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BPO WORKERS EYE RESIGNING OVER ORDER TO RETURN TO SITE NEWS / A3

ZELENSKY SEEKS GLOBAL STREET PROTESTS VS. RUSSIA ATTACKS WORLD / B2

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 40 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Reporma drops Ping for Leni Alvarez admits party just being realistic to shift support to Robredo

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Partido Reporma on Thursday junked its presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson in favor of Vice President Leni Robredo, leaving the senator with no political party less than 50 days before Election Day.

In a statement, the party president Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez praised Lacson but said Robredo’s campaign was picking up enough momentum to challenge the frontrunner, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Time and context framed the narrative of 2022 in a way that gave traction, rightly or wrongly, to other candidacies instead. This is a difficult fact which takes courage to admit,” Alvarez said. “Right now, two candidates have pulled away from the Next page

Lacson to pursue prexy campaign as independent

FROM PING TO PINK. Vice President Leni Robredo joins Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, president of Partido Reporma, Gov. Edwin Jubahib, and other local officials in a press conference in Tagum City on Thursday, March 24. The political party, which used to support the presidential bid of Sen. Panfilo Lacson, is now backing the campaign of Robredo.

Rody, BBM in 'productive' tete-a-tete By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo SENATOR Panfilo Lacson will now run for President as an independent candidate after he resigned as chairman of Partido Reporma. "Today, I officially announce my resignation as chairman and member of Partido Ng Demokratikong Reporma, which effectively makes me an independent candidate for the presidency in the upcoming May 2022 elections," Lacson said. Before his resignation, Lacson was the standard bearer of the political party led by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Lacson quit his post after he was informed by Alvarez on Wednesday that their slate in Davao del Norte, led by the party secretary-general and SUDDENLY INDEPENDENT. Sen. Panfilo Lacson quits as the Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib, standard bearer of Partido Reporma. His running mate, Senate President has decided to endorse another Vicente Sotto III, is seeking the vice presidency under the banner of the Next page Nationalist People's Coalition. presidential candidate.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte met with presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos at the Palace on March 20, and shared his experiences as the country’s chief executive with the former senator. This was disclosed by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, who said the President did most talking during the conversation with Marcos. Go described it as a long talk as the President was in high spirits.

"In fact, in 80 percent of the discussions, it was the President talking," Go said. The former presidential aide also said Duterte gave Marcos, the frontrunner in all pre-election survey results, some advice and expressed his desire to see his projects continued by the next president. Go would not say if this meant that Duterte would endorse Marcos, whom he once described as “spoiled” and a “weak leader.” “Let us just wait if the President will have an announcement on this," said Go, adding that he cannot speak Next page

Side circus: Mix-and-match in tandems By Jimbo Gulle and Macon Ramos-Araneta OWING to the brewing shift of political alliances, even vice presidential candidates are unsure of their standing with their presidential running mates with barely six weeks to go before the May 9 general elections. Some have called on the public to maintain their pairings from the

outset of the campaign to the ballot box, like Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan did Thursday, while others asked Pinoys to consider alternate couplings entirely, as VP candidate Rizalito David and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda did this past week. The aim of this mix-and-matching, pundits believe, is to disrupt the survey-leading tandem of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor

“Inday” Sara Duterte – or at least present Filipinos with alternatives in case they don’t wish to see one or both members of the UniTeam get to lead the country in the next six years. That’s why Pangilinan yesterday called on voters in Tarlac to put him and running mate Vice President Leni Robredo together on the ballot, saying it would be difficult if the future second-in-command

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BEATING THE HEAT. Children take a dip in an inflatable swimming pool to beat the heat in Manila on March 24, 2022. AFP

SHOW OF FORCE. Presidential frontrunner Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is warmly received in Lucena City during a grand rally at the Quezon Convention Center. Ver Noveno

DILG to deploy troops as local campaign starts INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año said Thursday more government troops would be deployed in 40 to 50 areas nationwide as the campaign for local elections is scheduled to begin today, with 18,023 local elective seats at stake. Of this number, there are 845 positions where candidates are running unopposed. Año said: “As far as we know, there are more or less 40 to 50 areas. We will deploy additional uniformed troops there. These are different places spread around Next page

Comelec to review Smartmatic deal over alleged security breach By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections said it would review its contract with Smartmatic due to alleged security breach revealed at a recent hearing of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System. In a statement, Comelec chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan said he already ordered Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz to get the side of the international service provider on the allegations of a security breach. "We also directed the Law Department to conduct a review of the contract with Smartmatic and to advise the courses of

action to be taken by the Commission as may be provided by law and jurisprudence,” Pangarungan said. “In line with this, serious allegations of violations and indiscretion of Comelec providers will be stringently addressed by this Commission." “Although we maintain that the Comelec has not fallen victim to any attacks that will amount to a security breach, we will not take these allegations sitting down,” he added. He reiterated that the said measures were just a few of the measures that the Comelec had been instituting in performing their mandate in protecting Next page

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NEDA: Resume in-person classes T Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in an emailed statement Thursday the country could not maximize the benefits of the Alert Level 1 – which prevails in 70 percent of the economy – without face-to-face classes. Meanwhile, independent monitor-

ing OCTA Research group said Thursday the Philippines had remained under “very low risk” category for COVID-19 as nearby countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Brunei experienced a “severe outbreak” of infections. OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David, in a

tweet, said data as of March 22 showed the Philippines’ average daily attack rate (ADAR) decreased to 0.43 on March 22, with a seven-day average of 478 cases. ADAR pertains to the incidence showing the average number of new cases in a period per 100,000 people. This emerged as the country’s growth rate in new cases from the previous week as compared to the current week also went down to negative 15 percent. The Department of Health announced Tuesday that all regions in the country remained at “minimal risk” in terms of COVID-19 case classification as the number of infections slowed down.

Reporma...

on Lacson, pointing to his achievements as head of the Philippine National Police, and later as a senator, where he authored important laws, including free irrigation for farmers, the National ID system, and pay increases for the military and uniformed personnel. In the same statement, Alvarez however praised Lacson saying: “There is no doubt that, after a thorough search, we found a once in a generation candidate, a rare gem who devoted his entire life to exceptional public service, risked life and limb for his countrymen, cleaned the ranks of the police force when he led that institution, fought against corruption, and advocated consistently and credibly for good governance. “He is also the guardian of the national budget, protecting the treasury from those who seek to plunder it. He knows that corruption is not a victimless crime, and with every peso lost, Filipinos tragically have less health care, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities,” Alvarez said. “Last, but not the least, his advocacy for budget reform is the key to bringing development to the countryside.” But he said given the current situation, the party’s leaders on the ground made the

hard choice. “With a heavy heart, many members of Partido Reporma are constrained to consider a candidate other than their first choice,” he said. “We reasonably believe that the only realistic option at this point, with roughly a month and a half left, is to converge with Leni Robredo’s campaign. Together, we will pursue the realization of our collective aspirations to improve the chances of ordinary Filipinos at a better life.” Rep. Monsour Del Rosario, who was part of Lacson’s senatorial slate, shifted his support to Robredo. "Today, I pledge my support to our Honorable Vice President Leni Robredo in her bid to become the next President of the Philippines," he said. Del Rosario said he believes that Robredo's mission to reform and uplift the country aligns with his own fight to bring about real positive change in the lives of the ordinary Filipino, especially those who have been neglected by past administrations. Del Rosario said he respects Lacson’s decision to resign from Partido Reporma. "He is a good man with a sincere heart and an undying will to serve the Filipino people. I believe he can still do many

great things for our country and I wish him all the best," he said. Another Partido Reporma Senate bet, Dr. Minguita Padilla, said she will discuss her plans first with Lacson, as the lawmaker was the one who invited her to join the party. She noted that her major advocacies are in line with Lacson’s. “He is an old friend. I will continue to support him but we will have to talk soon,” Padilla said. Guillermo Eleazar, the former Philippine National Police chief who filed his certificate of candidacy for senator as a substitute candidate of the Partido Reporma, has yet to comment on the switch. Robredo welcomed the support of Partido Reporma and said it did not matter that Alvarez had attacked her in the past. “The reforms, we have the same objective – to fix our country through good governance,” she said. “We both agreed on what we are fighting for. Maybe we had some differences in the past, and most probably we were not then aligned on some things. But what I always say is, what is important is, there are things that we have agreed upon,” she added.

of our shared advocacy to fight graft and corruption in pursuit of good governance, all for the sake of our beloved country and people – with or without party affiliation." "I assure you that I will be your leader and supporter in our shared convictions and aspirations," he said. With less than 50 days to go in the official campaign period, Lacson and his loyal group of supporters are aware of the mounting challenges ahead, but said the fighting spirit among the group is still alive and burning. Lacson spokesman Ashley Acedillo said they are not disheartened by this development. He believes such adversity would only make their group stronger with their loyal allies and believers solidifying their support for Lacson. Acedillo, who resigned as party spokesman, said he would keep serving Lacson as his official mouthpiece. Other members of Partido Reporma have also announced their resignations from the party and decided to stay with Lacson and join his cause, includingRa-

fael Rodriguez, chairman of PDR-Cavite chapter. Rodriguez tendered his resignation hours after Lacson made his announcement. Lacson-Sotto Campaign Head of Communications Jing Magsaysay said this development only highlighted the admirable qualities of Lacson as a leader. “We will continue to tell his (Lacson’s) story. A story of courage and honor. The story of every Filipino. Now that there is no encumbrance of the party, that story can be told more effectively,” Magsaysay told campaign team members. “The political landscape does not dictate preference, principles do. Only one person embodies the principles, the character and the vision that this country needs. His name is Ping Lacson,” Magsaysay added. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates who resigned from their party to run as an independent will remain under the party’s affiliation. Comelec Commissioner George Garcia made the clarification after Lacson

resigned as chairman and member of Partido Reporma. “As far as the Comelec is concerned, he is not an independent candidate,” Garcia said. He said candidates who filed their certificate of nomination and acceptance will stay even if they change affiliations after they filed their candidacy. “Whatever is your party at the time of filing of the candidacy stays. Your CONA stays,” Garcia said. “Whatever change in your affiliation after the filing of your candidacy, after the period, doesn’t matter. What will be the basis always of determining your party is your party at the time of the filing of the candidacy,” he added. This means that Lacson’s name will still be listed as a candidate of Partido Reporma on the official ballots, which the Comelec has been printing since January. “As to how he will get election returns and such other privileges by law and the Commission, that is an internal matter on the part of the party,” Garcia said.

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is implementing a two-week dry run allowing all provincial buses from traversing along the stretch of Epifanio de los Santos during nighttime. MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the dry run would start Thursday night (March 24) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., with the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board giving the green light to allow provincial buses to ply EDSA. The move came after the uniform travel protocols cited under Resolution 101 issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued on Feb. 26, 2021 had expired. Under the resolution, all buses bound for provinces shall be required to use the Integrated Terminal Exchange as the central hub for transportation in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the MMDA concluded the three-day multi-stakeholder summit aimed at formulating a comprehensive traffic management plan in Metro Manila. The agency and representatives from the multi-sectoral stakeholders signed a pledge of commitment for the rationalization, improvement, and enhancement of public and private transportation in the National Capital Region. Artes said he was thankful for the proposals laid out by the government agencies, private sector, transport groups, transport associations, and local traffic bureaus of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila. Among the proposed traffic improvement plans are the expansion of the number coding scheme and reimplementation of the truck ban policy, in preparation for the "new normal" as the metropolis eases back into Alert Level 1 for COVID-19 restrictions. "We will conduct a series of consultations to further improve traffic management in Metro Manila. Rest assured that we will thoroughly study the proposed solutions and we will address the concerns of the commuters and transport sector," said Artes. MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jose Campos, who delivered the welcome remarks, appealed to the partners and advocates of better traffic conditions in the metropolis. "The MMDA cannot do it alone; we need your help - the different government agencies, private sectors, academe, and transport organizations - in developing measures to ease congestion as well as provide better transport management in the region," Campos said. "Your commitment will be very much appreciated and I hope this summit will mark our continued journey towards a safer, convenient, and better traffic management," he added.

At the same time, the Commission on Elections reminded local candidates of certain restrictions on campaign activities despite the country's improved coronavirus situation. Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said physical contact such as hugging, kissing and handshake, among others, were still prohibited. “Always think about the health protocol. We have reached Alert Level 1, the situation is very good, everyone is moving around, we are able to campaign well. Please make sure your campaign team, campaign staff are all wearing face

masks. What has saved our world today is face masks. At the same time, even if you say that many people attend your rallies, make sure that there is social distancing,” Garcia added. Health experts have warned of an increase in cases due to increased mobility and relaxing of quarantine protocols during the election campaign season. Garcia, meanwhile, said they would also start taking down illegal campaign posters of local candidates starting Friday. “Let us respect private ownership. I hope our candidates will give lectures

to their supporters. As long as the owner of the house is not willing, even if the Supreme Court has a TRO (temporary restraining order), do not violate property rights; it's unfair to the homeowner,” he said. The 45-day campaign period for local candidates will run until May 7. The Philippine National Police, for its part, said it is ready to enforce a stricter "security" package as local campaign activities are expected to be more intense than national sorties. "There will be some adjustments in terms of the security package that is being

provided by the PNP as we are expecting a more intense and heated fight at the local level,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said. The PNP has earlier identified various hotspots, particularly in Mindanao which would be part of their areas of concern for the May 9 elections. PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said some of these areas have a known presence of private armed groups. Carlos said they would also monitor the situation in the Samar provinces to make sure that communist rebels in these areas would not cause any trouble.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte and Marcos had a “productive meeting,” with the outgoing president sharing his six-year governance experiences and insights with the presidential aspirant. “It was a cordial and productive meeting, where the President shared his experiences and insights as an outgoing Chief Executive with the presidential aspirant,” Andanar said. However, Andanar said he had no idea whether Duterte is personally supporting Marcos’ candidacy despite the endorsement from PDP-Laban. “This is a clear decision of the party but

it is not clear if this is also what President Duterte wants,” Andanar said. Meanwhile, two more political parties entered into an alliance to support the UniTeam of Marcos and Duterte. At the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) secretary general Thompson Lantion and Reform Party (RP) president James Layug signed an agreement to be an ally in advancing the UniTeam of Marcos and Duterte. The National Unity Party (NUP) on Thursday also endorsed Marcos’ presidential bid.

the President’s daughter would not seek to immediately succeed her father, who steps down on June 30. “It is not (Sara’s) nature. She could have been the front runner if she decided to run for President, but she did not,” Salceda said as he, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar launched the ROSA Movement last Monday. Meanwhile, David, the running mate of presidential bet Jose Montemayor, said in a statement Tuesday that he was willing to set aside his own campaign and form a “grand coalition” with other candidates for vice president just to beat Sara Duterte – then suggested a tandem of Robredo with Senate

President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. “If the coalition picks Leni and Sen. Sotto for VP, we [Montemayor and David] will just push for this tandem for the remainder of the campaign,” David said. Sotto, however, has said he will stand firmly with Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, whom he had convinced to postpone retirement for a second crack at the presidency— which suffered a serious blow when the party backing him, Partido Reporma, decided on Wednesday to support Robredo instead. Robredo, through her spokesman Barry Gutierrez, said while she is thankful to groups endorsing her presidential bid with Duterte—a pairing described by Salceda as “women of steel” – the Vice President

By Willie Casas

HE National Economic and Development Authority has called for the resumption of face-to-face classes in schools in areas under Alert Level 1, citing the benefits to the economy.

From A1

pack, and while the candidate second in ranking still lags far behind from the frontrunner, it is evident that her campaign has gained, and continues to gain, significant traction,"he said, referring to Robredo. "There is much potential there. She has also shown that she represents ideals which are substantially in line with the aims of Partido Reporma: to reform government and provide a better future for Filipinos." Lacson resigned as chairman of the party and said he would run as an independent, while his mouthpiece, Ashley Acedillo, resigned as its spokesman. "In view of Senator Panfilo Lacson’s resignation as chairman of Partido Reporma, and given the fact that I am totally committed to support him in his candidacy for president, I am also tendering my resignation as the party spokesman effectively immediately,” Acedillo said. He said he would be the official spokesman for Lacson’s campaign. Alvarez, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, heaped praise

Lacson... From A1

"Considering that it is at the behest of these top-tier officials that I was recruited as a member and the party’s standardbearer and thereafter elected as its chairman, I believe it is only decent and proper – consistent with my time-honored uncompromising principles – to make this decision," Lacson said. “I will continue this fight in pursuit of my quest to serve our country and our people, as your chief executive – if God and the Filipino people will it, come May 9, 2022,” he said. Lacson said he bore no ill feelings towards Alvarez and Jubahib--and the rest of the Davao del Norte Reporma candidates. While he is no longer a member of Partido Reporma, Lacson guaranteed he would leave behind the party's members and candidates who are outside Davao del Norte – "who joined the party because

DILG... From A1

the country... in Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.” He said the DILG would also monitor the compliance of the local campaigns to minimum public health standards or protocols against the spread of COVID-19. Last month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said seven cities and 39 towns in the country might be under threat due to the national and local elections.

Rody,... From A1

on behalf of the President regarding this issue. He said the Malacanang meeting was arranged by the leaders of the PDP-Laban wing led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Earlier, the Cusi faction had announced their support for Marcos. Duterte is the national chairman of the Cusi faction of the PDP-Laban. Marcos' running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is the President’s daughter and is running under the Lakas-CMD.

Side... From A1

came from a different party as the President. “Baka iba ang planuhin sa ating President Leni [They might plan on something different for our President Leni],” the senator said, mentioning Robredo’s own experience under President Rodrigo Duterte over the last five-plus years. However, local politicians like Salceda have openly announced their support of a “ROSA” (Robredo-Sara Duterte) tandem instead of the existing “TRoPa” (Team Robredo-Pangilinan) duo, as they believe

However, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Brunei all remained under the “severe” category, with South Korea still recording the highest ADAR in East Asia countries at 778.50. Malaysia eased from the “severe” category recorded on March 18 to “very high” with an ADAR of 69.22. Japan and Thailand, meanwhile, also fell under the “very high” category with an ADAR of 33.18 and 35.32, respectively. Moreover, Laos recorded an ADAR of 17.27 which placed it now under “high” risk for COVID-19, while Indonesia maintained the “moderate” classification with 3.08 ADAR.

2-week dry run for provincial buses’ return By Joel E. Zurbano

Comelec... From A1

the sanctity of the vote, since his appointment. He assured the public that the Comelec would continue to provide more safeguards and policies that will uphold the country’s democratic exercise. Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Imee Marcos claimed there was a “very serious” security breach in the operations of Smartmatic allegedly involving one of its employees who had access to confidential information. Pangarungan also ordered Sinocruz to coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and secure a copy of its report once available. He also ordered the creation of a plan that would prevent such incidents from happening again. reiterated she is standing by Pangilinan, her fellow Liberal Party stalwart. The current VP received the tacit support of Partido Reporma yesterday through party president Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez in a press conference, but observers have described it as a belated move to solidify the opposition against the Marcos-Duterte duo with barely 50 days left before Election Day. Last year, Robredo had been in talks with Lacson to form a “unified” opposition against candidates seemingly backed by President Duterte or his administration, but sources said negotiations broke off after they could not agree on who between them would slide down and campaign for

the country’s No. 2 elective position. This left Lacson taking Sotto’s dare to run again for President after his failed 2004 bid as they became the first pair to declare their candidacy last September. Even then, the “macho bloc” senators could not gain the full support of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which Sotto chairs, as some members had already openly endorsed Marcos or Sara Duterte. Robredo later chose Pangilinan and picked the color pink to symbolize their campaign – and move away from the stigma of the “yellows” associated with the Aquino-linked opposition Liberals, which the Duterte campaign had effectively demonized in the 2016 national elections.

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BPO employees resists return-to-work order C ALL center workers are considering mass resignation following a government order for them to physically report for duty, the Alliance of Call Center Workers (ACCW) revealed on Thursday.

