ease travel restrictions.

The Manila International Airport Authority is also expecting an increase in the number of passengers this summer vacation.

“Aligned with its strengthened border security and enhanced trade facilitation, the Bureau of Customs -Port of NAIA ensures its preparedness to attend to all travelers arriving in the country in the ease of travel restrictions,” said Port of NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan.

She said the Port of NAIA has increased its manpower and added shifts in the airport terminals to better serve and cater to tourists, homebound overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans, and the volume of passenger baggage. With Joel E. Zurbano

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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

Leni backers hit Lacson and Remulla

By Rio N. Araja SUPPORTERS of presidential bet Leni Robredo on Monday denied being paid to join her grand rally in Cavite on March 4 as well as accusations of being aligned with communist groups.

The Robredo People’s Council-Cavite, the event’s organizer, slammed the “malicious, irresponsible, and baseless” allegations of Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and presidential aspirant Panfilo Lacson.

“Our participation in the rally is an offshoot of the overwhelming desire of thr Caviteño for a change. This is pure volunteerism. Such an allegation is just a way of belittling the dignity of the Caviteño and the capability of each of us,” the group said in a statement.

The Robredo People’s CouncilCavite said the red-tagging done by prominent public figures could put the participants at risk.

Earlier, Remulla said Cavite could deliver 800,000 votes for ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Cavite is the second most vote-rich province in the country, with 2.3 million registered voters.

Last Sunday, Remulla claimed a politician paid P500 to each rally participant wearing “pink uniforms.”

“The CPP-NPA-NDF and those in pink have joined forces,” he said.

Meanwhile, Robredo on Monday committed to protecting women’s rights, empowering women, and addressing serious issues faced by Filipino women by signing a covenant with member organizations of the Robredo People’s Council Women on the eve of International Women’s Day. “I hope the time will come when we no longer have to remind the world how great women are,” Robredo said during the covenant signing.

Isko: Prioritize food security AKSYON Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday said he will pursue programs for the country’s food self-sufficiency amid the uncertainties brought about by the ongoing political turmoil in Ukraine, which is a major source of imported wheat, an important ingredient in making bread.

“We cannot rely on food imports to control food price inflation. When things go awry on the other side of the world, like this Russia-Ukraine conflict where, apart from gas and oil, as well as wheat, potatoes, corn and so on, what if we lose the supply of imported food and basic necessities?”

Moreno said in interview with reporters at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Domagoso, along with Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, visited the fresh batch of food boxes which are scheduled for distribution this month of March to 700,000 families residing in the six districts of Manila.

This is part of the city government’s Food Security Program (FSP), which Domagoso launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

“We need to increase agricultural production. Let’s strive for food selfsufficiency. We still have a lot of desolate land, we are surrounded by the sea with fish. It is a matter of the highest priority, because food insecurity is the biggest threat to national security,” he added.

The political crisis between Russia and Ukraine is seen to threaten the food supply and livelihoods of people in Europe, Africa and Asia who rely on the vast, fertile farmlands of the Black Sea region known as the “breadbasket of the world.”

Russia and Ukraine combine for nearly a third of the world’s wheat and barley exports. Ukraine also is a major supplier of corn and the global leader in sunflower oil, used in food processing.

While there have not yet been global disruptions to wheat supplies, prices have surged 55 percent since a week before the invasion of Ukraine amid concerns about what could happen next. If the war is prolonged, countries that rely on affordable wheat exports from Ukraine could face shortages starting in July, according to the International Grains Council.

Rey E. Requejo

News

HEARTFELT MESSAGE. Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio delivers her message on top of a fire truck during a meet-andgreet with volunteer firefighters at the MICT access road in Tondo, Manila. Ver Noveno

Lacson, allies push back vs. false red-tagging narrative

P

ARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson refuted Monday accusations that he was “red-tagging” supporters of his rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, who cried foul over his reaction to a news report that they were allegedly paid P500 each to join her recent political rally in Cavite.

“I never red-tagged anybody. I was simply warning those concerned to be wary of a possible coalition government with a movement whose sole objective is to seize power. Insurgency, like corruption, must end if we want peace and prosperity,” Lacson said over his personal Twitter account.

The presidential candidate pushed back against the extreme hate he was getting for merely sharing his thoughts over the reported alliance forged between the Robredo camp and the or-

ganizations that are openly espousing communist ideologies.

“This is worrisome. A coalition government with the CPP/NPA/NDF will set back the gains of the government’s efforts to end the country’s decades-old insurgency problem,” Lacson said in a Twitter post on Sunday.

However, it did not sit well with some netizens supporting Robredo, who said his comment was a form of “red-tagging,” which Lacson and his allies rejected outright.

In a statement released Monday, the Partido Reporma Cavite chapter clarified Lacson’s remarks both as a party chairman and a native Caviteño, who spent decades of his life and career in public service to defend democracy and look after the welfare of his countrymen.

Partido Reporma explained that Lacson’s remarks came from the perspective of a former intelligence officer with keen awareness of how left-leaning organizations are using the elections as an opportunity to infiltrate various political groups and promote their communist agenda.

The party also mentioned that the veteran lawmaker understands the value of fact-checking and has long been waging a war against fake news throughout his political career, and so he would never say something without verifying it first from other reliable sources.

Tawi-Tawi, Masbate leaders declare support for UniTeam

By Rey E. Requejo THE provincial government of TawiTawi, through the ruling Tawi-Tawi One Party (TOP), on Monday passed a resolution adopting presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running-mate, Sara DuterteCarpio, as its official bets for the 2022 national polls.

In a one-page resolution signed by all local officials of the province headed by Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael “Mang” Sali, chairman of TOP, the leaders said they decided to throw their support behind Marcos and Duterte-Carpio because they are confident that the tandem could hasten progress in the province and en-

sure quick recovery from pandemic.

“The province of Tawi-Tawi was not spared from the effects and devastation brought by the global pandemic. TOP believes that through unity, the Filipino people can rise again and achieve economic progress,” the resolution said.

The group also said the platform of programs of the UniTeam, particularly the call for unifying leadership, job creation and the concrete plan to recover from the pandemic were all aligned and beneficial to the province.

Sali also announced that all the mayors of the 11 municipalities in Tawi-Tawi have also sworn their full support to the UniTeam.

“This support is very important. It is

FOOD SECURITY.

Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, along with Vice Mayor Honeylet Lacuna, inspects around 114,000 food packs stored inside the San Andres sports complex in Malate on March 7, 2022 for distribution to families in Manila.

Norman Cruz

also a great thing to show people that more and more people are joining us.

Not only the people but also the political leaders of course in various provinces are increasing,” Marcos said.

In Masbate, local political leaderd have set aside their rivalries to rally behind the tandem.

Marcos visited the province on Saturday and conducted a caravan heading to Freedom Park in front of the Masbate Provincial Hall, where a grand rally was held.

Joining him in the motorcade were Gov. Antonio Kho and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) provincial chairman Ruben Jude Lim, who were political rivals but opted to both support the UniTeam tandem.

Pacquiao hits failure to create oil buffer stock

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PROMDI presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao said the looming fuel crisis could have been averted if the Department of Energy had the foresight to stabilize fuel prices by creating buffer stocks for gasoline and diesel.

According to Pacquiao, the Philippine National Oil Corporation, which is under the DoE, should have a regular stockpile of fuel that can be used as a reserve when there is a marked increase in fuel prices in the global market.

Under the amended charter of the PNOC as provided under Presidential Decree 927, it is mandated “to provide and maintain an adequate and stable supply of oil and petroleum products for the domestic requirement and for that purpose to engage in, control, supervise and regulate the transportation, storage, importation, exportation, refining, supply, sale, and distribution of crude oil, refined petroleum and petroleum-based products, whether imported or produced by local refineries.”

In its 2020 annual report, the PNOC sought for the establishment of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) which envisions to create “large stockpiles of crude oil and/or petroleum products, stored in facilities located around the country (and possibly overseas) that are released during periods of local or international oil supply disruptions.”

“The National SPR Program is considered to be an extensive undertaking aimed to provide an oil stockpile, either crude oil, finished petroleum products, or both, equivalent to 90 days or more of the country’s domestic oil requirements,” the 2020 Annual Report said.

Sara: Education key in fight vs. poverty

By Maricel V. Cruz LAKAS-CMD vice presidential bet Sara Duterte-Carpio cited the importance of education as a way out of poverty during a visit with a family in an urban poor community in Barangay 105 in Tondo, Manila over the weekend.

Ronald Abriol and his wife Analyn hosted the unexpected visitor as DuterteCarpio dropped by in an urban poor relocation compound in Tondo.

The Abriols have been garbage keepers for almost 20 years, and have been sustaining the family’s basic needs with their meager income.

The couple has eight children, including a set of triplets.

Analyn shared her struggles to the Davao City mayor hoping that the vice presidential aspirant would help them re-

solve their problem.

She said they earn an average of P85 to P150 daily. Analyn also said she wants faceto-face classes to resume as it is difficult for them to provide gadgets and internet access for online classes to her six children.

Despite the situation, the Abriols still hope their children will finish their studies as a way out of poverty.

Duterte-Carpio said Analyn wished that the government would help them and other Filipinos experiencing the same challenges.

The vice presidential bet, who advocates education as a way to get good employment and better quality of life, encouraged the Abriols to make the education of their children a priority.

“Let’s make sure that if you choose to live here, if you work and find jobs here, we can send our children to school no matter how hard it is,” she said.

Binay: Expedite rehab of Odette-hit areas

By Joel E. Zurbano SENATORIAL candidate Jejomar Binay has urged the national government to hasten the rehabilitation of communities and sectors affected by Typhoon Odette.

Binay made the statement following his visit in several cities in Cebu where he personally saw the present situation of residents and the status of rehabilitation almost three months after the typhoon.

“Many infrastructures still need to be repaired, and we must also provide assistance for residents and small businesses affected by Typhoon Odette,” he said.

Local chief executives of Mandaue City, Lapu Lapu City and Consolacion discussed

with the former vice president on-going efforts to recover from the devastation of Typhoon Odette.

“The government must expedite the release of funds for the rehabilitation of affected communities, especially here in Central Visayas,” said Binay.

Based on the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the damage to agriculture and infrastructure reached to over P47 billion in the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Luzon. In Central Visayas, damage to infrastructure amounted to P4.2 billion.

The agriculture sector, meanwhile, sustained P1.2 billion in damages.

WOMEN AGENDA. Women hold placards identifying the

characteristics of next leader as the country chooses its next president in the May 9 polls. Manny Palmerro

Opinion Can they still catch up?

WITH the easing of health restrictions now that we are on Alert Level 1, is another COVID-19 surge possible?

I ask this especially since there have been campaign rallies, full capacities in public transportation, even the resumption of face-to-face classes.

In this new normal, caution is the name of the game.

••• In connection with the presidential race, foremost in the minds of aspirants for the presidency and vice presidency is this: “Can we still catch up?”

I am referring to candidates like Vice President Leni Robredo, who is some 30 percentage points behind leader Bongbong Marcos and his team mate Sara Duterte Carpio. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domogaso, is third placer, Senator Manny Pacquiao, fourth placer, and Senator Ping Lacson, fifth placer among all the presidential aspirants. If I were the strategists of Robredo, Moreno, Pacquiao and Lacson, I’d be asking myself – what else can I resort to?

Certainly, not all the poll surveys can be wrong when they list the BBM-Sara tandem as leading the race . There must be something wrong with their campaign that they have been stuck in this position despite everything they have done.

Political strategists may argue that poll surveys are just what voters say and believe at the time that surveys were done. This may be true, but if all poll surveys agree on one thing – that the BBM-Sara tandem is leading all poll surveys – there must be something credible with them. They cannot all be wrong, my gulay !

Of course it is possible that the other aspirants could catch up.

I have known elections in the past when candidates were leading the race in poll surveys, but still did not make it. This was true in the 1992 elections when the late Miriam Santiago was leading in poll surveys, but lost to Fidel V. Ramos. This is why Miriam kept on saying that she was cheated by Ramos.

Note that the difference between Miriam and other presidential candidates was not as big as that between Bongbong and those behind him.

