Manila Standard - 2022 March 28 - Monday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

BASTE: WHO WILL RODY BLESS? SIGNS ARE THERE IT MAY BE BBM

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, on Sunday acknowledged “signs” regarding his father’s possible endorsement of UniTeam standard bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “We still do not know (for certain) but there are signs. We have seen the PDPLaban release a statement supporting BBM (Marcos), so I hope the President

will express his support to BBM,” he said during the proclamation rally of local candidates, led by South Cotabato Governor Jun Tamayo.

Baste Duterte was referring to the Cusi-wing PDP-Laban faction's recent endorsement of Marcos Jr. The younger Duterte is the brother of Davao City Mayor and vice-presidential bet Sara Duterte-Carpio, Marcos’ running-mate.

When asked if he would prefer that his father endorse Marcos, he replied, "Of course."

According to the vice mayor, Marcos is “actually” dominating the surveys in Davao City.

"As far as I know, he is high in Davao, more than 80 percent, 85 percent. We're trying to push for 90 percent," he said.

Meanwhile, more than 300 doctors from General Santos City and nearby provinces have declared their support for the formidable tandem of presidential frontrunner Marcos Jr. and Inday Sara Duterte.

Next page

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

SUPPLEMENT: BORN TO LEAD: PRESIDENT DUTERTE SECTION B

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 43 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

33 basic goods in price hike list

Duterte marks 77th birthday, wishes for clean, fair elections “CLEAN, fair and honest elections” on May 9.

That, according to Malacanang, is the birthday wish of President Rodrigo Duterte, who turns 77 Monday.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte would hold a "simple and quiet celebration" in Davao City, where he was mayor before he was catapulted to the presidency in the May 2016 elections.

"His birthday wish for this year is to have a clean, fair, and honest elec-

tion in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring l e g a c y, " Andanar said in a statement.

Next page

Milk, canned items up for new mark-up

A

TOTAL of 33 basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) —including milk and canned goods such as sardines and meatloaf — are included in the price increase request list owing to rising fuel prices caused by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Sunday.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview regarding the effects of the war in Ukraine, Lopez said: “We have already seen price adjustments.

Groceries and supermarkets have also reported price increases among items not covered by the BNPC.” “Prices of products under the BNPC have no adjustments yet since the Ukraine war broke out. There are 33 products listed in the request for price adjustments, which the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) is studying,” he added.

Diesel prices are expected to climb by as much as P8.30 per liter by Tuesday, the 12th weekly upward adjustment in 13 weeks. Industry sources said kerosene prices will also hike by as much as P8.15 per liter, and gasoline is projected to rise

by P2.90 to P3.10 per liter, Unioil said in its weekly forecast.

The spiraling fuel prices are already showing in the prices of basic goods in wet markets in Metro Manila, with an ABS-CBN report indicating that fish and vegetable costs went up by P10 to P40 per kilo at the Mega Q Mart in Quezon City.

Vendors at local markets also said prices were inflated by a lack of supply from the provinces, especially from Benguet, as truckers have limited their trips to

CLOSE ENCOUNTER. In these photos from the Philippine Coast Guard, China Coast Guard ship 3305 constrains the maneuvering space of BRP Malabrigo, which the PCG says is a violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. PCG Photos

Chinese patrol boat steers close to PCG ship off Scarborough

By Rey E. Requejo THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused its Chinese counterpart of steering one of its ships within meters of a Filipino patrol vessel in the disputed South China Sea, breaking international rules and risking a collision.

The incident happened on March 2 near the contested Scarborough Shoal —one of the region's richest fishing grounds and a flashpoint between the two countries—but was only made public Sunday.

It was the fourth time in the past year that a Chinese coast guard vessel had

conducted "close distance maneuvering" near the shoal, the PCG said in a statement.

China seized Scarborough from the Philippines in 2012 following a tense standoff.

The Philippines continues to patrol the waters around the shoal, which is

inside its exclusive economic zone.

"The behavior of the involved (China Coast Guard) vessels increased the risk of collision with four of our capital ships," PCG chief Admiral Artemio Abu said.

In the March 2 incident, the PCG Next page

Next page

3k folk flee danger zone as Taal remains Alert Level 3

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas ALMOST 900 families or nearly 3,000 people have fled their homes near Taal Volcano since Saturday after an eruption sent ash and steam hundreds of me-

‘LONGEST JOURNEY’. The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and

the National Museum of the Philippines recently unveiled "The Longest Journey: The First Journey Around the World" exhibit, now on display at the National Museum of Fine Arts. From left, H.E. Most Reverend Archbishop Charles John Brown III, Apostolic Nuncio; Hon. Jeremy Robert M. Barns, Director-General, National Museum; Evangeline Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo-Bernas, Chair of the Board of Trustees, National Museum; H.E. Jorge Moragas Sanchez, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines; and Dr. Andrew L. Tan, Chairman, Alliance Global Group, Inc. were present during the opening of the exhibit, which chronicles important milestones, as well as artifacts and documents, of the first circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastian Elcano.

ters into the sky, the government said yesterday.

Taal Volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake south of Manila, exploded with a "short-lived" burst at 7:22 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in a statement.

It warned further eruptions were possible, which it said could trigger dangerous, fast-moving volcanic flows of gas, ash, and debris, as well as a tsunami.

Malacañang on Sunday urged residents near the vicinity of Taal Volcano to remain vigilant after its latest activity triggered Alert Level 3 status.

Next page

DTI nixes lower risk layer, says economy ’totally open’

By Willie Casas THE country does not need to lower the COVID-19 status to Alert Level 0 because the economy is already “totally open,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Sunday.

Talking to radio dzBB, Lopez said

with many areas under Alert Level 1,businesses are running at 100 percent, and even the tourism industry is open to both local and foreign tourists.

Lopez said this was discussed at the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), of which he is a member, and the

economic team had concluded that the economy was already open.

He added that the only difference between Alert Level 0 and Alert Level 1 was the mandatory wearing of face masks.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported 437 new COVID-19 Next page infections in the country.

A2

News

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t to double efforts vs. hunger T

HE government will double its efforts to continuously address hunger and poverty in the country following a recent survey from the fourth quarter of 2021, Malacañang vowed on Sunday.

“We take note of the latest Social Weather Stations survey. This figure is lower compared to the 16 percent of families who had the same experience in the last quarter of 2020,” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

Results of a Social Weather Stations

(SWS) survey taken from December 12 to 16, 2021 showed that 11.8% of Filipino families experienced being hungry in the last quarter of last year.

The SWS found the number of Filipino households that experienced hunger in the last quarter of 2021 was higher than the 10 percent or estimated

2.5 million families recorded in 2021's third quarter.

However, the figure was lower than the 16.8% in May 2021 and 13.6% in June 2021.

Andanar said the Palace considered the figures as a clear indication of the positive impact of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger's programs.

President Rodrigo Duterte created the task force through Executive Order No. 101 last January 2020.

Andanar, meanwhile, pointed to the task force’s initiatives, including the creation of the Enhanced Partner-

33...

for BNPCs such as canned food and other food products, bottled water, dairy, and common household or kitchen supplies.

“We are not removing our SRP system as it guides us especially on basic necessities and prime commodities. That is being monitored.

Before the manufacturers can increase their prices, they first need to go through the DTI to see how much they are allowed,” Lopez said.

Earlier, Trade Assistant Secretary Ann Cabochan said the department is not keen on freezing prices on basic necessities, as Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act

has mechanisms in place for mandating so.

The Department of Agriculture warned earlier in the year of rising food prices amid reports of further chokepoints in the global supply chain that lead to upward pressures on production costs.

“The agriculture sector this year will confront global challenges, such as other countries stockpiling fertilizers and fuel prices going up. Our country will have to contend with rising consumer prices, as the rest of the world, even developed countries, is doing,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

Dar said the DA recognized the urgency brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and vowed to speed up the enforcement of more local balanced measures to ensure affordability for food consumers.

The DA noted that global food prices reached record highs during the pandemic, with the United Nations Index revealing a 28-percent rise, from grains to meat, in the last two years. Record levels of food inflation were last seen in 2011.

Labor shortages in transport and high freight costs also grounded goods, especially during the recent surges in COVID-19 infections in most countries.

group who fully support BBM and Sara, but we are only 20 here (at present). We believe they can both help the medical society, we are ready to work with them," he said.

Demontaño said they are convinced the UniTeam has programs designed to improve the welfare of both health workers and the public health system.

"We know that BBM and Sara can help us, especially in the reorganization of PhilHealth, not only in the hospital but also in the doctors, with their ability and experience they can strengthen Universal Health Care," he said.

Demontaño also said that they are ready to cooperate with Marcos and Duterte as he stressed the need to listen to their suggestions when it comes to health issues.

"We also need to listen to doctors, we

can give suggestions on how to improve the implementation of Universal Health Care and other programs, we are willing to help," he said.

For his part, Marcos, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard bearer, praised the sacrifices and efforts of the doctors and all health practitioners in battling the pandemic.

"May I please express the gratitude of the Filipino people to all our frontliners, to our doctors, nurses, and medical staff who work so hard over the last two years to keep us healthy. I know the sacrifices that you have made, the risk you have taken and yet you continue to work and be true to your oath, especially UniteaMD," Marcos said.

He also thanked the group for the sup-

port they’ve given to the whole UniTeam.

"Your expression of support and trust is not only for our candidates but also for the idea and concepts and the cost of unity that we all believe in because it is something that is necessary so that our country will move forward. Thank you so much for your help, for your support,” he said.

Marcos vowed that if ever he and Duterte were elected, the doctors, nurses and other health workers will be a priority of the UniTeam.

"Our doctors are very much supported

by UniTeam, we know what hardships, what fatigue and fear you face, please expect that in case we prosper, we will work together, you are always in our hearts and minds because of the sacrifice you made in the country,” he said.

ballots for the elections, allowing several representatives from political parties and election stakeholders to check the quality of the printed ballots.

Last week, Garcia noted that 105,853 ballots found with smudges, improper cuts and colors, or unmatched timestamps would be burned in front of candidates, political parties, or their representatives.

Meanwhile, Garcia called on the National Bureau of Investigation to release the results of its probe into the alleged security breach of Smartmatic’s automated election system as soon as possible.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Garcia said the Comelec was waiting for the probe report so that the poll body could inform the public and do appropriate actions ahead of the May 9 polls.

“While we are anticipating NBI's action regarding its findings, the Comelec likewise wants to ensure that the automated election system is secure,” Garcia added in a mix of English and Filipino.

Earlier, Senator Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, claimed the Smartmatic data breach might have compromised personal information, ledgers, office photos, and contact persons in Comelec, and these data could be in the hands of a syndicate.

In response, Comelec officials said they immediately contacted the NBI to investigate the matter.

For its part, the NBI said that the Smartmatic employee who was supposedly involved in the alleged security breach was already in its custody.

During the hearing of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms last Monday, Smartmatic spokesman lawyer Christopher Louie Ocampo emphasized that their system “was not hacked” and that the elections would remain 100 percent safe and secure despite the issue.

Ocampo said that the source code and software of the Automated Election System was wholly governed and controlled by the Comelec, noting that the poll body’s own servers and infrastructure are separate and distinct from Smartmatic.

Garcia, however, pointed out the need to investigate the matter to make sure the people would not lose their trust in the AES process. Vito Barcelo

DTI...

This brought the nationwide tally to 3,676,665, and active cases to 43,486, down from 44,149 on Friday.

The top regions with cases in the last two weeks were the National Capital Region (NCR) with 1,894, followed by Region 4A with 766 and Region 6 with 622.

The DOH said recoveries climbed to 3,574,295 while the cumulative death toll reached 58,884.

Nationwide, 24.64 percent of intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID-19 patients nationwide were occupied.

Some 22.04 percent of isolation beds in the country were in use, while 13.66 percent of ward beds were occupied.

The DOH said on Saturday it is considering a yearly vaccination against COVID-19.

“Our experts estimate that COVID-19 will be like the flu,” said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, speaking in Filipino. “We have yearly shots for the flu. In case we may need an annual vaccination for COVID, the government is looking at whether this should be administered to the entire population or only to high-risk and vulnerable individuals.”

Cabotaje said accelerating and expanding the vaccination program was under President Rodrigo Duterte's 10-point agenda on sustaining and accelerating the country's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic through a wholeof-government approach.

“We need to expand our vaccination centers, encourage our citizens to go to the nearest vaccination center, speed up and facilitate the procedures for them to get vaccinated, and remove unnecessary restrictions,” she said.

Cabotaje reported that as of March 24, 65.5 million Filipinos were vaccinated against COVID-19, with 11.7 million booster doses administered.

Vaccinations in this month's fourth phase of the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" national vaccination drive surpassed the national government's target.

Cabotaje said a special vaccination day would be conducted in Region 11, Cebu

province, and Cotabato City from March 29 to 31, 2022, and in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from March 30 to April 1, 2022.

At the same time, Cabotaje said the rollout of the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines could start in late April or early May once the Food and Drug Administration approves its emergency use authorization.

“The DOH has already proposed the EUA for a fourth dose for approval of the FDA. Once FDA approves it within the month, then we can start crafting guidelines,” Cabotaje said.

A fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines is being considered for those who are moderately and severely immunocompromised as well as individuals considered vulnerable to severe forms of COVID-19, Cabotaje said.

“Studies have shown that the fourth dose can be beneficial for people with high risk of severe illness,” she said.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Wednesday that based on the initial recommendation from the Vaccine Expert Panel, the DOH applied to the FDA for the amendment of COVID-19 vaccines EUA to include a fourth dose for senior citizens and immunocompromised persons.

Cabotaje said one proposal is to have a four-month interval between the third dose and fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

She added that the FDA will study what brands will be used for the fourth shot but admitted that people may be more inclined to pick a brand that is the same as their booster shot or third dose.

Meanwhile, only 13 percent or 11.7 million have so far been given booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines, Cabotaje said.

“Since we began giving booster shots in November, only a few have availed of it,” she said.

Cabotaje said the booster shot provides added protection against COVID-19, as proven during the Omicron surge, and would also protect the country from future surges.

Also on Saturday, the Philippines received 1.2 million doses of the reformulated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese embassy or the DFA. Tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, which China claims almost its entirety, have intensified in the final year of President Rodrigo Duterte's term in office.

Beijing has ignored a 2016 international tribunal decision that declared its historical claim over most of the South China Sea to be without basis.

Duterte set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment, which critics said have not materialized.

But in November he hardened his stance, expressing outrage after Chinese coastguard ships fired water cannons at Filipino boats.

This latest incident comes on the eve

of the biggest-ever war games between the Philippines and the United States.

Recent maneuvers between the longtime allies have focused on potential conflict in the South China Sea, where Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have competing claims.