The group said “a signiﬁcant number of call center workers were willing to resign due to the order. Emman David, a representative of the ACCW, said in a virtual press conference that the resignation threats were not a form of protest to the government’s decision, but rather an option not to be inconvenienced by

the return to the workplace directive. David pointed out that during the pandemic when work from home (WFH) arrangements took effect, numerous call center workers went back to the provinces. With the return to work order, these workers would ﬁnd it difﬁcult to go back to the metropolis and rent living quarters.

“It’s more of a sign of inconvenience [that you’d] rather take the chance of working elsewhere than in physical ofﬁces,” he added. The Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) rejected requests to extend remote work arrangements beyond March 31, and workers should return to their respective ofﬁces starting April 1. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it would appeal the FIRB’s decision. The Department of Finance (DOF), the parent agency of the FIRB, said IT-BPO (information technology-business pro-

cessing outsourcing) companies in economic zones can opt to stay with the WFH setup as they are given freedom to determine their working arrangements, but risk losing their tax incentives such as income tax holidays and a 5 percent tax on gross income earned. According to David, IT-BPO firms should assess the cost of losing tax benefits versus losing a considerable number of staff. Nonetheless, David said that some firms have allowed their workers to continue with the WFH setup. Without specifically identifying the companies, ACCW’s Lara Melencio said

there were at least four to five IT-BPO firms that opted to forego their tax perks in favor of allowing their workers to continue working from home. “We urge the Department of Finance, mainly FIRB, to reassess their goals and how it will affect the estimated 1.3 million Filipinos when it comes to this decision,” she said. “It’s inhumane how we are being treated as mere numbers that provide results. We are appealing to [you to] give us enough time for transition and give us the choice to either work from home or work at the office,” Melencio said.

DOH: Drug price caps in effect By Willie Casas

NEW BRIDGE. Workers are rushing the construction of the Binondo–Intramuros Bridge across the Pasig River in Manila meant to ease the flow of vehicular traffic in the area. AFP

SECRETARY of Health Francisco Duque III on Thursday announced the full implementation of drug price caps starting March 23, 2022 pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 155 signed by President Duterte. This brings the total number of drugs covered by the maximum drug retail price to 121 molecules or 204 drug formulations, following the ﬁrst round of price regulation implemented in June 2020 with the issuance of EO No. 104 covering 87 molecules. The Department of Health (DOH) said the medicines covered by EO No. 155 address the top diseases in the country such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and colorectal, lung, and breast cancers. Additionally, selected medicines recommended by patient groups and medical societies have been included to beneﬁt special populations such as those with chronic kidney disease, organ transplantation, thalassemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. The DOH explained that the Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP) is the highest amount a retailer may charge to a consumer for a medicine placed under price regulation. Prices of medicines were

Experts seek review of PH pneumonia vaccination program PUBLIC health care experts are calling for a review of the country’s 13 years old pneumonia vaccination strategy, saying the Philippines is among the top countries with the highest incidence of pneumonia. The proponents, led by researches from the University of the Philippines College of Public Health (UP-CPH), also cited a UNICEF report saying at least one child in the country is afﬂicted with pneumonia every 39 seconds. The experts said revisiting the immunization program would also ensure the children’s protection. UP-CPH Dean and Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Tropical Medicine (SEAMEO TROPMED) Director Dr. Vicente Belizario said there was a need to revisit the national strategy for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and update the national formulary. “A strong immunization system is paramount for prevention. There’s always new evidence coming out and we need to keep our doors open as the latest one may be the key to update our healthcare policies,” Belizario said.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, Exec. Dir. of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination emphasized the importance of immunization. “Prevention tops everything else. If you prevent disease, you will prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed.” Dr. Rose Capeding, Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Specialist at the Asian Hospital said epidemiology was changing all the time. The new UP-CPH study concluded that “a reassessment of PCV use in the country with the inclusion of all three pneumonia vaccine formulations may be warranted. Research project leader and UP-CPH Dept. of Medical Microbiology Asst. Prof. and chair Dr. Maria Margarita Lota said “we now have PCV choices that will provide us greater access and protection for more Filipino children.” Health experts from the DOH, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, and the Vaccine Solidarity Movement joined the recommendation of to include all three WHO formulations in the National Immunization Program (NIP). Macon Ramos-Araneta

WATER RATIONING. Residents of a community in Tondo, Manila queue up to get water that from a Maynilad tank as low water supply hits Metro Manila and nearby environs amidst the hot season. Faucets are expected to run dry in Obando, Bulacan and the cities of Parañaque, Quezon, Makati, Valenzuela, Pasay, Navotas, Manila, Caloocan, and Malabon from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily. Norman Cruz

Solon seeks MSME financial aid By Maricel V. Cruz

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman gives away P3,000-educational assistance to 300 students in her locality. Norman Cruz

A CONGRESSWOMAN on Thursday called on the national and local governments to provide ﬁnancial assistance to micro-entrepreneurs as the cost of basic necessities spiraled due to the runaway prices of gasoline. Taguig City Rep. Lani Cayetano said oil subsidies must be accompanied by financial support to small businesses especially since the country is “still in the process of recovery.” “We have not yet recovered. We are still in the process of recovery, and yet here we are, facing another problem with the increasing prices of oil and basic commodities,” Cayetano said. She said the government must act now that private initiatives of politicians to provide direct cash aid to Filipinos are halted in

compliance with the rules of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). “The government, especially the departments, has the power to help our micro-entrepreneurs. So hopefully, from the national to the local, we will continue to help our microentrepreneurs because many more have lost their jobs,” Cayetano said. She said this is why her husband, former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, “never gave up” on pushing for the 10K Ayuda bill in Congress. “Women’s abilities are not limited only in the home. Not only can women be good wives and caring mothers… [with] the talents the Lord has given us, we can also use them to serve our communities,” Cayetano said, greeting fellow Filipino women in celebration of International Women’s Month.

reduced at a median of 40 percent from current retail prices. Reductions were up to as much as 93 percent. No medicine under price regulation should be sold at a price higher than the MDRP. On top of the MDRP, senior citizens and persons-with-disability (PWDs) are still eligible to avail themselves of special discounts. Violations of the MDRP are subject to administrative ﬁnes and penalties ranging from P50,000 to P5,000,000 as mandated by Republic Act No. 9502 or the Cheaper Medicines Act. The DOH, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), monitors compliance to the MDRP as part of the government’s thrust to improve access to affordable, quality medicines and reduce the health-related expenses of Filipinos, consistent with the goals of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. “The Department of Health is delighted to bring the good news to the Filipino people that they will now enjoy lower drug prices for more diseases amid the rising economic turmoil brought about by recent global events The maximum drug retail prices (MDRP) will bring relief to the Filipinos all over the country as they can now better afford the medicines,” Duque said.

NCR police on high alert this summer THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is taking extra measures to ensure public safety in Metro Manila during the summer season.. NCRPO director P/Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said they are re-implementing a campaign dubbed “Ligtas Sumvac (summer vacation),” and he ordered the deployment of more than 11,000 police officers to secure the public including local and international tourists visiting Metro Manila this summer. “In observance of the summer vacation, the NCRPO implemented the Ligtas Sumvac 2022 and will deploy more or less 11,352 police officers to maintain peace and order, enforce the law and ensure the implementation of minimum public health standard protocols regionwide,” he said. Natividad said various activities are being observed during summer, such as: the Holy Week, the Philippine Veterans Week; Araw ng Kagitingan; Labor Day; National Flag Day; Flores de Mayo; town fiestas, ,and the May 9 local and national elections. The NCRPO will increase patrols of crime hotspots including places of convergence like malls, churches, recreational areas, tourist destinations and areas of transport services. Natividad assured optimum police presence in these areas regardless of lesser restrictions on the movement and gathering of people. Aside from the full alert status, the NCRPO chief ordered all district directors and station commanders to focus on the Enhanced Managing Police Operations Strategy and other pre-emptive security measures while the people enjoy family gatherings, town fiestas and other significant events. Joel E. Zurbano

Lanao del Sur barangay gets P3.3-m multi-purpose building Batangas hospital gets new anti-TB facility A BARANGAY in Tamparan, Lanao del Norte has gained a multi-purpose building as the Bangsamoro’s gift to the local womenfolk. Bangsamoro parliament member Diamila Disimban-Ramos led lasts March 19 the ribbon-cutting and turnover rites of the facility, assisted by a representative from the autonomy government’s Ministry of Public Works. together with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW-BARMM) as a partner The P3.3-million multi-purpose facility, unded under Ramos’s 2020 Transitional Development Impact

Fund (TDIF), was designed to provide space for cooperatives and women i activities such as seminars, training, lecture-forums, meetings, workshops, or focus-group-discussions, to strengthen the participation and empowerment of Bangsamoro women in the municipality of Tamparan. “I am happy because the project is finally completed, and this is the first multi-purpose building in Lanao del Sur under the term of Chief Minister Ahod Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with the aim of contributing to the development and improvement of our women and

cooperatives. Please take care of this multi-purpose building so you can use it for the different programs of your barangay,” MP Ramos said in her speech. We are inspired when we see our leaders’ implementing projects and governing their communities,” she added. . “Indeed, this program and all other programs of the current administration are effective solutions that directly respond to the signiﬁcant needs of the Bangsamoro people,” Ramos noted. In his acceptance message, barangay Talub chairman Amirodin Dumpa vowed to properly use the facility.

By Joel E. Zurbano TUBERCULOSIS remains a serious problem in the Philippines, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC made the statement during Thursday’s inauguration of a new testing facility at the Batangas Medical Center which was built to improve detection of tuberculosis cases in Southern Tagalog. “There is an immediate need to get back on track and mitigate the spread of TB especially within detention centers. The expansion of the laboratory is a signiﬁcant contribution to the Philippine government’s efforts to provide adequate health care to

detainees and also the wider community,” said Dorsa Nazemi-Salman, deputy head of the ICRC’s delegation in Manila. The opening of the newly expanded Tuberculosis Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing Laboratory came in time of the World Tuberculosis Day. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) ofﬁcials said the region has the second most congested jails in the Philippines, making detainees highly vulnerable to the disease. BMC ofﬁcials and representatives from the Department of Health, the National TB Reference Laboratory, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and ICRC, attended the opening of the facility.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

Isko promises full support and protection to farmers By Rey E. Requejo

SARA’S MEET AND GREET IN LAGUNA. Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (center) flashes Tibay at Puso sign with Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez (2nd right), Vice Governor Karen Agapay (2nd left) ,Laguna Rep.Ruth Hernandez (right) and Janela Estrada representing senatorial candidate Jinggoy Estrada during a meet and greet with different women’s groups at the Laguna at Multipurpose Gymnasium in Sta Cruz Laguna Sports Complex. Ver Noveno

Laguna gov backs Sara’s bid for veep By Maricel V. Cruz GOVERNOR Ramil Hernandez and his wife second-district Rep. Ruth Hernandez on Thursday endorsed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who is seeking the vice presidency under the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party. They made the endorsement during Mayor Sara’s meet-and-greet with barangay volunteer workers, barangay nutrition scholars and members of the Serbisyong Tama Kababaihan at the Laguna Sports Comelec in Sta Cruz town. Gov. Hernandez told his constituents that aside from being the daughter of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Davao mayor is known by her own accomplishments in her city. “Kilalang kilala din siya sa sarili niyang kakayahan. Siya po ay hindi pangkaraniwang mayor lamang dahil siya po ang outstanding mayor of the Philippines…sapagkat siya lamang ang katangi-tanging mayor sa buong Pilipinas na nakakuha ng 93 percent job approval rating, nalampasan niya pa yung record ng kanyang ama nung mayor na 86 percent,” he said. (She is widely known for her own abilities. She is not just a mayor but also the outstanding mayor of the Philippines… the only outstanding mayor in the entire Philippines who got a 93 percent job approval rating, he even surpassed his father’s record as mayor of 86 percent). He said the Davao mayor could be trusted with bigger challenges and responsibilities in a bigger area of governance. Hernandez said Laguna should support the Lakas-CMD candidate for vice president as a show of gratitude to President Duterte, who has given Laguna the resources it deserves from the national government. For her part, Rep. Hernandez said she idolizes Mayor Sara as a woman and a public servant.

AKSYON Demokratiko standard-bearer and Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso on Thursday vowed that if elected president, his administration will provide full support and protection to Filipino farmers and other food producers to uplift their lives and ensure food security. Moreno made the assurance in a media interview here as Team Isko embarked on a motorcade in this Central Luzon province that has an extensive agriculture and aquaculture sector, as well as major piggery and poultry industries. “It’s more on food security. Bulacan piggeries and poultry, as well as farms, need to continue to be emphasized by the national government. Meats, domestic pigs and chickens, food products of Bulacan and rice must be protected,” Moreno told reporters in Pulilan, Bulacan. Moreno said government protection will extend to all farmers and food producers, pointing to the plight of Nueva Ecija onion farmers who were forced to throw away their harvested onions due to low farmgate prices. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of cold storage for farmers to store their excess onions, and cannot also bring their products to the market because of the high transport fare. The 47-year-old presidential candidate pointed out that the Philippines is endowed with fertile lands that if utilized properly can sustain food security for the country. The problem however is that farmers are quitting due to the lack of support and protection from the national government. “That is why we can feed our Filipino compatriots because of the amount of land that our compatriots can grow to eat. It’s just that many of our farmers, seem to be tired or have stopped farming. Maybe because of many things: losses, or probably not selling their product at the right price,” Moreno noted. Agriculture is one of the main pillars of Moreno’s 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda, which will be his administration’s guiding principles to accelerate human and economic growth if elected president.

‘At least 845 poll bets unopposed’ A By Vito Barcelo

T LEAST 845 candidates are running unopposed this coming May 9 elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Data from the Comelec said there are a total of 18,023 local and national positions up for grabs in the upcoming polls. Out of the 253 congressional seats, 39 are unopposed while nine unopposed bets are gunning for the provincial governor post. Of the 782 seats for Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 45 are uncontested. Out of the 1,634 seats for mayor and vice mayor, 203 are uncontested for mayor and 254 for vice mayor. Out of the 13,558 seats for councilors, 284 are uncontested. The

official campaign period for local candidates begins March 25. Comelec commissioner George Garcia reminded local candidates to strictly follow the minimum health standards in all campaign events. The Comelec meanwhile said close to 90 percent or more than 58 million ballots for the May 9, national and local (NLE) polls have already been printed at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City. Garcia said a total of 58,838,453 ballots representing 87.2 percent of the total number of ballots to be printed number-

ing 67,442,616, have already been printed. Of the 17 regions, the ballots for the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 4-A except Quezon Province have not been completed. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, only 671,154 or 9.17 percent have been printed of the 7,322,361 total ballots needed to be printed in NCR while there are 5,816,117 or 74.86 percent already printed out of the total 7,769,073 total ballots for Calabarzon. Garcia said a total of 105,853 ballots needed to be reprinted after being found defective. On the other hand, the Comelec official reminded the public that only poll body personnel are authorized to distribute the voter information sheets (VIS). He said the VIS will be distributed before Election Day. The VIS shall include the voter’s name, address, the

precinct and the place where he is registered, and simplified instructions as to the casting of votes. “Do not be surprised if somebody knocks on your doors and provides you with VIS. We’ve already printed the VIS for the entire country and are now ready for distribution,” Garcia said. Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they will be releasing specific markings to determine the authenticity of the VIS being distributed. “We will come out with information on what are the markings that will determine if what you got is original and authentic VIS,” he added. Republic Act 7904 states that the poll body must provide all registered voters, through registered mail, with a voter information sheet at least 30 days before an election.

Davao council dismisses Bello By Maricel V. Cruz

BINAY’S SORTIE IN LEGAZPI. Former vice president Jejomar Binay joins former Mayor Celso Chi Morales and former councilor Mark Ian Cortes in touring the Legazpi Public Market in a campaign sortie.

Salceda bats for water regulation plan for PH REP. Joey Sarte Salceda, chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means on Thursday appealed to Presidential candidates to “have a plan for water regulation and maximizing our water resources” as a shortfall in water supply appears imminent across Mega Manila during the upcoming summer months. Salceda released the statement in response to a recent warning from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that the Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, could be 40 meters below its normal water elevation by the end of April. “That’s very similar to where we were during our water shortages in 2019. And, in my view, and given my discussions with water experts during the technical working group sessions on the Department of Water Resources, I am convinced that annual water shortfalls in Metro Manila will be the new normal unless we do something. It will also be the new normal in emerging cities within a decade,” Salceda warned.

“So, the next President will really have to commit to a national policy on conserving water resources. That includes a framework for regulating water use, proper management and recycling of sewage, a plan for irrigation, and exploring new sources and technologies for water supply.” Salceda, who chaired the Technical Working Group that wrote the House proposal for a Department of Water Resources, also warned that climate change will exacerbate “reservoir or dam-based water sources.” “They’re exposed to high levels of evaporation and depend almost entirely on adequate rainfall. With rising summer temperatures, dams and reservoirs become increasingly unreliable. There are technologies to manage evaporation, but we really have to explore other means,” Salceda added. Salceda also asked the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to ensure that “the utilities invest in adequate water conservation capex, so we reduce wastage and leakages.” Maricel V. Cruz

THE Davao City Council has adopted a resolution denouncing vice presidential candidate Walden Bello and declaring him persona non grata in Davao city over his “malicious claims” of corruption in the city, especially in its projects. In making the move, the city’s aldermen feared that Bello’s baseless allegations will tarnish Davao City’s reputation, both locally and abroad, as top tourism and investment haven in the country. “The City Council denounces the unbecoming character of Walden Bello particularly his act of employing malicious tirades. Davao City’s exemplary reputation is the hard work not only of the local government but every honest, disciplined, responsible Dabawenyo,” the resolution reads. “As we condemn Walden Bello’s acts, we also vehemently declare that he is not welcome to enter the borders, and the entire territorial jurisdiction of Davao City,” it added.

Abella eyes national volunteers corps FORMER Foreign Affairs undersecretary Ernesto Abella, who is running for president in the May polls, said he would push for the establishment of a National Volunteer Corps for Filipinos ages 18 to 35. Abella said this will encourage this age group to volunteer in community programs. Abella said the program is meant to challenge Filipinos ages 18 to 35 to “give 1 or 2 years of theirs lives to become volunteers.” He said through this program, volunteers can go to primary schools in provinces and help

AP party-list declares support for Robredo THE AP Partylist announced on its social media pages its support for the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan. AP Partylist first nominee Rep. Ronnie Ong attended the Pasiglaban Grand Rally held last March 20, Sunday in Pasig City where he met with Robredo and was among the individuals thanked by Robredo in her speech for their unwavering support. AP Partylist is also among the supporters at the Davao grand rallies in support of Robredo and Pangilinan. Ong said that with the support of Davao’s political stalwart Pantaleon “Bebot” Alva-

rez, the Robredo campaign has gained ground in regions 9, 10, and 11. Ong expects that support will continue to rise for Leni in the coming weeks. Ong said that they chose to throw their support behind Robredo because he knows how hard she and her office worked during the pandemic. “She would always be there whenever and wherever she is needed,” Ong said. “That is the mark of a true leader. We believe in that core value as a public servant: You have to show up, you have to work, and you have to be there for your kababayan’s every day.” Ong shared that he’d seen firsthand

During the vice presidential debate on Sunday hosted by the Commission on Elections, the foul-mouthed Bello spewed baseless claims of corruption in Davao City’s projects and also implied that the city was the center of illegal drugs in Mindanao. Davao City is headed by Mayor Sara Duterte who is on official leave as she is running for the vice presidential post as a Lakas-CMD candidate where she is leading Bello and the other bets in the campaign by a wide margin according to results of multiple surveys. According to the resolution, “Bello’s persistent attacks will debilitate Davao City’s economic recovery efforts, especially in promoting the city’s tourism and investment opportunities to the local and international scene, and ultimately affect Davao City’s reputable governance to the public in general.” It also said that Bello’s “publicized malicious statements discredit the efforts and commitment of hardworking city government employees who are behind all the successes and recognitions received by the city.”

how Robredo worked hard to help various sectors during the pandemic. Last August 2020, Ong donated thousands of paper supplies to the Vice President’s office for her e-learning project, in time for the first leg of blended learning system or online and module classes during the first year of the pandemic. “We also had similar projects with her. We also launched a Libreng Sakay program for health workers and frontliners, as well as establishing E-skwela Hub e-learning centers all over the country to help learners and students adapt to the new normal of classes,” Ong said.

children learn the basics including reading, writing, and arithmetic in their mother tongue. Abella, who participated in the Pilipinas Debate 2022, also said there is a need for a “confident” national identity for Filipino youth “in order to restore their patriotism and faith in the country.” If elected president, Abella, quoted in a GMA News report, said “he would prioritize including the civil society in the decision making of the government to create a fair society. “Sabi sa Local Government Code, dapat may 25% na mem-

bers of the community ang nagco-comprise doon sa local na pamamahala. Anong gagawin nila? [According to the Local Government Code, there should be 25% of members of the community who would comprise the local government. What will they do?] They look after law enforcement, health, education, bids and awards,” he said, in the report. He said civil society members could also help “monitor corruption, incompetence, and other problems in the government.” Abella is running as an independent candidate in the May 2022 polls.

