Manila Standard - 2022 March 31- Thursday

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PATAFA, OBIENA CONFLICT OVER: POLE VAULTER BACK IN PH TEAM

STANDOFF ENDS AS PILAR VICE MAYOR TURNS OVER 12 MEN NEWS / A2

SPORTS / C1

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 46 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Duterte red-tags 5 party-lists Accuses them of conspiring to infiltrate Congress as legal fronts of CPP-NPA

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night claimed communist rebels had infiltrated Congress through five party-list groups acting as their “legal fronts,” a charge that was immediately denounced as false by the groups he identified.

DEADLY LABEL. Progressive groups hold a protest rally in front of the Office of the Ombudsman after filing an administrative complaint against PCOO Usec. Lorraine Badoy over her red-tagging of Vice President Leni Robredo and supporters of her presidential campaign. Manny Palmero

Comelec taps Rody to BIR: Collect unpaid estate taxes Ferolino to head TF ‘Kontra Bigay’

By Vito Barcelo and Julito G. Rada

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino to head the task force on vote buying.

Commissioner George Garcia announced the information after attending the poll body’s en banc meeting on March 30.

Ferolino hogged the headlines earlier this year after retired Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon criticized her for delaying the release of a ruling on the disqualification case against former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Guanzon, who would have voted to disqualify Marcos, said Ferolino had delayed the decision until Guanzon was retired.

Garcia said Ferolino would call a meeting with the task force and draft the necessary guidelines. He said the task force would accept complaints on vote Next page

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night called out the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for its failure to collect a certain estate tax due, saying it could help the cash-strapped government bankroll some of its programs.

In his weekly televised public address,

Duterte said the BIR need not be reminded of its mandate to collect the estate tax.

“The government can only prod.

There is no need for a reminder from Malacanang. The BIR is there, so we should ask the BIR why it has not yet collected the estate tax,” the President said.

Although the President did not name the party involved, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Wednesday the BIR is exerting all efforts to collect

the unpaid estate taxes from the heirs of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which have ballooned from P23 billion in 1997 to about P203 billion today.

But according to Partido Federal ng Pilipinas general counsel George Briones, the Supreme Court ruled with finality on the P23 billion in estate tax owed by the Marcoses, and not the remainder of the P203 billion which may still be subject to Next page reconciliation.

“I tell you that Lorraine Badoy is right,” the President said of the spokesperson of his National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which has been widely criticized for red-tagging critics of the administration.

Badoy had earlier claimed that several members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives were cooperating with the communist rebels to “end” the government.

Duterte identified these groups as the Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Gabriela party-lists.

“You can see in their behavior and the way they espouse their advocacy— really leftists,” he said, saying the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has been Next page

Lacson bares crowd-for-hire setup in rallies

By Macon Ramos-Araneta A CAMPAIGN organizer has offered presidential candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson people for hire—at P500 per person—to attend his campaign rallies for the May 9 elections, the veteran senator disclosed Wednesday.

Lacson made the statement during a press conference with Zamboanga City Next page

Palace: DU30 backing ‘game changer’

By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG said Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte's endorsement of a potential successor could be a "game changer" as presidential candidates seek additional support ahead of the May 9 elections.

With only three months until he steps down from office after a six-year term,

$615m in digital cash from online game Axie stolen HACKERS stole cryptocurrency worth $615 million from a digital ledger used by players of the popular online game Axie Infinity, in a major digital cash heist revealed Tuesday.

About 35 percent of Axie Infinity traffic—and the biggest share of its 2.5 million daily active users—comes from the Philippines, where high proficiency in English, strong gaming culture and widespread smartphone usage have fueled its popularity, Next page

acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte still enjoyed broad public support, which allows him to avoid lame-duck status.

"Clearly, the President is no lameduck President. As I said before, clearly the endorsement of the President is not a kiss of death for any presidentiable," Andanar said at a news conference.