In the latest incident involved the BRP Malabrigo and the Chinese coast guard vessel in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal).

Abu said this was the fourth reported close distance maneuvering incident involving CCG vessels in the area.

On May 19, 2021, PCG-manned Bureau of Fisheries vessel MCS-3005 reported the first incident of close distance maneuvering involving CCG vessel 3301.

The second and the third incidents in-

volved two CCG vessels (3301 and 3103) that conducted close distance maneuvering with BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) respectively, during the PCG’s maritime capability enhancement exercises in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on June 1 and 2, 2021.

“We are fully aware of dangerous situations at sea, but these will not stop our deployment of assets and personnel in Bajo de Masinloc, Philippine Rise, and other parts of the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ),” Abu said.

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade has directed the PCG to continue upholding its mission of promoting the safety of life and property at sea and enforcing all applicable laws within the Philippine waters. With AFP

From A1

Manila owing to the runaway fuel costs.

They said the price of carrots is now at P60 per kilo from P50, cabbage at the same price, and tomatoes at P100 from P60, the ABS-CBN report added.

Lopez, meanwhile, said the BNP prices are now being looked at by the DTI's Consumer Protection Group to determine the cost adjustments.

In January, the DTI provided an updated suggested retail prices (SRP) list

Baste:...

From A1

Marcos met with at least 20 doctors from GenSan, who called themselves "UniteaMD,” on Sunday during which they pledged their support for BBM-Sara UniTeam.

Led by their president and spokesperson Dr. Jun Demontaño, the group said their ranks support the UniTeam because they believe the tandem can strengthen and support various programs for the health sector.

"We took the effort of printing the logo and t-shirts, we call our group UniteaMD. This is just proof that we fully support the BBM and Sara team," Demontano added.

"There are 380 strong doctors in my

Duterte...

From A1

"We join all our countrymen in wishing our beloved President Rodrigo Duterte a happy 77th birthday."

Andanar also thanked Duterte, "whose strong and decisive leadership and genuine compassion for every Filipino have inspired officials in government."

Duterte has yet to officially endorse a presidential candidate for the elections but the faction he supports in his party PDP-Laban – also known as the Cusi faction – recently endorsed Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the running-mate of the Chief Executive's daughter.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections asked Sunday the public and political parties to go to precincts nationwide on May 2 to 7 to personally witness the final testing and sealing of vote counting machines that will be used in the general elections.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said during those days, each precinct would be using 10 original ballots for the May 9 polls and visitors might test them themselves.

“All precincts in the Philippines will have a final testing and sealing or the closure of VCMs. We invite all political parties, citizens' arms, our fellow voters, to please go to the precincts during those days,” Garcia said.

He said the VCMs would be tested “and you all need to witness that the receipt they will print first shows zero. You need to see that it is zero because that means the machine is empty.”

Garcia explained that volunteers who would participate in the VCMs’ final testing and sealing dates might try to undervote or overvote, shade the ballot incorrectly, and even draw on or tear the ballot to check if the VCMs would accept them.

He added that once the VCMs were sealed before the witnesses, representatives from political parties would have to sign a form indicating that the VCMs were not impaired and were ready for the May 9 polls.

The Comelec on Thursday conducted a random manual checking of the official

Chinese...

From A1

said the Chinese vessel came within about 19 meters of its patrol boat, which was in "clear violation" of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The PCG has referred the matter to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) which recently summoned China's ambassador over a separate incident involving a Chinese navy ship "lingering" in the Philippines' archipelagic waters.

Abu said his agency was under government orders to maintain patrols near Scarborough Shoal, where Filipino fishermen continue to fish.

From A1

ship Against Hunger and Poverty; pilot feeding programs under the First 1000 Days of Life; launching of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom; formulation of the Philippine Multi-sectoral Nutrition Project Proposal for the World Bank; Gulayan sa Barangay at sa Pamayanan programs; and various livelihood projects aimed at uplifting the lives of farmers and fisherfolk.

“We have done much during this challenging time, but we underscore that much more needs to be done to continuously address hunger and poverty,” Andanar added.

Pinoys in Saudi spared from Jeddah attacks THE Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia shared the good news Sunday that no Filipino nationals were affected in the Jeddah attacks on March 20 and 25.

The Saudi state news agency SPA said Saudi Aramco’s Bulk Plant in Jeddah, near a Formula One race, was targeted with an “act of aggression” by Iran-backed Houthi militia, according to Anadolu news agency.

The main race on Sunday will continue as scheduled.

The statement added that following the "hostile” attack, a fire erupted in tanks in the oil facility but was immediately controlled.

A state-run social insurance office was also hit.

On Saturday, the Houthi group announced a three-day truce and the possibility of a permanent ceasefire if the Saudi-led coalition ends its operations against Yemen.

“The Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah will continue to coordinate with local authorities and the Filipino community to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos in the Kingdom,” the embassy statement posted on Facebook read.

Filipinos are advised to contact the embassy or Consulate General’s office in case of emergency.

3k...

From A1

As of Sunday morning, there are 854 families or 2,894 persons inside 12 evacuation centers in Calabarzon, which comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

In a press statement, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said the executive department is “closely monitoring” the situation in areas near Taal Volcano.

“We urge all residents of affected barangays and communities to remain alert and vigilant, get news updates from trusted sources and authorities, and cooperate with concerned agencies while the volcano situation is being monitored for any developments,” he said.

Andanar said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and its regional counterparts and local government units are implementing all relevant precautionary measures, including evacuation of high-risk communities near the volcano island as well as fishermen in Taal Lake.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has Quick Response Teams and standby stockpiles of food and non-food items to augment local supplies when needed.

Residents in five fishing and farming settlements around the lake were ordered to leave their homes, in the third mass evacuation in as many years around one of the country's most active volcanoes.

"It rained mud," said Cornelia Pesigan, 25, who sought shelter at a school outside the 7-kilometer danger zone.

"It smelled really bad, and I had difficulty breathing," the mother of two added.

The initial eruption was followed by "nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity" that sent plumes stretching 1,500 meters into the air, the seismological agency said, raising the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five.

A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when molten rock comes into contact with underground or surface water, said Princess Cosalan, a scientist at the agency, likening it to pouring "water on a hot pan.”

Cosalan said that ash and steam emissions had gone quiet in the hours after the initial burst but said the institute's onsite sensors continued to detect volcanic earthquakes and another eruption was possible.

The agency's chief, Renato Solidum, said the activity was weaker than in January 2020, when Taal shot ash 15 kilometers high and spewed red-hot lava, crushing scores of homes, killing livestock, and sending tens of thousands into shelters.

"There is no threat beyond the... five villages," Solidum said.

More than 12,000 people live in the most vulnerable communities, according to the latest available official data.

Police have been deployed to stop people entering the high-risk zones while aviation authorities warned airlines and pilots of potential hazards from volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

The Philippines is hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a zone of intense seismic activity.

Access to the volcano island, which was once home to a community of thousands, has been prohibited since the 2020 eruption.

Last July, the seismological agency raised the alert level to three after Taal burst to life again.

It belched sulphur dioxide for several days, creating a thick haze over the capital and surrounding provinces. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News IN BRIEF Defensor to scrap Mayor’s permit REP. Michael Defensor (Anakalusugan) has vowed to scrap the occupational permit required by the Quezon City government before any person can obtain employment within the country’s largest city.

“If elected mayor of Quezon City, we will abolish the oppressive and burdensome occupational permit within our first 100 days in office,” Defensor said in a statement Sunday.

“The permit is a ridiculous imposition that serves no purpose other than to nickel-and-dime jobseekers and make it difficult for them to acquire gainful work,” Defensor said.

At present, the Quezon City government requires all persons to secure the occupational permit, also called the Individual Mayor’s Permit, before they can work anywhere in the city.

Article 22, Section 83 of the Quezon City Revenue Code provides that: “It shall be unlawful for any person to exercise an occupation or calling within the jurisdiction of the city, without acquiring the Individual Mayor’s Permit.”

A3

Makati Business Club supports PSA

By Othel V. Campos and Rio N. Araja

T

HE Makati Business Club supports the signing of the Public Service Act by President Rodrigo Duterte and the push it will give to the economy.

“This is the latest in a series of transformative economic reforms including the revised Foreign Investment and Retail Trade Liberalization laws that we believe will result in beneficial competition and more jobs,” MBC said in a statement.

The group said it was eager to witness similar success with proposals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) bill and commits its members to working for the approval

of RCEP and to work with the next administration on this.

The Department of Trade and Industry estimates that the new law will bring in $60 to 100 billion of investments into the country in the next two years.

An influx of this scale in sectors that will be opened up will mean competition that will benefit Filipinos with better and more affordable products and services, new technology, and most importantly, more jobs, MBC said.

The group also noted that the law will help the government to fast track economic recovery, particularly for the recovery of jobs lost to pandemic. According to the World Bank, as of July 2021, 4.3 million jobs were lost due to the pandemic, about 10 percent of total employed workers.

“We trust that officials from designated agencies will properly implement provisions in the new law to protect our national security,” MBC said.

In related developments, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte is seeking a congressional support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s newly launched 10-point policy agenda to accelerate the country’s economic recovery through the Senate’s swift passage of

the House-approved P1.5-trillion stimulus package anchored on much higher infrastructure investments to invigorate the economy and speed up its bounce back from the two-year COVID-19 pandemicdriven global slump.

He lauded the President’s issuance last week of Executive Order No. 166 on a 10-point agenda on economic recovery.

He said the 18th Congress could fully support the administration’s culminating bounce-back program by passing the COVID-19 Unemployment Reduction Economic Stimulus (CURES) bill designed to ramp up state spending on health, education, agriculture, local roads, livelihood, information and communication technology, and tourism infrastructure.

Trillanes defends Leni from social media attacks on Filipino seafarers

Salceda wants new Albay Alert Level REP. Joey Salceda of Albay, ways and means committee chairperson, requested Sunday the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to adjust the alert level status of the province from level 2 to level 1, citing hospital utilization must be basis of alert levels.

In a letter to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Salceda said “Albay has very low healthcare utilization rates as documented by the personnel of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, and has very low COVID-19 case counts. As of March 27, 2022, Albay has zero COVID-19 ICU admissions, and practically zero COVID-19 hospital utilization rate.”

Since March 18, Albay has had new confirmed cases, he noted.

“You have areas like Naga City where the alert level is now at level 1. We are not much worse in terms of capacity and utilization. So, I think a readjustment for the sake of the economy is in order,” he said. Rio Arja

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

APICULTURIST. Marino Chaves trains students how to handle bees at his urban bee

farm in Las Pinas city. He has space telling them that beekeeping (or apiculture) is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made hives, by humans. Most such bees are honey bees in the genus Apis, but other honey-producing bees such as Melipona stingless bees are also kept. Beekeeping is the science and art of raising and breeding bees in bee hives or boxes for honey and wax. Norman Cruz

FORMER Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV defended Sunday presidential candiate Vice President Leni Robredo from attacks due to Tiktok and YouTube posts suggesting she belittled Filipino seafarers.

Some netizens spliced Robredo’s video during the Comelec debate to make it appear she belittled the skills of the seafarers when she proposed calibrated retooling programs for new seafarers.

“The troll farm that deems this as belittling or disrespecting our Pinoy Marino may have never known a relative or a neighbor who worked in an international vessel,”said Trillanes.

Instead of being misled by fake news and social media posts, Trillanes said seafarers should listen to Robredo’s plan for them and the country’s maritime industry when she wins the presidency.

Trillanes stressed Robredo is the only presidential candidate who made

it very clear the seafaring industry – most especially the seafarer – would be one of her major economic pillars.

During a meeting with the Filipino Shipping Association, Robredo revealed her “Blue” strategy for economic development, putting the seafarers and the local maritime industry in the heart of her economic platform.

As seafaring workers and stakeholders confront a future marked by competition, new rules, and challenges, Trillanes said Robredo “wants experts to chart the course.

“Her talk with the shipping leader is her official policy articulation, not those posted on TikTok or YouTube,” emphasized the former Navy Officer.

He said Robredo wanted Filipino seafarers to be more competitive for high-paying jobs in the global market.

Once they occupy senior ship positions or become ship captains, this would amount to increased remittances they can send to their families in the Philippines, rillanes quoted Robredo as saying.

A4

Opinion

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bongbong represents continuity have people ferried by jeepneys and buses from their homes far from the precincts and provides them breakfast and lunch and give them money to enable them to get back to their homes, is that vote-buying ? It’s something very common in the provinces and even in cities.

The Comelec should not make a big thing about vote-buying, which can take so many forms in our political context.

••• It is that time of the campaign period for the national and local candidates that supporters of national candidates start looking at reality – whether or not the candidates they endorsed earlier have a chance of making it or not.

IF elected as the next president, Bongbong Marcos will be confronted with the biggest challenge a president of the Philippines will ever face – economic recovery.

Think joblessness, poverty and hunger brought about by years of pandemic that brought down the Philippine economy to its knees.

Can Bongbong overcome this challenge?

First of all, Marcos will rely much on foreign investments because only these would create employment. He needs to continue the economic plans of President Duterte.

A prominent United Kingdombased research institute in fact, expects broad policy continuity following the elections of May 9.

The Fitch Solutions Research stated that “Regardless of the presidential outcome, we expect a smooth transition with only minor changes to economic policy.”

Marcos Jr’s policy approach is the closest to outgoing President Duterte’s, while Vice President Leni Robredo’s presents the largest divergence. Continuity is important, the research group emphasized.

The impact of the pandemic was most felt by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Jose Concepcion, presidential adviser on MSMEs, said that Bongbong Marcos’ plans to prioritize the MSMES which constitute up to 99.5 percent of the country’s business, is crucial. It’s what the country needs.

Bongbong said he would give priority to solving the problems of joblessness and poverty brought by the pandemic.

••• The Commission of Elections (Comelec) wants to go after what it calls “vote-buying” in connection with the May 9, 2022 elections.

But, my gulay, what is vote-buying?

If the Comelec refers to a candidate giving away cash and directly offering money in exchange for votes, that’s clearly vote-buying !

But, there are many ways and forms of vote-buying which are not clearly defined in the rules of the Comelec.

For instance, when candidates, either for national or local posts, support a project of a community, is that vote-buying ? When an aspirant for a national or local post gives away money to community or a barangay to help them build a basketball court, is that vote-buying ? Or , when a candidate for a national or local post funds the construction of a community building to help people there to support a cooperative, is that vote-buying ?

In the Philippines, Filipinos give much importance to the relationship often called “padrinos or palakasan”.

It is called “utang na loob” or debt of gratitude, something unknown to the West and even among other Asians.

And when a known supporter of an aspirant for a national or local post helps a community to put up a local project, people there do not regard it as buying their votes.

If this is vote buying, our jails would be filled with politicians and known supporters of national and local candidates, Santa banana!