••• Whether we like it or not, the Phil-

ippines is involved in the war between Ukraine and Russia. In fact, so is the entire Southeast Asia. Since Southeast Asia depends on imported gasoline and oil, the escalating prices of gasoline and oil worldwide, now at $120/barrel, will surge even further. Other products will also cost more.

That means the price of the lowly pan de sal will again escalate. All flour is imported. And with these going up, the domino effect will take place.

What will happen to those lagging behind the Uniteam in surveys?

President Duterte’s move to study the oil deregulation law is a step in the right direction. This will cushion the impact of escalating prices, but to what extent, I don’t know. It’s up to the Senate to study the matter, my gulay !

I am in favor, however, with the Executive Order approved by Duterte to add nuclear power with the country’s energy mix. There was really nothing wrong with the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to add to our energy mix. It was only the corrupt cronies of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos that gave the BNPP a bad name. In fact, we could have been the first country in Southeast Asia to have nuclear power in this part of the world were it not for all those allegations of corruption.

••• I am happy for my friend, former Vice President Jojo Binay. Despite his long absence from the national scene, he is doing very well in surveys.

In fact, I recently saw the results of a survey commissioned by a prominent business personality. The survey was conducted from February 14 to 21, with a sample size of 3,000 likely voters. This is bigger than the usual sample size of 1,200 by the other credible survey companies.

In this survey, Jojo is ranked 6-8. he is tied with Loren Legarda, who is returning to the Senate, and incumbent Senator Migs Zubiri.

This is a big jump in Jojo’s ranking.

In January, the same survey placed him 8-13.

Jojo will bring to the Senate his years of experience in government.

He has done a lot as Makati mayor and Vice President. He has also helped a lot of people. His campaign slogan says it all: “May nagawa na, at may magagawa pa.”

the end of his stranglehold rule in Russia.

That is why the neutral stance toward Russia of some prominent persons in our society is disturbing. It shows that they allow evil to have its sway without even raising their voices in censure.

It takes a strong leader, morally upright and guided by the right principles and values, to uphold good and stare down evil, just as Manuel L. Quezon did. During his presidency, the Philippines welcomed some 1,200 Jews fleeing Nazi persecution.

Historian Dr. Ria Sunga wrote, “…the Philippines became a haven for Jews when many countries rejected them.”

Might not does not make it right.

If the Philippines were invaded by a foreign country - let’s say, by one of our biggest neighbors in Asia - would those fence-sitters still think the same? Would they still want others to remain neutral, or send help? If the leaders of other countries thought as they did, then no one would come to our aid, because they are “not involved.” It’s easy to stay dissociated when it’s not happening to you.

The ASEAN also sidestepped the issue, neither condemning Russia or calling its actions against Ukraine an “invasion.”

Only Singapore and Indonesia hit Moscow directly. The former stated that it will impose sanctions, such as the suspension of exports of items that could be used as weapons in Ukraine, and block some banking and financial transactions connected to Russia, following the move of some Western countries. Southeast Asia expert Zachary Abuza called this “rare leadership from

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EDITORIAL

Ukraine – should we care?

“THE only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Taking a stand for the right, defending truth, honor, and peace and the other positive values that allow people to live and flourish without hurting or harming others, is the mark of a courageous person. History was always ever against the fence-sitter.

During World War II, Nazi Germany, under the leadership of warmonger Adolf Hitler, killed around 17 million people, the majority of whom were Jews (six million).

By no stretch of logic or reason can anyone justify killing millions for their religion, ethnicity, race, or other such factor, much less wage war on a sovereign country just because they wanted to join NATO or move their politics toward a democratic model.

Anyone who objects to how others, who are not under their jurisdiction, live their lives is an authoritarian, and if that objection were translated into aggression, that makes them a killer.

What Russia – specifically, Putin and his cohorts, because many of his countrymen repudiate this war – is doing now in Ukraine is nothing short of murder.

Ukraine did nothing to provoke aggression, by any normal reckoning; this war is the knee-jerk response of a megalomaniac who fears democracy because it will mean

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

A nation of war criminals

T

HE Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who launched an unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, now says he is ready to talk to end the fighting, but only if Kyiv stops military operations and surrenders.

Nobody—except perhaps his countrymen—are fooled by Putin’s outlandish claims. It is apparent to everyone monitoring the Russian invasion that Putin is a war criminal, as are those who continue to empower him.

On Sunday, the United Nations said the civilian death toll in Ukraine rose to 364, including more than 20 children, as Russian forces fired indiscriminately on civilian targets such as apartment buildings, schools, hospitals and even a nuclear power plant.

Belying Moscow’s denials, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said most civilian casualties were caused by the use of “explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multi-launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes.”

A US defense official says Russia has launched about 600 missiles so far as it clearly seeks to pummel Ukraine into submission by targeting “soft” targets.

If the Russians will not stop Putin, the rest of the world must.

The invasion has drawn almost universal condemnation around the world, sent more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing from the country, and triggered sweeping Western sanctions against Russia aimed at crippling its economy.

Still, the invasion continues, driven, it seems, by Putin’s mad desire to re-

turn Russia to its Soviet-era “glory.”

Although there have been anti-war protests inside Russia, police are quick to arrest the courageous activists, detaining more than 4,600 of them so far, according to an independent protest monitoring group.

Still, it seems a majority of Russians—brainwashed by a steady diet of lies and propaganda from statecontrolled media—are content to let Putin have his bloody way. Even when confronted with the truth and images of Ukrainian cities devastated

by Russian fire, they refuse to see.

They, too, bear responsibility for the death and destruction that Putin has rained on Ukraine. His soldiers, ignorant as some of them seem to be, are guilty as well for their craven attack on civilians.

After all, it is this silent majority that put Putin in power in the first place, and it is they that keep him there by being silent on the atrocities he carries out in their name.

Putin, with his bloody, expansionist dreams, must be stopped—and if the Russians will not stop him, the rest of the world must.

Running scared from debates THE Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem believes they are cruising to victory, enjoying what seems to be a comfortable lead over their respective rivals in most poll surveys.

To both presidential and vice presidential candidates, participating in these debates or even cherry picking interviews is somewhat a deliberate campaign strategy.

After all, their campaign handlers may be of the belief that the surveys and their popularity will carry them through with or without these debates/interviews.

Some may also attribute the candidates’ aversion to these debates and selecting interviews to “playing it safe,” complacency or sheer fear that the candidate’s positions may unwittingly or wittingly disclose their positions on certain issues that will antagonize their supporters, like the Marcos martial law record, hidden wealth, governance record or even Duterte’s controversial drug war.

Their debate strategy unmasks the true colors of the so-called Uni-team, but this is backfiring. Because of their non-participation, many are now entertaining doubts as to their competence or even readiness to take on the highest and second-highest positions of the land. This team reveals a condescending perspective of the voters, not considering that voters in fact make their final decisions on choice of candidates by the latter’s position on issues, their principles, and convictions or moral uprightness. To voters, this is a red flag, the equivalent of running scared.

Dishing out all sorts of excuses and alibis not to participate in debates are but pathetic attempts not to unduly expose their weaknesses. In effect, it is shortchanging the electorate, whether or not they are his supporters. It is sowing the seed for future disillusionment and dissention should they get elected. It reinforces the suspiSoutheast Asia.”

While the Philippines did not directly hit Putin either, it said that it “expresses explicit condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine,” and reminded the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that “all States enjoy the right to full sovereignty in all their areas of jurisdiction” and strongly urged the implementation of the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes.

The country voted ‘yes’ to a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during a rare UNGA emergency session, but according to President Duterte, the Philippines will stay neutral on the conflict for fear of nuclear attack.

Many Filipinos do not agree with the

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

cion of the electorate on the competence, credentials and readiness of the candidate to take on the job he or she is applying for.

Laying down their platforms of government and their position on issues that affect public interest is a legal and moral obligation. The decisions and policies that the highest public officials of the country, or any other local official for that matter, will have far reaching effects on the whole country or the locality in the immediate future or even may reverberate for generations to come.

This is a red flag to voters.

In the senatorial debate last week, we saw the power of debates. The awesome, exceptional performance of Luke Espirutu of Partido Laban ng Masa in exposing and shaming Larry Gadon and Harry Roque instantly converted millions to vote for him. This was not a surprise for me as I know Luke and was voting for him already. From the debates so far, we also know that Vice President Leni Robredo, labor leader Leody De Guzman, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Mayor Isko Moreno, Professor Walden Bello, and Senator Francis Pangilinan can certainly lead this country to a better place.

The national leadership is the captain, the wheel and the anchor that will set direction for the nation, navigate it to safer waters in times of turmoil, internal or external, and be an example and inspiration who will bring out the best in every Filipino. But then again, how can the voting public do this when the leading candidates snugly cuddle in the shells of their comfort zone? When they refuse to disclose to the public their positions, and bravely expose themselves to public scrutiny? Running a nation with 110 million souls is not for the faint hearted, with its myriad of problems and challenges. The pandemic, a weakening economy and external conflicts that have national repercussions are some of the difficult issues that the next neutral stance, and one political candidate, who earlier said, as did his running mate, that the country should not be involved, later backpedaled and called for Russia to “respect” Ukraine’s freedom – only after some days and much internet backlash.

Might does not make it right, and may we have the discernment to realize this. It takes a backbone to stand and be counted to take a position on any issue. Come May 9, vote for the leaders who have the spine and guts to call out wrong as wrong.

To look upon suffering and injustice without taking a side is to allow evil to triumph. Slava Ukraini! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

administration will be facing. We need a president who will actually lead, not cower in the face of threats or difficulties. One who can inspire unity, not divisiveness, and give real solutions, not platitudes and superficial and aesthetic fixes.

Recently, the world was awed by the bravery, courage and determination to resist displayed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Besieged from all sides by the enemy who is bent at annihilating his country, he showed the world what a true leader is. Because of his inspiring leadership, the Ukrainians refused to lay down their arms, continuing as one whole nation to put up a fierce resistance against the Russian invaders.

We need leaders like Zelenskyy. A comedian in his previous life, he has shown to all that being a leader is not a comic act but a serious calling, not something to be taken for granted. A leader is one who is ready to take on risks for the sake of his fellow countrymen. Can we expect this kind of candidate to show the same exemplary leadership qualities as President Zelenskyy?

I doubt it. If a presidential candidate is dodging simple debates and interviews, which is a duty and obligation to the voting public, what do you expect will he do when push comes to shove? As I said, being a true leader is not to seek fame, power or to protect one’s interests. It is all about sacrifice, and dogged determination to uplift the lot of our people.

People running scared from debates cannot lead a country. They should not be elected.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

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Blinken: Moscow’s demands on Iran nuclear deal ‘irrelevant’ WASHINGTON—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday dismissed as “irrelevant” Russian demands for guarantees that new sanctions linked to Ukraine will not affect Moscow’s rights under a reworked Iran nuclear deal.

With the parties to the Iran agreement, which the US abandoned in 2018, now seemingly close to a new accord, Blinken rejected fresh demands voiced Saturday by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine “have nothing to do with the Iran nuclear deal,” Blinken said on CBS talk show “Face the Nation.”

They “just are not in any way linked together, so I think that’s irrelevant,” he said, speaking from Moldova, a small country on Ukraine’s southwest border.

Blinken added it was not only in

America’s interest but Russia’s as well that Iran not be able “to have a nuclear weapon or the capacity to produce a weapon on very, very short order.”

‘Pragmatic approach’ The latest Russian reservations, coming amid the intense crisis over Ukraine, threaten hopes that an Iran agreement could be wrapped up quickly.

Iran and the United Nations nuclear watchdog had announced tentative agreement early Saturday on an approach for resolving issues crucial to reviving the country’s 2015 nuclear accord with world powers.

Rafael Grossi, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in Vienna that while the UN agency and Iran had yet to settle “a number of important matters,” they had now “decided to try a practical, pragmatic approach” to overcome them.

However, Grossi said there was “no artificial deadline.” AFP

SHEEP CROSSING.