Next page

COOKED METH. The Bureau of Customs-NAIA and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency seize over a kilo of shabu, with an estimated value of P6.8 million, concealed inside a pressure cooker on March 30, 2022.

Govt to give ICC info on seized drugs

By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to provide rights advocates and the International Criminal Court (ICC) data on the volume of illegal drugs seized in the Philippines.

Duterte issued the order during his weekly taped Talk to the People Tuesday night.

“To those criticizing the government, I suggest the PDEA, if you are listening now, submit a report, all the data from different law enforcement agencies, to human rights groups. Give just one report, maybe from PDEA. Give it to the human rights advocates, those who bring

the ICC,” Duterte said.

Duterte said human rights organizations critical of the current administration must see the drug war report to enlighten them about the gravity of the drug problem in the country.

The President issued the directive after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año informed him during the Cabinet meeting that anti-drug operatives had seized illegal drugs amounting to P453,203,447 from March 20 to 26 alone.

“So they’ll know, in spite (of) or despite our working double-time, how grave the problem is, that there is really still a lot of illegal drugs,” Duterte said.

The President said human rights advocates, especially those who have asked the ICC to probe his anti-narcotics drive,

Next page

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News

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Power outages, water rationing feared

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

"Are we still expecting power outages? The answer is yes because multiple plants show recurring power outages and some of them are still on shutdown up to this date," Jephraim Manansala, ICSC chief data scientist said.

Manansala said the tight power supply and high fuel prices also were causing high electricity rates.

He cited outages of large coal-powered plants in the first quarter of this year up to today, despite the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP) approved by the Department of Energy, allowing planned and scheduled outages only until March 25, 2022.

He said the approved GOMP of grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines required all coal-fired power plants to be available during the dry

months.

"However, from the recent operational data of these power plants, data shows they may not be available because of the recurring forced outages. We have seen plenty of them to be non compliant to the scheduled outages to the GOMP," he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos expressed concern late-night water rationing could extend into daytime and that drought could occur in lowland farms as dam water levels were going down faster this summer.

The water level at Angat Dam – the main source of drinking water for Metro Manila and irrigation for farmers in Pampanga and Bulacan, she said, could dip from the present 191 meters to the critical level of 180 meters before the next administration takes over.

“We have been complacent for four decades," she said.

She noted that most of the old dams like Angat, Pantabangan, and Magat opened between 1967 and 1983 but have not been rehabilitated since then.

“Cloud-seeding and water rationing are just stopgap measures. It has not rained despite the forecast of a longer La Niña,” she added.

Amid budget constraints, Marcos said the next administration should ramp up investment in small water impounding systems that can harvest rainwater during the wet season.

“These will be earthen dams not more than 30 meters high and that can store up to 50 million cubic meters of water. Even upland farmers can benefit from them,” Marcos said.

The country harvests less than 10 percent of rainwater, most of which runs off to the sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

For his part, Manansala said multiple power plants were still undergoing forced outages like the Calaca unit 2 and SLTEC unit 2.

"We have also seen plenty of them

Duterte...

access to all information, including sensitive information from the intelligence community. We believe he has a basis for these charges,” Andanar said in Filipino.

On Monday, Badoy said the party-lists would “destroy our beloved Philippines” if they are elected again to Congress.

She urged voters not to vote for these groups.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, in an interview with the ABSCBN News Channel (ANC) on Wednesday, said Duterte’s remarks were “clearly a partisan, political ploy” that aims to “destroy this early the opposition.”

Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the President's “red tagging spree” is an " attempt at pointing blame at progressive lawmakers with baseless red-tagging accusations instead of solving urgent problems of the people.”

"The recent red-tagging tirade of President Duterte is simply a desperate attempt of his administration and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to steer the attention away from the urgent problems of the people of unending oil price hikes, low salaries and high inflation rates," Castro said.

She said the party-lists were only voicing the demands of the people for a salary increase.