SUBSTITUTE CANDIDATE. Jose

Miguel Cadiz, nephew of Former Vice Mayor Dr. Jose Fabian Cadiz, filed his candidacy for the 1st District Representative of Marikina City, inside the Commission on Elections Office National Capitol Region on March 23. Cadiz, 30, file his candidacy as substitute of his uncle who passed away on February 20 due to cardiac arrest. Norman Cruz

Opinion Testigo del estado

HE next president of the Philippines will have his or her hands full after the May elections. The next top chief executive will have to revive an economy smashed by the pandemic, and restore millions of jobs lost during the health crisis.

President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet did their best to keep the economy rolling despite mobility restrictions that shuttered many commercial establishments, kept foreign tourists away and barred in-person classes. The administration borrowed tons of money to finance the vaccination of the population and give aid to the poor to help them survive the fallout from COVID-19. The battle against COVID-19 may be reaching the endgame and the Philippines must pick up the pieces. The Duterte government is offering the next administration a plan to resuscitate the economy and bring it back to its growth path. The next president may take his or her cue from the 10-point policy agenda

protection through the various programs of its subsidiaries. In fact, under SMC’s GreenTHE recent inauguration of the Million ing For Nation Building, some 3.8 million Trees Foundation, Inc. Nursery and Eco- trees in the last three years with 89 percent learning Center was one of the rare occa- survival rate for upland trees and 91 percent sions San Miguel Corporation President for mangroves in the wetlands. SMC is also and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang targeting to plant 7 million on 4,000 hectaddressed a gathering. RSA shuns public ares of upland and mangrove areas all over speaking engagements, preferring to work the country. RSA supports the Annual Million Tree quietly without fanfare. He is, after all, the president of one of the Challenge and now the MTFI programs country’s best-performing diversified cor- to rehabilitate critical watersheds. He is also undertaking the porations that ended dredging and desiltwith a strong perforof Tullahan River mance in 2021 despite He expects nothing ing and the Pasig River the pandemic. More without any cost to than its growth in conin return. the government. “I solidated net income, still have to see a SMC under his leadership continues to focus on sustainability, businessman who will invest on his own nation-building and helping set the stage for in clearing a very big river like Tullahan in support of the project of DENR,” Velasco economic recovery. The task of introducing RSA who was had said. RSA is also someone with a deep sense the guest of honor and speaker for the event was given to MTFI Chairman Emeritus of gratitude. Velasco recalled that he would Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco (Ret). Velasco’s accompany RSA to visit former President experiences working with RSA convey the Fidel V. Ramos regularly until COVID recharacter and values of the latter. A vision- strictions were imposed. He contributed to ary, RSA’s plan to connect the northern the Silver Linings road show that brought provinces of the country to the southern tip FVR and book authors Melandrew T. Velasco and Gen. Velasco to different U.S. cities. of Luzon is now being realized. His love for nature and for the environ- Silver Linings is a book about the 1986 Peoment is beyond question. SMC is actively ple Power Revolution where FVR played a involved in environment conservation and vital role. He acknowledges the contribu-

tions of FVR to the country and shows his gratitude to the former president. “I don’t want FVR to feel that we are paying attention, taking care of him because he is the President. Even if he is no longer president I want him to feel loved.” Apart from the various big-ticket infrastructure projects that his company is undertaking which provide employment to many and fuel economic growth such as the Bulacan International Airport, MRT 7, and PARX, among others, RSA’s compassion for his countrymen is very visible in the COVID response of SMC. SMC was among the first corporations to extend assistance when the country was put under hard lockdown by the government. It launched a nationwide food donation drive, including the purchase of sacks of rice which were distributed to informal settlers in different areas in the metropolis. It spent over a billion on medical donations and initiatives, including purchase of a PCR machine and building of laboratory to test its workforce for free. It also donated PCR testing machines, test kits, quarantine facilities and PPEs. SMC also produced and donated disinfectant alcohol to hospitals nationwide. During the lockdown, SMC paid all salaries of its employees in full amounting to over P3 billion. It also advanced payments of taxes and concession fees to the government amounting to P8.77 billion to ensure

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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The next chief executive must also stay the course. aimed at speeding up and sustaining the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda does not contain a magic formula. It is essentially a response from the havoc inflicted by COVID-19 on the economy, and contains the steps in the form of medium-term solutions that will ensure the country’s resilience against future pandemics. The next president will have the task

of fully reopening the economy and preparing the nation to a new normal. Strengthening the health care capacity must be the priority to successfully respond to a new pandemic and limit its damage to the economy. The elimination of mobility restrictions should also be the goal of the new administration to rev up the economy. The next chief executive must also stay the course. The Philippines earned plaudits from international credit rating agencies after increasing its revenues and keeping the fiscal house in order. It kept inflation at bay, built a healthy gross international reserves to keep the peso currency stable and achieved political stability. Strong macro-economic fundamentals by way of low inflation and interest rates, reduced unemployment, a competitive currency, higher foreign investments and diversified exports will be the key to recovery. They will overcome economic and geopolitical turmoils and ensure growth.

Supreme Court, IBP should probe Guanzon, Topacio

The art of giving, Don Ramon’s way

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Economic revival

IN AN article in a regular column written by a veteran journalist and published in another newspaper last February 24, it was disclosed that “several Justices of the Supreme Court and some Court of Appeals magistrates were seen at a golf course in Pampanga, playing in a tournament sponsored by a gambling lord.” The article said the participation of the justices in that golf tournament “smells fishy” and that “some private individuals who took part in the tournament hobnobbed with the justices.” Further, the article asked, “Aren’t magistrates covered by a code of conduct that says they should never be seen in public in the company of dubious characters or private citizens with pending cases in their courts?” According to the writer, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo “has been told about the participation of his fellow justices in that golf tourney.” That revelation was made more than a month ago, but it does not look like Chief Justice Gesmundo has taken steps to investigate the incident. What is taking him so long to do so? That controversial golf tournament is a cause for serious public concern. When Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals are seen participating in a golf tournament organized by a gambling lord, the judicial system in the country loses credibility. The public cannot avoid suspecting that the gambling lord is above the law because he has powerful connections in the courts of law. When the public has reason to suspect that the justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals maintain suspiciously

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EDITORIAL

(e) he has not been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude (Section 17, Rule 119, Criminal Procedure). Absolute necessity exists when the accused to be discharged as a state witness alone has the knowledge of the crime. There is no necessity when the proposed testimony would simply corroborate or strengthen WHEN a group of people commit a crime the prosecution’s evidence (Tranquil Salvaand there are no witnesses who can positive- dor III, Criminal Procedure citing Jimenez ly identify them, the prosecution may apply v. People). for the discharge of one or a number of them Hence, for example, if three prosecution as state witnesses. However, the prosecution witnesses had testified that they saw the must satisfy certain conditions and require- shooting incident and identified the defenments before a member of the group of ac- dants, there is no absolute necessity of a cused is discharged. proposed state witness, since there is direct Once an accused is discharged as a state evidence available to prove the crime (Tranwitness, acquittal follows unless the ac- quil Salvador III, Criminal Procedure citing cused fails or refuses to testify against his People v. De Atras). co-accused (Rosales v. Court of Appeals, It is also a requirement that the witness G.R. No. 80418, October 23, 1992). If the to be discharged does not appear to be the court denies the application, the sworn state- “most guilty”. Most guilty refers to the ment of the would-be state witness shall highest degree of culbe inadmissible in pability in terms of evidence (Section 17, participation in the The purpose is to Rule 119, Criminal commission of the Procedure). offense and does not avoid letting a crime The conditions for necessarily mean the go unpunished. a discharge are the severity of the penalty following: (a) there imposed (Tranquil are two or more acSalvador III, Criminal cused jointly charged with the commission Procedure citing People v. Ocimar). of an offense; (b) the application is filed by In the case of People v. Larrañaga, et al., the prosecution before it rests its case; (c) the state witness Rusia’s admission that he the sworn statement of the proposed state raped Jacqueline does not make him the witness is presented in a hearing for that “most guilty” of the crimes charged; the purpose; and (d) the accused gives his con- reason being that they were charged with sent to be a state witness (Jimenez v. People, kidnapping and illegal detention, but not G.R. No. 209195, September 17, 2014). rape (G.R. No. 138874, February 3, 2004). In the case of Jimenez v. People, Manuel Moreover, far from being the masterMontero, a former employee of the BSJ Com- mind, Rusia’s participation, as shown by the pany (owned by Manuel and Lope Jimenez), chronology of events, was limited to that of executed a sworn statement confessing his an oblivious follower who simply “joined participation in the killing of Ruby Rose Bar- the ride” as the commission of the crimes rameda (Ruby Rose). He named Manuel and progressed. It may be recalled that he joined Lope Jimenez, Lennard A. Descalso alias the group upon Rowen’s promise that there “Spyke,” Robert Ponce alias “Obet,” and Eric would be a “big happening” on the night of Fernandez as his co-conspirators (G.R. No. July 16, 1997 (G.R. No. 138874, February 209195, September 17, 2014). 3, 2004). The sworn statement of Montero alleged The court can only rely on the testimony that the steel casing containing the body of of the proposed state witness if he has not Ruby Rose was recovered in the place he been convicted of a crime involving moral identified. Undeniably, all of the procedural turpitude. In the case of De La Torre v. conditions were met in the Jimenez case, COMELEC, the court clarified that not evleading the trial court to grant the discharge ery criminal act, involves moral turpitude. of Montero as a state witness. It is for this reason that “as to what crime The time-bound qualifier of “before the involves moral turpitude, is for the Supreme prosecution rests its case” means that it has Court to determine” (G.R. No. 121592, July applied for the discharge before its formal 5, 1996). offer of evidence is submitted. Similarly, Examples of crimes involving moral turthe hearing in support of the discharge is pitude are perjury, false testimony, estafa or different from the trial itself. In the former, fraud, falsification of documents, theft or the prosecution presents its evidence prov- robbery, among others. In the same Larraing the satisfaction of the conditions for the ñaga case, Rusia being convicted of thirddischarge, as well as the sworn statement of degree burglary in Minnesota does not renthe proposed witness (Tranquil Salvador III, der his testimony inadmissible. Criminal Procedure citing People v. Court In People v. De Guzman, the Supreme of Appeals). Court held that although the trial court may Aside from the procedural conditions, the have erred in discharging the accused, such trial court must be satisfied that: a) there is an error would not have affected the comabsolute necessity for the testimony of the petency and the quality of the testimony of accused to be discharged; b) there is no the defendant (G.R. No. 118670, February other direct evidence available; (c) the testi- 22, 2000). In Mangubat v. Sandiganbayan, mony of the said accused can be substantial- it explained that the previous final convicly corroborated in its material points; d) he tion of crimes involving moral turpitude is does not appear to be the most guilty; and, not a reversible error:

By Melandrew T. Velasco

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

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

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close ties with high-profile individuals involved in crime, organized crime at that, the judicial system is in serious trouble. One former Chief Justice, now deceased, once said that the judiciary does not have the purse of Congress, or the sword of the executive department of the government. All it has is the trust and confidence reposed in it by the public. The moment that trust and confidence get eroded, the judicial system gets eroded. When people start distrusting the judicial system, lawlessness will be at the nation’s doorstep. That observation, which is a resounding truth, is enough reason for Chief Justice

When people start distrusting the judicial system, lawlessness will be at the nation’s doorstep. Gesmundo to conduct an investigation of that controversial golf tournament. If Gesmundo does not act on this disturbing incident immediately, the public may get the impression, correct or otherwise, that Gesmundo is countenancing this manifest instance of a deplorable breach of judicial ethics by justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. More importantly, Gesmundo should see to it that the investigation to be conducted should be a credible one. I remember that years ago, the Supreme Court was shaken by an embarrassing incident involving Justice Mariano del Castillo and his research assistant. Harry Roque, who was a private lawyer at that time, complained that del Castillo committed plagiarism in his decision in the much publicized Filipino “comfort women” case. Del Castillo was eventually exonerated funds were available for the government response efforts. Furthermore, SMC implemented a “no toll fees” policy for medical frontliners at its expressways: Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway system, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). When Typhoon Odette battered Visayas and Mindanao, SMC immediately extended assistance to affected families with its response operations reaching P83.4 million. Over 2,200 of SMC workers were also given assistance amounting to P43.4 million. It also donated P35 million in food aid and water to various provinces. Students in Cebu were extended assistance through a P5-million donation to the UP “Tabang sa Iskolar ng Bayan” initiative. SMCs gives its all-out support with no questions asked, expecting nothing in return. RSA’s attitude towards business puts people first. He believes helping people is paramount. RSA sees his environment protection initiatives as a way of helping the country, not of earning money. According to him, businesses should not be only about profits but also about caring and sharing. After all, when a person passes on, he would not be able to bring his material possessions, he said.

by his colleagues, but many lawyers saw the exoneration as a “home town” decision. By ordering a thorough probe of the controversial golf tournament, Chief Justice Gesmundo can show the people that he means business. Unless Gesmundo is hesitant to take action against his colleagues, he should begin by telling the press the names of the justices who participated in that golf tournament. Public interest demands it. As for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, it should stop its unauthorized involvement in partisan politics and conduct an investigation of retired Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, and society lawyer Ferdinand Topacio. Guanzon once told the press that there was an attempt to bribe her in the Bongbong Marcos disqualification cases when she was still with the Commission. She said that the offer was a measly P2-million. What took her so long to make public that bribe attempt? Why does she find P2million a measly sum? Hmmm. Last week, newspaper reports said Topacio recently told the press that his client paid P10million in bribe money to newly appointed Comelec Commissioner Aimee TorrefrancaNeri when the latter was still an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Justice. According to Topacio, Neri undertook to “fix” a criminal case in the Supreme Court, and that Neri failed in that regard, and returned only P7-million to the client. If what Topacio alleges is true, why didn’t he stop his client? Assuming Topacio couldn’t stop his client, why didn’t Topacio report the incident to the authorities? By keeping silent on the bribery incident, it looks like Topacio acquiesced in the anomaly. Since the Supreme Court can motu proprio impose disciplinary sanctions on erring lawyers, it should take action on these incidents involving Guanzon and Topacio. The disciplinary jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over members of the Bar should apply to all lawyers, Guanzon and Topacio included.

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Zelensky calls for global protests vs. Russia K YIV—Ukraine’s president made an impassioned plea for global street protests against Russia’s bloody month-old invasion and for democratic leaders amassed in Brussels for emergency summits on Thursday to send more advanced weaponry.

In a late-night television address from the emptied streets of the besieged capital Kyiv, a defiant but visibly tired Volodymyr Zelensky appealed in English for the world to help ensure his nation’s survival. “The world must stop the war,” he said. “Come from your offices, your homes, your schools and universities, come in the name of peace, come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life.” Addressing leaders of the G7, NATO and the European Union meeting in the Belgian capital, he called for a step-shift in weapons deliveries, including more advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems, tanks, armored vehicles, and anti-ship missiles. “Freedom must be armed,” he said bluntly, as a heavily armed guard kept watch close by -- a stark reminder that Zelensky’s own life, and the life of his nation, are in acute peril. His appeal came exactly one month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians, and thousands more soldiers on both sides. SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

More than 10 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, as cities have faced sustained Russian bombardment from land, sea, and air. In the southern port city of Mariupol alone, 100,000 people are trapped without food, water or power and enduring fierce shelling by Russian forces. In the city’s hospital, local officials said staff have evacuated patients to the basement, where they are treated by candlelight beside 600 to 700 other residents seeking what little safety they can. Experts say Russia’s once-vaunted military has been bogged down by dogged resistance and has turned to long-range bombardment in the hope of breaking Ukrainian resolve. Washington said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bombing campaign amounted to war crimes, escalating a confrontation between Moscow and the West that has rivalled the worst crises of the Cold War. “We’ve seen numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. AFP with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. 13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF LAVINA LAKHWANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139. SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

1. My full name is LAVINA LAKHWANI , but I have also been known since childhood as LALA / VINA or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A .

14. My character witnesses are SURAJ KAPAHI and CAMILLE LEGASPI both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 2646 ENRIQUEZ ST., VITO CRUZ, MALATE, MANILA. and 16 SAN FELIPE ST., MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

2. My present place of residence is 2102 CARMEL ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, City/Municipality of MAKATI CITY Province of METRO MANILA and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence)

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares:

2170-A FATIMA ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY (2004-2014) 8861-D SAMPALOC ST., SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE, MAKATI (1997-2004) 9009 ARANGA ST., SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE, MAKATI (1993-1997) 3. I was born on APRIL 21, 1985, in METRO MANILA Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of INDIA 4. My father's name is KISHORE LAKHWANI and he was born on NOVEMBER 10, 1957, in JAKARTA, INDONESIA He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's name is RENU LAKHWANI and she was born on MAY 6, 1961 in AJMER, INDIA. She is a citizen or subject of INDIA.

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: , (2) name of school: and (3) years graduated: who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have 0 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Place of Birth

Residence

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School DLSU-TAFT

Place of School MANILA, PH

Dates of Study 2002-2006

COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN

MANILA, PH MANILA, PH

1998-2002 1991-1998

Highest Grade Completed BACHELOR’S DEGREE HIGH SCHOOL GRADE SCHOOL

N/A

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Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran National Capital Region NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that CITYLAND, INC. (owners/developer) has filed with this Department for the sale of condominium units at ONE PREMIER and TWO PREMIER located at Doña Concha Cruz Drive, Brgy. Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, specifically described as Lot Nos. 3-A-3-C and 3-A-3-D, of PSD-00-093911, covered by TCT Nos. 005-2017003442 and 005-2017003443 respectively, having a total area of 3,639.00 square meters. The ONE PREMIER project was previously issued a Certificate of Registration No. 029440 dated on October 19, 2018. The foregoing project is utilizing 1 Bataan Village-Orian located in Brgy. Daan Pare, Orian, Bataan, with CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, as the developers with Memorandum of Agreement dated February 09, 2022, as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 as amended by Republic Act No. 10884. All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon. Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be issued after five (5) days from the last day of publication. Quezon City, Metro Manila

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139. I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated

violation” of UN Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang had officially paused long-range testing while leader Kim Jong Un embarked on high-profile negotiations with then-US president Donald Trump. But talks collapsed in 2019 and have been stalled ever since. Despite biting international sanctions, North Korea has doubled-down on Kim’s drive to modernize the military, and last week test-fired what analysts said was likely a “monster missile” —a new long-range ICBM. It exploded soon after launch. The US and South Korea had warned earlier this month that Pyongyang was preparing to launch an ICBM at full range. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name and Place of School N/A

“And the idea of sitting around a table with Vladimir Putin... for me, is a step too far.” China this week described Russia as an “important member” of the G20 and said no member had the right to expel another country, after Washington raised the prospect of excluding Moscow. Morrison noted that Australia and the Netherlands this month have also launched fresh legal proceedings against Russia over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, 2014, killing everyone on board. International investigators say it was struck by a surface-to-air missile originally brought from a Russian military base. “So we know Vladimir Putin’s form when it comes to taking the lives of innocent civilians,” Morrison said. “I am not shocked by their barbarity. I am not shocked by their arrogance in what they are seeking to impose on Ukraine. And that’s why Australia has been one of the strongest in taking action in relation to Russia.” AFP

IN BRIEF Report: Trump ‘guilty’ of business felonies WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump is “guilty of numerous felony violations,” said a prosecutor who resigned from a criminal probe into the former US president’s business practices, according to his resignation letter published Wednesday by the New York Times. Mark Pomerantz, who led the New York investigation into Trump’s finances, resigned on February 23 along with Carey Dunne, the other lead prosecutor on the case. Pomerantz’s letter said that he had quit over the decision by new Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg not to move ahead with prosecution of the Republican billionaire. That decision, he wrote in the letter which the US daily published in full, was “contrary to the public interest.” “The team that has been investigating Mr. Trump harbors no doubt about whether he committed crimes -- he did,” Pomerantz wrote. The investigation had probed whether Trump fraudulently overvalued multiple assets to secure loans and then undervalued them to minimize taxes. It was launched by Bragg’s predecessor Cyrus Vance, with Bragg taking over the case when he took office in January. AFP

PM to Prince William: Jamaica ‘moving on’ KINGSTON -- Jamaica is “moving on” and embracing its destiny as an independent country, its leader told Britain’s Prince William on Wednesday, later calling the Caribbean nation’s switch to a republican model “inevitable”. Speaking at a press briefing, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said William’s three-day visit to the island, which has sparked protests over Britain’s colonial-era role in the slave trade and calls for reparations, offered a chance to address “unresolved” issues. Hours later, the prince expressed “sorrow” to Jamaicans for Britain’s involvement in slavery at a state dinner in the capital Kingston. “I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent, and it should never have happened,” William said, calling the transatlantic slave trade an atrocity that “forever stains our history.” AFP

Drones, thermal scanners scour China Eastern jet crash site

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: N/A.