Bystanders look at sheep walking during an urban ‘transhumance’ (moving livestock from one grazing ground to another) near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, on March 6 on the last day of the 58th International Agriculture Fair (Salon de l’Agriculture). AFP

KYIV PLEADS WITH THE HAGUE TO STOP RUSSIA

Ukraine asks UN court to end invasion

T

HE HAGUE ― Ukraine will square off with Russia at the UN’s top court on Monday, with Kyiv asking judges in The Hague to order Moscow to immediately halt its invasion.

Kyiv lodged an urgent case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on February 27, saying that Russia had illegally justified its war by falsely alleging genocide in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

Ukraine alleges that it is Russia that is planning “acts of genocide” in the offensive launched by President Vladimir Putin on February 24.

Kyiv has asked the court to take provisional measures ordering Russia to “immediately suspend the military operations”, pending a full judgment that could take years.

“Ukraine emphatically denies that acts of genocide have been committed”, Kyiv’s application to the court said.

“Russia thus expressly bases its ‘special military operation’—in fact a full-

scale, brutal invasion of Ukraine—on an absurd lie.”

In an unusual step, ICJ President Joan Donoghue issued an “urgent communication” to Russia on March 1 asking it to “act in such a way” that any order should take effect quickly.

The two-day hearing at the ICJ’s Peace Palace headquarters will begin with Ukraine speaking on Monday at 0900 GMT. Russia is slated to reply on Tuesday.

It was not clear how Moscow would formally contest Ukraine’s application and the Russian embassy in The Hague did not respond to a request for

comment.

In another blow to Moscow’s case, its legal team will be weakened by the resignation of one of its long-time French lawyers, Alain Pellet.

“Lawyers can defend more or less questionable causes,” Pellet said in an open letter.

“But it has become impossible to represent in forums dedicated to the application of the law a country that so cynically despises it,” he said.

The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between UN member states, based mainly on treaties and conventions. AFP

Sri Lanka family sues Japan gov’t over immigration detention death TOKYO―The family of a Sri Lankan woman who died in Japanese immigration detention sued the government on Friday, in a high-profile case that has reignited calls to reform conditions in the system.

Wishma Sandamali, 33, died a year ago while detained for overstaying her visa after seeking police protection, reportedly to escape an abusive relationship.

She had allegedly complained of stomach pain and other symptoms for several weeks, and a government probe into her death concluded she received inadequate treatment as her health deteriorated.

Her death at a facility in the central city of Nagoya prompted the justice minister last year to apologise and pledge to improve medical provision to detainees.

Sandamali’s family sued the national government on Friday, their lawyer’s

office told AFP without giving details.

Local media reported the family was seeking 156 million yen ($1.3 million) in damages.

Carrying a framed photograph of Sandamali, her younger sister told reporters she was bracing for a long wait for further information.

“I’m very sad that we had to take legal action to find out what happened to my elder sister,” she said in the Sinhala language.

“Litigation means a process that will take a few more years. That means I have to wait a few more years to find out the reason for my elder sister’s death.

“I am truly sad that it had to come to this.”

Rights campaigners have long criticised conditions at Japanese detention centres, including how guards respond to medical emergencies. AFP

HEARTBREAK IN ODESSA. A couple embrace as they stand in front of an evacuation train at the central train station in Odessa on March 6. AFP

Le Pen’s niece Marechal defects to rival French far-right campaign TOULON ― The niece of French far right leader Marine Le Pen, Marion Marechal, on Sunday officially joined forces with a rival campaign for the April 2022 elections in a blow to her aunt’s bid.

Marechal, 32, who had already hinted at her move, addressed a major rally of far-right pundit Eric Zemmour who over the last months has upstaged Le Pen by becoming a major presence in the campaign.

President Emmanuel Macron, who last week finally made clear he was standing, is the overwhelming favourite to win a new term, with Russia’s inva-

sion of Ukraine seen as bolstering his position by keeping other candidates in the shade.

“I am certain that political transformation will take place and I believe again that victory is possible,” Marion Marechal told the rally in the southern port city of Toulon.

She hit out at Macron, calling him a “president of division”.

Her defection and willingness to cause a family rift is a welcome boost for Zemmour who has started to slip in the polls in recent weeks after enjoying an initial surge when he declared his candidacy.

Marine Le Pen had in January said she was personally hurt by Marion Marechal’s plan to defect, saying: “It’s brutal, it’s shocking, it’s difficult for me.”

Polls currently suggest Le Pen and Zemmour are the main contenders to make a run-off against Macron, with the traditional right-wing candidate Valerie Pecresse failing to ignite her campaign.

An Ipsos-Sopra-Steria poll published Saturday showed Macron on course to win 30.5 percent in the first round, a reading that is up sharply since the start of Russia’s

war against Ukraine.

Le Pen is on 14.5 percent and Eric Zemmour 13 percent. Pecresse was put on 11.5 percent, eclipsed by far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon on 12 percent.

Marion Marechal is seen by many observers to be a future leader of the farright nationalist camp.

Elected as the youngest member of parliament in 2012 at the age of 22, Marechal stepped back from frontline politics five years later to spend more time with her daughter and open a political sciences school focused on nationalism. AFP

China-Russia friendship is ‘rock-solid’ BEIJING—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Monday stressed that the friendship between Beijing and Moscow was still very strong, despite international condemnation of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as he said China was open to helping mediate peace.

Beijing has walked a tight diplomatic tightrope throughout the crisis, refusing to condemn its close ally Moscow after only last month touting a “no limits” strategic partnership between the two countries.

“The friendship between the two peoples is rock-solid, and both sides’ future cooperation prospects are very vast,” said Wang at an annual press briefing.

But he said China was “willing to work with the international community to carry out necessary mediation, when necessary”.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said last week that China should mediate future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as Western powers cannot fulfil the role, in an interview with Spanish daily El Mundo.

Beijing has repeatedly said it would play a “constructive role in calling for negotiations” to resolve the crisis, but has not previously committed to joining or hosting any peace talks.

Wang also said China would send humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

He also described the China-Russia relationship as “the world’s most crucial bilateral relationship”, which “is conducive to world peace, stability and development”.

The foreign minister referred to last month’s partnership commitment as “clearly and unmistakably showing the world” that both countries “jointly oppose the revival of the Cold War mentality and stoking ideological confrontations”.

Wang also said the informal alliance would “not brook interference by third parties”, in a warning to the United States and its Western allies who in recent days have lobbied China to play a more active role in mediating the conflict. AFP

Thousands march in El Salvador to demand abortion rights SAN SALVADOR ― Around 2,000 women marched in El Salvador’s capital on Sunday to demand the legalization of abortion and a decrease in the killings of women in the Central American country.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of Mrs. Rosario Gabriel Coronel was extrajudicially settled by her heirs per the Extra Judicial Settlement of the Intestate Estate of Mrs. Rosario Gabriel Coronel under Doc. No. 150, Page No. 32, Book No. 2, Series of 2016 before Notary Public Atty. Rafael T. Durian of Manila.

(MS-FEB. 22/ Mar. 1 & 8 2022)

With slogans such as “It’s my body, abortion is my right,” “No more patriarchal violence” and “Women are strong and together we take care of ourselves,” they demonstrated in San Salvador wearing purple or green scarves around their necks in anticipation of InterEXTRA-JUDICIAL national Women’s Day on March SETTLEMENT 8.

Notice is hereby They called “for abortion to given that the estate be decriminalized in the country of the late VIRGILIO on certain grounds, so that we no S. GARCIA has longer have women imprisoned, been extra-judicially settled among his unjustly criminalized for having heirs, as per Doc. suffered an obstetric emergency,” No. 451; Page Morena Herrera, leader of the CitiNo. 92; Book No. IV; Series of 2022 zens’ Association for the Decrimibefore Notary Public nalization of Therapeutic, Ethical ATTY. KAIMA VIA V. and Eugenic Abortion (ACDAVELASQUEZ. TEE), told AFP. (MS-MAR. 1/8/15, 2022)

Herrera said abortion should be decriminalized to save the lives of women and girls; when a fetal malformation incompatible with life outside the womb has been detected; and when the pregnancy is the result of sexual violence.

El Salvador has had an outright ban on abortion since 1998, even in cases of rape or if the health of the woman or fetus are in danger.

Terminating a pregnancy can send a woman to jail for up to eight years, but Salvadoran judges often instead find women guilty of “aggravated homicide,” which is punishable by up to 50 years in prison.

Many women are prosecuted after seeking medical help for complications in pregnancy, suspected of having attempted an abortion. AFP

INDON FOOD AID. A woman carries items she purchased at a subsidised food programme for needy families and certain demographic groups, at a food station in Jakarta on March 7. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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Stocks fall as oil prices hit 14-year high TOP GAINERS S PSEi March 7, 2022

1 MACAY 2 FNI 3 ROX

LAST PRICE CHANGE 6.67 1.03 3.1 0.36 1.35 0.15

% CHANGE 18.26% 13.14% 12.50%

4 5 6

MARC NI APX

2.16 1.19 1.91

0.21 0.1 0.16

10.77% 9.17% 9.14%

7

PXP

6.72

0.52

8.39%

8 9 10

PRMX AT VUL

2.27 8.37 1.18

0.17 0.62 0.08

8.10% 8.00% 7.27%

TOCKS fell Monday, while oil prices soared to a near 14-year high and safe-haven gold broke $2,000 as investors grew increasingly fearful about the impact of the Ukraine war on the global economy.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, retreated 53 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 7,288.07, while the broader all share index tumbled 28 points, or 0.7 percent, to settle at 3,866.98 Value turnover amounted to 8.7 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 147 yo 66, while 34 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active issues ended in the green, led by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. which climbed 6.9 percent to P34.10 and DMCI Hold-

ings Inc. which advanced 3.3 percent to P9.50. International Container Terminal Services Inc. gained 1.2 percent to P229.00, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. rose 0.8 percent to P39.50.

Most equity markets also plunged Monday. Trading floors were a sea of red in early exchanges with experts warning of a period of stagflation with the spike in crude likely to light a fire under already high inflation.

The commodity at one point rocketed almost 18 percent to $139.13—a level

not seen since mid-2008—after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the White House and allies were in talks about banning imports from Russia.

With the country the third-biggest producer of oil, such a move would compound a supply crisis just as demand takes off. Other commodities sourced from the region such as wheat and metals were also sharply higher.

And Mike Muller of Vitol warned of further pain.

“We have plenty of twists and turns to come,” he told a podcast produced by Dubai-based consultant and publisher Gulf Intelligence.

“While I think the world is already pricing in the fact there’ll be an inability to take in a serious amount of Russian

Former India stock exchange boss arrested in mystic scam

TOP LOSERS

1 ECP 2 FCG 3 CEB

LAST PRICE CHANGE 4.11 -0.36 0.62 -0.05 44.1 -3.35

% CHANGE -8.05% -7.46% -7.06%

4 5 6 7

CNPF MAC MM LODE

22.8 5.57 2.11 0.59

-1.7 -0.41 -0.15 -0.04

-6.94% -6.86% -6.64% -6.35%

8

SPNEC

1.99

-0.13

-6.13%

9 10

WPI SSP

0.46 1.11

-0.03 -0.07

-6.12% -5.93%

MOST ACTIVE

1 BDO 2 SCC

VOLUME 5,219,300 16,065,700

VALUE (PHP) 660,796,198 539,051,325

3 4

MBT SMPH

8,371,320 10,209,100

467,433,051 396,853,075

5

ICT

1,700,310

384,112,556

6 7 8 9

SPNEC ACEN DMC URC

158,684,000 39,831,400 32,206,000 2,544,620

327,152,510 314,226,815 303,144,930 296,977,729

10

GLO

107,635

271,564,070

South Korea bans transactions with Russia central bank SEOUL, South Korea—South Korea said Monday it will halt all transactions with Russia’s central bank in the latest series of punitive actions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The foreign ministry said in a statement it had decided to ban all financial dealings with the Central Bank of Russia “considering the international community’s financial restrictions against Russia”.

It did not provide further details on the scope of the move, saying more coordination with related agencies was required.

South Korea’s decision comes as Western governments, international sporting organisations and a growing list of major companies have worked to isolate Russia, levelling punishing sanctions over its globally-condemned attack on its neighbor.