"Putting blame on progressive partylists who are only voicing the demands of the people for salary increase, adequate social services and aid and respect for human rights of every Filipino," she added.

Instead of red-tagging his critics, Castro said "the Duterte administration should focus its energy and the government's resources in addressing urgent issues of the people."

"Its red-tagging threats and harassment will not help alleviate the suffering of the people due to rising prices of basic goods," Castro said.

Zarate said that Duterte's recent attack on the Makabayan bloc is “a desperate election squid tactic to create a wedge in the growing numbers of the political opposition that support the Leni-Kiko tandem, as well as to prevent the eventual reelection of progressive party-lists of Congress.”

"Once again, President Duterte is foisting the communist and terrorist tag on the public to justify intensified attacks on his critics. We have already seen the dangers of this kind of attack as it erases any distinction between what is legal and illegal,

the unarmed activists and armed rebels-all in utter disregard for due process and fundamental freedoms," Zarate said.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said President Duterte's recent red-tagging statements "constitute his desperate last-ditch attempts to silence progressive groups in the run-up to 2022 polls."

"We see nothing but desperation in Duterte's recycled red-tagging claims against Gabriela Party-list and the entire Makabayan bloc, especially as it was issued a few weeks before the May 9 polls," Brosas said.

The Gabriela Partylist lawmaker said fighting for lower prices of oil and basic commodities and for higher wages are basic genuine demands of the poor reeling from the recent price shocks.

The CPP-New People’s Army (NPA) is listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated CPP-NPA’s political wing, National Democratic Front, as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

said collecting the tax might take time. "[The] BIR is collecting and demanded payment from the Marcos estate administrators. They have not paid. [The] BIR will continue to consolidate the titles in favor of the government on those properties which have been levied upon," Dominguez said, relaying a message from the BIR. "The procedure may take time as it involves selling at public auction to convert to cash. [The] bottomline [is] Marcos does not take any steps to settle and pay because [of] pending litigation," the message said.

Earlier this month, the DoF said it was pushing the BIR to collect the unpaid P203 billion estate taxes of the Marcos heirs to generate more revenue for the

government that will help institutionalize programs to ease the lives of Filipinos amid the oil crisis.

Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez said in a television interview that DoF wanted the BIR and the Customs not only to collect revenue but also look for sources of revenue.

The BIR, as previously confirmed by the Aksyon Demokratiko Party, wrote a demand letter in December 2021 asking the Marcoses to pay their estate taxes.

Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier said "there's a lot of fake news involved" in his family's unpaid estate taxes despite the 1997 Supreme Court ruling that they must settle their liabilities, which initially

amounted to P23 billion in 1997.

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio earlier said the BIR should file a criminal case against the Marcos family over their “willful refusal” to pay their estate tax liability worth P203 billion.

In a briefing, acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the BIR should go after all those who are not paying their taxes, not just a certain politician, because the government needs additional funds.

Andanar would not say if the President was referring to the Marcos estate tax.

The camp of presidential candidate Marcos repeatedly dismissed calls for his family to settle the tax liabilities and said the case is still pending in the courts.

campaign rally.

But while Duterte has yet to announce his preferred presidential candidate, Malacanang said he would join the PDP-Laban party in campaign sorties starting today.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary and PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag said the event in Cebu would be the President’s first public appearance to endorse the candidates of the ruling party.

He said Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu was one of the most vote-rich provinces based on Commission on Elections data.

“We are planning probably more or less 24 more areas that the President will appear (in) to endorse the senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban and also those candidates who are being endorsed and adopted by PDP-Laban, and the local candidates as well,” Matibag added.

Comelec...

with it before the campaign period and we said fine… but now that the local campaign period has started you can no longer cite [the] Peñera [doctrine],” Garcia said.