Name of Child

MELBOURNE—Allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit with other world leaders at this year’s G20 summit would be “a step too far”, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday. Putin has already been invited to the G20 heads of state summit in November by this year’s host Jakarta, and he intends to be there, Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia said this week. But Morrison objected, citing Russia’s war in neighbouring Ukraine. “I think we need to have people in the room that aren’t invading other countries,” he said. The prime minister said he had been in “direct contact” with Indonesian President Joko Widodo about Putin’s attendance at the Group of 20, which brings together the world’s top economies, including the United States, China, Japan, and some European nations. “Russia has invaded Ukraine. This is a violent and aggressive act that shatters the international rule of law,” Morrison told a news conference in Melbourne.

SEOUL—North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Thursday, South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in said, the first time Pyongyang has launched such a powerful weapon since 2017. The ICBM launch is one of nearly a dozen weapons tests conducted by North Korea so far this year and marks the end of a selfimposed moratorium on longrange and nuclear testing. It was a “breach of the suspension of intercontinental ballistic missile launches promised by Chairman Kim Jong Un to the international community,” Moon said in a statement. “It poses a serious threat to the Korean peninsula, the region and the international community,” he said, adding that it was a “clear

6. My civil status is SINGLE, I was married on N/A in N/A . My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A in N/A. She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A.

Date of Birth

Putin going to G20 gab ‘a step too far,’ says Australian leader

N. Korea fired intercontinental ballistic missile—Sokor leader

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is PRODUCT RESEARCH & ASSOCIATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER and from which I derive an average annual income of P412,500, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

Name

SITDOWN PROTEST. Activists hold placards during a protest in solidarity with Ukraine, at Grand Central Station in New York on March 23. AFP

COL. JEOFREY DELOS REYES TUPAS (Ret) Regional Director (MS-MAR. 25/ APRIL 1 & 8, 2022)

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(MS-MAR. 18 & 25, 2022)

WUZHOU, China -- Recovery teams deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment Thursday across a mountainous area where a China Eastern plane inexplicably crashed with 132 people on board. Four days after flight MU5735 ploughed into rugged terrain near Wuzhou in southern China, officials are still yet to declare all of the 123 passengers and nine crew dead. The velocity of the crash cut deep wounds into the muddy ground and scattered plane parts and passenger belongings across a vast area, dashing hopes of finding survivors in what will almost certainly be China’s worst air crash in three

decades. Wiping tears from her eyes, her arms supported by two men, a distraught relative arrived at the entrance point to the crash area on Thursday morning, according to an AFP reporter. Under pouring rain, she joined scores of firefighters, paramilitary police, and reporters to trudge across the rough terrain to where eviscerated chunks of jet have been found. Officials late Wednesday said human remains have been found, but on the ground, searchers have not ruled out finding survivors trapped on the densely forested, mudslicked slopes. AFP

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FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

France seizes 2 luxury yachts possessed by Russian tycoon

PSEi March 24, 2022

TOP GAINERS 1 2 3 4 5

BKR ROCK NIKL MARC ROX

LAST PRICE 2.05 1.47 8.23 1.89 1.42

6 7 8 9 10

ABA SGP FCG GLO X

1.01 12.2 0.64 2560 0.34

CHANGE 0.2 0.13 0.71 0.14 0.1

% CHANGE 10.81% 9.70% 9.44% 8.00% 7.58%

0.07 0.84 0.04 152 0.02

7.45% 7.39% 6.67% 6.31% 6.25%

TOP LOSERS 1 2 3 4 5

SPM ACEX MA PRMX APC

LAST PRICE 2.41 16.1 0.011 2.66 0.227

6 7 8 9 10

SLI RFM ANS MB TBGI

2.65 4.31 8.55 0.4 0.335

CHANGE -0.38 -1.5 -0.001 -0.16 -0.013

% CHANGE -13.62% -8.52% -8.33% -5.67% -5.42%

-0.15 -0.23 -0.45 -0.02 -0.015

-5.36% -5.07% -5.00% -4.76% -4.29%

MOST ACTIVE 1 2

SM CNVRG

VOLUME 791,410 18,806,500

VALUE (PHP) 692,310,675 525,776,595

3 4 5 6 7

SMPH TEL MBT ICT ALI

11,336,100 174,965 5,769,070 1,275,280 6,665,500

431,229,375 317,316,440 310,183,517 282,830,536 238,663,525

8 9 10

URC JFC ACEN

2,062,710 1,054,910 27,349,500

230,894,919 224,354,968 222,149,513

NO TOSHIBA SPLIT. Reporters gather in front of a building where a shareholders: meeting for Toshiba is being held in Tokyo on March 24, 2022. Toshiba shareholders on Thursday voted against a proposal to split the Japanese conglomerate into two, dealing a fresh blow to management that will likely spell further turmoil for the embattled company. AFP

Stocks advance; PLDT, Converge lead gainers

TOCKS climbed Thursday on bargain hunting ahead of the afternoon meeting of the Monetary Board, as investors opted for selective buying in the face of the war in Ukraine and volatile oil prices in the world market.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 73.18 points, or 1 percent, to 7,082.61 on a valuer turnover of P7.8 billion. Gainers beat losers, 108 to 64, with 58 issued unchanged. The policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in a meeting after the trading kept the record-low policy rate of 2 percent amid the manageable inﬂation environment. Fiber broadband provider Converge

ICT Solutions Inc. advanced 3.7 percent to P27.80, while PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, gained 2.6 percent to P1,831. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group increased 2.1 percent to P885, while major propeerty developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group rose 1.8 percent to P36. The rest of equity markets in Asia were mixed Thursday as investors contemplate the impact of surging inflation and central bank plans to sharply hike interest rates, while oil prices dipped but remain elevated on fears of further Russia sanctions that could hit already thin supplies. The recent rally across equities over the past week appears to have run its course for now as investors nervously track developments in the Ukraine war, with efforts to reach a diplomatic solution crawling along. After a negative lead from Wall Street, Asia fluctuated. Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok

and Jakarta edged up but Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei and Mumbai were all down. And the Moscow stock exchange resumed trading of some shares as it continued re-opening after a month-long suspension over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trading resumed for only around 30 of the largest companies that make up the ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index, which saw early gains of more than 10 percent. All eyes are on meetings this week of NATO, where Joe Biden and other leaders are expected to discuss further punishing Moscow for the month-long invasion, while the European Union is still debating a possible embargo on Russian oil. A warning from Russia that repairs at a terminal near a Black Sea port may take up to two months, causing a drop in exports of about one million barrels per day, added to supply worries. With AFP

MARSEILLE, France—French authorities have confiscated two luxury yachts belonging to one of Russia’s most influential businessmen, the latest move by Western governments to seize the assets of associates of President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. The “Little Bear I,” a 17-meter vessel worth 20 million euros ($22 million) belonging to Alexey Kuzmichev, a main shareholder of the Alfa conglomerate, was seized in the Mediterranean resort of Cannes on March 16, a government source told AFP on Wednesday. His “Little Bear II,” a 26-meter boat that was being serviced in nearby Antibes, reportedly worth 70 million euros, was seized on Monday. Kuzmichev, 59, “has well established ties to the Russian president,” the European Union said in a March 15 statement announcing sanctions against Russians suspected of being close to Putin. As a billionaire who is one of Russia’s biggest taxpayers, he is accused of providing “a substantial source of revenue to the government of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine,” the statement said. The French Riviera has long been a favorite retreat for the Russian elite, many of whom got rich by swearing allegiance to Putin as he has consolidated his control of Russia since first becoming elected president in 2000. Early this month, French authorities seized the “Amore Vero” superyacht belonging to Russia’s oil magnate Igor Sechin, an 86-meter vessel reportedly worth some $120 million. Spain, Italy and Britain have also seized Russian yachts as part of EU efforts to pressure Putin to call off his invasion of Ukraine. On Tuesday, Gibraltar officials said they had impounded a superyacht belonging to Russian oligarch Dmitry Pumpyansky following a complaint from a creditor bank. AFP

Manila

Water supply fears as Morocco hit by worst drought in 40 years By Ismail Bellaouali RABAT, Morocco—As Morocco withers under its worst drought in 40 years, experts warn that a combination of climate change and bad resource management could trigger severe drinking water shortages. “The country hasn’t seen a situation like this since the start of the 1980s,” said water policy expert Abderrahim Hendouf. While it was usually farmers who bore the brunt of repeated droughts in the North African kingdom, today water supplies to cities are under threat, water minister Nizar Baraka told parliament in mid-March. Morocco has had little rain since September, and authorities say its reservoirs have received just 11 percent of what they would in an average year. “That’s a worrying sign,” Abdelaziz Zerouali, the water ministry’s head of research and planning, told state television station M2, adding that some preemptive measures had been taken to mitigate the risks. Two major cities, tourist hub Marrakesh and Oujda in the east, already started tapping into groundwater reserves in December to ensure adequate supplies. The government in February also released a package of around one billion euros in aid to the beleaguered agricultural sector, which makes up some 14 percent of GDP and is the top employer in the Moroccan countryside. “We need to change our vision of water,” Zerouali told a conference on the right to water in Rabat. “Climate change is real and we will have to face it.” ‘Absolute scarcity’ Moroccans have access to just 600 cubic meters of water per person per year, far below the 2,600 cubic metres they

enjoyed in the 1960s. According to the United Nations’ definition, water scarcity occurs when supplies drop below 1,000 cubic meters per person annually, while supplies of under 500 cubic meters are considered “absolute scarcity.” The decline in supplies in Morocco is a result of a mix of environmental factors, high demand and over-exploitation of groundwater for farming, according to Baraka. In a recent report for the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis, Amal Ennabih wrote that “Morocco’s water scarcity is deeply linked to the way water is used in irrigation, consuming around 80 percent of Morocco’s water annually”. The kingdom, with its Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, hopes desalination plants can help make up the deficit, although they are energy-intensive and pump brine back into the sea which causes its own environmental problems. Moreover, efforts to build 15 more dams and more desalination facilities have been bogged down by delays. One such plant has been under construction since 2020 near Casablanca, the country’s commercial capital, which could face severe water shortages by 2025. Baraka notes that a desalination plant meant to serve the northeastern resort town of Saidia has also yet to come online, causing water shortages. Another desalination plant came online recently, supplying 70 percent of the needs of the Atlantic coastal city of Agadir, a tourist hub and center of a major farming area. That should provide some relief to a city that in autumn 2020 was so short of water that at night the taps ran dry. AFP

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TODAY NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Dear Stockholders: The Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (AT or the Company) will be held virtually on 26 April 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The proceedings will be livestreamed and voting will be conducted in absentia through the Company’s secure online voting facility. AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 14 June 2021 Approval of the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for 2021 Election of Directors for 2022-2023 Ratification of Acts of the Board of Directors, Board Committees and Management Appointment of External Auditor Amendment of Article VI, Section 2 of the By-laws Open Forum Other Matters Adjournment

Annex A provides a brief explanation of each agenda item for approval. The Board of Directors has fixed the end of trading hours of the Philippine Stock Exchange on 18 March 2022 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive notice of, participate and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Manila

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In this file photo taken on October 22, 2020, a farmer walks among orange trees dried out by drought on Morocco’s southern plains of Agadir in the country’s agricultural heartland. AFP

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering at https:// asmregister.atlasmining.com.ph and submit the required information therein on or before 15 April 2022. All information received will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary. Successfully registered stockholders can then cast their votes in absentia through the Company’s secure online voting facility and access the live streaming of the meeting. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please refer to the “Guidelines for Participating via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia” appended to the Information Statement, and posted on the Company’s website and PSE EDGE. Stockholders who wish to appoint a proxy must submit an advance electronic copy of their duly accomplished proxy forms (which need not be notarized) during registration, and send the originals on or before 15 April 2022 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 10th Floor Six/NEO, 5th Avenue cor. 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, for validation pursuant to the Company’s By-laws. A sample format of the proxy form for individual and corporate stockholders are attached. Please visit https://atlasmining.com.ph/investor-relations/annual-stockholders-meeting for complete information on the meeting. Thank you.

ELMER B. SERRANO Corporate Secretary ANNEX A: RATIONALE FOR AGENDA ITEMS Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 14 June 2021 The Minutes of the annual stockholders’ meeting held on 14 June 2021 were posted on the Company’s website and appended to the Information Statement. These minutes are subject to stockholders’ approval during this meeting. Approval of the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for 2021 The Company’s financial and operating results for the year 2021 have been summarized in the Annual Report which includes the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) as of 31 December 2021, and will be presented for stockholders’ approval. The AFS as audited by the external auditor, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV), have been reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, and will be appended to the Definitive Information Statement. Election of Directors for 2022-2023 The Corporate Governance Committee has pre-qualified nominees for directors for 20222023 and confirmed by the Board of Directors. The list of nominees and their profiles are provided in the Information Statement. The nominees’ proven competencies, expertise and qualifications will be invaluable to the Company’s strong performance. General Ratification of Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors (BOD), Board Committees and Management for 2021 The ratification of acts and resolutions of the Board, Board Committees and Management of AT, from the date of the last meeting to the date of this meeting, which have been key to the successful performance of the Company, will be sought during the meeting. Significant acts and transactions are covered by appropriate disclosures with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Appointment of External Auditor The Board, upon recommendation by the Audit Committee, approved and endorses the reappointment of SGV as the Company’s external auditor for 2022. The profile of the external auditor and the audit fee for 2021 are discussed in the Information Statement. Amendment of Article VI, Section 2 of By-laws Approval by the Stockholders will be sought for the amendment of Section 2, Article VI of AT’s By-laws to remove duties of the Chairman of the Board which are within the functions of the President and Chief Executive Officer. This amendment has been approved and is being endorsed for stockholders’ approval by the Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors. The proposed amendment is further detailed in the Information Statement. (MS-MARCH 23 & 30, 2022)

(MS-MAR. 24 & 25, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

BSP keeps interest rates despite Fed’s adjustment

IN BRIEF ERC issues preliminary prices on green energy THE Energy Regulatory Commission said Thursday it issued the preliminary prices on the 2,000 megawatt of renewable energy capacity to be auctioned under the Green Energy Auction Program, which most developers view as too low compared to the existing feed-in tariff rate. ERC set the preliminary Green Energy Auction Reserve prices at P3.6248 per kilowatt-hour for solar, P5.2887 per kWh for wind, P5.5480 per kWh for biomass and P5.8705 per kWh for run-of-river hydro. Developers said the rates were too low and that hey were preparing their counter proposals to the ERC. “The solar alliance will submit a position paper on the proposed tariff by the regulators. I don’t think their numbers are up-to-date speciﬁcally the increase in panel prices to as much as 30 cents per watt peak. Pre-pandemic, prices were at 23 cents. As you know, panels constitute 45 percent of capex. Moreover, exchange rate is now at 53/$1,” said Tetchi Capellan of the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance. Alena Mae S. Flores

By Julito G. Rada

HE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday retained the overnight borrowing rate at a record low of 2 percent, despite the US Federal Reserve’s approval of ﬁrst interest rate hike in more than three years.

SEC revokes license of Cashtrees Lending

BSP Governor and MB chairman Benjamin Diokno said in an online brieﬁng the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also kept unchanged at 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. “Latest baseline forecasts have increased from the previous monetary policy meeting, reﬂecting the impact of higher global commodity prices. Aver-

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Thursday it revoked the license of Cashtrees Lending Corp. for launching and operating unregistered online lending platforms amid the moratorium. The SEC’s Corporate Governance and Finance Department said in an order it discovered that Cashtrees committed eight violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2021, which provides for a moratorium on new online lending platforms. Based on the investigation, Cashtrees launched and operated eight unrecorded OLPs such as Rush Loan, Easy Money, Good Pocket, Lucky Start, Swipe Cash, 365 Cash, Mega Loan and Gold Peso, after the moratorium on new OLPs took effect on Nov. 2, 2021 . The SEC imposed the moratorium in response to the emergence of ﬁnancial technology companies engaging in predatory lending, taking advantage of cash-strapped Filipinos in need of quick loans by charging high interest rates and imposing strict payment terms. Jenniffer B. Austria

age inflation could breach the upper end of the 2-4 percent target range in 2022 at 4.3 percent, higher than the February forecast of 3.7 percent,” Diokno said. “Nevertheless, average inflation is projected to decline and settle within the target band at 3.6 percent in 2023. Inflation expectations have likewise risen but continue to be anchored to the 2-4 percent target band,” Diokno said. The policymaking Federal Open Market Committee of the US Fed earlier announced a 25-basis-point hike after keeping its benchmark interest rate near zero since the start of the pandemic and plans more aggressive adjustments in the coming months. ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa warned the BSP might lose a grip on inflation and fall behind the curve if it decides to keep policy rates unchanged this year. Mapa said by the second half, the US Federal Reserve might have hiked a cumulative 100 bps with guidance from Fed chairman Jerome Powell suggesting that a 50-bps rate hike at the next meeting was very much in play.

“Should BSP opt to sit out the first half even as inflation surges past target we could very well see BSP fall behind the curve again as they did in 2018. By then with inflation raging and with Filipinos saddled with astronomically high transport costs, BSP will be losing the most important battle of its inflation targeting mandate: the battle to anchor inflation expectations,” Mapa said. Diokno, in explaining the decision to retain the interest rate, said that while upside risks to inflation increased in 2022, the balance of risks to the outlook remained broadly balanced for 2023. He said upside risks over the near term continued to emanate from the shortage in domestic pork and fish supply and from the potential impact of higher oil prices on transport fares. “In this regard, the BSP supports the implementation of social protection measures to alleviate the impact of rising crude oil prices on vulnerable sectors. Sustained initiatives to ensure adequate domestic food supply could also mitigate further supply-side pressures on inflation,” he said.

Gov’t asked to prepare for accession to RCEP THE Philippines should have a clear picture of what it wants to achieve once it is given the green light to accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The business sector and the academe made the call during a forum organized by the Management Association of the Philippines during its general membership meeting Thursday. An executive of Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. said while the opportunities for trade within the RCEP block are huge, there is a need for the vertical development of local industries covered by the trade deal. “My only concern is that once we become part of RCEP, and we remain in this small piece of this entire space with no real intellectual property and no real strength in products and services that we actually are the ‘go to’ and owners of products, then we will be marginalized and what we are going to be is that we’ll continue to be a good consumer market, but will never be that export competitive,” said IMI chief executive Arthur Tan. Othel V. Campos

NEW JICA CHIEF. Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger Mercado (right) lauds the supportive role played by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in shaping and bolstering the infrastructure landscape in the Philippines. Newly-appointed JICA Philippines chief representative Takema Sakamoto during a courtesy visit to the Department of Public Works and Highways reassures the agency’s unrelenting support not only for ongoing and new pipeline infrastructure projects, but also in strengthening Japanese technology transfer through a capacity building program.

THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said it recorded the highest peak load in Luzon this year at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday when the demand reached 11,513 megawatts. IEMOP, the operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, attributed the higher load to the resumption of business operations, along with the expected recovery of the economy. The previous peak load was registered at 11,392 MW on March 17 at 2:29 p.m. IEMOP noted that the demand in the grid had been rising since the lowering of alert levels and easing of community quarantine restrictions within the major areas in Luzon.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

73.18PTS. 7,082.61

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

15,086,335,105 102,709 7,830,264,036.52 108 64 58

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.3730

Japan

Yen

0.008256

0.4324

Pound

1.320600

69.1638

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127809

6.6937

Switzerland

Franc

1.074922

56.2969

Canada

Dollar

0.795988

41.6883

Singapore

Dollar

0.736485

38.5719

Australia

Dollar

0.749700

39.2640

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

138.9204

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266596

13.9624

Brunei

Dollar

0.733783

38.4304

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029789

1.5601

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.2605

Euro

1.101000

57.6627

Korea

Won

0.000820

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.156905

8.2176

India

Rupee

0.013068

0.6844

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236855

12.4048

New Zealand

Dollar

0.697300

36.5197

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034959

1.8309 Source: BSP

Dornier names CEO to expand PH operations By Darwin G. Amojelar AIRCRAFT maintenance, repair and overhaul provider Dornier Technology announced Thursday the appointment of Nikos Gitsis, a former director of SEAIR International, as its new executive to expand its business in the Philippines. Gitsis, who was president of Dornier Technology prior to his appointment as chief executive, is an aviation executive with decades of commercial aviation experience. Aside from serving in the board of SEAIR International, Gitsis was also a director of Philippine ground handling company Transnational Aviation Support Services. “Coming into this new role as CEO, I bring forth a fresh perspective from my years of experience across different sectors of the aviation industry. My focus will be to grow the MRO business here in the Philippines by expanding our customer base to include operators from around the region,” Gitsis said. Dornier Technology is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines as an approved maintenance organization. It is also certified by other civil aviation regulators such as South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation and Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Dornier Technology has its heavy maintenance base at Clark International Airport, outside Manila and operates line maintenance stations at other airports around the country such as Manila, Cebu, Kalibo, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Davao and Puerto Princesa. “Because we are inside Clark’s special economic zone, we enjoy the benefits of being in the tax-free zone, making import and export of aircraft parts and components easy for our clients through the zone’s expedited process,” Gitsis said.

Alsons’ income increased by 24% to P405m in 2021

Power demand in Luzon reached a peak of 11,513 MW on March 22 By Alena Mae S. Flores

PSE INDEX CLOSING

It said while the demand has yet to reach the Department of Energy’s projected Luzon annual peak of 12,387 MW during the dry months, the peak demand on Tuesday is already near the 2021 actual peak of 11,601 MW. “Likewise, the peak demand recorded for the month has already surpassed its counterpart ﬁgures during the same month last 2020, which was during the pre-pandemic period,” IEMOP said. It said the same pattern was evident in the Visayas with its highest peak being recorded on the same day at 2,124 MW, almost within the pre-pandemic levels. The agency said the Visays peak demand is still below the DOE’s forecast of 2,528 MW for the region.

ALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc. said Thursday net income attributable to the parent rose 24 percent in 2021 to P405 million from P325 million in 2020. The publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group said consolidated revenues increased 6 percent last year to P10.05 billion from P9.47 billion a year earlier. Alsons said the 210-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Sarangani Energy Corp. continued to be the key revenue and income driver for the company. The SEC plant provides power to key areas in Mindanao, including Sarangani province, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. Alsons has a portfolio of four power

facilities with an aggregate capacity of 468 MW serving over eight million people across 14 cities and 11 provinces in the country’s second largest island. Alsons said that for the long-term, it would focus on renewables with the company’s ﬁrst renewable project, the P4.5-billion, 14.5-megawatt hydroelectric power plant under construction at the Siguil River basin in Sarangani. The Siguil hydro power plant is the ﬁrst of eight hydropower facilities that Alsons plans to develop. The company recently received an issuer credit rating upgrade from the Philippine Rating Services Corp. to PRS Aa minus (corp.) from PRS A plus (corp). The rating upgrade was made

in relation to Alsons’s issuance of up to P3 billion in commercial papers. Among the factors cited by PhilRatings for the upgrade were the company’s planned expansion projects which will further diversify its generation mix; the company’s ability to establish joint ventures with strong partners for particular projects; and its “strong proﬁtability despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.” The company engaged the services of RCBC Capital Corp. as the lead underwriter and joint issue manager for the remaining balance of the commercial papers program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2021. Alena Mae S. Flores

Monde Nissin’s profit fell 61% to P3.18b last year By Jenniffer B. Austria MONDE Nissin Corp. said Thursday net income decreased 60.5 percent last year to P3.18 billion from P8.06 billion in 2020 due to one-off items related to its initial public offering and the Arran convertible note. The company said minus one-off items, core net income amounted to P8.2 billion on more expensive commodity prices and high operating expenses from continued investments in strategic priorities. Consolidated revenues rose 2 percent in 2021 to P69.3 billion on the back of a 2.4-percent growth in sales of AsiaPaciﬁc branded food and beverage busi-

ness and 1.4-percent improvement in sales of meat alternative business. “We are pleased to announce our positive consolidated growth and resilient margins, as guided in the fourth quarter of 2021, despite the various macroeconomic challenges throughout the year,” Monde Nissin chief executive Henry Soesanto said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. “All the work initiated in 2021 has set us up for growth in 2022. We will continue to innovate for upcoming product launches, improve distribution in key channels, and market to drive more consumption moments for our products,” he said. APAC BFB net sales increased 2.1

percent in 2021 to P54 billion, as the international business grew 21.5 percent to P3.7 billion despite continued shipping challenges. Domestic business inched up by 1 percent to P50.4 billion on sustained volumes for noodles and recovery in the biscuits segment in fourth quarter. The meat alternative business under Quorn Foods posted a 3.9-percent decline in sales on lower retail sales. It said the favorable foreign exchange variance reversed this to a 1.4-percent increase in peso terms to P15.2 billion. The share price of Monde Nissin rose by 0.60 percent Thursday to close at P13.50.

CAGE-FREE EGGS. Resorts World Manila executives kick off its overarching sustainability program dubbed ‘I Love Earth’ with the launch of its sustainable culinary initiative advocating the use of cage-free eggs led by Marriott Hotel Manila. Attending the ceremony are (from left) Hote Okura Manila general manager Jan Marshall, Resorts World Manila executive Chinese sous chef Sew Kong Goh, Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Bruce Winton with executive chef Meik Brammer, Resorts World Manila director of corporate communications Joee Guilas, Okura Manila chef Ryuji Tsuchida, Sheraton Manila Hotel general manager Anna-Liza Vergara with executive chef Kiko Santiago, and in-coming Hilton Manila general manager John Lucas with executive sous chef Lord Bayaban.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

Malixi foils Superal in high-noon Luisita duel

Rianne Malixi basks after sweeping the pro and amateur titles in the ICTSI Luisita Championship.

Obiena, 8 other PH athletes granted Olympic scholarships

ORLD-RANKED pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and young golf sensation Rianne Malixi and seven other Filipino athletes were granted Olympic Solidarity Scholarships by the International Olympic Committee. Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said that also making the list besides the 26-year-old Obiena and 14-year-old Malixi are Elreen Ando (23 years old, weightlifting), Samantha Catantan (19, fencing), Aira Villegas (27, boxing), Rogen Ladon (28, boxing), Patrick Coo (20, BMX cycling), Jericho Francisco (20, skateboarding) and Allen Arcilla

(19, wrestling). All the athlete scholars were endorsed by their respective national sports associations, except for Obiena, the most accomplished on the list as the Asian men’s pole vault record holder. Under the scholarships, Tolentino said each of the athlete will receive a grant of $833 a month until the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“The POC wishes to congratulate these nine promising athletes for earning scholarships as they focus on their qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Tolentino said. “This is the first time that our country had such number of scholars.” Tolentino said Obiena’s inclusion even without the endorsement of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association is testament to the IOC respecting and honoring the decision of national Olympic committees. The scholarship includes access to appropriate training facilities, a coach who specializes in their respective disciplines, regular medical and scientific assistance and control, accident and

illness insurance, board and lodging costs, pocket money and most essentially travel costs for the athletes’ participation in relevant competitions and Paris 2024 qualification events. The OSS is an IOC program that aims to assist elite athletes selected and proposed by their respective NOCs in their preparation and qualification for Paris 2024. “All these athletes need to do is to focus on their training and set their goal toward the Paris Olympics,” said Tolentino, adding that the POC will liquidate the athletes’ expenses to the Olympic Solidarity on a quarterly schedule based on the submission of reports by the scholars and their NSAs.

Bibat heats up late, ties Tabuena with 68

Michael Bibat

TARLAC – Michael Bibat cracked a mediocre frontside drive with a blistering backside finish, birdying four of the last seven holes to shoot a 68 yesterday and catch Miguel Tabuena at the helm in the ICTSI Luisita Championship heading to a two-man shootout here. The first-round leader outshot Tabuena in their hunt for birdies at the tight Luisita layout, doubling up the latter’s two-birdie run in the last nine holes to get back into the thick of things and revive his hopes at ending a long title spell on the Philippine Golf Tour. “It was fun to be able to play and compete against a player of Miguel’s caliber,” said Bibat of his seasoned rival and winner of three titles here at the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed layout, including the Philippine Open in 2015. Bracing for a tough final round

battle with Tabuena, Bibat has drawn a different approach in an attempt to neutralize the former and nail his first victory since ruling the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro leg in 2013. “I have to put the ball where I could score. I cannot engage Miguel shot-for-shot given his distance. We also have different clubbing, so I need to put the ball on the right spots and hopefully the putts will go,” said Bibat, who drilled in a six-footer for birdie on No. 12, banged in a five-footer on the next, holed in another putt from six feet on the 16th then capped his scorching finish with a 30-foot putt on the 18th. Bibat’s blazing backside 32 thus enabled him to match his solid opening four-under card Tuesday that netted him the first day honors marking the Tour’s resumption after a year-long break. But he stumbled with a rollercoaster one-over card in the next and slipped off the leaderboard in this kickoff leg of the

PGT organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Tabuena took charge halfway through the P2 million championship with a plucky 71 Wednesday and looked headed to firming up his lead with a two-under card linking both nines. He, however, muffed a couple of birdie chances on the layout’s long holes but gained a stroke on the challenging par-3 17th to preserve a 69 and tie Bibat at seven-under 209. “It was a bit better than yesterday (second round) although I still struggled with my drives,” said Tabuena, who overcame a bogey on No. 4 with birdies on Nos. 6, 9. 10 and 17 for a 35-34. “But I’m very happy with my score and hopefully, if I play better tomorrow (today), it should be good enough.” He also sees a challenging 18-hole duel with the former Asian Games bronze medalist, saying: “He’s one of my good friends on the local tour and it’s always nice to play with him.”

UAAP Season 84 is powered by Smart Prepaid THE UAAP Season 84 kicks off with the men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, which will be held in a bubble set-up. But two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the season opens with an even playing field and a whole lot of possibilities. In March 2020, the UAAP was disrupted in the middle of its Season 82 volleyball season, where the Ateneo Lady Eagles were the defending champions on the women’s side, while the National University Bulldogs were gunning for a three-peat in the men’s tournament. The eight-university league was forced to cancel both the remainder of Season 82 and Season 83 as COVID-19 raged and brought uncertainty to the future of sports. University of Santo Tomas (UST), though, was awarded its fourth-straight General Championship crown even after the truncated Season 82. Now with Metro Manila easing up on its COVID-19 restrictions, the UAAP is determined to pick itself up from where it left off and blow a fresh wind over Philippine sports. After nailing a 16-0 sweep in Season 82, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will aim for a fourth-straight

title without their core group of stars Thirdy Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto and Isaac Go. But as a number of collegiate players graduated and moved on to pursue professional careers within the two-year layoff, the UAAP will be the first to reveal the dark horse teams and up and coming stars. There were a lot of shake-ups within the competition during the pandemic as well. After clinching a runner-up finish in Season 82, the young and hopeful UST Growling Tigers squad encountered a controversy of setting up a training bubble in Sorsogon that violated COVID-19 protocols. Former head coach Aldin Ayo stepped down from his post and was handed a ban from the league as he took responsibility for the mess. This led to the exodus of players bannered by former team captain CJ Cansino taking his talents to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and Season 82 Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy transferring to the La Salle Green Archers. Aside from seeing some players in a different jersey, UAAP fans will also be able to catch fresh faces as juniors stars Forthsky Padrigao of At-

Excitement and nostalgia fills the air as the UAAP – one of the country’s top collegiate leagues – returns to action in its 84th season on Saturday, March 26.

eneo, UP’s Carl Tamayo and Terrence Fortea, and La Salle’s Raven Cortez. And of course, fan favorite stars like Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame, Ricci Rivero and Justine Baltazar will be making a return to the collegiate game. Stream the games live on Smart’s GigaPlay app for free While fans will not be allowed in the venues for now, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the official UAAP partner and digital broadcaster

will stream the games live exclusively on the GigaPlay app for free – with no data charges – during a limited period only. As part of its thrust to enable the youth to pursue their passions while living the life that they love, Smart Prepaid makes it easier for students to follow the action-packed games while rooting for their favorite teams and players, reigniting their school spirit made possible by the GigaPlay app.

TARLAC – Young Rianne Malixi showed the poise of a seasoned campaigner, coming through with a couple of clutch shots to beat Princess Superal by one in a gripping high noon shootout for the ICTSI Luisita Championship crown here yesterday. Malixi pulled through in crushing pressure with aplomb, birdying the par-3 No. 17 for the second straight day then watching Superal fumble with a bogey on Luisita’s signature hole for the third straight time to nail her second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour diadem in row after a nearrecord setting romp at Midlands to close out the 2021 season last December. The decisive two-shot swing finally thwarted Superal as Malixi finished with a three-under 213 on three 71s in a victory that came three weeks after she dominated her peers in the SEA Games qualifier at the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.designed layout. Not even a closing bogey could foil Malixi’s claim on the coveted crown as Superal settled for par on No. 18 for a 70 and a 214 although she took the consolation of pocketing the top purse of P101,250 in the 54-hole tournament kicking off the new LPGT season put up by ICTSI. Superal, winner of three of the first five LPGT events under the bubble setup last year, came back from two strokes down to force a tie twice, the last on the par-5 16th, which she eagled that drew them level for the last time at three-under overall. But that hardly rattled the 14-yearold rising star, who bucked the wind with a solid hybrid tee-shot on the water-laced 17th to within six feet and drained the putt, putting the pressure back to her fancied rival, who failed to get up and down and holed out with a bogey. “The goal was to win but my priority was to learn and experience playing with ate Cess and the other players, which is a rare opportunity,” said Malixi, who also ran away with the amateur honors and, like the rest, stayed hydrated through all three days to fight off the sweltering summer heat.

Knights title favorites as NCAA opens on Saturday By Peter Atencio THE Letran Knights are tagged as a title favorites when the 97th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s men’s basketball tournament fires in a bubble this Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills gymnasium in San Juan. The defending champion Knights, who upset the San Beda Red Lions two years ago for the title, are coming in with new players they have acquired following more than 24 months of inactivity because of COVID-19 restrictions. And they hope that the team’s chemistry has improved now that they start their season with a 3:30 p.m. game with the College of St. Benilde Blazers. Organizers, led by host College of St. Benilde, will have basketball matches held under a bubble, in compliance with safety and health protocols which in the Interagency Task for the Management of Infectious Diseases set. Later at 7:05 p.m., the San Beda Red Lions clash with the Lyceum Pirates The games will be aired live and livestreamed by broadcast partner GMA 7. “Humahabol pa kami kasi ibang-iba ‘yung performance ng players dito sa preparation namin. Kulang pa talaga sa jelling,” said Letran coach Bonnie Tan. The Knights still have NCAA Season 95 Finals MVP Fran Yu, who is expected to lead the way, with support from holdovers like Jeo Ambohot, Allen Mina, King Caralipio, Kurt Reyson, Paolo Javillionar and Mark Sangalang Rhenz Abando and Brent Paraiso, two bluechip transferees from the University of Santo Tomas, are also part of the new system, while rookies Rafael Go and Andrey Guarino are being groomed to blend in.

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

Sports

TODAY FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

Athletics’ bets get another crack at SEAG in MILO Performance Trials M

ILO and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association aim to inspire the whole nation and rally to support our Filipino athletes as they prepare to compete in the forthcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games from May 12 to 23, in Hanoi Vietnam.

Smart Communications, Inc., through its luxury postpaid brand Smart Infinity, has taken a huge leap into the new normal by bringing back the well-loved annual Infinity Golf Classic The President’s Cup at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna last March 21. In photo is PLDT-Smart CEO and President Alfredo S. Panlilio after a ceremonial drive to open the event. (Nino Carandang)

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 208 MANDALUYONG CITY SALVINO B. TABLANTE, represented by his Attorney-in-Fact CORAZON B. TABLANTE, Plaintiff/s -versus-

Civil Case No. MC14-9133 For: Annulment of Sale

ALBERTO B. TOLENTINO, RAYMUND P. BAUSA, MORNINGVILLE CORP. and THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF MANDALUYONG CITY, Defendant/s x---------------------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WHEREAS, on 09 December 2021, the Court issued an Order, which reads as follows: “When this case was called for hearing on the plaintiff’s Motion to Serve Summons by Publication, counsel for the plaintiff, Atty. Roberto H. Samarita and Corazon Tablante appeared in Court. Meanwhile, counsel for defendant Morningville, Atty. William Jasarino and counsel for defendant Tolentino, Atty. Augusto Fermo, appeared via videoconference hearing. In view of the return of the summons that defendant Raymundo P. Bausa is no longer residing at the given address, the plaintiff’s Motion to Serve Summons by Publication is hereby GRANTED. Let Summons by Publication be issued to defendant Raymundo P. Bausa. A prayed for, the Motion to Admit Answer with Counterclaim received in Court last May 28, 2021 is hereby submitted for resolution. Meanwhile, the Motion for the Production of the Secretary’s Certificate or an Equivalent Authority from Morningville Corporation in favor of Salvacion Bausa (a.k.a. Blessie Bausa) to Sell the Subject Property to Plaintiff Salvino B. Tablante whether Directly or Through his Attorney-in-Fact Corazon B. Tablante filed in Court on September 1, 2021 is NOTED. In meantime, set this case for monitoring on May 12, 2022 at 1:30 in the afternoon. SO ORDERED” Plaintiff by undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully states: 1. Plaintiff Salvino B. Tablante, is of legal age, married and with residence abroad at the Republic of Ireland. 1.1. Plaintiff is herein represented by her mother and lawful attorney-in-fact Corazon B. Tablante, of legal age, widowed and with residence at Unit 21 BSA Townhouse, J.B. Vargas Street, Mandaluyong City, having been authorized to institute an action relative to this case under a Special Power of Attorney hereto attached as “Annex A”. 1.2. Plaintiff may likewise be served with summons and legal processes through undersigned counsel, at the address appearing herein below. 2. Defendants Tolentino, Bausa and Morningville Corporation are all being sued by the plaintiff, jointly and severally; 2.1 Defendant Albert B. Tolentino, hereinafter referred as Defendant Tolentino) is of legal age, Filipino, and with residence and postal address at Blk. 27 Lot 11 and 12, Diligence Street, Goodwill 1, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City, where he may be served summons and other court processes. 2.2 Defendant Raymundo P. Bausa, (hereinafter referred as Defendant Bausa) is of legal age, Filipino and with residence and postal at No. 336 Purok 2 Culianan, Plaridel, Bulacan, where he may be served summons and other processes. 2.3 Defendant Morningville Corporation, (herein referred as Defendant Morninville), is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with postal and business address at ASB Center Bldg. 14 Benividez Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, where is may be served summons and other court processes. 3. On May 11, 2010, Mrs. Corazon B. Tablante, in her capacity as attorney-in-fact of her son the Plaintiff Salvino B. Tablante, purchased from Defendant Morningville a parcel of land with improvements covered under TCT No. 20304, situated at Unit 21, JB Vargas Street, Brgy. Bagong Silang, Mandaluyong City, under a Contract to Sell. A copy of the said contract is hereto attached as “Annex B”. 4. The above-mentioned transaction was facilitated by her brother, Defendant Bausa and her brother’s now deceased wife, Salvacion P. Bausa, Defendants Bausa and Morningville, guaranteed, that the subject property is free from any liens and encumbrances. The sale was intended to help Defendant Bausa from his financial troubles at the time. 5. Upon execution of the above-mentioned contract, herein Plaintiff’s mother and attorney-infact, moved in on the subject property, and used the same as her residence, up until the present time. Copies of the latest water and electricity bill as attached as “Annex C-1 and C-2” 6. Plaintiff has religiously paid the monthly installment of the sale to Defendant Bausa up until January 2011, Plaintiff thereafter stopped issuing the necessary receipts. Thereafter a status quo between Defendant Bausa and the Plaintiff ensued. 7. On February 2013, the Plaintiff, through his mother, was confronted by his cousin, Defendant Tolentino at the Barangay, claiming that the subject property was sold to him. Claiming further that the said property is now under a certificate of title registered in his name. 8. The supposed double sale of the property was done by the Defendant Tolentino with the prior knowledge of the conditional sale of the property to the plaintiff and the fact that the property is the current residence of the Plaintiff’s mother. Defendant Tolentino being the Plaintiff’s cousin, is well aware of the circumstances surrounding the subject property. 9. Plaintiff, insisting on his right under the Contract to Sell, did not vacate the subject property. 10. On October 2013, an ejectment suit was filed by the Defendant Tolentino against the Plaintiff. The said case is currently being tried at MTC Branch 60, Mandaluyong City, under Civil Case No. 23159. 11. In the said ejectment suit, Defendant Tolentino produced a certificate of title registered in his name, namely TCT No. 008-2012000727. This is the new title issued in lieu of the cancelled TCT No. 20304, which was the subject matter of the prior Contract to Sell between Defendant Bausa and Plaintiff. A copy of TCT No. 008-2012000727 is hereto attached as “Annex D”. 12. In collusion with one another, Defendants Bausa, Tolentino and Morningville Corporation, conspired and was able to facilitate the transfer of the subject property, ultimely 7 to Defendant Tolentino. This is to the detriment of Plaintiff, being the first innocent purchaser for value. 13. Defendant Tolentino, for his part, is guilty of evident malice and bad faith. Having prior knowledge of the sale between the Plaintiff and his co-defendants, considering himself, Defendant Bausa and the Plaintiff are all relatives.