South Korea earlier said it would tighten export controls against Moscow by banning shipments of strategic items. It also joined Western countries in suspending financial transactions with several major Russian banks.

Monday’s decision is the latest in a series of moves that Seoul has taken against Russia and its close ally Belarus.

Seoul on Sunday declared it would impose export controls on Belarus for “effectively supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, without detailing what specific measures would be taken.

Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest smartphone maker, also announced over the weekend it had suspended all shipments of products to Russia due to “geopolitical developments”.

The world’s 10th largest economy also has joined the multinational sanctions in removing Russia from the SWIFT global payment system, which allows transfer of capital across continents. AFP

oil in the western hemisphere, I don’t think we’ve priced in everything yet.”

World governments had until now not included Russian oil in their wideranging sanctions on Moscow owing to concerns about the impact on prices and consumers, though trade has become increasingly tough as banks pull financing and shipping costs rise.

The surge in crude is giving central banks a headache as they start to tighten pandemic-era monetary policy to fight inflation, which is already at a 40-year high in the United States.

The International Monetary Fund warned at the weekend that the war and sanctions on Russia would have a “severe impact” on the global economy. With AFP

RISING OIL PRICES. Petrol station attendants fill up vehicles at a petrol station in Hong Kong on March 7, 2022 with fuel prices rising as traders fretted over the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. AFP

China exports increase 16.3% as trade with Russia surges BEIJING, China—Chinese exports in January and February rose a combined 16.3 percent on surging global demand and a spike in trade with Russia in the run-up to the war in Ukraine, according to customs data released on Monday.

The growth rate exceeded economists’ expectations of a 15.7 percent gain from a year earlier.

Shipments from the world’s secondlargest economy were valued at $544.7 billion in the first two months, the data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Exports to Russia rose 41 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Trade data for January and February is usually combined to even out the impact of the extended Chinese new year holiday, which usually begins in one of those two months.

Imports rose 15.5 percent to $428.75 billion in the first two months of the year, leaving a Chinese trade surplus of $115.95 billion.

Exports remain a bright spot for a Chinese economy that has slowed sharply in recent months due to virus outbreaks, a property market slump and regulatory crackdowns on key sectors.

China’s leaders Saturday set a target of 5.5 percent GDP growth this year— the lowest annual goal since 1991— with Premier Li Keqiang warning of a “grave and uncertain” outlook as the war in Ukraine threatens to damage global supply chains.

China’s coal imports in the first two months doubled from a year earlier as Beijing scrambled to replenish supplies after a shortage late last year caused power cuts that paralyzed large swathes of the economy.

Exports to Russia grew at the fastest rate among China’s major trading partners in January and February, outpacing trade with the European Union and the United States.

Russia was also the second biggest source of imports for China, which buys energy products from its neighbor.

Trade with China has served as a lifeline for Russia, which had already faced Western sanctions over its 2014 seizure of the Crimea region from Ukraine.

Moscow’s international isolation has deepened following its invasion of Ukraine that began late last month.

China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, according to commerce ministry data.

Beijing approved Russian wheat imports just hours before the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine. AFP

MUMBAI, India—The former chief executive of India’s National Stock Exchange has been arrested, officials said Monday, in a bizarre corporate misgovernance scandal featuring a supposed Himalayan yogi.

Chitra Ramkrishna—a high-flying executive once feted as the “queen of the bourse”—allegedly took business advice from a mystic throughout her 2013-2016 tenure at one of the world’s largest derivatives exchanges.

She was detained by Central Bureau of Investigation, India’s equivalent of the FBI, in Delhi late Sunday, a senior officer told AFP. Spiritual leaders and “godmen” have long enjoyed vast followings in India and the business world is no exception in the highly religious nation of 1.4 billion people.

A 190-page report released by regulators last month revealed damning details of how Ramkrishna, 59, shared sensitive information with a spiritual adviser she supposedly met by the River Ganges.

The former boss of India’s largest stock exchange “had abdicated all her powers to the unknown person” and “was merely a puppet in his hands”, regulators said in the report, without identifying the yogi.

Last month, federal police arrested Ramkrishna’s former protege Anand Subramanian, whom she hired and later promoted on an astronomical salary—despite him having no relevant experience—allegedly on the advice of the yogi.

The scandal began in 2015 with allegations of market manipulation, with brokers said to have been given preferential access to the bourse.

Both executives resigned from the National Stock Exchange the following year.

NSE’s own board concluded on the basis of an E&Y forensic audit that Subramanian had in fact invented the yogi to manipulate Ramkrishna for personal gain. AFP

Unemployment, pay gap, instability the pandemic legacy for Peru’s women LIMA, Peru—When the pandemic struck Peru and forced the economy to shut down in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus, women were some of the hardest hit.

Silvia Munoz lost her job as a domestic worker, while Yolanda Chambi was forced to close her shop selling traditional Peruvian clothes.

Both were among millions of Peruvian women to lose their income during the pandemic, which exacerbated gender inequality.

Theirs is a story seen throughout Latin America on the eve of International Women’s Day, where four million women remain unemployed even after regional economies have reopened.

When Covid struck, many women were forced to give up work to look after sick family members and children as schools and creches were closed as part of government restrictions.

And while most have since returned to work, many have had to accept lower salaries or even make do with working in the informal sector.

Once the virus reached Peru in March 2020, “there was no work, there was nothing,” said Munoz, 65, speaking from her home in the working class Lima neighborhood of Villa Maria del Triunfo.

One thousand kilometers (620 miles) away in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Chambi tells a similar story.

“We lost all our earnings,” she said.

She used to sell clothes to locals for the Virgen de la Candelaria festival that takes place on February 2 and

Professional Aymara embroiderer and costume designer, Yolanda Chambi, 45, works at her workshop in Puno, Peru, on Feb. 22, 2022. Women have specially been hit by the worsening of the unemployment rate due to the pandemic in Latin America. AFP

involves traditional Andean music and dancing.

It has been canceled for the last two years due to Covid.

Unable to sell her wares, Chambi could no longer afford the rent on her home-cum-workshop.

She was forced to move with her four children to the family home in the countryside, where they grow potatoes, broad beans and other vegetables.

While many countries in the region paid out benefits to those that lost their jobs due to the pandemic, few people in Peru received such aid because 70 percent of the 33-million population works in the informal sector, and very

few—especially the poor—have bank accounts.

Gone back 10 years The International Labor Organization says women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The ILO says 24 million women in Latin America lost their jobs during the pandemic and as many men.

But while only half a million men remain out of work, eight times as many women do, “which contributes to amplifying the impact of the crisis on gender inequality at work.”

Women’s unemployment in the region is 12.4 percent, compared to just 8.3 percent for men.

After years of steady progress, “the pandemic has taken us back more or less to the figures from 10 years ago,” Italo Cardnoa, the ILO chief for Peru, told AFP. Sectors that traditionally employ a lot of women have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, such as hotels, restaurants, services and the informal sector.

“The return of women to the labor market is much slower than for men,” said Cardona.

Daysi Falcon, 34, lost her job as an administrative assistant at a manufacturing company in March 2021.

She now sells prepared meals to acquaintances.

She says her family members were “dying one after another from Covid,” and she spent months caring for them.

‘I feel powerless’ Many of those back in work have been forced to accept lower pay.

A few months ago, Munoz, who supports her ill husband, started working again four days a week -but for 30 percent less pay than before.

Having previously earned $25 a day, she now receives $17.50.

“You have to accept it because behind me is someone who takes less,” said Munoz.

“I feel powerless because you get older, you’re not as strong as you used to be and when you’re older still, there’s no pension.”

Chambi, who sells breakfasts by the roadside, is likewise pessimistic about the future. AFP

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

B4

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, March 7, 2022

-53.94 PTS. 7,288.07

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,351,206,201 126,336 8,733,971,659.97 66 147 34

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.696

Japan

Yen

0.008704

0.45

UK

Pound

1.3225

68.368

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127982

6.6162

Switzerland

Franc

1.09075

56.3874

Canada

Dollar

0.786164

40.6415

Singapore

Dollar

0.735186

38.0062

Australia

Dollar

0.7372

38.1103

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

137.132

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266539

13.779

Brunei

Dollar

0.732493

37.867

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.00007

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.03059

1.5814

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.0761

Euro

Euro

1.0922

56.4624

Korea

Won

0.000821

0.0424

China

Yuan

0.158203

8.1785

India

Rupee

0.013087

0.6765

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239464

12.3793

New Zealand

Dollar

0.6847

35.3963

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035545

1.8375 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF BDO Leasing earned P43.6 million in 2021

BDO Leasing and Finance Inc. posted P43.6million profit in 2021, derived mainly from fair value gain from investments in Unit Trust Investment Funds.

The 2021 results were higher compared to P5.8-million earnings a year-ago, following the restructuring of BDO Unibank Group’s leasing business.

BLFI ceased to operate as a leasing company and completed the assignment and transfer of its leasing and financing business to affiliate BDO Finance Corp. on October 19, 2020.

BDO Finance was established to offer customers continued access to lease products and services, and also assumed the lease transactions booked in BFLI to ensure continuity to the latter’s existing clients.

BLFI used to be the leasing and financing entity of BDO. Following the company’s restructuring in 2020, BLFI’s assets were transferred to other entities of the parent bank, leaving BLFI as a listed holding company of BDO.

Business MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP. Manila Electric Company teams up with the government of Pasig and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health for a program that aims to provide financial support to aspiring doctors from the city. Under the memorandum of agreement, five Pasig residents from financially challenged families who intend to pursue a five-year joint degree of Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration at the ASMPH will receive a scholarship grant from One Meralco Foundation and Pasig local government unit. Attending the signing of the agreement are (from left) OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao, Pasig City administrator Jeron Manzanero, Meralco president and chief executive Ray Espinosa, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Ateneo Professional Schools vice president Dr. John Paul Vergara and ASMPH dean Dr. Cenon Alfonso.

Cerberus, Agila Naval take over Hanjin facility operations in Subic

By Othel V. Campos

U

S EQUITY firm Cerberus Management Capital and Agila Naval Inc. assumed the operations of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines’ facility and equipment in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, newlyappointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino Sr. said Monday “This [group] will replace Hanjin.

This means there will be more jobs for Subic people,” Paulino said as former SBMA chairman Wilman Eisma turned-over the position to him.

Paulino, a former Olongapo City mayor, became the 8th SBMA chairman and administrator, replacing Eisma who resigned on March 1, 2022.

State-run Government Service and Insurance System earlier posted a bulletin detailing the reinsurance of the industrial all risks insurance of SBMA

and the project. Cerberus and Agila Naval were given the go signal to assume the operation of the shipyard on Feb. 25, 2022.

Parts of the shipyard that are covered by the reinsurance include semifixed equipment like overhead cranes, pumping equipment, water and sewage treatment and others. Other operation equipment, cutting machines and vehicles are included in the coverage.

As a locator in Subic, Cerberus will

be leasing the shipyard facility to occupiers/tenants, including the Philippine Navy which will occupy the Northern Yard.

The Philippine Navy will start ramping up operations in the northern section of the yard that will include billeting, office work, light warehousing and docking and general ship operations.

Australian shipyard operator Austal, one of the shipbuilders previously interested in Hanjin Subic, is no longer a tenant/occupant, the GSIS post said.

The shipyard is at a production standstill, with only light warehousing, site security, clean-up and general maintenance listed as daily activities within the facility.

Hanjin declared bankruptcy in 2019, after creditors shunned its plea for loan restructuring. Hanjin defaulted on $1.3 billion worth of loans which became known as the biggest corporate loan default in the Philippines.

Bloomberry cuts net loss to P4.2b

CASINO operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said Monday it narrowed its net loss in 2021 to P4.2 billion from P8.3 billion in 2020 as the pandemic continued to affect the company’s operations.

Bloomberry said in a financial report to the stock exchange gross gaming revenues at Solaire Resorts Casino rose 22 percent in 2021 to P27.6 billion from P22.6 billion in 2020 even as it continued to operate on a limited capacity because of the pandemic.