Thus, it would do well for the Comelec not to make a general rule against vote-buying. Oh yes, during Election day, when local politicians known to push the candidacy of a national or local aspirant for a post

How can the next leader bring us to economic recovery?

Take the case of the Reforma Party headed by Davao del Norte politician Pantaleon Alvarez, former Speaker of the House of Representatives. His party switched its endorsement for president from Senator Ping Lacson to Vice President Leni Robredo, obviously thinking that Robredo has a better chance of becoming president.

I am not saying that Lacson has no chance of making it in the race to Malacanang, but poll surveys show that among the five aspirants for President, Lacson has become the tailender.

Alvarez certainly has no love lost for the BBM-Sara tandem since he knows fully well that Sara Duterte Carpio was one of those who were responsible for ousting him from the Speakership.

He is now obviously thinking that the endorsement of the Reforma Party for Robredo has a better chance of making it, rather than Lacson.

Lacson said the switch of Reforma to Robredo was all about money which local candidates of Reforma need. It could well be about money considering the fact that politics is local.

I also believe that the sudden endorsement of PDP-Laban of Bongbong for president has something to do with poll surveys showing that Bongbong Marcos is now clearly the frontrunner in the presidential race.

The recent endorsements of PDPLaban, the ruling majority party and the National Unity Party of Ricky Razon for Bongbong is a clear indication of this.

In fact, I believe that there will be more changes in the political scene as the nation gets closer to Election Day. I would not even be surprised that one or two of the presidential aspirants or even among vice presidential candidates, will withdraw. I don’t know who will, but there are indications to this effect.

••• Santa Banana, with no less than 18,023 local posts up for grabs till Election Day, there will be more political rallies and sorties and even handshaking of candidates with the people.

What I am afraid of is that with the easing of health protocols and restrictions, there will be another surge.

Personally, that’s what worries me since people will be crowding rallies and political sorties. If a new wave of COVID-19 comes about, how will this affect the national and local elections ? That’s something President Duterte, the Department of Health and the IATF or the Inter-Agency Task Force should contemplate.

I hate to think about it, especially since the May 9 Elections Day is fast approaching.

Game over?

ONE of the best barometers to determine where an election is going is the last-minute shift of support thrown by businessmen and big political aggrupation to a particular candidate.

For the businessmen, obviously for business reasons as they are no philanthropists to waste monetary support for a certain candidate whom he or initially supported but shows no signs of winning or even simply gaining traction in his or her

campaign. For the political groups, it’s plain and simple survival.

History will back me up on this.

In 2016, when I was still with another paper, I wrote an article regarding a big businessman who, through a known fixer in the judiciary, allegedly bankrolled Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares’ citizenship case before the Supreme Court promising each justice P50 million each just to dismiss the petition to disqualify her.

The funny thing is that while I did not name the businessmen, nor gave a hint as to his or her identity, his emissary gave me a call asking to take down my article, which I refused.

A month before the elections, this businessman shifted loyalty and threw his support behind then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

EDITORIAL

T

Political frontliners

HE campaign for local posts began in earnest on Friday, reminding us that we have to take an equally close look at those vying for our votes at the local level.

It is easy to get swept up by the campaign for national positions.

These are big names applying for tough jobs.

This campaign period has been particularly noisy and eventful, marked by disinformation, accusations and even incivility among candidates’ supporters.

Everyone realizes that the national polls are a high-stakes exercise.

It gets closer to home.

We should think the same of the local campaigning. These are the people who should know their constituents’ specific problems and struggles. They should be familiar with the context in which these difficulties exist. They should at least have a sense of whether potential solutions would actually work.

Local officials are the face of government for millions of Filipinos.

When there is a problem, we do not immediately turn to national leaders because they are rendered distant from us by various layers of the

bureaucracy.

Our local leaders, on the other hand, directly deal with the people in their own spheres. How effectively they carry out their jobs is immediately felt and noticed by the people. How seriously they take their mandate becomes apparent. And if they fail or renege on their commitment as public servants, the consequences will be immediately felt.

It’s the season for campaign jingles permeating our streets. Let us not vote for local candidates just because their names have become so familiar to us. We can arrive at a decision on whom to vote for in the same way we evaluate our national candidates – through a set of standards based on track record, performance, expertise and integrity.

Counsels on converging existential threats

IT has been two long years since the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world in what many thought was an unstoppable development trajectory driven by speeding innovations in technology. One of the biggest realizations of this global crisis is the way health, the environment, and the economy must be seen as intimately linked milieus where the breakdown of one triggers a chain reaction that can explode into an existential threat for all of humanity.

“The complexity of health and environmental challenges affects both the security of states and the welfare of its people,” was the opening statement of Prof. Victor Andres, “Dindo” Manhit, President of think tank Stratbase ADR Institute predicating the theme of its latest series virtual forum, “Convergence of Health and Environment in Shaping the Strategic Policy Agenda of the Next Administration.”

Prof. Manhit underscored the importance of fostering cooperation to address these emerging challenges with the same urgency as conventional security threats and warned that if left unaddressed, “these predicaments will continue to not only lead to major economic losses but also endanger the present and future generations.”

As part of a series of special papers of the think tank, three special papers were launched in the event, offering the most instructive insights and expert advice to whoever are elected to lead the next government.

Dr. Mely Caballero-Anthony, Professor and Head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, authored the study, “Non-Traditional Security Threats To Peace And Security In The Indo-Pacific” on the complexity

Months before the 2016 elections, I was invited to cover the declaration of One Cebu for its support to then Vice President Jejomar Binay. About the same time the businessman I mentioned earlier jumped shift in favor of Duterte, One Cebu joined the bandwagon, dumping Binay in favor of Duterte. What’s so unfortunate is that they announced their shift of support while Binay was still in Cebu for his sortie.

The same thing is happening now.

Aside from One Cebu and the businessman, many political parties and local government officials that time, abandoned the candidate they had supported earlier and jumped to the Duterte bandwagon.

The same thing is happening now.

We are all aware that the PFP-Laban faction of Energy Secretary Al Cusi have been secretly supporting Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso’s presidential run. They cannot dismiss that fact given the personnel who are identified with them are now working

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

Dr. Alma Salvador, Co-convenor of the Department of Political ScienceWorking Group on Security Sector Reform and Associate Professor of the Ateneo de Manila University stressed the need to adopt a nexus approach to traditional and nontraditional security challenges. She suggests an integrated approach to maritime security and the South China Sea going beyond the maritime dispute to de-securitize the persisting tensions despite the policy of hedging and appeasement by the Duterte administration.

The study titled, “Beyond Health Measures: Towards A Genuine People’s Health Agenda” by doctors (M.D.) Dr. Eleanor A. Jara, Dr. Magdalena A. Barcelon, and Dr. Katharina Anne D. Berza advocates a people-centered health care system catering to the poor founded on equity, social justice, and people’s rights. All social services, goods, and facilities must be available, accessible, culturally acceptable, and of good quality.

Dr. Berza asserted that the public health system must be anchored to the community-based approach to healthcare at all levels and to prioritize free health care services and medicines to the neediest sectors of the population.

Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations and Co-Convenor

of Universal Health Care Watch (UHC Watch), Ms. Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo for her part said that we need leaders with the political will to implement and sustain free integrated healthcare and pointed out the importance of digital technology in realizing an integrated peoplecentered national healthcare system.

Toby Melissa C. Monsod, PhD, Professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, in the special paper “Accelerating Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation: Strengthening the Philippines’ Contribution to Limit Global Warming and Cope with its Impacts”, co-authored with Sara Dr. Jane Ahmed and Dr. Golda P. Hilario, argued that the country should shift from greenhouse gas emissions reductions to the protection and restoration of important ecosystems to substantially strengthen and realize commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Dr. Monsod pointed out that though sixty percent of the population live in coastal zones and approximately 10 million rely on small-scale fishing for food, the marine economy has received scant attention from the national government because of the bias of public investments to rice production.

“The degradation of coastal ecosystems is of particular concern, given their multiple roles, especially in the mitigation and adaptation of climate change,” Dr. Monsod said.

The Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Mr. Renato Redentor Constantino, in his reaction stated that climate action plans need to be a part of a larger transition strategy focused on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic strategies that spans several cycles of at least 15 years.

The messages of these experts are clear. To survive the convergence of existential threats, we need a convergence of solutions and actions.

The old ways of siloed thinking often disrupted by conf licting interests will not do.

Can the next leaders you vote for think this way?

for the Manila mayor.

But a few days ago, Cusi and his faction announced they will be supporting the candidacy of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. Jr. A couple of days later, it was the National Unity Party, the political party backed by businessman Enrique Razon, who reportedly is also supporting Domagoso, pledged their support for BBM. Surely, they would not have waited until this moment to announce their presidential preference if they didn’t think BBM would be a sure winner.

Sabi nga, sigurista.

For the administration party, the PDP-Laban, going for BBM would be buying a smooth exit plan. Remember that before the election campaign started, some personalities identified with the administration have been subjected to a Senate probe regarding allegations of corruption in the disbursement of COVID-19 funds.

While many are saying that BBM, at this point in time, no longer needs their endorsement to achieve victory come May 9, the support of these two groups are of course a welcome

development for his camp as it means lesser opposition to deal with.

For Domagoso, it would be a great loss as not only he loses additional machinery for his campaign but also the much-needed financial support from Razon.

For the rest of the candidates, especially the Pinklaws, they would now have to deal with extra campaign support thrown by PDP-Laban and NUP to BBM. Additional machinery, supporters and maybe funding, reducing their chances from minimal before to nil or almost zero.

With a little over a month to go before the elections, I believe it’s already game over. May nanalo na.

••• Erratum My apologies to Iana Luis Padilla, whose article I published in my column space last Saturday.

As we were only talking on the phone, I unfortunately misquoted Atty. Tranquil Salvador as to her background. She was not his student, but rather, the classmate and best friend of his daughter. She only interviewed Atty. Tranquil for her article.

My sincere apologies to Iana and her teacher.

and impact of NTS issues as not only threats to people’s security, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“In dealing with the complex issues of climate change, governments should set out key policy priorities to address its multifaceted consequences. More efforts must be given to strengthen the adaptive capacity in dealing with its direct impact through enhanced disaster preparedness and response mechanisms and other relevant frameworks,” Dr. Caballero-Anthony said.

Do your candidates think this way?

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

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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

the books of the LA CAMPANA DEVELOPMENT CORPARATION. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this July 9, 2008 at Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

World

TODAY

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF

-versus-

Civil Case No. R-QZN-21-01961-CV For: Annulment of Document & Damages

WILLEX C. TANTONGCO, WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO and WILBERT C. TANTONGCO, Defendants. x----------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO No. 4011 Williams Rd., Richmond BC V7EIJ7, Canada or at 29-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City

(initial)

(initial)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA) S.S. BEFORE ME, in Quezon City, Metro Manila this July 09, 2008 personally appeared with Community Tax Certificate No. 1640919 issued at Quezon City on February 27, 2008, known to me and to me known to be the same person who executed the foregoing “ABSOLUTE TRANSFER OF SHARE IN A CORPORATION” duly signed be her and her instrumental witness at the foot thereof and further acknowledge to me that the same is her free and voluntary act and deed therein set forth.

(SGD.) ARTURO P. ZIALCITA Notary Public Until December 31, 2009 PTR No. A-8544079/Q.C. TIN No. 224-210-506-000 Roll No. 9246/Jan. 28, 1955 IBP No. 694287/CAL CITY/12-

WILBERT C. TANTONGCO No. 47331 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC Canada or at 33-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City WHEREFORE, on March 1, 2021 plaintiff filed a Complaint for the Annulment of Documents and Damages.

WHEREFORE, on March 21, 2021, plaintiff filed a Motion to Admit Amended Complaint which was granted and admitted by this Court in an Order dated June 1, 2021. The Branch Clerk of Court issue a Summons upon defendants William C. Tantongco and Wilbert C.Tantongco requiring them to file an Answer to the Amended Complaint.

WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, the Sheriff of this Court filed a Sheriff’s Return stating that service of Summons to William C. Tantongco and Wilbert C. Tantongco are Unserved for the reason that they are currently out of the country and no definite date of retun.

WHEREAS, on October 20, 2021, the plaintiff through his counsel, filed a Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication.

The aforementioned defendants are in another country, beyond the territorial jurisdiction of this Court, and pursuant to Sec. 17, Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules of Court on Civil Procedure, the instant motion is granted in an Order dated November 17, 2021.

NOW THEREFORE, defendants William C. Tantongco and Wilbert C. Tantongco are hereby summoned and required to file with Regional Trial Court, Branch 91, National Capital Judicial Region, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City, their verified Answer to the amended complaint within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication of this Summons. Failure of the defendants to file their Answer within the reglementary period, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and maybe granted relief applied for in the Complaint.

WHEREFORE, let this summons together with the copy of the Complaint and the Order dated November 17, 2021 be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation to be selected by raffle pursuant to PD 1079, at the expense of the plaintiff.

Doc. No. 468 Page No. 45 Book No. 143 Series of 2008 12. Plaintiff, as well as his siblings Wilson, Thelly, Sally, Lily, Gerlie and Julie who are all oppositors in the above-mentioned petition for probate of Kim Tia’s will, first came to know about the existence of said Absolute Deed of Assignment only last October 2019 when they received, through counsel, copy of the Comment/ Opposition mentioned above.

13. Plaintiff made inquiries with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City regarding the said Absolute Deed of Assignment which appears to have been notarized by a certain Atty. Arturo P. Zialcita. Plaintiff was issued the following Certification dated October 23, 2019, to wit: CERTIFICATION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS IS TO CERTIFY that per record on file with this office, Atty.

ARTURO P. ZIALCITA was a duly commissioned Notary Public for and in Quezon City for the term beginning October 10, 2008 ending December 31, 2009.

IT IS FURTHER CERTIFIED that, per verification of the OfficerIn-Charge of the Archives Section, Atty. Arturo P. Zialcita has no notarial report submitted for the month of July 2008. Hence, no certified true copy of the requested Absolute Deed of Assignment dated July 9, 2008 with Doc. No. 468, Page No. 45, Book No. 143, Series of 2008 allegedly executed by Kim Tia Chua Tantongco can be issued.

This certification is issued upon the request of Mr. Willip Tantongco for whatever legal purposes this may serve.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 21, 2019.

Witness the Hon. Kathleen Rosario D. De La Cruz-Espinosa, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 9th day of February 2022.