14. Because of the wanton and malevolent acts of all the Defendants, the Plaintiff suffered sleepless night, serious anxiety and wounded feelings which entitle him to an award of Moral Damages, in the amount of PHP 200,000.00. 15. To deter those similarly situated and by way f example and correction for the public good, herein defendants should likewise be condemned to pay Exemplary Damages in the amount of PHP 100,000.00. 16. Lastly, in order to vindicate his right against the malicious and unlawful acts of the Defendants, Plaintiff was compelled to hire the services of counsel to institute the necessary legal action against the Defendants. In this regard, Plaintiff stands to incur actual expenses the sum of which will be proven in the course of the trial. 17. The Defendant government agency, The Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, is being sued in its official custodian of the above-mentioned subject certificates of title. Its presence as a necessary party in this case is needed to afford the parties a complete determination of allthe issues involved surrounding the case. PRAYER WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Corazon B. Tablante respectfully prays of this Honorable Court that after due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered in favour of the Plaintiff and against the Defendants as follows: 1. Ordering Defendants Bausa and Morningville Corporation to respect and fulfill their obligations under their Contract to Sell with the Plaintiff; 2. Ordering the annulment of the supposed sale between defendant Tolentino and Defendant Morningville Corporation 3. Ordering the Defendant Register of Deeds of Mandaluyong City, to effect the cancellation of TCT No. 008-2012000727 in the name of Defendant Tolentino, and the reinstitution of TCT No. 20304; 4. Ordering all the Defendants to pay jointly and severally; 4.1. PHP 200,000.00 as Moral Damages; 4.2. PHP 100,000.00 as Exemplary Damages; and 4.3. Actual Damages as may be proved in Trial Plaintiff prays for such other reliefs which are just and equitable under the premises. Mandaluyong City, February 18, 2015. By: (signed) ATTY. JUAN JAIME D. NOLASCO Counsel for the Plaintiff Salvino B. Tablante 124-C Rev. Aglipay St., Mandaluyong City Roll No. 60888 PTR No. 2266822/1-5-15/Mandaluyong City IBP No. 981333/1-5-15/RSM MCLE No. IV-0014464/4-1-13/Pasig City ATTY. GABRIEL P. CORTON Collaborating Counsel for the Plaintiff Salvino B. Tablante PTR No.____/____/ Mandaluyong City IBP No.____/____/ RSM Roll No. 58533/5-05-10 MCLE No. IV-0020275/1-14-14 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPPINES } MANDALUYONG CITY, MM } S.S. VERIFICATION / CERTIFICATION I, Corazon B. Tablante, of legal age, Filipino and a resident of Unit 21 BSA Townhouse, J.B. Vargas Street, Mandaluyong City after being duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and say: 1. That I am the attorney-in-fact of the plaintiff in the above-captioned case; 2. That I have caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing amended complaint; 3. That I have read and understood the allegation therein contained and that the same are true and correct of my personal knowledge and or based on authentic records; 4. That I have therefore commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of my knowledge no such other claim is pending therein; (Except: An ejectment suit filed by Defendant Albert B. Tolentino, under Civil Case No. 23159, which is under appeal with RTC Branch 208 Mandaluyong City, and awaiting re-raffle to at another RTC of Mandaluyong City for failed JDR) and if I should thereafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or I pending, I shall report that within five (5) days therefrom to the court wherein the aforesaid complaint has been filed. Witness my hand this___day of ___ at Mandaluyong City, Philippines. (signed) Corazon B. Tablante Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me a Notary Public in the above jurisdiction this 23rd day of Feb. 2015 affiant exhibiting to me her __________ issued on________ at __________ as competent evidence of identity. Doc. No. 197; Page No. 40; Book No. V; Series of 2015. (signed) ATTY. TRIXIA THERESA B. REYES Notary Public Until December 31, 2015 PTR No. 2269571/ 01/05/15 Roll No. 60934 / IBP No. 892421 Now therefore, defendant RAYMUNDO P. BAUSA is hereby summoned and required to file with the Office of the Branch Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 208, Mandaluyong City, within sixty (60) days from the date of the time of last Publication, his answer to Amended Complaint, serving at the same time copies thereof upon the Plaintiff, Salvino B. Tablante represented by his attorney-in-fact Corazon B. Tablante with residence address at Unit 21 BSA Townhouse, J.B. Vargas Street, Mandaluyong City pursuant to Rule 9, Sec. 3 of the 1987 Rules of Civil Procedure. “If the defendant party fails to Answer within the time allowed therefore, the Court shall upon motion of the claiming party with notice to the defending party, and proof of such failure declare the defending party in default. Thereupon, the Court shall proceed to render judgment granting the claimant such relief as his pleading may warrant, unless the court in its discretion requires the claimant to submit evidence. Such receipt of evidence may be delegated to the Clerk of Court. Let summons be published at the expense of the plaintiff in a newspaper of general circulation, once (1) selected by raffle. Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 3 January 2022. (Sgd.) ATTY. MELODY P. TIONGSON Branch Clerk of Court (MStandard-Mar. 25, 2022)

The MILO-PATAFA 2022 Performance equipment Trials and items found therein. Republic of the Philippines Nationaland Capitaltomorrow Judicial Region returns today at the PhilSports 5. Plaintiff offered to help defendants talk to the lessor in order that they may have a new Contract of Lease (therefore termination the TRIAL COURT Complex inREGIONAL Pasig City. Lease Contract between plaintiff and the lessor), on the condition Branch 84, Quezon City that they Athletes will get another shot at qualifying forpay the balance of the purchase price in full and issue the necessary post-dated checks. GILBERT ANGCHONG, the SEAGPlaintiff, in the different athletics disciplines. 6. Accordingly, defendant Muhammad paid the amount of Three Hundred Among theCIVIL performance trial hopefuls areThousand Pesos (Php300,000.00) as earnest money. -versusCASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV Thereafter, defendants started their operations under the name Sum of Money and Damages come-backingFOR: athletics legend Maristella Torres, Zero Point. Katherine Khay Santos, Joida Gagnao, women’s 7. From March MOBILE 2019 10 April 2019, defendantprovider Muhammad, Smart services KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD through defendant Parungao, was able to pay the total amount and ERWIN PARUNGAO, 5000 meter 2019 SEAG medalist, and Francis through of Three MillionCommunications, four Hundred Sixty OneInc., Thousand Pesos its luxDefendants. (Php3,461,000.00) in favor of plaintiff,brand broken down as follows: Medina. ury postpaid Smart Infinity, has x------------------------------------------------x MMONS Date of Payment Other athletesS Ucompeting are Bernalyn Bejoy taken a huge leap Amount into the new normal 25 March 2019 Php 500,000,00 KHALID MUSHTAQ inTO:the women’s 400MUHAMMAD meter hurdles, Melissa Escobringing back well-loved annual 28 Marchby 2019 Phpthe 1,778,000.00 THRU: THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 19 March 2019 Php 138,000.00 ton Paragile inPlaza theBldg., women’s 100 meter Infinity Golf Classic President’s Cup 16thand Floor, Jelly Commercial and Industry 1030 Campus 2 April 2021 Php 745.000.00 cor. Park Avenues, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig hurdles and Leonard Gorospe in the high jump. exclusive to members at the Sta. Elena City, Philippines 8. Nonetheless, while defendants continued their operations, they Tel. No. +63 2 8567449 and pays tribute to all PATAFA MILO salutes and Country Club in Laguna last have not issuedGolf and replaced plaintiff’s post-dated checks as E-mail: mofaicgovae@gmail.com rental payment. athletes as they showcase their grit and determiMarch 21. GREETINGS: April 201 9, defendants failed to pay the remaining balance nation for the Filipino youth to emulate as9.of After they PartHundred of theThirty many perks and One Million ‘Three Nine exclusive Thousand Pesos YOU ARE required withinambitions. SIXTY (60) DAYS from (Php 1,339,000.00). Further, they and continued fail to aspire by HEREBY pursuing their privileges offailed every Smart toInfinity subthe last issue of publication to file with this Court and serve on substitute the required post-dated checks. the plaintiff your answer to the Complaint, of which is here PerforThe MILO-PATAFA 2022copy SEA Games scriber, the revival of the Infinity Golf 10. Despite plaintiff’s repeated requests for payment, defendants attached, together with the annexes thereto. You are reminded of didAthnot pay the balance of purchase price as well as Cup issue the mance Trials is organized byonthe Classic The President’s took on the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum PolicyPhilippine Guidelines necessary checks. Instead, defendants had been asking for dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to letics Track and Field Association supported by of timea tomuch meaning as it honored extensions pay theirdeeper debts to plaintiff, and on numerous Dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the occasions, promised to settle its unpaid obligations. Answer. If you fail to answer withinCommission. the time aforesaid, the plaintiff the Philippine Sports changemakers and advocates of social will take judgment against you by default and may be granted the 11. However, no payment ever came. And because defendants Theapplied MILO-PATAFA 2022 SEA Games Perforimpact coincided with sent the to11th anrelief for in the Petition. repeatedly reneged on its and promises to pay, plaintiff defendant Parungao a letter dated 27 MayMVP 2019, demanding the mance Trials by14Lily’s niversary of the Sports FoundaWITNESS my hand is underco-presented the seal of the Court, this Day of Peanut immediate payment of their overdue account. February 2022 at Quezon City, Metro Manila. Butter, G-Shock Casio as the Official Timing tion. A copy of the letter dated 27 May 2019 duly received by defendants (Sgd.) ANNAby MERCEDES A. BARCELO attached hereto as“One Annex “B”. Partner, and supported Cellife Cellular isNutriof the most important lessons Officer-in-Charge 12. Consequently, in another letter datedduring 24 June 2019, tion, GuanaPro-C, and Brooks. that I learned thisplaintiff pandemic its demand for defendants to fully settle its obligation CYANRepublic MAGENTA YELLOW BLACKreiterated of the Philippines with the plaintiff and to issue the necessary post-dated checks.

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A minor hiccup

NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION 12.1. During this time, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated 2 REPUBLIC REGIONAL OF THE PHILIPPINES TRIAL COURT As to the second ground, petitioner argues June 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos that since the court ruled that the respondent REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 84 (Php300,000.00) was appliedis to defendants’ supposed rent for the guilty spouse,the hismonth 1/2 share in the2019 net profits NATIONAL CAPITALQUEZON JUDICIALCITY REGION of June due to defendants’ failure to substitute of the “Culiat Property” must thuschecks. be forfeited in plaintiff’s issued BRANCH 94, QUEZON CITY GILBERT ANGCHONG,