Garcia referred to the landmark case of Rosalinda A. Penera v. Commission on Elections and Edgar T. Andanar in which the Supreme Court declared that “a candidate is only liable for election offenses only upon the start of the election period.”

This means that expenses of candidates before the start of the campaign period are not covered by campaign guidelines.

Garcia said vote-buying does not necessarily involve giving money as cited in Section 261 of Omnibus Election Code.

“A promise can be considered votebuying if that is what influences their vote. It's not based on the amount. What's important is that your intention in giving is to buy their vote,” he said.

of the crowd. It is like a human resources department. Actually, the net take home of each participant is something like P200. Maybe that is the net because there is additional P100 or P150 for transportation and food,” Lacson said.

“I was surprised actually. It seems those people attending the rally of other candidates are the same. It was being offered to us,” he added.

Now running as an independent candidate, Lacson said his organizer did not accept the offer, as his and Sotto’s campaign focuses on town hall meetings.

“That’s the reality on the ground and we know that, most of the candidates know that and we can’t blame the people because coming from the pandemic, life is really hard,” the former chairman of Partido Reporma said.

Meanwhile, judicious spending and equitable distribution of public funds will produce a wealth of economic opportuni-

ties for the urban poor, Lacson said.

He told Zamboanga City residents on Wednesday about his plans to alleviate widespread poverty in the country.

The three-term senator offered a refined and streamlined "Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program" (4Ps) as one of his long-term goals to bring underprivileged families and communities above the poverty line.

Lacson, however, clarified that he was not “sour-graping” and was just stating the realities on the ground.

On the other hand, Lacson said his campaign would focus on convincing voters who consider him as their second choice to actually vote for him.

Citing a recent survey, Lacson said he got a 2% rating from the “hard supporters” while he got 40% from the “soft supporters” or those who would vote for him but are considering his winnability. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

T

HE Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) warned of threats of power outages and continued increasing power rates, especially in the next two months due to the maintenance shutdown of baseload power plants.

From A1

able to get support from these groups.

"You can see the way they talk, behave. Until the end of my day, I would continue to criticize and say something about these party-lists."

He accused the groups of using government funds to support communist rebels.

Apart from these activist groups, Duterte also slammed the rich who have been using the party-list system as a backdoor to further establish themselves in Congress.

Duterte said the communist rebels were earning “billions” of pesos by extorting construction companies and contractors.

“You know, it’s a conspiracy, you have a legal front, party-list. But it is a conspiracy – the act of one, the act of all,” he added.

In an online briefing, acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar defended the President’s statements, saying they were based on unspecified intelligence reports.

“We all know that the President has

Rody...

From A1

Former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is running for president under the PFP. "What is final is the P23 billion in assessment,” Briones said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“What I am saying is the figure of P203 billion is not final because that is still subject to reconciliation,” he added.

The DOF said the estate tax will be an additional source of revenue amid the ongoing oil crisis that has driven rising prices of basic goods.

In a message to reporters, Dominguez

Palace:...

From A1

At least two presidential bets – Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso – have appeared hopeful they would win Duterte's endorsement.

The PDP-Laban faction allied with Duterte has already backed Marcos, who recently met with the President to discuss several matters, including Duterte's experience in running the country.

The 64-year-old Marcos is running with Duterte's daughter, Sara DuterteCarpio, under the UniTeam slate.

Duterte is set to visit vote-rich Cebu province today (Thursday) to receive updates on the government's peace and development initiatives in Central Visayas as well as attend a PDP-Laban

Lacson...

From A1

Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng “ClimacoSalazar, vice presidential candidate and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and senatorial candidates Manny Piñol and Minguita Padilla.

“The other day, this is funny because one of our supporters in Luzon, Southern Tagalog Region, was approached by an organizer. I would just like to share this with you because this is somehow misleading. He was asked if 'Senator Lacson and Senator Sotto would like to conduct many rallies. We can provide attendees for P500 per person, no matter how many,’” he said.