By:

(SGD.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII & Ex-Officio Sheriff MERCEDITA C. CARINO Asst. Clerk of Court

(Sgd.) ATTY. CHARISE ANN D. ALVARO Branch Clerk of Court

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, Quezon City BRANCH 91

Checked by: (SGD.) TERESITA S. FABILA Record Officer III Notarial-In-Charge Verified by: (SGD.) GODFREY B. PALAD Clerk III

WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, Plaintiff,

A copy of the said Certification is hereto attached as Annex G Civil Case No. R-QZN-21-01961-CV For: ANNULMENT OF DOCUMENT and DAMAGES

WILLEX C. TANTONGCO, WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO and WILBERT C. TANTONGCO, Defendants. x---------------------------------------------x

ORDER For resolution is the “Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication” filed by the plaintiff, through counsel, before the OCCRTC on October 19, 2021, which was received by this Court on October 20, 2021. As alleged, summons on Wilbert and William Tantongco were returned unserved since both of them are residents of Canada and outside the territorial jurisdiction of this Court. Plaintiff therefore prays for leave of court to allow service of summons on the said defendants to be effected by publication.

Acting on the motion and finding the same to be well-taken considering that the summons to defendants Wilbert and William Tantongco were returned unserved per Sheriff’s Report dated June 17, 2021 and pursuant to Sec. 17, Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules on Civil Procedure, the instant motion is hereby GRANTED. Let the summons as against defendants Wilbert and William Tantongco be served or effected by publication pursuant to Sec. 17, Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules of Civil Procedure.

Defendants are ordered to produce the original copy of the Absolute Deed of Assignment relative to the subject matter of the instant case.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, November 17, 2021.

(Sgd.) KATHLEEN ROSARIO D. DE LA CRUZ-ESPINOSA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 91, Quezon City WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, Plaintiff, -versus-

TODAY

Manila

Standard

(SGD.) KIM TIA CHUA TANTONGCO Shareholder/Assignor

WILLIP C. TANTONGCO, Plaintiff,

-versus-

Manila

Standard

Civil Case No. R-QZN-21-01961-CV Annulment of Document and Damages

WILLEX C. TANTONGCO, WILLIAM C. TANTONGCO and WILBERT C. TANTONGCO Defendants. x------------------------------------------x

AMENDED COMPLAINT Plaintiff, by counsel, unto the Honorable Court most respectfully states: 1. Plaintiff Willip C. Tantongco is of legal age, Filipino and a resident of No. 29-Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City 2. Defendant Willex C. Tantongco is of legal age, Canadian citizen and a resident of 29-C Baler St., SFDM, Quezon City where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court 3. Defendant William C. Tantongco is of legal age, Canadian citizen and residing at No. 4011 Williams Rd, Richmond BC V7EIJ7, Canada. His last known address in the Philippines was at 29-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court 4. Defendant Wilbert C. Tantongco is of legal age, Canadian citizen and residing at No. 47331 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC Canada. His last known address in the Philippines was at 33-D Baler St., SFDM, Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City where he may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court 5. Plaintiff and defendants together with their siblings Wilson Tantongco, Thelly Tantongco, Sally Tantongco, Lily Tantongco, Gerlie Tantongco, and Julie Tantongco, are legitimate children and surviving heirs of the late spouses, Ricardo Tantongco and Kim Tia Chua Tantongco. Another sibling, Willy Tantongco, died on January 17, 2018.

6. Kim Tia died on September 24, 2015 leaving a Last Will and Testament, copy of which is hereto attached as Annex A 7. Willy Tantongco, during his lifetime, filed a petition for the probate of said Last Will and Testament before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City docketed as Sp. Proc. No. 16-00588 and captioned In Re: Petition for Probate of the Notarial Will of the Late Kim Tia Chua Tantongco, Willy Tantongco, Petitioner.

8. In a Resolution dated March 26, 2019, the RTC (Branch 98) probate and approved the will. A copy of the Resolution is hereto attached as Annex B 9. Plaintiff was appointed court administrator of the estate of Kim Tia, proof of which are hereto attached as Annexes C, D and D-1 10. In the said probate proceeding, the defendants, through their counsel, submitted, sometime in October 2019, a copy of document denominated Absolute Deed of Assignment, as an attachment to their Comment/Opposition dated October 10, 2019. A copy of the Comment/Opposition is hereto attached as Annex E and the Absolute Deed of Assignment as Annex F 11. Said Absolute Deed of Assignment reads: ABSOLUTE DEED OF ASSIGNMENT KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: THAT I, KIM TIA CHUA TANTONGCO, of legal age, widow with postal address at No. 33 Baler Street, Barangay Bungad, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City Metro Manila do hereby declare that I am the legal owner of NINETY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (92,500) shares of stock of the LA CAMPANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, a duly registered corporation with postal address at 13-19 Serrano Laktaw Street, Dona Aurora, Galas District, Quezon City, Metro Manila with a par value of ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND (Php 9,250,000.00) PESOS, Philippine Currency.

THAT I do hereby ABSOLUTELY, now and forever, CEDE, ASSING, CONVEY and TRANSFER to the following individuals: WILLIAM TANTONGCO, WILLY TANTONGCO, WILBERT TANTONGCO, WILLEX TANTONGCO and WILLIP TANTONGCO, as their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns all the rights, title, and interest for the total value of EIGHTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (18,500) Shares each, common shares of stock at ONE HUNDRED (Php 100.00) PESOS par value of the LA CAMPANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION which are free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances, the absolute title and peaceful possession of the same are hereby guaranteed and warranted.

The same also authorize the corresponding officers of the corporation to make the necessary transfer of said shares of stock in

14. The said Absolute Deed of Assignment is fraudulent, spurious and void considering the facts and circumstances stated below, to wit: a. Kim Tia was confined at the Philippine Heart Center from July 4, 2008 to July 14, 2008 on a life-threatening illness, as evidenced by her medical records hereto attached as Annexes H, H-1 and H-2, when she purportedly signed the above-said Absolute Deed of Assignment and appeared before Notary Public Atty. Arturo P. Zialcita on the same date. b. Atty. Arturo P. Zialcita was not commissioned notary for and in Quezon City on the date the document was purportedly notarized before him per Certification of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court of Quezon City quoted above. c. No record of such Absolute Deed of Assignment purportedly executed by Kim Tia exists in the Archives Section of the Office of the Clerk of Court per the same Certication. d. In the acknowledgment, the document adverted to is an “ABSOLUTE TRANSFER OF SHARE IN A CORPORATION” and not an ABSOLUTE DEE OF ASSIGNMENT. e. There was no consideration for said transfer of shares. f. Kim Tia’s purported signature in the said Absolute Deed of Assignment is significantly at variance with her signatures in her Last Will and Testament.

15. As above said, defendants Willex, William and Wilbert are Canadian citizens; hence, assuming without conceding that the Absolute Deed of Assignment is not fraudulent and spurious, the same is nevertheless invalid and void inasmuch as it results in ownership by foreigners of more than 40% of real property in the Philippines in violation of the law and the Constitution, considering that real properties devoted to and used for commercial purpose located in Baler St., Quezon City and covered by TCT No. RT10007(24403) and TCT No. RT-10008(24402) of the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City are owned by Campana Development Corporation. Copies of said TCT No. RT-10007 (24403) and RT-10008(24402) are hereto attached as Annexes I and J, respectively.

16. Earnest efforts to settle the case amicably have proved futile.

17. Plaintiff, in order to protect his rights, is constrained to litigate and to engage the services of counsel for a fee of P150,000.00 plus P5,000.00 per court hearing.

FLYING PROUND. People stand in front of an Ukrainian national flag fluttering while watching dark smoke and flames rising from a fire following an air strike in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on March 26. At least five people wounded in two strikes on Lviv, the regional governor said, in a rare attack on a city that has escaped serious fighting since Russian troops invaded last month. AFP

Biden: ‘Butcher’ Putin ‘can’t remain in power’

W

ARSAW — US President Joe Biden on Saturday castigated Vladimir Putin over the monthold war in Ukraine, bluntly calling the Russian leader “a butcher” who “cannot remain in power”.

In an impassioned speech from the Royal Castle in Warsaw, delivered after meeting top Ukrainian ministers in Poland and earlier conferring with NATO and EU allies on the conflict, Biden plainly warned Russia: “Don’t even think about moving on one single inch of NATO territory.”

Although the White House moved quickly to temper Biden’s unprecedented comments on Putin — insisting the US leader is not seeking “regime change” in Russia and was referring to Putin’s influence over neighbors in the region — the Kremlin made its displeasure clear.

Personal attacks, one official said, were “narrowing down the window of opportunity” for bilateral relations.

Biden coupled his harsh words for Putin with a pointed attempt to appeal to ordinary Russians, saying they were “not our enemy” and urging them to blame their president for the heavy sanctions imposed by the West.

He offered reassurance to Ukrainians in the audience and elsewhere, at a time when nearly four million of them have been driven out of their country. “We stand with you,” he said.

Biden also cast doubt on Russia’s signal that it may scale down its war aims to concentrate on eastern Ukraine — even as two Russian missile strikes slammed into the west of the country.

The president said he was “not sure” Moscow has indeed changed its objectives, which, so far, he said had resulted in “strategic failure”.

Two Russian missiles earlier struck a fuel depot in western Ukraine’s Lviv, a rare attack on a city just 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Polish border that has escaped serious fighting.

At least five people were wounded, regional governor Maksym Kozytsky said, as AFP journalists in the city centre saw plumes of thick black smoke. AFP

IN BRIEF 2nd black box of crashed China plane recovered

APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF WRIT OF PRELIMINARY INJUCTION AND/OR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 18. Plaintiff re-pleads the foregoing allegations in so far as they are relevant and material hereto.

19. Plaintiff is entitled to the relief demanded the whole or part of which consists in enjoining the defendants, or any other person/s claiming rights under them, from exercising all rights, real or otherwise, arising from the transfer and assignment of shares of stock of La Campana.

20. The performance of the acts herein sought to be enjoined during the pendency of the litigation would probably work injustice to the applicant.

21. The defendants are attempting, threatening or procuring to be done some acts probably in violation of the rights of the applicant respecting the subject of the action and tending to render the judgment ineffectual.

22. Plaintiff is willing to post a bond in such amount as the court may determine to answer for whatever damages defendants may suffer as a consequence of the writ in the event it should later on be found that plaintiff is not entitled thereon.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, it is most respectfully prayed that (A) Upon the filing of this complaint, the Honorable Court issued a writ of preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order enjoining the defendants from exercising all rights, real or otherwise, arising from the Absolute Deed of Transfer subject of this action.

(B) After trial, judgment be rendered declaring the Absolute Deed of Assignment subject matter of this action null and void and reverting to Kim Tia’s estate the same shares of stock of La Campana.

(C) Awarding plaintiff and holding the defendants, jointly and severally, liable for attorney’s fees of P150,000.00 plus P5,000.00 per court hearing.

Plaintiff prays for such other relief just and equitable in the premises.

Quezon City, Philippines; March 3, 2021.

ALDON GUADES & ASSOCIATES Counsel for the Plaintiff Suite 304 Señor Ivan de Palacio Building 139 Malakas St., Central District, Diliman, Quezon City By: (Sgd.) ANECIO ROJAS GUADES SC Roll No. 31074/04.05.80 MCLE VI No. 0000556/09.16.16 IBP No. 154471/01.21.21 PTR No. 2564514/Calbayog/01.20.20 Mobile No. 09278480088/09998798079 VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION I, WILLIP C.TANTONGCO, of legal age, under oath state that: I am plaintiff in the above-captioned case; I caused the preparation and filing of foregoing complaint; all the facts alleged therein are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and/or based on authentic records; the pleading is no filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support.

And I hereby certify that I have not heretofore filed or commenced any action or proceeding involving the same issues and parties, and none is pending, before any court, tribunal, agency or instrumentality of the government, save a criminal complaint for falsification docketed as XV-03-INV-19L-11159 before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City and still pending on appeal before the DOJ involving the same document subject of this case and Civil Case No. Civil Case No. R-20-05963 captioned Willip C. Tantongco, Plaintiff versus William C. Tantongco, Wilbert C. Tantongco and Willex C. Tantongco, Defendants before Branch 100, Quezon Regional Trial Court, Quezon which was dismissed on plaintiff’s Notice of Dismissal filed pursuant to Sec. 1, Rule 17 of the 2019 Amended Rules of Court (A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC); and I hereby further undertake that should any such case come to my knowledge, I shall inform the Honorable Court of such fact with five (5) days from the time I learn thereof.

DONE this 3rd day of March 2021 at Quezon City, Philippines (Sgd.) WILLIP C.TANTONGCO SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 4TH day of March 2021, at Quezon City, Philippines; affiant exhibited to me his valid ID, photocopy of which is hereto attached.

Doc. No.187; Page No. 38; Book No. IX; Series of 2021.

(MStandard-Mar. 14, 21 & 28, 2022)

RIGHTS Manila PROTEST. Afghan women and girls take part in a protest

Standard in front of the Ministry of Education in Kabul on March 26, demanding that highTODAY schools be reopened for girls. AFP

BEIJING — The second black box has been recovered from last week’s deadly China Eastern plane crash, state media reported Sunday, and could help solve the mystery of the jet’s breakneck descent.

The Boeing 737-800 was flying between the cities of Kunming and Guangzhou on Monday when it nosedived into a mountainside, disintegrating on impact and killing all 132 people on board.

The cause of the disaster, China’s deadliest plane crash in more than 30 years, is not yet known.

“The second black box from China Eastern flight MU5735 was recovered on March 27,” Xinhua news agency reported.

Public broadcaster CCTV broadcast images of rescuers recovering an orange-colored cylinder covered in soil, which was discovered 1.5 metres deep at the roots of a tree. AFP

Myanmar army says will ‘annihilate’ coup rivals NAYPYIDAW — Myanmar’s junta will “annihilate” coup opponents, army chief Min Aung Hlaing said Sunday as the military staged a show of force on the anniversary of its bloodiest crackdown so far on democracy protests.

The Southeast Asian country has been in chaos since a putsch in February 2021, with more than 1,700 people killed in crackdowns on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

Across the country “People’s Defence Force” fighters — often armed with homemade or rudimentary weapons — clash regularly with junta troops, with some analysts suggesting the military has struggled to respond effectively to their hit-and-run tactics.

Fighting has also flared with more established ethnic rebel groups along the Thai and Chinese border. AFP

US top diplomat in Israel for landmark Arab talks JERUSALEM — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel Sunday for a “historic” meeting with Arab countries which have normalized relations with the Jewish state in the US-brokered Abraham Accords.

Blinken, who arrived in Tel Aviv Saturday evening, will meet with his counterparts from Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in the Negev desert Sunday and Monday to mark the shift in Arab-Israeli relations that began in late 2020.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid described it as a “historic summit”.

Blinken’s visit, the first stop in a trip that will also take him to the West Bank, Algeria, and Morocco — where he will hold talks with the UAE’s de facto ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed — is focused in part on building support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A6

News

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

More LGU officials give support for Leni CAVITE 4th District Representative Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), and his wife, Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga broke party lines and endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for President on Saturday, March 26.