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 91, QUEZON CITY

favor of his common children with the petitioner. A copy of the letter dated 24 June 2019 duly received by Plaintiff, WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, MANUELI T. DE CASTRO-ARCAYA, The first ground raised byisthe petitioner wasas Annex “C”. defendants attached hereto rather do the fine tuning now than do Plaintiff, Petitioner, already exhaustively discussed in the assailed -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV 12.2. Again, while defendants continued their operations, the fine tuning in June when we were Decision. For: Sum of Money and Damages defendants failed to heed plaintiff’s demand for payment. -versusNo. R-QZN-21-01961-CV -versus- Civil Case No. R-QZN-19-06372-CV already inCivil the Case tournament,” Palami inTo reiterate, the court rules that it is presumed For: Annulment of Document & 13. Then, on 2 July 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated 2 For: Legal Separation KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD & part of the absolute community of property. sisted. July 2019 in the amount, of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos Damages ERWIN P ARUNGAO, There is no question that the property covered (Php300,000.00) was again applied to defendants’ rent payment He also admitted that he was disapJOSEPH M. ARCAYA, Defendants. by TCT No. 004-2013003680 acquired for the monthwas of July 2019onas defendants continue to refuse WILLEX C. TANTONGCO, WILLIAM Respondent. x --------------------------------------------------x pointed that the much awaited Azkals February 21, 2013. Thus, it was acquired during to replace plaintiff’s post-dated checks with the lessor. As a C. TANTONGCO and WILBERT C. x------------------------------------------------------x ORDER the marriage of the parties. consequence. it would now appear that plaintiff continues to pay DECISION TANTONGCO, debut of Gerrit Holtmann didn’t push for the rent of defendants while the latter continue to operate and Submitted for resolution of the Court is the “Ex-Parte Motion for Defendants. through. The VfL Bochum and GerIn this regard,generate Article 93income of the therefrom. Family Code WHEREFORE, premises considered, Leave (to Serve Summons)” filed by plaintiff Gilbert Angchong provides: x----------------------------------------------x judgment is hereby rendered: man Bundesliga spitfire failed to join through counsel on 29 November 2021. AMID much excitement and antici- SUMMONS 14. On 8 July 2019, defendant Muhammad requested for BY PUBLICATION “Art. 93. Property acquired during During the the team after contracting COVID-19 a meeting with plaintiff. saidpation, meetingthe however, only Azkals took a 1. Granting the petition for legal separation Philippine In the said Motion, plaintiff substantially states the following: marriage is presumed belong to WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO defendant toParungao andthedefendant Muhammad’s brother with all the effects thereof as provided by law just days before leaving for Singapore. stumble in their opening game at the community, unless it is proved it is one No. 4011 Williams Rd., Richmond BC V7EIJ7, Canada attended. They that undertook to of pay by next week the balance of the particularly Article 63 of the Family Code; 1. That there was a failure of service of summons to defendant “I really wanted him to make his depurchase price together with the amount of Php600,000.00 as a in Singapore last those excluded therefrom.” 2022 TriNations Series or at 2. Dissolving the absolute community of Muhammad on several occasions. As per Sheriffs Return dated reimbursement for the rental payment for the months of June and 29-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City but but I think he is as disappointed as I property directing the liquidation of theas said Aside 09 Octoberand 2019, the summons was not served defendant Wednesday night. from herJuly bare allegation that it was her 2019. Hoping that the matter would finally be settled, plaintiff was then inofDubai and his The return is uncertain. Plaintiffs then went properties the parties. Decree of Legal am. But we can’t control events. Unforfather who purchased the said property, no other the crowd barely warming up accommodated defendants’ request for the With last time. WILBERT C. TANTONGCO to defendant Muhammad’s business address several times, but the Separation shall be issued only after full proof was presented by the petitioner to support tunately he and several his teammates No. 47331 Hwy, Richmond BCof Canada their seats and most of us here in theWestminster summons was unserved Supplemental Sheriff’s defendants to pay. compliance withreturned liquidation under as theperFamily her claim. She Still, likewise failed tofailed substantiate or atso we have to take the Report country still for a link to watch tested positive Code. dated 05 November 2019. her claim that she petitioner2019, were plaintiff’s not 15.and On the 2 August post-dated checklooking dated 2 33-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City custody of and the 09 twoDecember (2) minor 2019,financially capable to purchase August 2019 insaid the property. amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos the game live, the Malaysian took the bitter pill and move on. Fortunately, he 2. 3. OnAwarding 20 November 2019 Atty. Jason children Mikhaela and Entry Ma. Josephine to (Php300,000.00) was again applied for defendants’ supposed rent Evangelista filed aAnne Formal of Appearance with Motion theMarch player that you don’t to test for WHEREFORE,ison 1, 2021 plaintiff filedhave a Complaint Thus, the court finds no reason to reconsider early lead with a solo payment because defendants refuse and continue to refuse to effort by Akhyar theExtension petitioner with visitation rights granted for of Time to File Answer andtoathe Motionitstoruling Dismiss, Documentsbecause and Damages. on this ground. we know he can reissue the post-dated checks. Rashid just three minutes intothe theAnnulment game. ofanymore respondent; representing only defendant Erwin Parungao. respectively, 4. Petitioner and respondent are directed said. With regard to16. theAssecond the court Twenty one minutes later, itWHEREFORE, was 2-0 ally a resultground, of defendants’ continuous refusal and unwillingness on play,” MarchPalami 21, 2021, plaintiff filed a Motion to 28 January plaintiffs allegedly receivedgranted defendants’ to3. On jointly support 2021, Mikhaela Anne and Ma. the petition for legal separation with all plaintiff was constrained to preto replace the post-dated checks, Admit Amended Complaint which was granted and admitted Contrary to what many believe, Pal- by in favor of the Harimau after Rashid got Motion and Manifestation (with Formal Entry of Appearance) as Josephine in accordance with their means and the effects thereof as provided by law. with the lessor and withdraw from the lessor terminate his contract this Court in an Order dated June 1, 2021. Theplayers Branchnow Clerk of well as their (with Compulsory Counterclaim) under the ami maintained the current brace the match. the needs of Answer the latter.. his remaining postdated checks as he his could not of anymore carry Court issue a Summons upon defendants William C. Tantongco For purposesout of the clarity, however, the court impression that the bothCity defendants were properly represented. payment. 5. Ordering Civil Registrar of Manila, in Singapore is not thetostrongest Azkals The Azkals look dazed and not inC.Tantongco and Wilbert requiring them file an Answer to the resolves to grant the motion only on this City Civil defendant Registrar of Quezon City andadmitted the Amended Complaint. 17.toStill, out of faith, plaintiff informed the organized line-up yet. Aside from Holtman, two 4. That Muhammad even his personal ground. Pursuant Articles 63good and 43(2) of sync defendant against athatready, and Philippine Statistics Authority to record this Contract of Lease executed between him and the lessor in relation circumstances in the said Answer. the Family Code, respondent’s share in the players were not also able to fly side. With onmore Decision after it has become final and executory the lease for Oblivion’s operations hasdefense-oriented been pre-terminatedMalaysian as a WHEREAS, June 17, 2021, the Sheriff of this Court filed a net profits of theto “Culiat Property” is forfeited in5.accordance with2021, law Atty. and upon payment by ofservice COVID protocols.to William Some C. result ofchildren, defendant’s refusal to substitute and/or replace plaintiff’s On 28 October Amazona manifested his not enough time to practice and establish Sheriff’s Return because stating that of Summons in withdrawal favor of the common namely, Josh post-dated checks which served as rental payment. the petitioner ofdefendant the lawful Khalid fees. Mushtaq Muhammad in representing as he was Tantongco Tantongco areable Unserved for due the reason playersC.too were not to come to Exequiel, Mikhaela Anne and Ma. Josephine, all rapport among themselves, the Azkalsand Wilbert not given any Special Power of Attorney (SPA). that they are currently out of the country and no definite date of surnamed Arcaya. A copy of the Notice dated 14 August 2019 is attached hereto as Pursuant to Sec. 16 (d) A.M. NO. 02-11-11 the strict requirements by the Singaporwere simply outclassed in the opening retun. Annex “ D”. (Rule onitLegal Separation), 6. That appears this Courtlet hasthe yetdispositive to acquire jurisdiction over WHEREFORE, premises considered, ean government which is also the main half of the game. portion of ofthe decisionMuhammad. be published at the the person defendant 18. Defendant Muhammad(Re: promised to give check payments for the Partial Motion for Reconsideration WHEREAS, October 2021, the plaintiff reason why20,Scott Cooper is againthrough miss- his to play a lotcounsel, betterfiled in a on expense of the petitioner, once in a newspaper theOctober balance2021) and for the rental not amanaged single centavo Decision Dated 20 is granted as payment butThey Motion to Serve Summons by Publication. Plaintiffcirculation thus prays forchosen leave by of raffle. court to effect service of ing defendants infortheLeave sidelines. of7.general to be was given the second half, but it was not enough to to the second ground only. to the plaintiff. The aforementioned are in another country, beyond the summons to defendant Muhammad out of the Philippines. made it pursuant clear that there17,isRule no 14 territorial jurisdictionPalami of this Court, and to Sec. To date, plaintiff received any payment 2019) overhaul(after theApril two-goal-lead by the MaLet a copy of the Decision be sent by The dispositive portion of has the not Decision from defendants. of the 2019 Revised Rules Court on Civil Procedure, instant Based onmail the record andknown pleading filed by thru counsel, registered to the last address of plaintiff the reason toofworry just because thethe team dated 20 October 2021 is amended to read, as laysians. motion is granted in an Order dated November 17, 2021. defendant Muhamman is no longer residing in his stated address respondent. follows: 19. Thereafter, the lessor accepted plaintiff’s request to the pre-2-0 defeat is really lost to Malaysia. At first glance, in the Philippines, and he has already returned to his Country terminate his Lease Contract and agreed to return the post-dated SO ORDERED. of Origin in Dubai, UAE. Thus, it would appear that in1.1. order for Granting the petition for legal “Nodefendants need to push the C. panic button.and NOW THEREFORE, William Tantongco For are Azkals team manchecks provided thatseparation all the equipmentdisappointing. and other movables thisQuezon Court to City, obtainMetro jurisdiction the said withsummons all the effects thereoffrom as the provided law Wilbert C. Tantongco are hereby summoned and required to file Manila,over October 20,person, removed leasedbypremises by 31 August 2019. We need to look at the game based on ager Dan Palami, however, there were by publication is not sufficient but also extra-territorial service is particularly Article 63 of the Family Code; with Regional Trial Court, Branch 91, National Capital Judicial 2021. the objectives of this City, camp. We needAnswer to imperative thru the Embassy of UAE. 20. Plaintiff informed defendants of the lessor’s acceptance of the game. several takeaways from Region, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon their verified 1.2. Dissolving the termination absolute community the preof his Lease Contract and requested them to (Sgd.) ROSLYN M. RABARA-TRIA to the amended check complaint thirty (30)and days from the outwithin the players check outlast thedate Palami explained that if you consider property andmove directing liquidation WHEREFORE, in thePresiding light of the foregoing, the CourtofRESOLVES all theirthe equipment andofmovables. Plaintiff likewise advised Judge of publication of system this Summons. Failurework of thefor defendants to file that might us. Now as follows: directly communicate if they want the properties ofthem the to parties. The Decree of with the thelessor primary goal of tothe Azkals Copy furnished: theirparticiAnswer within the reglementary period, the plaintiff will take operations on full the premises concerned. Legal Separationcontinue shall betheir issued only after OSG - 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, after the first game, we know better as pating in the mini-tournament against judgment by default and maybe granted relief applied for in the 1. GRANTS the Summons by Publication; let summons compliancebewithHowever, liquidation under thesuddenly Family stopped communicating with the Makati City (reg. mail) docket@osg.gov.ph defendants Complaint. effected upon the defendant KHALID MUSHT AQ MUHAMMAD Malaysia and Singapore, there were so well.” Code; plaintiff. by publication, together with the copy of the complaint and its ACP Arceli C. Ragsac The team has six days to make the many invaluable lessons learned in the WHEREFORE, let this summons together with the copy of the 1.3. Forfeiting21. theThen, share respondent annexes, onceCity in a newspaper of general circulation OCP Quezon onof31the August 201 9, plaintiff discovered that defendants necessary changes before SinComplaint and the Order dated November 17,they 2021face be published loss against Malaysia. in the net profits of the property continue to operate oncovered the leased premises. acr .ocpqc@gmail.com 2. ORDERS Plaintiff and the Counsel to furnish once aJune week forgapore three (3) weeks in a newspaper by the TCTUAB No. 004-2013003680 in favor of onconsecutive March 29 and Palami expects of “This is in preparation for the 22. As a result, the lessor continued to apply plaintiff’s post-dated Embassy in Manila, copy Law of the said Summons byhis Publication, Andres Padernal & Paras Offices general circulation to be selected by raffle pursuant to PD 1079, at common children with the petitioner, a better performance from the Azkals checks asMikhaela rental payment the leased not yet so we Asianproperty Cup was qualifiers, to of the Complaint and its Annexes this Order; 8th Floor Sagittarius Office and Condominium theneed expense plaintiff. namely, Josh Exequiel, Annebecause and cleared. On 2 September 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated H. V. dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village Ma. Josephine, all surnamed Arcaya; test players and the system. This is the now that the coaching staff knows more 2 September 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand 3. ORDERS Defendant KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD is Witness the Hon. Kathleen Rosario especially D. De La Cruz-Espinosa, Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati City 1209 (reg.mail) about the players, the new Pesos was again reason applied why for defendants’ in the first 11, wePresiding have two hereby ordered to file his Answer within sixty (60) calendar days 1.4. Awarding custody(Php300,000.00) of the two (2) minor Judge of this Court, this 9th day of February 2022. appartners@applawoffices.com supposed rent payment because refuse and continue after notice of such summons by Publication from receipt the ones. childrenofMikhaela Anne and Ma. Josephine to defendants debutants at the center back. We wanted refuse torights issuegranted the post-dated said Embassy. Manueli T. De Castro-Arcaya the petitioner withtovisitation to the checks. “We’ve seen the players. I’m not in a to see how three Filipinos with Spanish respondent; Unit C, No. 59 Cenac\e Road 23. Under the circumstances, it has become obvious to plaintiff 4. ORDERS Plaintiff thru counsel to submit proof of compliance position to really (Sgd.) ATTY.evaluate CHARISEthem ANN because D. ALVARO would fare and Sanville Subdivision, Culiat that defendants have no intention and/ordescent is not about to make any guide each other. herewith within FIFTEEN (15) days from the last 1.5. issue of Petitioner and respondent are directed Branch Court payment. But IClerk thinkofour coachQuezon City (reg. mail) We also saw the system of playing three I’m not the coach. publication and Submission to the DAB Embassy. to jointly support Mikhaela Anne and .Ma. es would of have seen what they wanted 24 . For with defendants’ unjust refusal Palami to pay said. its Josephine in accordance their means and failure and/or at the back,” Joseph M. Arcaya Republic the Philippines 5. 1, Set the 23, continuation of hearing 2022 of at the monetary obligations to plaintiff, despite repeated demands upon the needs latter; Lot Block Sta. Barbara Villas 1 is set on 06 April from CAPITAL the playersJUDICIAL who played and I think Heplaintiff also said implementing a new NATIONAL REGION 9:00 in the morning thru video conference hearing, as previously it to do so, defendants must be ordered to pay thethat amount Silangang San Mateo, Rizal (reg. mail) in theTRIAL next game you’llQuezon see the City changes 1.6. Orderingof the City Civil Registrar of scheduled. TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE or THOUSAND formation system may take someREGIONAL COURT, Quezon City and the (Php2,269,000.00), Philippine Statistics PESOS plus additional penalties and legal City Civil Registrar being made to adapt BRANCH 91 to the players and time for the players to learn and know Given this 7th day of February 2022 in Quezon City, Metro interest the time Complaint has been filed until Authority to record this from Decision aftertheit present has Quezon City (reg. mail) the system. This is the only chance that Manila, Philippines. paid. in accordance with by heart. A luxury that the time doesn’t become final andfully executory WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) (reg. mail) law and upon payment by the petitioner of the we have so that we don’t want to go into Plaintiff, right now.obligation 25. For acting in bad faith in evading have its contractual (Sgd.) LUISITO G. CORTEZ to pay its debt to plaintiff, and by having repeatedly assured the June qualifiers coming in blind in Presiding Judgelawful fees. “We will never have the time because REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES plaintiff that it would pay its outstanding obligations when it had xxx -versusCivil Caseplayers No. R-QZN-21-01961-CV which to bring and For follow-up and other relatedCOURT announcement, please check our REGIONAL TRIAL football, we only get the terms of For: no intention to do so, defendants actedinin international a wanton, fraudulent, ANNULMENT OF DOCUMENT SO ORDERED. official FB Account: RTC Branch 84 - Quezon City which system to play,” Palami said. reckless, oppressive and malevolent manner against plaintiff. for NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION players during the FIFA windows and as and DAMAGES E-mail Address: rtc1gzn084@judiciary.gov.ph Quezon City,which Metrodefendants Manila, October should be20, held liable for exemplary damages in 94, QUEZON Palami is also not taking for granted Mobile BRANCH No.: 09773971324 [Globe) CITY you THOUSAND can see, most of the players arrived 2021.” the amount no less that of TWO HUNDRED PESOS WILLEX C. TANTONGCO, Only during business days, 8a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday the disappointment of the Azkals faith(PhP100,000.00). only two days before the game against MANUELI T. DE CASTRO-ARCAYA, Pursuant to Sec. 16 (d) A.M. NO. 02-11-11 WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO and ful who were very vocal about the loss Petitioner, 26, For failurelettothe comply with plaintiffs valid, just andSome demandable Malaysia. of them were coming Copy furnished: (Rule on Legal Separation), dispositive WILBERT C. TANTONGCO, , andand so itthis couldOrder enforce and just demand, plaintiff 1. ATTY. GABRIELLE R. MUNSAYAC I ATTY. AUFELENE portionANNE of the claim decision beits lawfulfrom Defendants. against Malaysia. different time zones like Stephan constrained to engage the services of undersigned law firm P. LAXAMANA for Plaintift) - FLAMINIAOpublished ARROYOat&the was -versusCivil (Counsels Case No. R-QZN-19-06372-CV expense of the petitioner, once x---------------------------------------------x “I understand how the fans feel, but Schrock, forestimated example,towho has yet to get and incur attorneys’ fees of litigation, DUENAS 1002 One Corporate Dona For: Legal SeparationCentre, Meralco A venue in acor. newspaper .of togeneral circulation toand be expenses for which anyway,” Palami ORDER Julia Vargas A venue, Ortigas Cernter, they should know that our main objecchosen by raffle.amount to at least THREE HUNDRED (Php300.000.00), some sleep but played defendants should be ordered to indemnify plaintiff. Pasig gabrielle.munsayac@fadslaw.com; aufelene. JOSEPHCity; M. ARCAYA, tive is to qualify the Asian Cup and to by For resolution is the “Motion forfor Leave to Serve Summons said. , laxamana@fadslaw.com Respondent. Let a copy of the Decision and this Order Publication” filedqualify by the plaintiff, through counsel, before OCCPRAYER we need to test players. We the need Aside from this, the Malaysians x------------------------------------------------------x be sent by registered mail ‘to the last known RTC on October 19, 2021, which was received by this Court on 2. ATTY. EDILBERTO H. MIRALLES [bongmiralles@ao1.com; to pick up the system that’s best suited WHEREFORE, premises considered, have plaintiffbeen respectfully prays ORDER address of the respondent. in camp for the last 10 days October 20, 2021. As alleged, summons on Wilbert and William 09173104482] / ATTY. ALLAN S. AMAZONA [lanlaw 1969@ that judgment be rendered against defendant Khalid Mushtaq For the consideration of the courtGILBERT is a Motion the type of players have. are yahoo.com; 09272239311] I ATTY. RAY C. NAVARRO unserved since that both we of them because theythem shortened theirTantongco domesticwereforreturned Muhammad and defendant Erwin Parungao, ordering to pay SO ORDERED for Partial Reconsideration (Re: Decision Dated (Counsels [gravnavarro@gmail.com; 09178944418] for residents of Canada jurisdictionand of this Andand thisoutside is whytheweterritorial have friendlies plaintiff: league and allowed the players to join City, Metro Manila, January 6, 2022. 20 October 2021) filed by the petitionerNAVARRO through LAW Quezon Defendants) - MIRALLES AMAZONA OFFICES Court. Plaintiff therefore prays for leave of court to allow service thesaid games will expose our weaknesses 28-C Scout Tuazon cor. Scout Delgado, Brgy. Laging Handa, 1112 counsel. (a) Actual damages in the amount TWO team MILLION the ofnational earlier. ofCompared summons on the defendants to be effected by publication. Quezon City TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE THOUSAND PESOS (Sgd.) ROSLYN M. RABARA-TRIA to the Malaysians, the Azkals, techni- and allow us to study further how best to Copies of the motion were furnished to (Php2,269,000.00), Acting on the proceed motion and findingofthe sameselection to be well-taken Presiding Judge plus additional penalties and legal interest theGILBERT Office ofANCHONG the Solicitor General, Assistant in terms player and 3. (plaintiff) - #56 Annapolis St., Cubao, had their game togetherconsidering after quitethat the from the time the present Complaintcally has been filed until fully summons to defendants Wilbert and William City Prosecutor Arceli C. Ragsac and the Quezon City paid; Copy furnished: in terms of formation,” he added. sometime. Tantongco were returned unserved per Sheriff’s Report dated June respondent. The court has not received any (b) Exemplary damages in the amount of at least TWO HUNDRED OSG - 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, 2021 and pursuant to Sec. 17, relate Rule 14toofwhat the 2019 Revised I can totally Palami 4. KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD and ERWIN PARUNGAO comment. these conTHOUSAND PESOS (Php200,00.00); But Palami is not using 17, Makati City (reg. mail) docket@osg.gov.ph Rules on Civil Procedure, the instant motion is herebyisGRANTED. (Defendants) - 542 Remedios St., Malate, Manila; erwinparungao@ (c) Attorney’s fees and litigation expenses in theas amount of atfor least meant. Life, just like football, full of cerns excuses the 2-0 loss to MaPetitioner’s motion is anchored on the gmail.com THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php300,000.00); ACP Arceli C. Ragsac testsas andagainst challenges that isWilbert why we following grounds: Let the summons defendants andneed William laysia. OCP Quezon City and for. 5. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EMBASSY-16th Floor. Commercial Tantongco be served or effected publication pursuant to Sec. 17, (d) Costs of suit. to discern withbymuch thought the choic“Malaysia played really well. But we acr .ocpqc@gmail.com 1. The court erred in ruling that the property and Industry Plaza, Bldg., 1030, Campus cor. Park Avenues, Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules of Civil Procedure. covered TCT No. and equitable in the know circumstances is likewise now that for these types of play- es which will help us get through these Mckinely Town byCenter, Fort 004-2013003680 Bonifacio, Taguig, City; TelPadernal No. Andres &Other Parasrelief Law just Offices (“Culiat Property’’) is presumed part of prayed Pasig City for Quezon City, 20 September 2019. +632856-7449; e-mail: mofaicgovae@gmail.com and with country Defendants orderedtimes to produce theour original copyfacof the 8th Floor Sagittarius Office Condominium ers, three at the back will not work. So aredifficult the absolute community property .of the Absolute Deed ofing Assignment relativedue to the subject matter of of the H. V. dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village a bleak future to the mistakes petitioner and the Respondent weDUENAS can now finetune and refine the sysFLAMINIANO ARROYO & instant case. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINESBrgy. Bel-Air, Makati City 1209 (reg.mail)Counsel for Plaintiff the past. tem that it will cater to the players that we 2. TheNATIONAL court failed CAPITAL to declare JUDICIAL the forfeiture appartners@applawoffices.com REGION 1002 One Corporate Centre Case in point is the forthcoming elecof any of the respondent’s share in the ORDERED. have. But first, before we can doSO that, we REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Manueli T. De Castro-Arcaya Meralco Avenue corner JuliaVargas absolute community property in favor of Quezon City, November 2021. tions. We17,need to test those applying to Avenue Ortigas Center, need Pasig City to see how they are right now,” he QUEZON CITY, BRANC___ Unit C, No. 59 Cenac\e Road the common children considering that Philippines 1605 become our next president as early as Sanville Subdivision, Culiat added. the respondent gave cause for legal Telefax +63 655 8329 (Sgd.) KATHLEEN D. DE LA CRUZ-ESPINOSA GILBERT ANGCHONG, Quezon City (reg. mail) Not in June when the real game or separation Palami admitted that the team may now. ROSARIO Presiding Judge Plaintiff, By: work begins. Joseph M. Arcaya Petitioner insists that the “Culiat Property” need to reboot and go back to the draw-versusFor: Sum of Money and Damages (Sgd.) AUFELENE ANNE P. LAXAMANA Lot 1, Block 23, Sta. Barbara Villas 1Roll of Attorney No. 62377 was purchased by Manueli T. De Castro-Arcaya Stay safe. happy peeps! ing board because the players are not fa- Republic of Stay the Philippines Silangang San Mateo, RizalIBP (reg. mail) No. 015553; 0 1/04/2017; RSM vs. Joseph M. ArcayaMUHAMMAD Civil Case No. R-QZN-19Lifetime KHALID MUSHTAQ For comments orCOURT questions, you can miliar with having three at the back and REGIONAL TRIAL 06372-CV her father as categorically stated in PTR No. 5237667; 01/08/2019; Pasig City AND ERWIN PARUNGAO. City Civil Registrar reach the TheJudicial Designated Kitman at National Capital Region her Judicial Affidavit. She also maintains that MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0018287; 02/06/20 19 on their side. time is no longer Defendants. Quezon City (reg. mail) respondent was incapable of purchasing a Branch 91, Quezon City or follow erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com x--------------------------------------------------------x “You need to look at it from the point house or any real property because of his low Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) (reg. mail) VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION COMPLAINT of view of the objective of the camp. I’d his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat income. (MStandard - Mar. 25, 2022) Plaintiff Gilbert Angchong, by counsel, respectfully states: WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, I, GILBERT ANGCHONG, after being sworn in accordance with Plaintiff, 1. Plaintiff Gilbert Angchong is of legal age, married, and with law, do hereby certify, that: address at 56 Annapolis Street, Cubao, Quezon City. He may be served with notices, pleadings, filings, and other court processes -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-21-01961-CV 1. I am the plaintiff in the above-entitled case. through undersigned counsel. 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Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