According to the lawmaker, these “hakot” crowds would be coming from Rizal, Payatas, Caloocan, and Mandaluyong.

“It is up to us to determine the volume

From A1

buying or investigate reports on its own initiative.

The task force “Kontra Bigay” will be composed of the Comelec, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Earlier, the Comelec had warned local candidates that holding raffles or giving away in-kind donations can be considered vote buying.

“They probably think they could get away with it. Maybe they did get away

to have exceeded the ERC mandated allowable outages and they exceeded this value in the first three months of the year alone," he said.

He said plants that had undergone recent maintenance still experienced unplanned outages just a few weeks after their scheduled maintenance "and even the newest, youngest coal-fired power plants are seen to experience recurring frequent outages."

Pedro Maniego Jr., ICSI senior policy advisor said the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine invasion only worsened what was already a fragile and inflexible energy system.

"Indigenous renewable energy is vital to the economy, as is genuine competition in the power sector. Fossil fuel-dependent baseload systems are obsolete and have been replaced by residual load systems anchored on near zero marginal cost energy sources in many countries," he said.

"Real modernization through flexible and distributed generation – powered by renewable energy – is what we need to spare us from the perennial outages and to establish long term energy security and affordable, reliable power,” Maniego said.

$615m...

From A1

according to Sky Mavis, maker of the battle and trading game.

Users of the popular play-to-earn game will not be able to withdraw their cryptocurrencies from the Ronin Network while the hacking of the system is being investigated, a local official of the gaming company said on Wednesday.

Nix Eniego, Axie Infinity Philippines lead, said the company is working to ensure that no users’ funds are lost.

"We are actively investigating the situation and are in the process of discussing with Axie Infinity/Sky Mavis stakeholders about how to best move forward and ensure no users' funds are lost. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more,” Eniego said.

He said that around 60 percent of

Standoff ends: Pilar vice mayor turns over 12 men, firearms THE two-day standoff at the house of reelectionist Pilar, Abra Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono ended yesterday afternoon, with the local official turning over 12 male employees as well as 14 firearms to the police.

Police forces earlier cordoned the house of Disono following Tuesday's shootout that ensued after her bodyguards ignored a police checkpoint at the town center.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the men inside the van sought refuge at Disono’s residence after the gunfight.

Disono’s camp said the 14 different kinds of firearms, which will be subjected to ballistics tests, were all registered and licensed.

Fajardo said the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday when the vehicle carrying Disono and her security escorts refused to stop at a checkpoint, which resulted in a chase.

She said the checkpoint was established after the police received intelligence information on the existence of a private armed group in the area.

Fajardo said the vehicle, when it sped off, hit two cops and its occupants started firing at the police.

Killed in the shootout was Sandee Boy Bermudo, one of Disono’s security aides.

Fajardo said investigators were given access to the deceased person only Tuesday night for the conduct of an autopsy investigation and paraffin test.

She said a 9mm firearm, registered under Disono, was also recovered from the vehicle.

Fajardo said Disono, sister of incumbent town mayor Mark Somera, had not availed herself of any exemption from the election gun ban for her to be allowed to carry firearms outside of her residence.

She added that the incident might be considered an election-related incident.

Govt...

From A1

should understand that the use of illegal drugs is “very deleterious to the human body.”

Based on the latest Real Numbers data released by the PDEA Wednesday, a total 24,379 out of the 42,045 barangays (villages) have been declared drug-cleared while 6,606 barangays were drug unaffected/drug-free barangays and 11,060 have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs as of February 2022.

Authorities have also seized a total of P76.01 billion worth of narcotics across the country since the start of the Duterte administration's crackdown on illegal drugs in mid-2016.

The amount includes P63.46 worth of shabu.

Meanwhile, government agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have seized a shipment of more than P6.8 million worth of illegal drugs smuggled from Malaysia.