The Barzagas’ open support for Robredo came two days after the NUP endorsed the presidential bid of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., the son and namesake of the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos.

At another rally in Imus, Cavite a day earlier, Alex Advincula, who represents the third district of Cavite in Congress, also endorsed Robredo. He is running for mayor of Imus.

A mammoth crowd of nearly 50,000 people showed up at the People’s Rally for Robredo on March 4 in General Trias City, thwarting the claim of Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla that Marcos, Jr. would get at least 800,000 votes in Cavite.

With Advincula and the Barzagas joining the people in supporting Robredo, Cavite has once again become an important battleground for the presidency. Dasmariñas alone is a vote-rich city with over 400,000 voters.

In Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Oscar Moreno believe there will be more local political groups to come out and back the presidential bid of Robredo. He said the groups may not necessarily be political allies, and may even be working to outsmart one another at the local levels, but their support for Robredo “is going to be a welcome development.”

After Robredo’s filing of certificate of candidacy in October last year, More no was the first local official in Mindanao to openly declare his support for her presidential bid.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said he, too, is expecting more declarations of support for Robredo from known local politicians. With Rio N. Araja SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF LINDA MARIE KOO REYNOLDS to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

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: 1. My full name is LINDA MARIE KOO REYNOLDS, but I have also been known since childhood as _____ or I have been N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is 1332 PALM AVE., DASMARIÑAS VILLAGE City/Municipality of MAKATI CITY Province of METRO MANILA and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 3. I was born on 20 MAY 1953, in STA MESA, MANILA Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 4. My father's name is WELLINGTON KOO, JR. and he was born on 30 JANUARY 1922, in WASHINGTON DC USA. He is a citizen or subject of CHINA. My mother's name is LOURDES TINSAY KOO and she was born on 31 OCTOBER 1924 in BALIUAG, BULACAN. She is a citizen or subject of PHILIPPINES. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is HOUSEWIFE and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A , 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 .

(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:BS SPORTS SCIENCE, (2) name of school: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS and (3) years graduated: 2016] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is MARRIED, I was married on 26 AUGUST 1963 in NORTH HAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM. My wife's/ husband's name is DAVID JOHN REYNOLDS and she/he was born on in 29 DEC. 1953 in UNITED KINGDOM She/ he is a citizen or subject of UNITED KINGDOM and presently resides 1332 PALM AVE., DASMARIÑAS VILLAGE, MAKATI. 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 THREE (3) child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Date of Birth CHRISTIASN SOTTO 11/18/1973 ARA MARIE R. 8/11/1984 ZOBEL LORRAINE 12/12/1988 MARGAUX R. MAXINELL

Place of Birth USA MAKATI

Residence UNITED STATES MAKATI, PHILS.

MAKATI

MAKATI, PHILS

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 MARYKNOLL COLLEGE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Place of Dates of School Study QUEZONCITY 4/20/1968 MANILA CITY 4/6/1988

Highest Grade Completed ELEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL

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

By Rey E. Requejo

P

ARTIDO Federal ng Pilipinas presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to implement his blueprint for national development, which include economic programs that would accelerate the industrialization of crucial sectors in the country to create more jobs for Filipinos when he wins in the upcoming 2022 polls.

In an interview with local radio station DZRJ, Marcos Jr. stressed that the next administration should spur economic development by pursuing an industrialization program similar to what was done by his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, in the 70s.

“The next administration will have to revive the industrialization drive that was started in the 70s. We have to continue that. If you look at the history of our wealthy neighbors, they became economically strong because of trade,” Marcos said. According to 2021 data, the agr culture sector accounted for 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while the industrial and

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.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

Name

BBM bats for PH industrialization

Name and Place of School N/A

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 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

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 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 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.

14. My character witnesses are MARIA LOURDES DE LEON BUENAVENTURA and JEAN MARIE TAN both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 58 MCKINLEY RD. BRGY FORBES PARK, MAKATI. and 109 CAMBRIDGE CIRCLE NORTH FORBES MAKATI 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.

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): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ / ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ / ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the 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 [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

services sectors accounted or 30.8 percent and 60 percent, respectively. The manufacturing industry also employs over 3.2 million individuals based on 2016 data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The UniTeam presidential bet also underscored the importance of expanding our selec-

tion of export products to increase trade with other countries.

“If the manufacturing sector has shrunk then we really have to go back and redesign that part of our economy for the simple reason that if we want to be involved in trade, then we have to have something to trade with,” he said.

EVACUATION IN TAAL. Residents living near Taal Volcano were evacuated to a public school in Laurel, Batangas, on March 26, after an eruption earlier in the morning, sent ash and steam hundreds of meters into the sky. AFP

Ping firm on claim of being asked P800m

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Panfilo Lacson said if he is corrupt or a thief, it would be easy for him to cough up the P800 million being demanded by Partido Reporma president and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Lacson was the chairperson of the party and its standard-bearer before he severed ties after he was junked for allegedly failing to give P800 million to bankroll the campaign of the party’s local candidates.

Lacson has stood his ground that Pantaleon asked him P800 million.

This was denied by Alvarez who texted Lacson that the party’s Davao del Norte Group had ditched him in favor of another presidential hopeful- Vice President Leni Robredo.

Despite resignation from the party, support for Lacson has continued to snowball.

Several Partido Reporma members have aired their support to Lacson, the latest- Jagna, Bohol Mayor Joseph Rañola and his team. They decided to part ways with Partido Reporma as well, so they could concentrate on campaigning for Lacson as president.

Ranola said they believe that no other presidential candidate embodies the strong leadership qualities they found in Lacson.

In a manifesto signed in Tagbilaran City last March 26, Rañola declared their intention to stay with their former party chair and to maintain their support to his presidential bid through voluntary ground campaign efforts.

Following the lead of Lacson, Ra-

Moreno wraps up two-day sortie in Batangas AKSYON Demokratiko presidential candidate Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso wrapped up his two-day barnstorming of Batangas province after attending a grand rally in Sto. Tomas where at least 25,000 people gathered to see the Manila mayor in person.

A grand rally in Lipa City capped a hectic day of campaigning for Moreno on Friday with at least 65,000 Batangueňos

braving more than 9 hours of waiting just to see, hear and express their full support to the Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer during the Ang Bagong Lipa grand proclamation rally.

Prior to going to Lipa City, Moreno and the rest of Team Isko embarked on a series of motorcades and town hall meetings at the towns of San Juan and Balete where thousands of Batangueňos

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 23 day of SEPTEMBER 2021.

LINDA MARIE KOO REYNOLDS Name and Signature of Petitioner Contact Number: 0917-5202053 Email Address: lindakooreynolds@yahoo.com

‘LITTLE BORACAY.’ The clear water and white sand beach of “Little Boracay” in Calatagan, Batangas has become a preferred destination of many locals tourists wanting to escape the heat of summer. Manny Palmero

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S. I, LINDA MARIE KOO REYNOLDS of legal age and a resident of 1332 PALM AVE., DASMARIÑAS VILLAGE, MAKATI after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

LINDA MARIE KOO REYNOLDS Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at QUEZON CITY, this 22 day of JUNE 2017.

Official authorized to administer oaths/ Notary Public

(MS-MAR. 14, 21 & 28, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

nola said they are also tendering their irrevocable resignation as party members effective March 26. Rañola is the provincial co-chairman of Partido Reporma in Bohol. He signed the manifesto together with fellow cochairman Gen. Edgardo Ingking and their coordinators in the three legislative districts of the province.

“We agreed among ourselves to voluntarily offer our time, money and effort in support of him (Lacson), because we believe that he is the only candidate who has the competence, experience, courage and strength to address the very serious crisis that our country is facing today due to the COVID-19 pandemic, corruption, unemployment, ballooning debt and bullying by China in our exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea,” the group said.

IN BRIEF Ka Leody seen benefitting from ‘shifting’ allegiances THE Candidacy of Ka Leody De Guzman will benefit from politicians who continue to shift allegiances prior to the May 9 elections, Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) chairperson Sonny Melencio said.

Melencio said this is because Filipinos do not like political “turncoats.” Melencio said this trend would actually help bolster De Guzman’s chances in the elections.

Melencio further said De Guzman is a “a cut above the rest of the presidentiables since he has remained loyal to PLM.” The labor leader has also proven “through decades of struggle for economic and political reforms” that he has “remained principled and steadfast in the pursuit of a better society,” Melencio, in an ABS-CBN news report further said.

The Partido Reporma, led by Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, earlier withdrew support for presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson and began backing the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Reports said the latest Pulse Asia survey showed that 0.1 percent of respondents would vote for De Guzman if the elections were held during the period of February 18 to 23 and he ranks fifth among the 10 presidential candidates.

mobbed their “future President.”

Team Isko held another motorcade Saturday and engage the people of Batangas in the towns of San Nicolas, Bauan and Sto. Tomas to cap the two-day Batangas sortie to win the hearts and votes of 1.7 million Batangueňo voters.

On Sunday evening, the Manila city mayor attended the proclamation rally of Asenso Manilenyo local candidatea led by Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is running for mayor, and 3rd District Congressman Yul Servo Nieto, who is running for vice mayor.

Moreno, along with his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial bets Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison and guest candidate John Castrciones of PDPLaban, will be attending the Asenso Manilenyo rally in Earnshaw Street in Sampaloc District.

Earlier in the morning, Moreno led the inauguration of Tondominium 2, the second condominium building constructed by the city government for Tondo’s informal settlers as part of Moreno’s mass housing program.

On Monday, Moreno and his team will be going to Misamis Oriental for a whole day sortie followed by another sortie in Lanao province on Wednesday and a two-day barnstorming in the island of Mindoro on Thursday and Friday. Rey E. Requejo

Disaster funds to fast-track aid for farmers hit by ‘Odette’ THE government will fast-track the distribution of assistance to coconut farmers hit hard by Typhoon Odette with the recent approval of the Coconut Debris Management Plan (CDMP) amounting to P331,003,192.

President Rodrigo Duterte has given the go-signal for the release of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council funds for the Philippine Coconut Authority’s proposed CMDP. The CDMP includes the implementation of the Shelter Assistance and Recovery Program for typhoon-hit communities last December.

The CDMP is consistent with Presidential Directive No. 2022-011, or the conversion of fallen trees into reusable housing materials for Typhoon Odette survivors.

Under the plan, 11,573 chainsaw operators will be hired through a cash-for-work scheme to be simultaneously implemented in the provinces within Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga Region.

Go likewise renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205 or the Disaster ResilienceAct, filed in 2019, to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience as well as to address the bureaucratic challenges that undermine the government’s ability to better respond to disasters and the effects of climate change.

Business

A7

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Stocks set to trade on small band this week

Solar Philippines signs Indonesian supply deal SOLAR Philippines (SP), through its joint venture with Medco Energi (Medco), has signed 20-year power purchase agreements with Indonesian state utility PLN on two solar projects.

The projects include a 25-megawatt farm in East Bali and another 25 MW in West Bali, which will be the largest groundmounted solar project in Indonesia to date, the company said.

SP granted Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. the option to subscribe to SP’s share in the joint venture, in which it holds 49 percent, subject to regulations including securing approval from PLN. The company began developing the Bali solar projects in 2017 and formed the joint venture with Medco to submit a bid in PLN’s first competitive auction for utilityscale solar in 2019.

The PPA was signed on March 24 with a schedule to begin construction by 2023.

Alena Mae S. Flores

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHARES at the Philippine Stock Exchange are expected to move on a narrow range this week as investor sentiments remain bearish on lingering concerns over rising inflation and slower economic growth.

Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia in its weekly outlook said risk premiums were still rising due to the Russia-Ukraine war as well as possible interest rate hikes because of climbing fuel prices.

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in other parts of the world is also becoming a cause of concern for investors despite the current low numbers in the Philippines.

But the market’s recent drop could provide opportunities for investors to accumulate on stocks that have recently dropped to near 52-week lows.

“The benchmark index moving at a particular tight range softly confirms the general market’s hesitance over major market forces at present,” 2TradeAsia said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week advanced 1.7 percent to 7,124.84 after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas decided to keep the benchmark interest rates steady.

Except for the property index which declined 0.8 percent, all major sub-indices ended in the green. Services jumped 4.5 percent; financials rose 2.4 percent; mining and oil increased 2.2 percent; industrials gained 1.2 percent; and holding firms added 1.1 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P3.27 billion while the average daily value traded fell to P6.7 billion from the previous week’s average of P12.65 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Globe Telecom Inc., which increased 17 percent to P2.638; PLDT Inc., which advanced 9.7 percent to P1,850; and Emperador Inc., which gained 5.2 percent at P14.64.

Weekly top price losers were Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which declined 7.5 percent to P6.29; Monde Nissin Corp., which dropped 5.8 percent to P13.50; and LT Group Inc., which fell 4.3 percent to P8.90.

Peso outlook bright despite depreciation

GREEN SPACE. In its effort to create an urban green space within the Entertainment City in Parañaque City, the Nayong Pilipino Foundation organizes a tree planting activity on the occasion of National Women’s Month. Joining the event are (from left) NPF deputy executive director for operations Dr. Jovertlee Pudan, NPF board of trustee Judy Lardizabal, NPF executive director Gertie Duran-Batocabe, Major Wilfredo Ponceja, NPF deputy executive director Joyce Ann Caigas and Sgt. Rafael Pagulayan.

THE outlook for the peso remains bright although it has depreciated 2.3 percent against the US dollar since the start of the year, an economist said over the weekend.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a report the peso weakened against the US dollar by P1.151 or 2.3 percent from 50.999 at the end of 2021.

The peso on Friday closed at 52.15, stronger than 52.33 ijn the previous day, the strongest for the local unit in more than a week or since March 17, 2022 when it closed at 52.14.

Ricafort said the peso appreciated “after the latest downward correction in global oil prices after no consensus among European Union countries to cut oil imports from Russia and a day after the widely expected decision by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to keep the key local policy rate unchanged at the record low of 2 percent.” Julito G. Rada

Vista Land’s REIT unit files application for P9.18-b IPO

By Jenniffer B. Austria

V

ISTAREIT Inc., the commercial real estate investment trust company of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. of the Villar Group, plans to raise up to P9.18 billion from an initial public offering.

Vista Land is a publicly-listed property development company and the largest homebuilder led by the Villar family. It has a majority 88.34-percent stake in Vistamalls Inc. VREIT said in a statement over the weekend it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an application to sell up to 3.33 billion in secondary common shares, with an over-allotment option for another 333.75 million secondary common shares at P2.50 apiece.

VREIT said it would have an initial portfolio of 10 community malls and two office buildings with an aggregate gross leasable area of 256,404 square meters.