“The year 2021 demonstrated the resilience of our business amidst a pandemic characterized by a slowly recovering economy and the absence of tourism. Compared to 2020, it was a better year for Bloomberry as it was propped up by the domestic patronage which grew our mass gaming revenues by 43 percent and EBITDA by 265 percent,” Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. said.

“While we look forward to better days ahead, we remain equipped to operate under challenging circumstances if they materialize. Even as COVID-19 restrictions are eased around the world, Bloomberry will continue to uphold its market-leading health standards for the safety of both guests and team members,” Razon said. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc. said Monday net income jumped 77 percent in 2021 to P27.3 billion from P15.4 billion in 2020.

AEV said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it recognized non-recurring gains of P527 million in 2021, on revaluation of dollar-denominated assets compared to the P477 million in non-recurring losses in 2020.

It said that without these one-off gains, AEV’s core net income last year was P26.8 billion, a 68-percent increase year-on-year.

Power accounted for 57 percent of the total income contributions from AEV’s strategic business units in 2021, while financial services represented 23 percent. Income contributions from real estate, food and infrastructure SBUs were at 9 percent, 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

“At the end of 2021, the Aboitiz Group’s performance trajectory continues to substantially improve, posting steadily rising figures. Our investments in digital transformation and innovation, matched by a strong culture of agility and resilience have paid off handsomely as we powered through the pandemic with strong performance indicators,” said AEV president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.

“We approach the coming year with balanced optimism as COVID begins to abate, vaccinations increase and our new strategic partnership with Jera kicks into full gear,” said Aboitiz.

“As we did with the current government, we look forward to working closely with the new administration in keeping our country on the steady path of economic development,” he said.

Aboitiz Power Corp. posted a net income of P20.8 billion last year, 66 percent higher than the P12.6 billion it earned in 2020. The company recognized non-recurring losses of P228 million due to the impairment losses of Therma Power Visayas Inc. and Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., which were partially offset by net foreign exchange gains on the revaluation of dollar denominated liabilities, compared to the non-recurring gains of P45 million in 2020.

SPNEC gets nod of shareholders for 400% capital hike

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LIMA Estate expansion to generate 22,000 jobs

ABOITIZ Construction said Monday it expects to complete the second phase of LIMA Estate’s industrial land expansion in Lipa and Malvar, Batangas by 2023.

The project aims to expand LIMA Estate’s industrial lot inventory through the construction of the Block 9-2 site. Once completed, the project will accommodate new businesses in the area and generate 22,000 job opportunities.

The project is set to be completed in 2023, with Aboitiz Construction responsible for the site development. This includes site grading, slope protection and road construction activities. Also included in the scope are drainage, waterline, and sewer line works. Around 150 manpower will be hired for the project.

“We are delighted to be working with our affiliate LIMA Land on this expansion project which will surely boost Batangas’ local economy. This bolsters our capabilities in engineering and design as well as in construction while complementing our commitment to contribute towards economic growth and help other businesses succeed,” said Aboitiz Construction vice president Levi Agoncillo.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Aboitiz Equity reported 77% growth in profit to P27.3b 2021

PROFESSORIAL CHAIR. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines confers a professorial chair in business and management award to Dr. Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. (fourth from left), president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Employers Confederation of the Philippines, and honorary chair and treasurer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ortiz Luis receives the award from PUP president Dr. Manuel Muhi (4th from right), witnessed by other PUP officers.

URC’s net income jumped by 109% to P24.3b last year FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. said Monday net income jumped by 109 percent in 2021 to P24.3 billion from a year ago, led by a one-time gain from the sale of its Oceania business.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that excluding the gain from the sale of assets, core net income declined by 8 percent as the record commodity prices resulted in higher material input costs.

It said the sale of Oceania business enabled it to monetize the efficiencies and synergies it created in Australia and New Zealand, while reinvesting into higher-growth core markets such as the recently acquired Munchy’s business in Malaysia.

Consolidated sales, excluding Oceania, rose 3 percent to P117 billion, with continuing limitations on mobility, consumer sentiment and supply chain disruptions from the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the Delta variant wave.

Sales momentum, however, accelerated in the latter half of the year, with fourth-quarter sales rising 11 percent from a year ago.

“Coming through two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, URC remained strong—maintaining our leading positions in key markets and categories, continuing our innovation pipeline, becoming preferred partner of choice to customers and suppliers, step changing

product supply chain transformation, and accelerating a people and planet friendly culture,” URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said.

“While the challenges and uncertainties of hyper cost inflation, global climate and political turbulence persist, our growth momentum and organizational commitment to excellence give us cause for optimism in 2022,” Lee said.

Revenues from the branded consumer foods group (excluding Oceania) were flat at P83.5 billion as food and beverage markets are still slowly recovering from below pre-pandemic levels.

Domestic sales were down by 2 percent to P61.4 billion.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Vape bill gives PH opportunity to make smoking obsolete—experts THE vape bill, once properly implemented, offers the Philippines an opportunity to make the smoking problem obsolete which will significantly improve public health, according to international experts.

“E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products pose only a small fraction of risks of smoking and have the potential to make smoking obsolete, which would have a profound beneficial impact on public health,” said Prof. Peter Hajek of the Queen Mary University of London.

Prof. Hajek, Prof. David Nutt of the Imperial College of London, Prof. Da-

vid Sweanor of the University of Ottawa, Dr. Tom Glynn of Stanford University’s School of Medicine and other international academic and research experts expressed support for the proposed Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act which was ratified by the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives in January 2022.

The vape bill, which aims to regulate the use, manufacture, trade, sale, distribution, and promotion of vaping and heated tobacco products in the country, awaits the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte.

It has strong prohibitions on the use of smoke-free products by minors. The bill bans the sale to and marketing initiatives targeting or appealing to minors and imposes hefty fines and imprisonment for non-compliance.

“Regulators are sometimes lobbied to ban EC and HTP with claims that these products lure children to smoking. The argument is false. These products, in fact, deflect young nicotine seekers away from smoking,” said Hajek, whose research was published in over 300 publications and contributed to global anti-smoking policies.

SHAREHOLDERS of Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. on Monday approved the increase in the company’s authorized capital stock by 400 percent to 50 billion shares to support aggressive expansion.

SPNEC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange shareholders during the special stockholders meeting also approved the company’s share swap deal with parent Solar Philippines.

It said that from 50 billion new authorized capital stock of the company, SPNEC would issue 24.37 billion shares at P2.50 apiece to Solar Philippines. In exchange, SPNEC will acquire over 20 companies owned by Solar Philippines.

These include solar farms in Batangas, Tarlac and Cavite with a combined 163 megawatt in operations and 240 MW for expansion, from which Solar Philippines sold shares at project valuations of over P20 million per MW. SPNEC said earlier it aimed to complete the development of 10,000 MW of solar projects via acquisitions and joint venture partnerships.

It also targets to create P15 million per MW of value from 10 GW of developments by 2025. To achieve these goals, SPNEC said it would focus on being a project developer and not an independent power producer.

“We believe the greatest challenge for solar in the Philippines is neither a lack of demand nor a surplus of projects, but rather, the challenge of consolidating land and permits that has resulted in a shortage of developed solar sites. This calls for us to maximize our attention devoted to the development of sites to create our target P 15 million per MW of value, while working with other IPP’s on financing and construction once the sites are shovel-ready,” SPNEC said.

It also seeks to raise at least P10 billion from stock rights offering and possible private placement and followon offering.

“While the terms of these offerings are typically determined later in the process, suffice it to say, the pricing must be attractive for the company to be able to raise its required capital,” SPNEC said.

Bolick lifts NorthPort to 2 wins, earns Cignal nod HOPES of a streaking NorthPort side of catching the last playoffs bus in the PBA Governors’ Cup gained a timely lift following another pair of victories behind the giant efforts of the returning Robert Bolick.

Fresh from his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the Manila qualifiers of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the slick-shooting guard came back with a bang as the Batang Pier downed Blackwater and Terrafirma one after the other, to stretch the team’s winning streak to five games and shore up its post-season drive.

The gunner out of San Beda did it all behind an impressive near tripledouble average of 25.5 points, 11.5 assists, and 9.0 rebounds in guiding NorthPort inside the Top Eight with an even 5-5 card entering the homestretch of the eliminations.

The performance earned Bolick the Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the period March 2 to 6.

Bolick bested the likes of June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, and the NLEX pair of Kris Rosales and Kevin Alas for the weekly honor being handed out by the men and women covering the PBA beat.

“Kailangan ko talaga bumawi sa team kasi nanalo sila ng dalawang mabibigat na laban,” said Bolick, who missed NorthPort’s massive wins against league-leader Magnolia and fellow playoff hopeful Phoenix Super LPG due to his duty with the national team the past week.

“Happy na happy ako na binigyan nila ng life ‘yung team namin. ‘Yung 0-5, ‘yung ibang team, puwedeng bumigay eh. Pero hindi kami. Nagbago na mentality namin. Dumating si Kuya Arwind (Santos), may winning culture.

Kailangan namin ‘yun. Akala ng iba, wala na kami. Pero eto kami, lumalaban kami,” he added.

Bolick certainly made up for his brief absence, exploding for 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals in the Batang Pier’s 116-103 win over Blackwater last Wednesday.

The 26-year-old cager then turned to a crafty facilitator the next game, dishing out 17 assists on top of his 21 markers, seven boards, and three steals in a 124-117 comeback win by the Batang Pier over Terrafirma after trailing by as many as 19 points.

The 17 assists by Bolick is also a career-high and the most by any player since Kiefer Ravena had the same assists output in NLEX’s 113-111 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra in the 2019 Governors’ Cup in Dubai.

Bolick likewise averaged 3.0 steals during the same playing period.

Coach Pido Jarencio said Bolick’s return could not have come at a better time for the team, which completely seeks to turn things around by making the playoffs after a lifeless start at 0-5.

Sports

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

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Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Robert Bolick soars for a layup in a PBA Governors’ Cup game against Terrafirma Dyip.

Obiena backs Ukraine: Silence never helped the oppressed

By Randy Caluag

E

RNEST John Obiena pole-vaulted to his new personal best that eclipsed his own national record in an emotionally charged effort he dedicated for his coach’s home country that is currently under attack by Russia.

Ernest John Obiena points to his baller showing the colors of Ukraine’s flag. @anais_bellier

Obiena submitted a season-best 5.91 meters at the Perche Elite Tour in France on Sunday night (Philippine time) to top his own national record of 5.86 he himself set last year.

After his record-setting jump, Obiena pointed to his left arm bearing the yellow-blue baller signifying the colors of Ukraine, the country of origin of his longtime mentor Vitaly Petrov.

Petrov has been Obiena’s pole vault coach for more than seven years and is largely credited for his vast improvement of becoming the best in Asia.

Smart launches GIGA Arena as 1st all-in-one esports platform for Filipino mobile gamers AS a huge step in enabling Filipinos to pur- esports platform that aims to simply bring sue their passion in mobile gaming, Smart the total esports experience at the fingertips Communications, Inc. (Smart) has launched of Filipino mobile gamers.

GIGA Arena, the country’s first all-in-one Open to all Smart and TNT customers, GIGA Arena lets users match up with fellow players to compete in daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments on gigaarena.smart for prestige and cash prizes. Registration starts on March 9.

For its launch, GIGA Arena features four most popular mobile games in the country, such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBGM).

Aside from enabling users to compete in live tournaments, the all-in-one platform also comes with innovative fea-

tures that allow mobile gamers to set-up tournaments, stream live competitions, play arcade games, purchase e-load, and conveniently link their e-wallet to secure their tournament winnings via GigaPay with PayMaya, among others.

To power the platform, Smart has partnered with global esports company LEET Entertainment. Smart also marks its five years of partnership with mobile game developer Moonton as it includes Mobile Legends: Bang Bang among its featured mobile games.

Training ground to greatness Envisioned as a training ground for greatness, GIGA Arena comes amid the rise in the number of Filipino mobile gamers who want to level up their skills and enhance their gameplay.

“Through GIGA Arena, we are giving mobile gamers a venue to showcase their skills and talents, which many of them devote time and effort to hone. This is

Petrov has also mentored former pole vault world champion and Olympic medalists Sergey Bubka, Yelena Isinbayeva, and Giuseppe Gibilisco.