Filipino talents take centerstage at Expo 2020 Dubai S Julie Anne San Jose

From left: Martin Javier, Rabiya Mateo, Sophia Senoron, and Manolo Pedrosa

GTV kicks off NCAA Season 97 THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) returns stronger than ever as it ushers in Season 97 with the grand opening ceremonies this Saturday, March 26, simulcast on GMA and GTV, and the live airing of games on GTV. The “Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso: NCAA Season 97 Opening Ceremonies,” which airs on GMA after Eat Bulaga, is hosted by Ms. Universe Philippines 2020 and new Kapuso Rabiya Mateo, Manolo Pedrosa, and NCAA hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron. Joining them are NCAA anchorman Anton Roxas and Season 97 courtside reporters Ann Gabriel, Avia Zunic, Chantal Laude, Aya De Quiroz, Chloe Carillo, Chase Orozco, Christiana Dimaunahan, Eden Hernandez, Lance Santiago, Michelle Naldo, Sofia Rodelas, Christian Sebastian, and Baileys Acot. The Opening Ceremonies shines even brighter with performances from some of the biggest Kapuso stars led by Julie Anne San Jose, Garrett Bolden, Thea Astley, Jessica Villarubin, Mariane Osabel, Jeremiah Tiangco, Nef Medina, Vilmark Viray, and Anthony Rosaldo. Further displaying world-class Filipino talent is Asia’s Got Talent first season winner and male shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra. Rallying behind the student-athletes are the NCAA Season 97 Cheerleaders. Hosted by the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, this season marks the muchawaited return of the Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball tournaments, as well as the online chess and taekwondo matches. NCAA Season 97 Management Committee Chairman Manuel Raymund Castellano, Jr. of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde looks forward to hosting this season’s collegiate sports event. “For two years, we’ve been waiting for contact sports to return, and we’re excited to have basketball and volleyball games back. And for this year, we continue to hold online chess and online taekwondo tournaments. The preparations are still very challenging with the pandemic situation, but with the support of GMA, I know this will be a successful season,” shared Castellano. Joining Castellano in the opening ceremonies are the members of the NCAA Management Committee: Pedro Cayco (Arellano University); Fr. Victor Calvo, Jr., OP (Colegio de San Juan de Letran); Estefanio Boquiron, Jr. (Emilio Aguinaldo College); Efren Jose Supan (José Rizal University); Hercules

Callanta (Lyceum of the Philippines University); Melchor Divina (Mapúa University); Atty. Jonas Cabochan (San Beda University); Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR (San Sebastian College-Recoletos); and Francisco Gusi, Jr. (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA). “We are more than excited to bring the new season of the NCAA to our Kapuso viewers here and abroad,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon in his message. “Despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic, the NCAA, in close coordination with GMA Synergy, soldiered on and successfully staged a unique season of sporting events last year. We also would like to extend our warm welcome to the hard-working studentathletes and wish them well in all their competitions. As home to the country’s first athletic league, GMA Network fully supports the NCAA in showcasing their world-class talent.” In 2021, together with its official broadcast partner GMA Network, NCAA made history as the first collegiate athletic league in the Philippines to safely hold a sports tournament in the time of the pandemic, showing the remarkable resilience of Filipinos, especially of the student-athletes during Season 96. “Following a very good synergy between the NCAA’s Mancom and Policy Board and GMA, represented by the Synergy group, we were able to come up with an unprecedented Season 96 which allowed us to highlight what the NCAA is all about – the athletes and the people behind the league,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso. “For sure, viewers will be very excited for Season 97 with the return of the face-toface physical games. We’ve already seen the athletes on bubble training at nakita natin ‘yung commitment and passion nila to return inside the court and to be seen by a wider audience through GMA and GTV. That’s something that we all should look forward to. GMA has the widest reach in the country both on free TV and digital, so this is the best way to showcase their world-class talents. We are also seeing this season as an all-Filipino tournament. Walang imports. Dito makikita ang mga atleta who are not just from Manila, but from the different parts of the Philippines as well. That’s what makes this season different,” he added. Read full story on manilatstandard.net

ABS-CBN continues to strengthen digital presence on Facebook and YouTube MEDIA network ABS-CBN continues to engage more audiences on various platforms as it strengthens its digital presence on Facebook and YouTube with over 33 million followers and 38.6 million subscribers, respectively. ABS-CBN remains the most followed page in the Philippines on Facebook, while ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel was named the most subscribed and most viewed YouTube channel in Southeast Asia in March 2021, according to global video measurement and analytics platforms Tubular Labs. As the country’s biggest content provider, ABS-CBN’s Facebook and YouTube give viewers access to Kapamilya Online Live, which offers free livestreaming and on-demand viewing of ABS-CBN shows such as Coco Martin’s FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, infidelity drama The Broken Marriage Vow, and trending series Viral Scandal. These shows are available for up to seven days to allow Kapamilyas to catch up on the latest episodes. Recently, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube was made available 24/7 in the

Philippines and was also made accessible in over 180 countries to allow viewers around the world to enjoy binge-worthy content of their favorite Kapamilya shows. Primetime programs FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and Viral Scandal are also available on-demand with English subtitles to cater to non-Tagalog speaking audiences outside the Philippines. In August 2020, ABS-CBN fully migrated to digital when it launched Kapamilya Online Live. ABS-CBN’s efforts to continue to serve with entertaining and inspiring stories boosts the company’s transition into being an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties that appeal to a wide array of audiences. ‘Viral Scandal’ cast Joshua Garcia (right) and Charlie Dizon

INGER and screen star Julie Anne San Jose had nothing but good words for Jessica Villarubin and Xian Lim when asked about their concert collaboration during a virtual conference held on Wednesday.

The multitalented artist will be joined by The Clash Season 3 grand winner and new Kapuso actor in an explosive concert titled Stronger Together: GMA Pinoy TV at Expo 2020 Dubai happening on March 30 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Dubai Expo Grounds. This will mark Xian’s first Kapuso project abroad. Meanwhile, Jessica, who emerged as one of the promising v o c a l performers of GMA, w i l l serenade thousands o f concertgoers who a r e excited to hear OPM l i v e once again. This is Jessica’s first international concert. T h e t r i o will

Xian Lim (left) with Jessica Villarubin

perform on the very same stage where international acts and pop stars Alicia Keys, Cold Play, Black Eyed Peas, and Il Divo have already showcased their music before a massive and adoring crowd. “We have a lot very good talents in GMA, it’s just a confluence of factors why we chose Julie, Jessica, and Xian. The timing was perfect and the availability of the stars was also a consideration. There was a window of opportunity for us to get these stars to headline the concert in time of the closing of the expo,” GMA Pinoy TV’s Joseph Francia told Manila Standard Entertainment. “I wish we could bring all the stars to Dubai but I believe we have these stars who represent a lot of the values that we want to impart. Since some of the best global stars have performed in Dubai Expo, so you can already think of that as a big achievement for our artists,” the executive added. With the theme #StrongerTogether, the concert aims to share the message that Filipinos abroad, though separated by distance, can draw strength from each other and still unite in facing the adversities in life. “It’s my first time to perform overseas. There’s pressure but more than anything else I feel excited to sing for our fellow Filipinos in Dubai,” said Jessica who’s flying to the Middle East for the first time as well. For Xian, it’s a great opportunity for them to showcase local talents in a live concert that will be held more than two years since the pandemic forced countries to go on lockdowns

and closed their borders. “Just the thought that I’ll be singing in front of a live audience already excites me. I think it’s going to be very special since it’s the second to the last day of the expo, and I hope it will be special too for our kababayans out there,” Xian stated. For Julie Anne, performing in Dubai Expo is a sign that we’re progressing and “slowly getting there” alluding to the cancellation of shows and concerts due to the pandemic. “I hope this won’t be the last and more shows will happen in the next few months. We all have friends and relatives in the Middle East and it’s our chance to reconnect with them through this concert. And it makes me feel so proud to represent the country in this expo, which is attended by people from around the world,” Julie Anne shared. The concert is a highlight of GMA Pinoy TV’s “Stronger Together” campaign in the Middle East and also supports the culmination of the Expo 2020 Dubai specifically for the Filipino community in the UAE. The concert was made possible through the partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and official media partners, The Filipino Times and TAG 91.1. The artists’ costumes will be sponsored by Filipino fashion designer Ryan Pacioles of Atelier Zuhra. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and show starts at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

Binibining Pilipinas queens celebrate International Women’s Month CELEBRATING International Women’s Month, the reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens, led by Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, moved and grooved during an afternoon of fitness and wellness ‘Zumba’ session held recently at Araneta City’s Times Square. Joining Arnold, who is currently preparing for the upcoming Miss International 2022 pageant in Japan, were Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021, Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 1st runner pp Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner up Meiji Cruz, and Bb. Araneta City Francesca Taruc. Early this month, the Araneta Group and Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) received an Anvil Award for their modern approach and redefined take on the annual beauty pageant. The award-giving body recognized the innovations introduced by the Araneta Group and BPCI to the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant during the pandemic. Modern technology was utilized for creative executions such as the national costume augmented reality, multimedia advocacy promotions, mobile app voting, virtual pre-pageant presentations, and the grand coronation night which was broadcast live for the first time across multiple platforms.

(From left) Binibining Pilipinas queens Samantha Panlilio, Francesca Taruc, Hannah Arnold, Gabrielle Basiano, and Meiji Cruz

Meanwhile, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announced the opening of the search for Bb. Pilipinas 2020 with the deadline of submission of application set on April 8. Those interested can download the 2022 Search Is On application form on https://www. bbpilipinas.com/. Meanwhile, talking about another pageant that advocates women empowerment, the ongoing Miss

…are talking about

PEOPLE

Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero

Expect wedding bells in the future because Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero finally got engaged after 18 years of being together. They initially planned to get married in 2020, but COVID-19 barred those plans. Still, staying together for 18 years is already a feat in itself, but the pair remains blissfully enamored with each other. Cue in #SanaAll reactions, please.

Romeo Pastrano, aka Dagul

When the ABS-CBN show Goin’ Bulilit was still airing, Dagul remained ever-present and active on the show. Now, he’s living a life away from showbiz, and he admitted that it was financially challenging. He’s also experiencing physical problems as he can no longer walk well. But because he’s a dedicated patriarch, he continues to provide for his family by working in his local barangay hall. He serves as an example of how much a father is willing to sacrifice for the sake of his family.

Universe Philippines 2022 has revealed the winners of its Swimsuit Challenge. The battle of curves and fierceness was won by Ma. Katrina Llegado, who won Reina Hispanoamericana 2019 5th runner up. Michelle Dee, Miss world 2019 Top 12 finalist; and Celeste Cortesi, Miss Earth 2018 finalist came 2nd and third, respectively. The coronation nighr for Miss Universe Philippines 2022 is set on April 30 at the MOA Arena.

...are not talking about Regine Velasquez

Though she’s already been forgiven by Michelle van Eimeren, the singer admitted that until now, she still feels guilty for being the “third party” between Ogie Alcasid and his ex-wife. Although many people don’t condone cheating, the best thing for everyone is to move on. The good thing about Regine is she’s working on herself to let go of those negative feelings. After all, self-love is a step towards becoming someone better.

Shaira Aliyah Diaz

As a Miss Universe candidate, being unique has its benefits. But Miss Universe Philippines 2022 candidate Shaira from San Pablo, Laguna, seems to be taking it a bit too far. Her appearance before being a candidate made drastic jumps from being light-skinned to several tones darker and with tighter curls. There’s nothing wrong with embracing natural Filipina beauty, but what she did doesn’t seem to embrace natural beauty. The pageant committee has yet to comment on “blackfishing” allegations.

Life

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

Life lessons from Robredo sisters

Teach your pet to talk with these Pet Express Speech Buttons

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The Robredo sisters

Aika and Dr. Tricia Robredo inspire in recent interview with Boy Abunda

S the International Women’s Month comes to a close in a few days, I find it fitting to write about two inspiring women who caught the netizens’ attention last week when they represented their mom, Vice President Leni Robredo, in an interview with the King of Talk, Boy Abunda. Abunda featured VP Leni’s first and second daughters Aika and Dr. Tricia Robredo in his Youtube channel series, The Interviews Of The Wives And Children Of The 2022 Presidential Candidates. Jillian, the youngest of the three siblings, was not part of the interview as she is currently in the United States, awaiting her graduation from New York University this May. In the series, Abunda spent time presenting the presidential candidates through the eyes of their wives and children. Aika and Tricia impressed the netizens with their display of eloquence and being wellgrounded. In particular, the sisters, raised by public servants, reminded me of three seemingly simple yet significant life lessons. Authenticity in the midst of public scrutiny In this age of social media and filters, being genuine and authentic is valuable. When asked about their level of comfort when it comes to being watched all the time, Aika was quick to say in the vernacular, “I guess we don’t really think about it.” Tricia also immediately responded, “We just go on with our lives.” The elder Robredo further explained, “I think, the consistency of your actions, whether you’re being watched or not, is important

Power of seven Meet the women behind Golden Haven EVERY year, the International Women’s Month of March has become a propitious time for celebrating women for their amazing courage and influence in many spheres of life. They are “the hand that rocks the cradle”—and rocks the world—as they post extraordinary triumphs in their professions while nurturing home and hearth. This imagery of empowered women is not lost on Golden Haven, the developer of the country’s most beautiful memorial parks. After all, the company is proud of the influential women who have helped make Golden Haven one of the most trusted names in the death care industry. Here, Golden Haven pays tribute to seven women from the executive suite who continue to make inroads in their careers with their leadership, selfconfidence, and remarkable foresight. Estrellita Tan At the helm of the company is Estrellita Tan, Chief Financial Officer of Golden Haven Memorial Park. A self-proclaimed “dreamer from the province of Nueva Ecija,” Tan climbed the corporate ladder as a CPA by trade. Working her way up from being a staff auditor to being the chief financial officer of a leading real estate company, Tan managed to balance a productive work life with the fulfilling

Analyn Anero

role of being a mother to four children. Tan did so by defying the odds she encountered along the way. It takes true character to manage all the hats she had to wear as both an executive and as a mother. But she did so with grace, finding the energy to multi-task and walk the talk as a role model for those around her. Whenever unpopular decisions had to be made, Tan found a way to remain objective—and listened to her gut when a leap of faith was necessary. Tan sends an inspiring message to all women this month: “Be outstanding. Despite the many challenges we encounter in our journey, we have the power to do incredible and great things,” says Tan. Emelia Lustado Emelia Lustado, Golden Haven Division Head for Visayas and Mindanao, has been with the Villar company for 28 years now. She counts this as one of her greatest accomplishments, especially having spent the last four years with Golden Haven. An industrial engineer by trade, Lustado is also a mother of two who “appreciates people who have a positive outlook in life.” To Lustado, success is defined as not giving up. “Even if it takes years to reach your goal,” she says, “persistence is key

Emelia Lustado

Kate Cator

if you want success.” Lustado acknowledges women’s immense capacity to make things happen. “Where there is a woman,” she affirms, “there is magic.” Analyn Anero Analyn Anero, the Division Head for Luzon, has been with Golden Haven for decades now. Her stint with the company has taken her all over the country, having been assigned to Las Pinas, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Bulacan, just to name a few. For Anero, being a leader proved to be one of the most significant challenges in her career path. “Need mo patunayan na kaya mo at may nagagawa ka, kahit pa minsan tahimik ka lang. There is no need to announce it to everyone.” To Anero, quiet and humble leadership can take one far. She speaks about how passion and drive must fuel every woman’s life. “Don’t be afraid to do what you want; keep fighting for your dreams.” Maria Renee Regala Maria Renee Regala, better known as Ren, is the head of Golden Haven’s Information Technology Department. A goal-oriented person, she is responsible for the company’s continued innovation in digital spaces. For Regala, flexibility and balance have become the key to a

Miles Teretit

for us. So, it doesn’t seem to matter if there is an audience.” Achieving success through own hard work As Abunda pointed out that public scrutiny is inevitable in the life the sisters have been subjected to, Aika and Tricia shared their thoughts on how they deal with expectations and own their individual successes. Tricia admitted that they think about the matter from time to time and try to manage the expectations. “I don’t introduce myself as Dr. Tricia Robredo at the hospital. I go by Dr. Tricia. So, whatever they say about my work, it’s because that’s the kind of work I put out and not because of my name.” She emphasized, “We have our own identities, our own lives.” Aika, who is now involved with a nongovernment organization as an Executive Director, was asked by Abunda if people she works with and have worked with, knew about her parents from the beginning. “I am always careful with conflict of interest,” she said. Aika went on to explain that while she is okay with others bringing up her familial affiliation, she is not one to volunteer the information. “If it interferes with the work I have to do, I am very careful about it,” she

noted. It comes as no surprise that Aika and Tricia put a premium on hard work. The two have shown academic excellence in Ateneo de Manila University with their undergraduate courses BS Management Engineering (Aika) and BS Health Sciences (Tricia). Aika later obtained her Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard Kennedy School as an Edward S. Mason Fellow while Tricia got her MD-MBA degree from Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. The younger Robredo passed the physician’s licensure examination in 2020. Power of radical love As of this writing, the Robredo sisters are actively taking part in their mother’s campaign. They described their journey for the past six years, with the spread of disinformation, as far from being easy. It shows, however, that choosing their battles and refueling themselves with a specific kind of love powered them through. “At the end of the day, you have a bigger goal in mind,” Tricia said, after sharing how they consciously dismiss unfair and harsh criticisms. “Whether they are supporters or bashers, we no longer have space for more hatred,” she added and explained how nonsupporters cannot be won over by namecalling or asserting moral superiority. Tricia suggested the idea of being more open to different people and gentler ways. “Just like Mama, always be open. She would always say, ‘radical love.’ No matter how difficult it is to be kind and patient, still, choose kindness. Choose a more loving option,” she ended. The full interview is available on Youtube via The Boy Abunda Talk Channel. For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com. (From left) Aika (eldest), Vice President Leni Robredo, Jillian (youngest), and Tricia (middle)

successful career as she works to manage all her different roles in life. “Success for me is when you maximize your potential,” says Regala. “Know yourself and know your worth. Do not let others look down on you.” Kate Cator Kate Cator, the CNC and Admin Head of Golden Haven, is an accountant by profession—and a dog mom and plantita at home. When she is not investing her energy in helping run Golden Haven, Cator can be found baking or curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee. For Cator, success is something that never comes easy. “Success for me requires a certain degree of sacrifice to be achieved,” says Cator. “That sacrifice is rewarded with what is worthy and valuable.” Cator’s approach to leadership is one that is rooted in a sense of giving and nurturing. “My advice for women who lead or aspire to lead: love your flock. Leadership is not about the title and position; leadership is about influence.” Joan Rimando Joan Rimando, the HR Head of Golden Haven, credits her sense of discipline to being raised by a military father. Reminiscing on her childhood, Rimando proudly asserts that she and her siblings learned the value of hard work and determination early on. These principles drove her to build her career around research consultancy, while simultaneously teaching at a top university. For eleven years, Rimando bore the responsibilities both jobs required of her before eventually switching to the human relations field she’s in today.

Joan Rimando

Estrellita Tan

Rimando points out that one of the greater challenges she has encountered in her life and work has been her tendency to overthink. Only when she pushed herself out of her comfort zone was she able to pursue new roles and diversify her experience. Small wonder, then, that for Rimando, success is about being happy. “Success is not something you chase; it is a state from within you,” she muses. Miles Teretit Miles Teretit is the Chief Accountant at Golden Haven Memorial Parks. A CPA graduate of BS Accountancy from the University of the East Manila, she has been with the Villar group for eight years now. A woman who knows how to work hard and play hard, she loves sports, plants, and traveling. To her success is the opportunity to do what you love and inspire others. “Be yourself and do what makes you happy,” she reminds others. “Pray and be thankful.” Golden Haven Memorial Park is a subsidiary company of publicly listed Villar-owned Golden MV Holdings Inc. Currently positioned as one of the largest real estate companies in the country. Golden Haven offers premium death care services and prime memorial lots. It is dubbed as the most lucrative real estate investment with an average of 20 percent annual value appreciation. Visit goldenhaven.com.ph or follow Golden Haven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Tiktok, and Viber. For sales-related inquiries, you may contact (02) 88732922 to 23.

Maria Renee Regala