The malls are located in Vista Land’s integrated developments, which serve as a one-stop shop for its residents in Las Piñas City, Bacoor City, General Trias City, Imus City, Tanza, Antipolo City, San Jose Del Monte City, San Fernando City and Talisay City in Cebu.

The office buildings are located in Taguig City and Bacoor City.

The company is set to be the flagship office and mall REIT of Vista Land. It aims to be among the leading diversified commercial REITs in the Philippines in terms of portfolio, profitability, growth, sustainability and dividend yield.

VREIT said over the last three years, the properties enjoyed consistently high

occupancy rates of 93 percent to 100 percent of their respective GLAs. The properties also delivered sustained rental income growth even at the height of the pandemic given the essential nature of its mall tenants.

VREIT tapped China Bank Capital Corp. as issue coordinator, and together with BDO Capital & Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp., and SB Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners.

Abacus Capital and Investment Corp. was also mandated as a participating underwriter.

Vista Land’s subsidiaries include Masterpiece Asia Properties Inc., Manuela Corp., Communities Pampanga Inc., Crown Asia Properties Inc. and Vista Residences, Inc. The offer shares will be listed and traded on the main board of The Philippine Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “VREIT”.

SEC orders six online lending firms to stop THE Securities and Exchange Commission issued a cease-and-desist order against six online lending operators, which have been found to be engaging in lending activities without the necessary license.

The SEC in an order issued on March 22 ordered PesoKwento, Pondo Cash, TBAG, Cash Sky, Loan Cash, and East Cash to immediately stop engaging in, carrying out, promoting and facilitating any lending activity/transaction until they have incorporated and secured authorization from the SEC. The SEC also ordered the companies’ agents, representatives and promoters, as well as the owners and operators of their hosting sites, to cease from offering and advertising their lending business through the internet or any other media, and remove all materials involving such.

Jenniffer B. Austria

AirAsia bares resumption of domestic trips

By Darwin G. Amojelar AIRASIA Philippines will resume domestic operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting March 28 ahead of the Holy Week exodus.

The transfer to NAIA Terminal 4 is in conjunction with the recent announcement of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on February 28, officially reactivating the terminal’s operations after being closed for more than two years due to the pandemic.

“Travel is set to rebound as seen with the increase of passengers traveling via air transport and the relaxation of travel protocols. As we expect this number to double in time for summer and Holy Week, we at AirAsia are keen on keeping our brand of high-quality guest service at an optimum,” Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines spokesperson, said.

“We are upgrading our check-in counters at T4 to provide our guests with a seamless travel experience.

We also encourage our guests to familiarize themselves with the online check-in option via Super App to facilitate easy and fast check-in procedures,” he added.

Travelers are expected to take advantage of the eased travel restrictions and ongoing promos of air carriers, including AirAsia’s Super App deals which offers 20 percent on all flights and 50 percent off on hotels.

The promos cover those booked from March 16 to 18 for travels from October 1, 2022 to March 25, 2023.

INVITATION TO BID The CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI, through its Committee on Awards on Disposal (CAD), wishes to announce to the public and all interested buyer/s to join the sale through Public Bidding of the following items on a “AS IS, WHERE IS” basis on April 11, 2022, detailed as follows: Item

SOLAR POWER DEAL. Solar Philippines, through its joint venture with Medco Energi, signs a 20-year agreements with Indonesia’s state utility PLN involving the purchase of power supplies from a 25-MW farm in East Bali and a 25-MW facility in West Bali, which would be the largest ground-mounted solar project in Indonesia.

Witnessing the signing ceremony with Medco executives during a G20 event in Yogyakarta, Indonesia are Minister of Energy Arifin Tasrif (third from left) and PLN president Darmawan Prasodjo (fourth from left).

BSP allays concern on rising prices as inflation rate remains manageable

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said over the weekend there is nothing to worry about the rising consumer prices as the country’s inflation challenges are more manageable than some advanced and emerging economies.

Diokno said in a message to journalists the Philippines was not as affected by elevated asset prices as other economies.

“But the Philippines does not face the labor tightness and the elevated asset prices that most developed countries are facing.

Consequently, the Philippines’ response need not necessarily mimic the responses of other countries,” he said.

Diokno said that for many years, the problem faced by many developed countries was how to nudge inflation higher, given that actual inflation rates were persistently below target rates. With the pandemic, this development was reversed, as actual inflation rates exceeded target rates and remained stubbornly high.

He said in the United States, the latest inflation rate reached 7.9 percent; Britain, 5.5 percent; Canada, 5.1 percent; and the Euro area, 5.2 percent. These inflation numbers far exceed 2.0 percent, their target rate.

Diokno said that in the Philippines, the inflation rate in January and February 2022 settled at 3.0 percent, right in the middle of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Tamiya of Japan investing P1.5b in new Cebu factory

By Othel V. Campos TAMIYA Philippines Inc., a part of Japan’s Tamiya Group, announced a P1.5-billion expansion inside the Cebu Light Industrial Park.

The plastic model, printing and packaging manufacturing company recently broke ground for a new factory that will increase local production.

It said the new factory would improve output by 5 percent over three years and further expand capacity to 20 percent depending on demand. The company exports $23-million worth of

products from Cebu operations.

Majority of the output goes to Japan with a share of 65 percent. The US accounts for 12 percent of exports, Germany with 10 percent, UK with 7 percent, Thailand with 2 percent and Hong Kong, 2 percent. Other markets make up the remaining 4 percent.

Tamiya Philippines manufactures high-quality precise hobby products such as miniature model kits and radiocontrol vehicles, metal mold-making, printing and packaging.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority said it is one of the major investments in the first quarter of 2022.

PEZA said exports from economic zones were resilient even during the pandemic.

It said economic zone exports grew by 14 percent in 2021 to $63.06 billion from $55.3 billion in 2020. Employment across all economic zones also improved by 13.9 percent to over 1.7 million last year from 1.5 million workers in 2020.

PEZA said cumulative investments in the last 27 years reached P4.03 trillion while exports totaled $933.83 billion exports. Registered economic zones also grew from 16 in 1995 to 415 special economic zones with 4,665 locator companies this year.

Lot 1. Various Unserviceable Property, Plant and Equipment

Floor Price

Withdrawal Period

Bid Document Fee

₱ 2,792,785.00

45 Calendar Days

₱ 1,000.00

Lot 2. Old Christmas Decorations No bid shall be allowed lower than the above Floor Price.

Schedule of activities are as follows: Activity

Date

Time

Issuance of Bid Documents

March 28 - April 4, 2022

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Inspection of Unserviceable Property

March 28 - April 4, 2022

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pre-Bidding Conference

April 5, 2022

2:00 PM

Deadline for Submission of Bid Offer

April 11, 2022

2:00 PM

Opening of Bid Offer

April 11, 2022

2:01 PM

Bid documents shall be issued only to interested bidders upon presentation of a Letter of Intent and a nonrefundable fee stated above to the Committee on Awards on Disposal Secretariat not later than five o’clock in the afternoon of April 4, 2022.

Interested bidders are advised to conduct actual inspection of the unserviceable property subject for disposition.

The CAD will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 5, 2022, Tuesday, 2:00PM at the Sampiro Conference Room, 21st Floor, Makati City Hall Building I, J.P. Rizal St., Brgy Poblacion, Makati City and through video conferencing which shall be open to prospective bidders to discuss the Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components required. However, only those interested bidders who have purchased bidding documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the auction.

Deadline for the submission of bids is on April 11, 2022, Tuesday, 2:00PM, at the Sampiro Conference Room, 21st Floor, Makati City Hall Building I, J.P. Rizal St., Brgy Poblacion, Makati City. The time for the deadline of the submission of bids shall be based on the Philippine Standard Time (PST) pursuant to R.A. 10535 otherwise known as “The Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013”.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the said address. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form of Cash, Manager’s Check or Cashier’s Check in favor of Makati City Treasurer in the amount equivalent to at least Ten Percent (10%) of the bid.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

The winning bidder shall remove the items within Forty-Five (45) calendar days upon issuance of an approved Sales Invoice.

Handling of Documents still follow current Makati City Government Protocols.

All Public Conferences shall follow social distancing protocol of the City. We will follow the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines on mass gathering. To manage attendees, we will only allow at most one (1) representative per bidder who should confirm with the Committee on Awards on Disposal Secretariat at least a day before the scheduled conference of its attendance.

We will allow at most one (1) pre-registered representative from prospective bidders to attend the Pre-Bid Conference / Bid Opening through virtual (zoom) meeting. Please register with the CAD Secretariat Office at least one day before the scheduled Pre-Bid Conference or Bid Opening. The meeting ID and password will be provided to the register representative. For ease of recording attendance and identification of attendees, please log in using the registered name. Format of zoom profile name should follow: <<Company>>-<<Last Name, First Name of Representative >> For further inquiries, interested bidder/s may call or contact the Committee on Awards on Disposal Secretariat at Tel. No. (02) 870-1779 / 1793.

THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MAKATI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS, TO WAIVE ANY FORMALITY THEREOF AND TO ACCEPT ONLY SUCH BIDS THAT ARE ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT.

ATTY CLARO F. CERTEZA Chairperson Committee on Awards on Disposal M. Standard – Mar. 28 & 29, 2022

Sports

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

A8

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

Bolts whip Hotshots, close in on finals Manila

Standard

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

TODAY In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for the DITO PISO Sale: 1.

Promo period of the DITO PISO Sale is from March 27-31, 2022. a. PISO Data is available to all DITO prepaid subscribers. b. PISO Data is inclusive of 1GB all-access data valid for 1 day, priced at Php1. c. PISO Data is exclusively available via the DITOAPP and MyDITO

2.

Subscribers can avail of PISO Data multiple times for a maximum of five (5) times within the promo period.

3.

Subscribers cannot earn points from DITO Rewards upon availment of PISO Data.

4.

Subscribers can resubscribe to PISO Data even while the current PISO Data subscription is still active. Remaining data from the previous subscription will roll over and the validity will be adjusted based on the expiration of the newly subscribed PISO Data.

5.

PISO Data cannot be shared with another DITO subscriber.

6.

Prerequisites: a. b.

7.

Must have a valid and working DITO prepaid SIM card installed in one DITO compatible phone. The list of outlets selling the SIM card can be found in DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph).

Must have an installed and working DITO APP in the compatible device or a registered MyDITO account.

How to download and install the DITOAPP: •

•

Download and install the DITO App via the link included in the activation SMS.the activation SMS will be sent to the SUBSCRIBER after activation of the SIM card. The DITO APP can also be download via Google Play Store, via AppStore, or via Huawei AppGallery. (note – use of the DITO App will not use orrequire any data allocation from the subscriber, free WiFi access shall be available in the DITO’s partner stores for application downloading and promo activation purposes) Create and Log-in on the DITO APP –initial password will be given via SMS.

8.

How to avail the promo: a. Login on the DITO APP. b. Go to the DITO APP Home Page then select BUY/MANAGE PROMO. c. Select 1GB Data from the list of offers. d. Choose any of the payment options available: e. Click on the confirmation button to proceed with purchase of the offer. f. Await the confirmation via APP and SMS.

9.

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / nonexchangeable. Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO-compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

T

ONY Bishop tallied 27 points and had 10 rebounds as the Meralco Bolts repulsed the Magnolia Hotshots, 10195, Sunday night to gain a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Bolts’ coach Norman Black said they have now reached a pivotal period in their encounters with the Hotshots, as they go into Game 4 of their semis showdown needing only a win to advance to the finals.

“At this point. It could go one way or another. We really need to get a win or we’ll get eliminated,” said Black. “I’m happy we won tonight but I don’t think we played great.”

Chris Newsome shot 16 points, including a triple in the last 4:33 that hoisted the Bolts into a 10-point edge, 95-85.

The 6’2” Newsome unloaded seven points in the last period, with his layup in the last 38 seconds stopping a late rally by the Hotshots as the Bolts grabbed a 97-92 lead, with 38 ticks left.

Magnolia’s Mike Harris knocked in 24 points, including a three-point play as the Hotshots again came close by four, 95- Tony Bishop scores inside 99, but time was not on their side with only seven seconds left, on Wednesday. with Kier Quinto icing the win with two charities in the final Bishop was ably backed up by Chris Banchero, who fired 23 four seconds. points.

Peter Atencio The Bolts will try to grab a f inals’ berth in Game 4

Chiefs edge Stags by 2; Cardinals win

10. Promo cannot be used in conjunction with any unlimited promo offers, discount available and exclusive promo offers.

11. Promo cannot be converted to cash,credit, or other goods and services.

12. By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions.

Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

13. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITOTelecommunity. All decisions made

by DITOTelecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. 14. Promo shall only be offered in the following additional areas: LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas, Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay, San Mateo, Rodriguez (Montalban) Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros, Tuguegarao City (Capital), Enrile, Amulung, Alcala, Sanchez-Mira Ilocos Norte: Laoag City (Capital), San Nicolas, Badoc, Vintar Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente, Sinait, Cabugao, City of Candon, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Navarcan, City of Vigan (Capital), Bantay Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon, City of Cauayan, City of Santiago, Roxas, Ilagan City (Capital), Echague, Angadanan, San Isidro, Luna, Santa Maria, San Pablo, San Guillermo, Delfin Albano (Magsaysay), Burgos, San Mateo La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay, Naguilian, Balaoan, Bangar, Bacnotan, City of San Fernando, San Juan, Luna Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano, Bambang, Aritao, Bayombong Quirino: Maddela Pangasinan: Basista, Bayambang, Binmaley, Dagupan, Manaoag, Mangatarem, San Manuel, San Carlos City, Lingayen (Capital), San Nicolas, Alaminos, Bolinao, Urdaneta, Urbiztondo, Bani, Bugallon, Mangaldan, Laoac, Dasol, Aguilar, Bautista, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Tayug, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin, Sison, Balungao, Rosales, Alcala, Mabini, Pozorrubio Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa, Pilar Bulacan: Pandi, San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Plaridel, Baliuag, Guiguinto, Bustos, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Santa Maria, San Rafael, Pulilan, Norzagaray, Balagtas (Bigaa), Angat Nueva Ecija: Cabiao, Llanera, Palayan City, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo Science City of Munoz, Talavera, Cabanatuan, Gapan City, San Leonardo, San Jose, General Mamerto Natividad, Rizal, Zaragoza, General Tinio (Papaya), Licab, Jaen, Quezon, Lupao, San Isidro, Guimba, San Antonio, Aliaga, Bongabon,Peñaranda, Cuyapo, Carranglan, Talugtug, Pantabangan, Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, ArayatMinalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol Tarlac: Capas, Tarlac City, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Manuel,Victoria, Camiling, Paniqui, San Jose Zambales: Olongapo, Subic, San Marcelino,San Narciso; Santa Cruz,San Felipe Albay: Camalig, City Of Ligao, Daraga (Locsin), Legazpi City (Capital), Malilipot,Oas, Polangui, Libon, Malinao, Guinobatan, Santo Domingo (Libog), Tabaco Batangas: Alitagtag, Bauan, Cuenca, San Jose, Ibaan, Batangas City, Malvar, MataasnaKahoy, San Pascual, Santo Tomas, Lipa City, Talisay, Tanauan City, Taysan, Balete, Padre Garcia, San Juan, Balayan, Calaca, San Luis, Taal, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Laurel, Lobo, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente Camarines Sur: Baao, Bato, Bombon, Bula, Canaman, Iriga City, Libmanan, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pili (Capital), Sagnay, San Jose, Sipocot, Tigaon, Camaligan, Magarao, Cabusao, Lagonoy, Milaor, Calabanga, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, TreceMartirez, Tanza, Magallanes. Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite City Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban, Liliw, Pakil, Siniloan Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City OfCalapan (Capital), Bansud, Naujan, Pinamalayan Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna, Tiaong, Atimonan Rizal : Rodriguez (Montalban) Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla, Bulan, Matnog VISAYAS: Aklan: NabasIbajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon, Corella, Dauis Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) Cebu: Toledo City, Balamban, Barili, Carcar, Cebu City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, LapuLapu, Dumanjug, Talisay, Moalboal, Bogo City, San Remigio, Sogod, Alcantara, Santander, Ginatilan, Daanbantayan, Aloguinsan, Ronda, SibongaBoljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel, City of Passi, Dueñas Leyte: Ormoc City,San Miguel, Barugo,Palo,Dulag,Tolosa,Tacloban City (Capital), Mac Arthur, Julita Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia, Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay, La Carlota City, Ilog, San Carlos City, Calatrava Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay MINDANAO: Agusan Del Norte: City of Butuan, Buenavista Agusan del Sur: Rosario, San Francisco, Trento, Bayugan, Santa Josefa, Prosperidad; Compostela Valley: Monkayo Davao del Norte: Santo Tomas, Braulio E. Dujali, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Island City of Samal; Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz, Bansalan, Davao City, Digos, Hagonoy, Sulop Davao de Oro: Montevista, Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco Cotabato: Kidapawan, Makilala, Cotabato City South Cotabato: General Santos City, Polomolok Bukidnon: Malaybalay,City of Valencia, Quezon, Don Carlos, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Libona, Impasug-ong, Maramag, Kitaotao Lanao Del Norte: Linamon, Baloi, City of Iligan Misamis Oriental: Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, Talisayan, Manticao, Sugbongcogon, Medina, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Balingoan, Naawan, Villanueva, City of El Salvador, Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, City of Gingoog, Lugait; Gitagum, Laguindingan, Libertad, Initao Saranggani: Alabel Sultan Kudarat: City of Tacurong Zamboanga: Zamboanga City (MS-MAR. 28, 2022)

By Peter Atencio

GOLF WINNERS. Group champions and runners-up in the 2022 Southwoods Invitational, led by Division I winners Thirdy Escaño and Bong Tirol, hold their trophies during the awards rites of the club’s premier member-guest tournament at the Manila Southwoods recently.

Tigers blast CDO to stay spotless in Super League THE DAVAO Occidental Tigers remained unscathed after handing tough Cagayan de Oro Higalas a painful 83-70 defeat in the first-round elimination of the Pearl of the Orient Cup Pilipinas Super League at Manuel Roxas Gymnasium last Saturday.

Tigers Gab Dagangon, John Wilson, Emman Calo and homegrown Ron Anib waxed hot via a 12-4 run to stop the first-quarter surge by CDO’s Joko Tayongtong, Mel Villahermosa, Richard Co and JV Mantilla and grab the lead, 42-38, at the half.

The Davao Occidental squad, owned by the Bautista clan of Malita and supported by Cocolife president Atty. Jose Martin Loon, SVP Joseph Ronquillo, VP Rowena Asnan and EVP Franz Joie Araque, tried to break loose in the third, ig-

nited by a back-to-back treys by Wilson and perimeter conversions by Dagangon.

Cris Lalata and Roby Celis stood their ground in the ensuing plays to protect the Tigers’ lead at 63-56, going into the final period en route to their fourth straight victory in as many games in the regional pro league (Pambansang Liga ng Pilipino), headed by PSL president Rocky Chan, VP Ray Alao and Commissioner Marc Pingris.

“Sinunod lang namin ang game-plan ni coach Mario (Bonleon). Tiwala lang sa sarili at walang bibigay,” said Cocolife Super Player of the Game Dagangon, who had a sterling show of 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Tigers’ early victims were the Roxas Vanguards, 63-59; Cagayan Valley Super Eagles,77-51; and the Pagadian Explorers, 82-59.

KALEN Axel Doromal’s split free throw in the dying seconds lifted the Arellano University Chiefs to a scrambling 65-63 win over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags on Sunday in the 97th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the St. Benilde Gym in La Salle Green Hills.

Gelo Sablan pushed the Chiefs to the lead at 62-60 following a triple and then again at 64-63 with his free throws, before Sablan sealed the win with his own freebie in the final 3.6 seconds.

Justin Arana led the Chiefs with 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Jordan Sta. Ana added 14 points. Arana, however, was taken out of the game on a stretcher after injuring his right knee.

Ichie Altamirano spearheaded the Stags with 16 points, while JM Calma added 13.

San Sebastian takes on the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday, while Arellano fights the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Warren Bonifacio and Carl Brian Lacap took charge in the last two minutes as the Mapua University Cardinals put away the Emilio Aguinaldo College, 73-67, in the second game.

Lewis blasts Mercedes car as ‘undriveable’ in 5-year low JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia—Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton described his Mercedes car as “undriveable” on Saturday after qualifying only 14th on the grid for Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

It was the first time since the 2017 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he crashed, that he had failed to progress from the Q1 section of a qualifying session and the first time since 2009 in Britain for only speed and performance reasons.

“Of course, I am very disappointed,” said Hamilton, who apologised to the team.

“We have a serious issue—something in the set-up – and it was looking good in P3 (practice) so I tried to progress further in a similar direction, but maybe went too far.

“The car was so nervous it was undriveable.”

Hamilton started the inaugural Saudi Arabian race on pole position last December and has a record 103 poles in his career.

His new Mercedes team-mate and fellowBriton George Russell qualified sixth, but said he was also struggling with the car designed

this year to meet new regulations.

Russell said the team did not understand the new car yet, but believed it had great potential which needed to be unlocked.

“For the team, it’s not a good day. We don’t have a handle on the car at the moment and it

Lewis Hamilton AFP

has been inconsistent. We are fighting for such a small window (of performance).”

Hamilton said he was unlikely to be able to produce one of his trademark swashbuckling attacking drives from the back of the field to a podium finish on Sunday.

“It’s the same car that I had in qualifying so I don’t anticipate moving very far forward, but I’ll give it everything.”

The 37-year-old Briton, who last weekend finished third in Bahrain to establish a record of standing on the podium in every one of his 16 seasons in F1, said he was considering breaking the parc ferme regulations to make changes to his car and to start from the pit lane.

“Maybe I’ll start from the pit lane and change the car again to make sure it doesn’t handle the way it just did today,” he said.

“For sure, there is something wrong, but I don’t know what it is so I can’t comment on it. I just had no rear end. It was just too loose.

“I just apologise to my team because everyone works so hard and when you don’t deliver for them it’s just gutting.” AFP

Born to Lead: President Duterte B i r t h d a y S p e c i a l I ss u e

B1

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 E-mail: advertise@gmail.com

DUTERTE’S LASTING LEGACY

By P. Y. Deligero

A

FTER assuming the Philippine presidency in 2016, Rodrigo Roa Duterte left an impact on the country by demonstrating a unique leadership style, partnered with a bold speech and brave demeanor towards handling national issues like terrorism, corruption, and health concerns, both shocking and delighting his Filipino constituents for several years.

Throughout his term as the 16th president of the Philippines, Duterte initiated several efforts to develop the country into a disciplined yet progressive one. Among his endeavors, seven stand out from the rest, supporting the claim from his many supporters that he’s a good and effective president despite his naysayers.

“I bore no illusion that steering the nation towards a comfortable life for every Filipino would be easy. Indeed, the past five years have truly been challenging and humbling,” he said during his final State of the Nation Address in July 2021.

Before Duterte’s administration, the public constantly commented on the country’s economy, saying that things could be better. Duterte eventually addressed the issue with tax reform under Secretary of Finance Carlos

SMC Infra - 29.7 x 27.55 cm.indd 1

‘I bore no illusion that steering the nation towards

“Sonny” Dominguez III, making the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

His reforms raised taxes on “sin” products such as tobacco, e-cigarettes, and alcohol through the passage of the TRAIN law. The tax reform was also effective in meeting the administration’s goal of keeping poverty levels to a minimum. Data from the Duterte Duterte added two sin tax laws in again when the COVID-19 pandemic administration shows a reduction in broke out early in 2020. poverty incidence to 16.7 percent in 2019 and 2020.

Unfortunately, the economy took a Another achievement that Duterte 2018, compared to the 23.3 percent in nosedive, and poverty became rampant managed during his presidency was 2015.

a comfortable life for every Filipino would be easy. Indeed, the past five years have truly been challenging and humbling.’

—President Duterte

intensifying infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program with the help of former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways Mark Villar.

The president poured funds, over P6 trillion in the past six years, into numerous infrastructure projects to build 145,000 classrooms, 2,000 school buildings, 5,555 bridges, and 26,500 kilometers of roads, access roads, expressways, and tollways. He Turn to B2

12/3/21 6:28 PM

B2

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

Born to Lead: President Duterte

E-mail: advertise@manilastandard.net

B i r t h d a y S p e c i a l I ss u e

Revisiting Duterte’s leadership style

By P.Y. Deligero

B

He was very adamant about solving the drug crisis in the Philippines, the problem which he believes needs the most attention from the government. He was quick to impose policies that apprehended drug dealers and users, keeping them away from the streets as fast as possible.

EFORE Rodrigo Roa Duterte became the 16th president of the Philippines, he kept the public at the edge of their seats by going back and forth on whether he will vie for the highest position in the government or not.

However, eventually, he surprised both supporters and opposers by announcing his bid for the presidency, teaming up with former Speaker of the House of Representatives Alan Peter Cayetano, who ran for vice president.

Duterte received both praise and contempt from the Filipinos. Some argued that he was unfit to run a country despite his career as a Davao City mayor.

On the other hand, those who saw progress in Davao believed that Duterte can develop the entire country to be as disciplined and advanced as Davao.

Months later, he won the presidency by a landslide, surpassing his competitors Mar Roxas, Grace Poe, Jejomar Binay, and the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

THE MAN WHOM THE PUBLIC URGED TO RUN Born in 1945, Duterte grew up in a family with close ties to local politics. His father was formerly a provincial governor, and the family had links with the powerful families in Cebu province, where the family patriarch was once mayor.

He trained as a lawyer and later became a state prosecutor before being elected as Davao City mayor in 1988. Duterte retained the position for 30 years, making him a favorite among his constituents.

While in office, Duterte tackled some of the Philippines’ pressing issues like crime, corruption, and militancy.

All three dropped significantly during Duterte’s time, earning the confidence of his constituents.

Even as mayor, Duterte already exhibited his unapologetic behavior where he

continually shows everyone who’s boss and how they shouldn’t mess with him. Many around the city know that they should abide by his rules because he closely monitors the city and visits government agencies unexpectedly to see if its employees are doing their jobs properly.

His efforts and initiatives made him well-loved among the residents of Davao. After decades of peace and prosperity, they wanted Duterte to step up his game and replicate his achievements on a national scale.

Despite Duterte’s disinterest in the presidency, people urged him to run regardless. Cayetano already started campaigning for Duterte even though the latter continuously denied the invitation. Yet the people’s call became too overwhelming for him to ignore. As a result, Duterte gave in and announced his bid for the position, much to the delight of his supporters.

During the campaign period for the 2016 presidential elections, a great part of the public championed Duterte as the president the country needs because he offers a new approach to governance characterized by a strong desire to put Filipinos in their place using strict laws

and regulations as opposed to the lax yet ineffective environment they’ve gotten accustomed to for decades.

ASSESSING HIS LEADERSHIP STYLE It didn’t take long before Duterte started his plans for the country when he assumed the role of president, beginning with the “War on Drugs” campaign, which he promised to eradicate in six months.

He was very adamant about solving the drug crisis in the Philippines, the problem which he believes needs the most attention from the government.

He was quick to impose policies that apprehended drug dealers and users, keeping them away from the streets as fast as possible.

Under his decree and the promise to create a safer country, authorities quickly joined the mission by taking suspects into custody as fast as possible.

His autocratic personality required police and military personnel to follow him without question. It also helped that most of his cabinet members and government officials supported him since the campaign period.

Time Magazine even recognized him

as a strongman, putting him alongside the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Yet even though the campaign intended to lower the crime rate and drug use throughout the country, it soon encountered new problems such as overcrowding in jails and correction facilities and unlawful prosecutions.

Human rights experts and organizations were quick to condemn the ‘War on Drugs’ by deeming it as a tragic waste of human life. It can also be an interpretation of Duterte’s leadership style, where many commented to be ill-prepared, especially since the scope and limitations of running a nation are different from a city.

Years later, Duterte continued to demonstrate his leadership style governed by firm decisions and aggressiveness to assert his domination in crises and situations.

As many people know, the incumbent president doesn’t mince his words when asked about his opinion. He doesn’t shy away from cussing or challenging personalities like Pope Francis I and former USA president Barack Obama.

Duterte also drops truth bombs on several government agencies and institutions in the country, which almost always surprises the public.

President...

From B1

spent more on the campaign compared to his predecessors, while Villar raised infrastructure spending to an average of 5.14 percent of GDP, opposed to Fidel V. Ramos’ 1.7 percent, Joseph Estrada’s 1.62 percent, Gloria Arroyo’s 1.5 percent, and Benigno Aquino III’s 2.7 percent.

Banking on his success in the infrastructure sector, Duterte then tapped Department of Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade to encourage the same development in the transport sector, which receives the most complaints from Filipinos because of numerous violators, complicated commuting, and hours of traffic.

Following the concerns of the public, Tugade made mass transportation accessible, reliable, and easy in the Duterte administration.

“We have taken away the misery of public commuting,” he said.

He completed more than 200 airport projects, 400 seaports, and 21 new lighthouses. The DOT secretary also oversaw the building of new airport terminals for Mactan, Clark, Ormoc, and Kalibo. Even the Bicol Airport reopened after an 11-year delay.

Tugade also improved operations in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The airport NAIA improved from being one of the worst airports in the world to being the most improved by 2018. Illegal actions such as the “tanim bala” incidents also came to a halt, giving many travelers going to and from the airport a sense of safety and security.