Obiena made a meaningful post on his Facebook page, expressing his support for Ukraine.

“My heart and thoughts are with you (Ukraine). Silence never helped the oppressed and the abused.”

He capped his post with reassuring words: “Stay strong Ukraine.”

Obiena himself is beset with adversity with his ongoing rift with the Philippine aligned with our commitment to enable our subscribers to pursue their passions and live the Giga Life,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

“We have designed GIGA Arena to be as dynamic as the esports scene, so our subscribers can expect more innovative features aimed at delivering the best mobile gaming experience,” she added.

To access GIGA Arena, subscribers can go to gigaarena.smart and create an account using their Smart or TNT mobile number. To join ongoing tournaments, users need to use ‘tickets,’ which they can earn and accumulate every time they register to GIGA Games data packs.

Enhanced GIGA Games In time for the launch of GIGA Arena, Smart has also announced the enhanced GIGA Games, which now includes data for PUBGM, on top of Mobile Legends and Facebook Gaming.

Smart and TNT subscribers can conveniently register to GIGA Games via the GigaLife App, which is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei Mobile Services. Customers may also avail of GIGA Games by dialing *123#.

Globe backs top PH esports team Blacklist International GLOBE Telecom is throwing its support behind the most engaging and current defending world champion for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team in Philippine esports – another step towards bolstering its commitment to elevate competitive online gaming in the country and bring Filipino gamers to the global stage.

The telco giant announced its sponsorship of Blacklist International (BLCK), a Filipino team that has brought home multiple international titles from their dominant run in last year’s Mobile Legends tournament, the most popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena played in the Philippines. The team is determined to conquer this year’s competitions as well.

Blacklist International is the defending back-to-back Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPLPH) champions, and the defending World Champion. Fur- Blacklist International (BLCK) ther showcasing their dominance in the field, the Tier One The 2022 Blacklist International MLBB team is headEntertainment backed esports team also reaped runner-up finishes in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup and the ed by 2021 Most Valuable Players Edward Jay “Edward” Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational. They are Dapadap and Salic “Hadji” Inam, alongside them are Kiel also slated to represent the country in the upcoming 2022 Calvin “OHEB’’ Soriano, Mark Jayson Alag “ESON” Gerardo, Kent Xavier “KEVIER” Lopez, and Dexter Louise Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, in May.

“DEXSTAR” Alaba. The squad for season 9 will be guided by coach Kristoffer Ed “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza. OhMyV33NUS and Wise are still part of Blacklist International but will be on break this MPL Season 9 as they focus more on content creation. The duo will be back with a vengeance for Season 10, as they set their sights on another championship and the chance to defend their world title.

“Globe is very excited to partner with the defending Philippines and World Mobile Legends Champions, Blacklist International. Their passion, dedication and competitive spirit is also what Globe embodies as a brand. With this partnership, we aim to further cater to our MLBB users as they now have a team to cheer and support in the upcoming tournaments.” said Ralph Aligada, head of Globe Games and sports.

Tryke Gutierrez, CEO of Tier One Entertainment added that “We are grateful for this Globe Telecom sponsorship and excited to be working with them to bring Blacklist International to more viewers than ever. It is humbling to have such a big name brand back us after our year of hard work winning all those championships. We will endeavor to carry this momentum, as well as the fans’ support, throughout the rest of the year.”

Athletics Track and Field Association that began with his failure submission of liquidation reports of the salaries of Petrov.

In a way, Obiena is returning the favor to Petrov, who stood by him up to the time he was released from the national team.

“I have my share of adversity as everyone knows. But so does everyone else. The name of the game is to keep showing up and keep trying. As to my current adversity, I leave it with God and my country,” Obiena said in his previous post.

In a gesture short of offering a peace pipe, Obiena has reportedly written his mother federation Patafa to endorse his participation in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games in May, World Athletics in July in Oregon, USA, and the Asian Games in China in September.

Obiena’s effort in France was good only for silver behind American Christopher Nilsen’s own personal best of 6.05 meter to net the gold.

SMASH coach pleased at PH shuttlers SMASH Pilipinas head coach Rosman Razak finally had a chance to see the badminton players of our country during the MVP Second Badminton Cup held from February 23 to 25 at the Olympic Badminton Center in Ugong, Pasig.

Despite local shuttlers not being able to play over the past two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pa nde m ic, Razak was Rosman Razak pleased with not just the turnout but also the performances of the players.

“I think it’s a great tournament, especially for the players,” said Razak, who was hired by the Philippine Badminton Association last October. “It has been so long already that we don’t have a tournament. Now, it’s the time for them to have a tournament and it’s a really good showing from them.”

Of course, standing out in the tournament were national team players Ros Pedrosa (men’s singles champion), Thea Pomar and Nicole Albo (women’s doubles champions), and Solomon Padiz Jr. and July Villabrille (men’s doubles champions).

But what surprised the Malaysian tactician was the next generation saying, “I think especially from the youngsters because you can see all the youngsters really play so well in this tournament.”

Impressing Razak the most were 20-year-old Mika De Guzman of Ateneo and 23-year-old Jaja Andres of UP— both of whom faced off in the women’s singles finals with De Guzman winning, 21-14, 21-17.

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Sports

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

Scheffler wins Palmer Invitational golf tourney MIAMI—Scottie Scheffler was the last man standing at brutal Bay Hill on Sunday, firing an even par 72 to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational by one stroke.

Scheffler’s five-under-par total of 283 was enough to notch his second win in three starts, after claiming his first US PGA Tour title at the Phoenix Open in February.

He had three birdies and three bogeys at wind-whipped Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida, and held steady coming in as the tough conditions, compounded by glassy greens and deep rough, saw his pursuers falter.

Former FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel started the day tied for the lead and had a chance to force a playoff at 18. But he couldn’t get his 29-foot birdie putt to drop and signed for a three-over par 75 that left him sharing second on 284.

Norway’s Viktor Hovland was tied for the lead after a birdie at 16 but bogeyed the par-three 17th from a greenside bunker and closed with a two-over 74 for 284. England’s Tyrrell Hatton was also in the group sharing second after an impressive three-under par 69.

Scheffler’s victory was a testament to perseverance, especially since he said his game was not that great.

“I did not swing the club well at all today off the tee,” Scheffler said.

“I was hitting a lot of bad spots, but I just kept grinding. I made some key putts there towards the end and two great lag putts there to kind of finish off the round.”

Two adrift to start the round, Scheffler was one-over through nine holes after two birdies and three bogeys. He rolled in a five-foot birdie putt at the 12th to get back to five-under.

He drilled a 21-foot par-saving putt at the 15th, and a testing sixfooter for par at 16. He two-putted from 46 feet at the par-three 17th and from 69 feet at the last to get into the clubhouse with the lead.

“I would say the pars on 17 and 18 were gut check time,” Scheffler said.

“The finishing stretch here is so brutal—15, 17, and 18 are such hard holes.”

Horschel was the only one who could catch him then. He had appeared to be out of it after four bogeys and a double bogey with just one birdie in his first 10 holes.

Birdies at the 12th and 15th had Horschel back in the hunt, but he couldn’t find another birdie in the last three holes.

Patience test Hovland, who started the day one back, opened with six straight pars before sticking his tee shot within two feet at the par-three seventh for birdie. Then followed back-to-back bogeys at eight and nine, a birdie at 11 and two more bogeys at 13 and 15 before a birdie at 16 saw him tied for the lead again.

He couldn’t maintain the pressure, however, dropping a shot at 17 when he was unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker and he settled for par from the fringe at 18.

“I hit the ball beautifully at the start, just couldn’t make any putts to get the momentum going,” Hovland said, adding that the unpredicable wins made for a “guessing game” on the already demanding course. AFP

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets during a game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

Tatum’s 54 sparks Celtics over Nets; Bucks rip Suns

L

OS ANGELES—Jayson Tatum erupted for 54 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 123-117 on Sunday.

Tatum’s virtuoso performance means the 24-year-old has now tied Celtics legend Larry Bird’s franchise record of four career 50-point performances.

The victory was the Celtics’ 14th win in their last 16 outings, and leaves them in fifth place in the NBA Eastern Conference standings with 39 wins and 27 losses.

“This is what I dreamed about as a kid,” Tatum said afterwards.

“I worked my whole life to get here.

Obviously I have a long way to go before I accomplish what I want to accomplish, but I’m staying in the moment and enjoying it, doing what I love every day.”

Tatum’s display stymied a Brooklyn side who welcomed both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to the same starting line-up for only the fourth time this season.

Durant finished with 37 points for the Nets while former Celtics player Irving added 19.

Irving was taunted mercilessly throughout by Boston’s raucous home

crowd, with chants of “Kyrie Sucks” echoing around the TD Garden arena.

Boston’s balanced offense, meanwhile, enjoyed a productive afternoon with all five starters posting doubledigit points tallies.

Jaylen Brown added 21 points while Marcus Smart finished with 14. Al Horford (13 points) and Robert Williams III (10) completed the bulk of the scoring for the hosts.

Brooklyn got off to a fast start to lead by five points after the first quarter, and took a nine-point lead in the third.

But Boston hit their stride down the stretch and pulled clear thanks to an 18-point fourth quarter haul from Tatum to seal victory in a game that saw the lead change hands 28 times.

“It’s fun the way we’re playing,” Tatum said.

“Obviously we’ve been on a good stretch. We’re just having fun competing. It wasn’t always pretty today but everyone contributed and we just figured it out.

“And those are the best wins -when you just figure it out, find a way to win whatever it takes. And that’s what we did.”

Middleton sinks Suns Elsewhere Sunday, the Milwaukee Bucks battled past a depleted Phoenix Suns with a 132-122 win at the Fiserv Forum.

Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 44 points in a see-saw tussle between last season’s NBA Finals participants.

Middleton’s 16 points in the fourth quarter proved decisive for Milwaukee, who pulled away late on to claim a victory that leaves them third in the Eastern Conference at 40-25.

“He’s such a good scorer,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said of Middleton. “He makes the right pass, makes the right read, makes the right decision.

“He tends to be the guy that gets us organized. There’s so many more things he does than just score. You need games like that from your best guys, and that was a hell of an effort from Khris.”

Middleton was backed by Jrue Holiday with 24 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo was restricted to a modest 19 points. AFP

Fernandez retains Monterrey net crown MONTERREY, Mexico—Canada’s Leylah Fernandez saved five match points before retaining her WTA Monterrey crown in controversial fashion with victory over Colombia’s Camila Osorio on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Fernandez battled to a grueling 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win in just under three hours after a dramatic final set.

Fifth seed Osorio looked poised to clinch only the second WTA title of her career after earning her fifth match point when 6-5 up in the decisive third set on Fernandez’s serve.

But 2021 US Open runner-up Fernandez then lodged a complaint with tournament officials, appearing to argue that a faulty light in the stadium had distracted her.

Officials ordered the lights to be repaired, forcing a delay of around 15 minutes before play could resume.

When the action got back under way, Osorio’s rhythm had been broken. Fernandez duly clawed back the match point, and held serve to force a tie break.

She then rattled through the third set tiebreaker 7/3 to successfully defend the title she won for the first time last year.

PATAFA stands with Ukraine, Bubka THE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and the Ukrainian Olympic Committee, led by pole vault legend Sergey Bubka, have a longstanding history of working together.

In his urgent letter, Bubka, who is also Vice President of World Athletics, writes, “My people live in danger. It is very hard for me - the time of hard work and the time of decisions on how to help my country, my compatriots, athletes, coaches, my colleagues, and friends, who need as ever.”

Bubka continued: “First of all, we are helping people who need to leave the

territories that are under war.

“Over a million people, mostly women and children, have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Millions of people lose their livelihoods and stay without medical care, food and clothes on the Ukrainian territories.

“From the sports community side, we are trying as much as we can to channel and reinforce the soft power of our global unity to support people in Ukraine as much as we can in these unprecedented times.

“We are inviting everybody to help thousands of women and children that left

their homes without the opportunity to take anything with them.

“The key priorities at this stage will be first aid medical materials, hygiene products, clothes for kids, long lasting food, and financial support.”