Inspired by the idea to provide accessible and affordable services to all Filipinos, Duterte then looked towards the education sector, knowing that many of today’s youth wish to attend classes but struggle to do so because of financial problems. As a solution, Duterte signed RA no. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which he signed on August 3, 2017.

RA 10931 provides various financial assistance and scholarships to student beneficiaries in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs). It also institutionalized programs like the Free Higher Education (FHE), Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), Student Loan Program, and Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

His communication skills, for some, resemble a strict father who expects change and order from his family. The Philippine president’s way of speaking became endearing to thousands of Filipinos, especially since they saw immediate results following his “sermons” or statements.

Unfortunately, most of his statements also come across as tactless and tasteless, earning him criticism from private individuals and organizations alike.

Duterte was also frequently called out for making sexist jokes that no longer sit well with the public.

Most of the time, Duterte relied on spokespersons representatives from his team to clarify any misunderstandings, perform damage control, and get his point across.

But among all the challenges that arose during his term, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that tested Duterte’s capabilities as a leader the most. The continuous community quarantines were a temporary solution to what became a long-term problem.

Filipinos started clamoring for more from the government, asking for a medical solution instead of a military one, calling for financial aid to help them survive amidst a global health crisis, and more.

Despite Duterte’s efforts to create a task force and update the public about the situation, it just wasn’t enough at first.

But the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. With ramped up vaccination efforts and many Filipinos putting to heart the health and safety protocols that the government set, the Philippines is nearing the light at the end of the tunnel in its fight against an invisible enemy as COVID-19 cases have gone down fast, with the country even at a better place than many of its Asian neighbors.

Like every other president of the Philippines before him, Duterte has both positive and negative traits in his leadership style.

And now that Duterte’s nearing the end of his term as president, his constituents are looking back at how he led the Philippines during his time. They now remain hopeful that in May, their fellow countrymen will elect a leader who can replicate Duterte’s successful projects and learn from his mistakes in the past to secure a more effective government.

Another achievement in the Duterte administration worth mentioning is an independent foreign policy. Duterte skillfully maneuvered international talks with the United States of America and pivoting his alliance to China without losing the support and friendship of the latter.

The US also returned the Balingaga Bells of Samar, which they took as a trophy during their occupation in the Philippines.

Duterte’s win during the pandemic By early 2020, Duterte faced the most challenging problem in his administration: the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, most of his efforts in keeping the economy afloat and reducing poverty reports became insubstantial as Filipinos stayed indoors for their safety, causing the economy to come to a screeching halt since workers were unable to go to work for a time.

Although the Philippines, like every other country in the world, was unprepared for the incident, Duterte eventually came up with policies that aimed to provide solutions to the pandemic, while keeping Filipinos safe and updated inside their homes.

He first signed RA 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, to help the government intensify its ongoing efforts against COVID-19. It also allowed Duterte to wield special powers as head of the executive department in containing the spread of the virus and mitigating its effects.

Eventually, Duterte began tapping government agencies to contribute to the pandemic. Since his first response was to put the entire country in community quarantines, he later shifted to a medical approach.

In an attempt to hinder the transmission of the COVID-19 virus among Filipinos, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) prioritized the production of 26,000 test kits for field implementation and distribution to five hospitals.

Meanwhile, as assistance to hundreds of thousands of displaced families, the government also developed, expanded, and enhanced the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” for two months.

Although Duterte received numerous criticisms from other government officials and the public, his administration was not without any achievements. But being human, like his predecessors, he also experienced highs and lows in his term as president. Filipinos now hope that Duterte’s successor can either meet or surpass the level of governance that he set during his time.

Born to Lead: President Duterte B i r t h d a y S p e c i a l I ss u e

B3

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 E-mail: advertise@gmail.com

Quantifying Duterte’s achievements

By Patricia Taculao

A

FTER six years as the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte earned several achievements that arguably make him efficient in the role he assumed in 2016.

One way to look at his successes as the head of the executive government is by looking at the numbers or statistics reported based on his performance.

Here are some of them: 60+ SATISFACTION RATINGS Duterte maintained a “very good” satisfaction rating in the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey show results from last December. He achieved a +60 rating, eight points higher than his previous +52 rating in September 2021. Part of the criteria in the survey is the efficiency of the various programs he rolled out recently.

SWS President and CEO Linda Luz Guerrero explained that Duterte continues to enjoy the “honeymoon phase” of his leadership because his ratings remain above the +30 to +49 marks.

Guerrero also said there’s no clear explanation for his high ratings, but respondents consider other factors that define his administration.

The survey reported that Duterte’s administration received a net satisfaction rating of “very good” with +61 points based on the survey’s respondents. In the meantime, his other efforts, such as helping the poor and the campaign against illegal drugs, received a rating of “very good” (+54) and “good” (+46), respectively.

516,000 HECTARES GIVEN TO 405,800 FARMERS Under the Duterte administration, 405,800 farmers around the country received a total of 516,000 hectares.

His marching orders to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) encouraged the agency to implement real agrarian reform and help improve the lives of its recipients.

The DAR now continues to empower beneficiaries with training and financial assistance that have reached 1,626,097 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Since August 2021, 897,882 farmer-ARBs availed financial assistance worth P18.7 billion.

3.3M FILIPINOS ASSISTED IN MALASAKIT CENTERS One of the many facets in the Philippines that Duterte focused on as president is the health sector. As a result, he signed Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and expenses.

The Malasakit Center combines the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof to provide easy access to government financial and medical assistance, particularly to indigent patients.

Although it was Duterte who signed the law to Malasakit Center possible, it was Bong Go who principally authored and pushed it in the Senate.

Presently, there are 80 Malasakit Centers in Luzon, 37 in Mindanao, and 29 in the Visayas.

109, 035, 343 FILIPINOS PROVIDED WITH UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE In February 2019, Duterte signed the Universal Health Care Bill into law, bringing in massive reforms in the Philippine health sector.

The UHC Law expands the population, service, and financial coverage through various health system amendments. It also has a planned paradigm shift to primary care, which is the core and center of all health reforms under the UHC. All Filipinos are guaranteed equitable

access to quality and affordable health care goods, services, and protection against financial risk. The UHC helps ensure every Filipino is healthy, protected from health hazards and risks, and has access to affordable, quality, and readily available health services suitable to their needs.

6M FILIPINOS LIFTED FROM POVERTY Over the years, government officials struggled with poverty. It comes as no surprise that even Duterte had to find solutions to an ongoing problem present even before he assumed the presidency.

However, eradicating poverty is no easy feat. By mid-2019, Duterte appealed to congress to pass measures that help government lift six million Filipinos out of poverty. He began imposing tax reformations and other initiatives such as standardized wages to support his goal.

Eventually, his administration was able to meet this objective.

According to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the reforms that Duterte set, along with positive economic developments that boosted the purchasing power of Filipinos, reduced the country’s poverty incidence from 23.3 percent in 2015 to just 16.6 percent in 2018.

Ultimately, 5.9 million Filipinos lifted themselves from poverty in the first three years of the Duterte presidency.

813 COVID-19 FACILITIES Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic is the most challenging problem that Duterte faced in his term. As the number of cases increased, so did the public’s demand for a medical solution to the global health crisis.

Eventually, Duterte’s administration built a total of 813 COVID-19 facilities throughout the Philippines to provide the patients afflicted with the virus the care and attention they need to recover.

24,253 DRUG-CLEARED BARANGAYS Before assuming the presidency, Duterte vowed to solve the drug problem in the Philippines. He then started the “War On Drugs” campaign to further his efforts and apply his plans on a national scale.

Among the organizations that the incumbent president tapped into are the local government units (LGUs) like cities and barangays. They worked closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP), military personnel, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to apprehend suspects involved with drug trafficking.

The PDEA later reported, as of December 2021, that 24,253 barangays throughout the country are free of drugs. However, a total of 11,175 barangays have yet to achieve this status.

Local authorities also dismantled a total of 993 drug dens and 18 clandestine shabu laboratories from July 2016 to December 2021. Moreover, a total of 14,240 high-value targets across the country were arrested since the anti-illegal drugs campaign was launched on July 1, 2016.

Meanwhile, various types of illegal substances worth P75 billion were seized, including P63 billion worth of shabu.

Authorities also arrested 323,579 persons involved in illegal drugs during Duterte’s administration.

Apart from these numbers, there’s no denying that Duterte left a significant impact on the Philippines during his term. And like the other presidents who came before him, his legacy will go down in history because of his achievements and unique approach to leadership.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar lauded the immediate and resolute approval by President Rodrigo D. Duterte of various measures proposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to cushion the impact of global economic challenges and Russia-Ukraine crisis on Philippine food security.

Maligayang Kaarawan PANGULONG RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE!

Pagbati mula kay SENADOR BONG GO

B4

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022

Born to Lead: President Duterte

E-mail: advertise@manilastandard.net

B i r t h d a y S p e c i a l I ss u e

Customs gains under Duterte administration

T

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has automated and streamlined 139 or 82 percent of its 170 processes and procedures under the Duterte administration through its continuing modernization program, which has resulted in above-target collections despite the economic slowdown induced by the pandemic.

In its report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the BOC said that at the height of the pandemic in 2020, it was able to collect P537.69 billion, which is 106.2 percent of its P506.15 billion goal.

In 2021, the BOC collected P643.56 billion, or 104.3 percent of its target of P616.75 billion for this period, and higher than its 2019 pre-pandemic collection of P630.31 billion, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

Guerrero said the BOC’s revenue haul included P1.5 billion generated from its post-clearance audit of 342 companies and P895.95 million from 176 Prior Disclosure Program (PDP) applications.

He said that among the notable accomplishments of the BOC under its customs modernization program is the integration of the Ports of Manila, Cebu, and Davao and of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) to the Customs Operations Center located in the bureau’s head office in Port Area, Manila.

Guerrero also cited the full implementation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System, which requires foreign carriers (sea vessels and aircraft) or their authorized agents to electronically transmit cargo information in advance using manifest data for profiling,

risk assessment, anti-terrorism, law enforcement, and other related purposes.

Dominguez congratulated the entire BOC for a “great job done” on the agency’s modernization efforts.

“Without your leadership, this modernization program would not have gone as far as it has gone, and your collections certainly would not have been as good,” Dominguez told Guerrero.

Guerrero said among the processes automated by the BOC through its Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-backed projects is the submission, processing, and approval of applications of importers and exporters defined as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) or those recognized as having complied with WCO- or equivalent supply chain security standards.

These processes and procedures are now done electronically through the BOC’s AEO Online Portal.

Besides the AEO Online Portal, among the 30 ICT-supported systems implemented in the BOC, are its Customs Dashboard, Customer Care Portal System, Document Tracking, Parcel and Balikbayan Boxes Tracking System, Electronic Advance Ruling System (e-ARS), Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), Automated Bonds Management System (ABMS) and Computerization of Super Green Lane Office.

The BOC also successfully deployed its Automated Inventory Management System for Customs Bonded Warehouses (CBWs) at the Port of Manila to determine and monitor the stock inventory of bonded goods from the time of its entry into the CBW up to the liquidation of the goods declaration covered by the Warehousing Single Administrative Document.

Through the establishment of an Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System (E-TRACC System), the BOC can track, monitor and audit the location and condition of containers, as well as obtain real-time alarms on, among others, diversion and tampering of cargoes.

The BOC’s Customer Care Centers

To celebrate its breakthroughs and milestones in the previous year, the Bureau of Customs on February 23, 2022, capped its 120th Founding Anniversary with the theme ‘Transforming, Performing, And Modernizing Towards A World-Class Customs Service.’ The event was was graced by the Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, and Undersecretary Antonette Tionko. (Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/BureauOfCustomsPH)

allow the uninterrupted processing of shipments even during the pandemic, thus keeping businesses afloat during the crisis; while the establishment of the Customs Operations Center serves as the headquarters to integrate and analyze intelligence, enforcement and operational information gathered from various sources, Guerrero said.

From 2016 to 2020, the BOC has likewise procured 200 body-worn cameras, and acquired 20 patrol boats to improve its border protection capabilities, he added.

On its anti-corruption efforts, Guerrero said the BOC under the Duterte administration has either reshuffled or transferred 3,855 employees, served show-cause orders to 1,407 personnel, filed administrative cases against 183, transmitted 164 complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman, relieved 192 employees, and dismissed 24 from the service.

In 2021, it was able to resolve all 642 citizens’ complaints brought before the bureau, Guerrero said.

DOLE 9 joins Duterte Legacy:

Barangayanihan Caravan in Dipolog City

The launch of the “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” bringing the government closer to the Filipino public. (Source: https://www.dole9portal.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 joined the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police at the Provincial Police Office, Camp Hamac, Sicayab, Dipolog City yesterday, for the launch of the “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” bringing the government closer to the Filipino public.

According to Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assumed office in 2016, the chain of positive changes in the Philippines started and this was achieved through his leadership anchored on his agenda of “Tapang at Malasakit”.

“It has been over 5 years since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assumed the leadership of our nation – an event that started a chain of positive changes in our lives through his “Tapang at Malasakit” agenda against corruption, criminalities, and societal ills of our nation while ensuring economic prosperity, proactive and efficient social services, and upholding of human rights – aspects of governance that the previous administrations have failed to respond to,” said Sec. Andanar.

The ‘Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan’ is a collaboration with government agencies, as well as volunteers from the Global Coalition of Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers.

This campaign aims to inform the public about the government’s programs, policies, accomplishments, and efforts to bring about real change to the lives of the Filipino people by showcasing real stories from the beneficiaries in their respective localities of the administration’s landmark policies and programs.

Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that DOLE 9 for its part set up a booth and made services available to participants.

“The DOLE Zamboanga del Norte Field Office led by Chief Lourdes B. Amores made services such as registration for rural workers associations and registration to Safety Officers training available. OWWA Family Welfare Officers also provided customer assistance to OFWs present in the area,” Atty Buenafe added.

As part of the serbisyo caravan, DOLE 9 awarded livelihood starter kits to 4 beneficiaries namely Lyndon A. Culanculan​​ of Manukan and Almira P. Laquio, Christine B. Jaralve, Elmer S. Calio, residents of Dapitan City. Their kits were composed of tools and jigs for food vending, carpentry and retailing worth P 20,000.00 each.

Christine Jaralve expressed her thanks to DOLE, “Daghang salamat kaayo sa DOLE sa paghatag aning starter kit. Makasugod na gyud ko og pamaligya para matabangan nako ang akoang pamilya.

Salamat kang Presidente Duterte ug Secretary Bebot Bello. (Thank you very much DOLE for providing this starter kit. I will now be able to start selling so I can help my family. Thank you President Duterte and Secretary Bebot Bello).

Also joining the caravan to offer basic services were Social Security System, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform, PhilHealth, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Land Transportation Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Health and Department of Public Works and Highways.