Both Ukraine and Bubka are friends of Philippine Athletics. During this difficult time, and to answer the call from Bubka, PATAFA will be donating US1,000.

Furthermore, the National Sports Association for Athletics has just launched an initiative to support refugees, displaced innocent civilians, athletes, and kids

called “Waging Peace for Athletes and Kids in Ukraine”.

“We call on those who are able to consider joining us to send aid to Ukraine.

It was Nelson Mandela who said it best, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than the government in breaking down racial barriers,” the PATAFA said.

Beijing Olympiad: 1st winter games to host core systems on Alibaba Cloud IN an effort to bolster the International Olympic Committee’s digitalization efforts, Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 has successfully migrated its core games technology services to Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group.

The migration has occurred against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, in order to create a safer, more efficient, sustainable and inclusive experience for participants and audiences from around the world.

“The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will not just be remembered by the excitement and the phenomenal achievements brought by the athletes from across the world, but also for the new benchmarks it had set for driving a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive Olympic Games,” said Jeff Zhang, President, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

“We are proud to be supporting the digitalization of the Olympic Games, and we hope our experience in hosting Beijing 2022’s core operating systems on Alibaba Cloud will be passed on to

future sporting events.”

Olympic Winter Games Hosts its Core Systems on Alibaba Cloud Advanced cloud capability to boost organizer efficiency The IOC and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) executed a master plan for the Olympic Winter Games. It includes the implementation of key operational systems delivered by the IOC’s Worldwide IT Partner Atos, such as the Games Management Systems (GMS), Olympics Management Systems (OMS) and Olympics Distribution Systems (ODS).

These have all been migrated to Alibaba’s cloud infrastructure.

The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 has realized a further move to cloud-based services, further reducing the time and cost investment on IT infrastructure, hardware and associated management. With the advanced cloud-based capability to analyze real-time intelligence, the planning and management for Beijing 2022 was further streamlined and improved for more seamless user experience.

Alibaba to bolster digitalization for a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive Olympic Winter Games.

Taking advantage of the scalability, reliability and security features of the cloud infrastructure, event organizers like the IOC can reduce the complexity of the game planning based on intelli-

gence-driven decisions; striking for the right balance between optimizing existing resources and creating new ones.

That way hosting cities can also reduce the time and costs associated with the

legacy physical infrastructure investment upfront.

Cloud technology helps bring the world closer together Beijing 2022 also showcased a series of technological innovations developed to bring more inclusive experiences for fans in multiple locations. Alibaba introduced Cloud ME, a cloud-powered realistic projection that facilitates remote social interactions. The technology defies distances by enabling people to meet and converse with each other’s life-sized, true-to-life persona projections.

In addition, Alibaba unveiled Dong Dong, a 22-year-old virtual influencer.

Originating from Beijing, Dong Dong was created to interact with fans globally, sharing fun and informative Olympic-related facts. Speaking in a naturalsounding human voice, she can convey a range of emotions. This has proven to be particularly efficient for engaging with the younger audience. From February 4 to 20, Dong Dong’s livestreaming has been viewed by more than 2 million viewers with a fan base of more than 100,000.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

Aga Muhlach hosts feel-good reality show featuring ordinary Filipinos STORIES of ordinary people helping each other in times of crisis spark inspiration, which is why actor Aga Muhlach and Net25 wanted to train the spotlight on unsung heroes and everyday Juans in the new show Bida Kayo Kay Aga. The feel-good reality show is set to premiere on March 26, Saturday at 7:00 p.m., after Responde.

“Ang bida ‘yung mga taong gumagawa ng kabutihan na walang announcement.

‘Yung mga simpleng tao. Ang hinahanap namin ‘yung mga taong gumagawa ng acts of kindness na hindi nila alam ni

vivideohan sila, It’s a feel-good thing,” Aga said during the recent media conference.

The show will also feature different kinds of fathers. Get to know the OOHD or Out-of-Home-Daddies who get to balance daddy duties and adventure in their lives. While they provide for their families, OOHDs still get to enjoy biking, surfing, hiking, etc.

Also aimed to be featured are Daddy D-I-Y or daddies who are reliable when it comes to household errands and repairs.

Their skills come in handy when they

Are Janine and Paulo making beautiful music together? stellar billing with IN A recent showbiz Lovi Poe in Sleep function, Janine with Me. Gutierrez was asked ••• about the hot rumor After admitting that her former that she’s already boyfriend Rayver married to Irish Cruz is presently businessman David making beautiful Rainey in the music together with Valentine episode of s i n g e r- h o s t - a c t r e s s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Julie Anne San Soho, Glaiza de Jose. The Kapamilya star’s response was rather short, yet Castro revealed that they are presently planning to have another sincere.

“Whatever makes him happy, wedding in the Philippines.

“We’re already talking about I’m for it. I want him to be happy always. I’m always going to care it. We’re still finalizing the date about him. I always wish him the and considering the logistics, the best and I’m always rooting for weather. It might happen next year if ever. We’re still looking for a him,” Janine stated.

Despite their break-up, she venue. It would be a beach wedding. maintained that her relationship with The sea is very important to us. We her ex-steady is fine. Though they already met with the event stylist and haven’t seen each other for quite someone is helping us organize the whole thing,” the actress shared. some time now, they are “okay.”

David’s folks will attend the Meanwhile, asked about the real score between her and Marry Me, wedding. And that makes her so Marry You co-star Paulo Avelino, excited since it will be their first Janine explained that they’re really time in the Philippines. close at present.

“They should enjoy visiting all “Well, I’m happy that we are our beautiful tourist spots. I want to close. I’m happy when I’m with him. show them our rich culture.”

We’ve always been close actually. Interestingly, having a baby is not But we became closer after our soap yet part of their ended. Actually, we already worked on the set of the movie ‘Ngayon Kaya’ which is yet to be shown.”

Many are tickled pink seeing them together. Do they have a chance to become a real-life couple if ever?

“Let’s just see what will happen. I guess he is the best person you can ask about it. What’s important is that at present, I simply enjoy spending time with him and talking to him,” she responded.

When it comes to Janine Gutierrez (left) with ‘Marry Me, Marry You’ co-star Paulo her career, after the Avelino successful immediate plans,” Glaiza said. run of Talking about their baby Marry plans, the 34-year-old M e , actress stated that it’s their Marry personal decision to enjoy Y o u , first their time together.

Janine “For the longest time, will share we’ve been in a longthe distance relationship. So, we still want to travel more and explore. The baby will eventually come,” she ended.

Glaiza de Castro (right) with husband David Rainey

EXTRA INTERNATIONAL New ‘Batman’ film scores second-highest box office opening of pandemic era

need to act as a carpenter, plumber, and painter.

Daddy Foodie or dads who love to eat and cook will also have a share of the spotlight. These are the dads who bless their families by whipping up dishes from the heart.

DAD’s Entertainment will feature the different hobbies and interests of presentday dads. A lot of plantitos, pop culture item collectors, and music enthusiasts will be perfect for this.

Digital Dads or “dadfluencers” are social media-savvy dads who have the

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most entertaining posts.

The featured dads are in for a surprise as they will get to meet Aga Muhlach.

“Kayo ang hero talaga, saludo ako sa inyo. Gusto ko silang makausap; sa hirap ng dinadaanan mo sa buhay, ano ang nasa puso mo para tumulong pa rin sa tao?,” the Pinoy entertainment icon asks.

Catch Bida Kayo Kay Aga on Net25 TV, Net25 Facebook page, and Youtube channel. Aga Muhlach is the host of the new show‘Bida Kayo Kay Aga’

Cameras to start rolling for ‘Start-Up’ local adaptation Bea Alonzo

By Nickie Wang

A

LDEN Richards and Bea Alonzo are starring in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean series Start-Up. The announcement was made

by GMA Network over the weekend thrilling fans of both stars.

GMA Network, in partnership with CJ ENM, GMA-7 is raising the entertainment bar once more and is set to begin the lockin taping for the remake next month.

Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable is excited to co-produce the local version with CJ ENM since this will be another milestone for the network.

“It has engaging story elements about love — romantic love, filial love, love between friends, set against a modern backdrop which I am sure our audience will find very interesting.

What makes this even more exciting is the Filipino cast that we have put together to bring the characters of Start-Up closer to the Filipino audience.”

Director of CJ ENM’s Global Content Sales, Sebastian Kim stated, “GMA has always been a great partner, and it is great to see them remaking one of my favorite series in the Philippines. Starting with ‘Start-Up’, which has a well-established storyline and unique characters, we are willing to actively carry out more adaptations of dramas with GMA in the future for the fans in Philippines.”

GMA acquired the exclusive rights to produce the remake and is set to air the drama on Philippine television this year.

Created and produced by Studio Dragon, Start-Up delves into one of the world’s most advanced tech sectors and gives a glimpse into the struggles and challenges one goes through in order to build

a successful business from the ground up. Starring Korean celebrities Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho, and Kang Han-na, the series takes place in the fictional Sandbox Company where the journey of these young entrepreneurs, all eager to start their own businesses, begins.

The Chief Producer of Start-Up, Ryu Sang-won said, “With its sincere story about growth and passion, Start-Up has been loved by many fans not only here in South Korea, but also across the globe. I wish all the best for the successful adaptation of the drama in Philippines.”

Alden Richards

ANIMA brings Filipino film talent to global stage, reiterates call vs piracy SEVERAL notable Filipino films supported Cup for Best Actor at the festival, the first debut of Martika Ramirez Escobar, received the World Cinema Dramatic

by ANIMA made the country proud as they in history for a Filipino artist.

An HBO Asia original, On the Job, Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit at reaped awards and recognition in the past year, uplifting Philippine cinema amid the which tackles social ills reflective of the prestigious US independent film event. dragging impact of the pandemic.

ANIMA is a strong believer in outcontemporary times, was originally “Globe continues its commitment to released as a series. Its Philippine cinema of-the-box and critical film-making that strongly support Filipino talent. ANIMA premiere on February 18 was its first and brings not only entertainment but also has been a strong ally of Filipino film only screening as a film in the country, impact to society. Its other works include creators, producing films that have been made possible through a partnership the highly-acclaimed Goyo: Ang Batang acclaimed both locally and on the global between the CCP and the Asian Cultural Heneral and Fan Girl, which were also streamed over Netflix, and the web series stage,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President Council.

Another award-winning film backed Gaya sa Pelikula. and CEO, during the WAGI! Celebration Cu stressed that Globe’s commitment of Filipino Excellence event at the Cultural by ANIMA is Leonor Will Never Die, the Center of the Philippines on February 18. first Filipino feature film to premiere in to the Filipino film industry goes beyond “To those in the Filipino film industry, the distinguished Sundance Film Festival producing top-notch films. The company may you always be inspired to create good in over 15 years. The film, the directorial also encourages customers to fight piracy and consume content only from work. There are many institutions that legitimate sources. value your work and are willing to support your vision and talent,” he added.

“The work of our filmmakers, ANIMA is the new name of Globe the amount of time and effort they Studios, an organization now under the put into creating these masterpieces deserve our respect,” he said. umbrella of Kroma Entertainment, Inc., Globe, through its #PlayItRight a new entertainment company backed by the Globe Group of Companies. anti-piracy campaign, stands behind WAGI! featured director Erik filmmakers and entertainment content creators. By avoiding pirated Matti’s award-winning On The Job (OTJ): The Missing 8, the lone Filipino (From left) ‘OTJ: The Missing 8’s’ Director Erik Matti, casts materials, the public can help sustain jobs and the lives that depend on them. entry to the 78th Venice International John Arcilla and Lotlot deLeon, and Producer Dondon To learn more about ANIMA, visit Film Festival in 2021. Its lead actor Monteverde, hold a talkback session with Ces Drilon, https://www.anima.ph.

John Arcilla won the coveted Volpi recounting stories of ‘OTJ’s’ production journey

‘The Batman’ star Robert Pattinson

WARNER Bros.’ dark new film The Batman has soared to the top in North American theaters to become the year’s first film to exceed $100 million in its opening weekend, industry analysts said Sunday.

The latest in a growing collection of Batman films — this one a particularly gloomy version, starring English actor Robert Pattinson — took in an estimated $128.5 million for the Fridaythrough-Sunday period, Exhibitor Relations reported. The movie cost an estimated $200 million to produce.

Sony’s Spider-Man: No Way Home is the only other pandemic-era film to surpass the $100 million mark in its opening weekend, analysts said. It logged a resounding $260 million in ticket sales when it opened in December.

The Batman has the Caped Crusader tracking down a serial killer (Paul Dano) while battling crime, corruption — and his own demons. It also stars Zoe Kravitz, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell.

Sony adventure film Uncharted, starring Tom Holland as an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunter, slipped from chart-topper to a distant second, taking in $11 million — even as its domestic total passed $100 million.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s buddy comedy Dog placed third, taking in $6 million. In fourth was persistently popular Spider-Man, with $4.4 million in domestic ticket sales in its 12th week out. Its international earnings are now just north of $1 billion.

And in fifth, down one spot from last week, was 20th Century’s murder mystery Death on the Nile, at $2.7 million. AFP

Gyllenhaal’s ‘Lost Daughter’ triumphs at indie Spirit Awards MAGGIE Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter, a drama about the challenges and taboos surrounding motherhood, was named the year’s best indie film at the Spirit Awards on Sunday.

Gyllenhaal — until now primarily known as an actress in films such as The Dark Knight and Secretary — also won prizes for best screenplay and best director, for her debut effort in both fields.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards honor low- and mid-budget movies, and the glitzy gala held at Santa Monica beach near Los Angeles could provide a much-needed boost for smaller films like Gyllenhaal’s ahead of this month’s Oscars.

The Lost Daughter, based on Elena Ferrante’s novel, is in the running for three Academy Awards including best actress for Olivia Colman, who plays a mother estranged from her children and harboring guilt for her failings in raising them.

“My film is in an unusual language — it’s the language of the minds of women,” said Gyllenhaal, before dedicating her final prize for best feature to “women in film.”

While only films made for less than $22.5 million can compete for Spirit Awards, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars turned out for the event, and Maggie Gyllenhaal—until now streaming giant Netflix emerged as the day’s big winner with six awards. primarily known as an actress in Beyond the honors for The Lost Daughter, Netflix earned two films such as ‘The DarkKnight’ and prizes for 1920s race drama Passing,” including best supporting ‘Secretary’—won best screenplay, actress for Ruth Negga, and one for South Korean smash hit series best director and best feature for ‘The LostDaughter’ Squid Game. AFP

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

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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

Life

Coffee is the most popular drink in the world

Now you can enjoy your crystallized coffee UK’s popular brand enhances Filipino coffee drinking experience

By Patricia Taculao

A

CCORDING to the British Coffee Association, coffee is the most popular drink globally, with around two billion cups consumed every day. And it’s not surprising. Coffee provides consumers a much-needed energy boost to stay alert throughout the day. It’s also versatile and comes in different flavors that cater to people’s varying taste preferences.

The flavor is one of the most relevant Not many coffee drinkers are aware that factors of coffee that attract consumers aside from the beans used, the processing and keep them coming back for that method also plays a significant role in caffeine buzz. bringing out the full flavor of the coffee.

Lyger Coffee comes in convenient mini cups

Officially launched in February, Lyger Coffee offers the first crystallized coffee to the Philippine market

In the Philippines, the most common coffee processing method is spray drying.

Brewed coffee grounds pass through a machine that rapidly dries the mixture with hot gas. Spray drying is also the preferred method of drying food, medicine, and other items that require consistent, fine, particle size.

Although the process is cheap and fast, exposing brewed coffee to high heat causes it to lose a good amount of its quality.

There’s another coffee processing method available, and it’s called freezedrying. Compared to spray drying, freezeA clubhouse for Metrotowne residents

While Thai at heart, Greyhound’s food concept is anything but traditional. Its recipes come from far and wide-handed down from grandmothers, inspired by Bangkok street food and travel memories

Executive Chef Aniwat Vadhanachai

The coffee brand uses 100 percent Arabica coffee sustainably sourced from the mountains of Colombia

drying is more expensive and slower, but the result produces an unparalleled level of flavor and aroma.

Lyger Coffee, a UK-developed coffee brand, is the first to offer crystallized coffee to the Philippine market. The brand officially launched last February 22, Tuesday, with two flavors—Americano and Latte—under the spotlight.

Made from 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, Lyger Coffee partnered with Colombian farmers to sustainably source the raw materials from the mountain ranges of the South American country.

Quality is the top priority of Lyger Coffee in producing crystallized coffee, which is why the brand uses the innovative freeze-drying method in coffee production. Freeze-drying locks in a substantial amount of quality from the ground coffee concentrate, resulting in a richer, bolder, and more aromatic coffee experience.

Named after the two fiercest felines in the animal kingdom, the lion and the tiger, Lyger Coffee is on a mission to enhance the Filipinos’ coffee drinking and making experience by emphasizing convenience and high-quality brewed coffee.

Lyger Coffee comes in a unique

packaging called mini cups, creatively designed to look like coffee cups to add to the brewing experience. Each mini cup has a small amount of crystallized coffee inside, packed with the rich flavor it highlights that easily dissolves when mixed in either hot or cold water.

Convenience is also another priority on Lyger Coffee’s list. The sustainable mini cups provide a hassle-free coffeemaking experience for individuals who are always on the go.

“We strive for perfection in sustainability, convenience, and design and first brought it to the Philippines as we know that the market is also very passionate about coffee while being open to doing things differently,” said Nathan Hornstein, Lyger Coffee’s chief marketing officer.

Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy both Lyger Coffee’s Americano and Latte flavors however they want—iced, hot, with milk, chocolate, spices, whipped, and more—making the possibilities endless for consumers who want to take their drink to the next level.

Visit www.lygercoffee.com to make a purchase or learn more about the product.

Metrotowne is designed as a moderncontemporary haven

Finding the right home to stay driven Serving modern Bangkok with a twist

Kingdom. And the brand THAILAND’S favorite restaurant has finally continues to grow. made its way to the Brought in to the Philippines at the Philippines by the Viva ground level of SM Aura Group, Greyhound Café Premier. offers a taste of modern Greyhound first contradictions and chili opened its doors in Greyhound Caf%’s famous fish sauce, flair with Bangkok in 1980, muay Thai grilled chicken is creative chaos where east launching its “Basic flavored with turmeric, served meets west, traditional with sticky rice, sumtum salad, with a Twist” fashion and a choice of jaew and/or meets international, street line known for its style sweet chili sauce meets couture, all fused and attitude. In 1998, together in a beautiful Greyhound added more aspects to chaotic way. the brand by expanding to the food While Thai at heart, Greyhound’s business. food concept is anything but The first Greyhound Café was traditional. Its recipes come from far opened at the Emporium Shopping and wide. Some are handed down Complex in Bangkok and became from grandmothers; some are inspired instantly famous, thanks to its creative by Bangkok street food and travel director Bhanu Inikawat and his memories.

Corporate Executive Chef Torsit Serving “modern Bangkok with a Sarisdiwong-See’s on approach in its twist,” the stylish food chain offers a innovative and creative menu. Fortune traditional Thai palate infused with a Magazine is quoted as saying it had western spin. The flavor-forward brand the “hottest seats in Bangkok” after a is already the talk of the town for its few years of opening. After 20 years, delicious and unique dishes such as it has 17 branches in Thailand and the salmon carpaccio with herbed Thai 18 restos in other countries including sauce, muay thai grilled chicken, and Hong Kong, China, Singapore, light tom yum soup.

Malaysia, Indonesia, Housed at the heart of BGC, SM Aura and the United Premier, the stylish cafe sits in the mall’s prime upper ground floor.

“We are very happy to welcome international flavors to the Philippines, especially during a time when travel is limited,” says Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Greyhound Cafe is set to open more branches this year at the Podium and SM Mall of Asia. For more information, follow @SMAuraPremier on Facebook Crispy pumpkin and tofu salad from and Instagram.

Greyhound Caf%

BASED on national statistics, 53 percent of the Philippines’ working age population are at a stage in their lives wherein they are either building a career or starting a family.

However, finding a place to reside in has become taxing for most since urban centers in the central district of Metro Manila have become hubs of pollution and congestion.

The rising cost of land and living also makes living difficult in the country’s central business districts.

Even with challenges like this, Metro Manila continues to be an expanding nest for commerce in Asia. That is why urban centers that used to be concentrated within the business hotbeds of Makati, Ortigas, Bonifacio Global City, or Alabang are now expanding to nearby cities within the capital. As a result, real estate developers and business investors are also rapidly growing their residential and commercial projects in the outskirt cities of the metro.

A gem of a city One such city is Las Piñas. Known nationwide for its famous bamboo organ, salt beds, and jeepney factories, it is now considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. What was once a quiet and rustic coastal town, is now transformed into a bustling epicenter for large industries and residential communities.

The city’s location gives its residents easy access to employment and various sources of living. Since the early ’90s, Las Piñas has served as a gateway to CALABARZON which is an industrial region that is now the second biggest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product or GDP. Along with this, financial districts are less than an hour away since it is within the reach of superhighways such as South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), ManilaCavitex Expressway (CAVITEX), SLEXDaang Hari, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Life in the South Residents of Las Piñas get to experience a holistic life that is more laid back in contrast

to the fast-paced lifestyle of other big cities.

One reason is its close proximity to weekend destinations that makes out-of-town road trips to beaches and mountainsides easy to plan. Out-of-country trips are painless too since Las Piñas is just a short drive away to the airport.

It can also be considered as a haven for residents with the various restaurants, entertainment centers, and shopping establishments found not just in Las Piñas, but also in the neighboring cities of Alabang and Parañaque.

Another reason that makes living in Las Piñas attractive is that properties in the South are less expensive than other key cities. But as the city grows, so does the value of your home’s equity.

A home for those who want more “A community designed for the driven.”

This has been the guiding principle on which Metrotowne was built. Inspired by the character of its residents, its vision is to develop a unique, complete, and intuitive community for the relentless, uncompromising ones with the drive to achieve more in life.

For over 30 years, PHINMA Properties has developed homes and communities that give its residents access to the finest of Filipino living – a place that’s well-built, conveniently located, and competitively priced, providing an opportunity for every Filipino family to own a space for a future worth living. Now, PHINMA Properties brings the driven life to the South through its newest project in Las Piñas City, Metrotowne. It is a mixedused 2.1-hectare development with five 15-storey residential buildings for a total of 1,650 expertly designed units. A place that transcends ordinary communities to support and reward those living the driven life.

With an understanding of the market’s needs, PHINMA Properties designed Metrotowne as a modern-contemporary

haven that brings together the best of city and suburban living under one stylish roof.

There are two types of living spaces – 22.92 sqm studio units and 2-bedroom units, both of which are ergonomically designed with well-thought-out features that include large windows, no posts or beams to take up space, and rooms that are easy to style.

In terms of safety and security, residents have nothing to worry about because Metrotowne has everything covered.

Equipped with an RFID security system installed in every residential building and the main gate, 24-hour roving security, a guarded entrance gate, an emergency command center, and a provision of CCTV cameras, this community offers peace of mind to everyone.

Placing a premium on recreation and convenience, Metrotowne boasts 40 percent open spaces, including thoughtfully designed amenities, the most desirable aspect of living in a condominium. Residents have exclusive access to the Towne Club, which houses various entertainment and leisure facilities designed to cater to the needs of modern city dwellers.

Adding to the beauty of Metrotowne is its ideal location. It is strategically situated near schools, hospitals, retail centers, and business establishments. It will also have its Connectivity Center, which will house several businesses, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) offices.

Own a Metrotowne studio unit for only P2.6 million or a monthly down payment of P6,184 payable in 11 months, or a 2-bedroom unit for only P6.3 million or a monthly down payment of Php 22,430 payable in 34 months.

With the right home to live in, staying driven in Metro Manila need not be stressful or daunting.

Learn more about the driven’s address in the South, Metrotowne, by checking its website at https://phinmaproperties.com/ maayo/metrotowne/ A peek at a studio unit’s living and dining areas

A leisure park, jogging area, and playground caters to the needs of modern city dwellers