A composite team from the Customs Port of NAIA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and NAIA Drug Interdiction Task Group intercepted the shipment of 1,011 grams of shabu at the Federal Express warehouse in Pasay City Wednesday morning.

The prohibited substance was found concealed in a pressure cooker.

The authorities refused to give the name of the shipment's owner, citing the ongoing investigation of the port's legal division.

Axie’s user base is in Asia – majority of which is from the Philippines.

Ronin Network said the attack targeting its blockchain netted 173,600 ether and $25.5 million worth of stablecoin, a digital asset pegged to the US dollar.

The haul was valued at $545 million when it was stolen on March 23, but was worth about $615 million based on prices Tuesday, making it one of largest thefts ever in the crypto world.

"Most of the hacked funds are still in the hacker's wallet," Ronin said in a post revealing the theft.

The memo on the cyberattack said only Ethereum and USDC assets were compromised. Meanwhile, AXS and SLP, which can be earned in the Axie game, as well as RON assets, were "safe right now."

Richard Laig, an Axie player, told ABSCBN that Axie users have no choice but to wait it out and hope for the best. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

House wants stricter rules vs. agri-smuggling

EARLY ENROLMENT.

A teacher talks to a young enrollee for kindgarten class at Aurora Quezon Elementary School in San. Andre, Manila .

Danny Pata

By Maricel V. Cruz A POWERFUL House committee is looking at ways to strengthen the country’s laws against smuggling of agricultural products and increasing penalties on the offenders.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, disclosed that the panel has been working with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture with a view to “tighten the noose on agricultural smugglers.”

In a statement, Salceda said as early as February 2021, his committee alerted the Bureau of Customs and the other pertinent agencies about the unabated agricultural smuggling. Acting on the committee’s request, the BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other agencies formed a joint task force to go after the smugglers.

“By March, we conducted an executive session with the BOC and the Department of Agriculture, along with other relevant agencies, to strengthen anti-agricultural smuggling efforts in the ecozones and the ports, in response to biosecurity threats from the smuggling of plants and animal products. As a result of such discussions, the Department of Agriculture adopted stricter rules through the issuance of Memorandum Circular 12 which establishes comprehensive biosafety and biosecurity guidelines and a plan of action for improving biosafety systems,” Salceda said.

He said that in October last year, his committee conducted another hearing, this time “focused on efforts to prevent the smuggling of agricultural products.”

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Rody favors class suspension due to Taal P RESIDENT Duterte favored the suspension of classes in schools within the seven-kilometer danger zone of Taal Volcano’s eruptions.

In his prerecorded “Talk to the People” program aired Wednesday morning, the President said it was “prudent” to suspend classes in the threatened areas to keep the students out of harm’s way.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones reported that classes were suspended in at least 19 schools in Batangas after Taal showed signs of restiveness.

Briones said the children’s safety, particularly those studying in the “permanent danger zones” might be com-

promised due to the volcanic eruptions.

“That is why we suspended classes (in those schools).

“Normalcy must be achieved there first. It would be on the side of prudence not to expose the children to danger,” the Chief Executive said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Taal Volcano’s status to Alert Level 3 as it sustained its eruptions on Saturday.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum

earlier said the Alert Level 3 declared over Taal Volcano might be lowered to Alert Level 2 if eruptions stopped in the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to release P100 million to provide emergency employment the Taal victims.

“We are prepared just in case there will more people affected by Taal’s eruption. We are preparing, I’ve instructed our finance officer to make ready and available P50 million to P100 million, in case it’s needed,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told to the President during the “Talk to the People” briefing on Tuesday night.

Bello said the assistance would be given to residents of affected areas, specifically the towns of Agoncillo , Laurel, San Luis, Taal, Calaca, Calatagan and Lemery in Batangas.

The beneficiaries would be employed for 10 days and compensated based on the minimum wage prevailing in the region.

“The minimum wage in Region 4 is P400 a day, so they will work for 10 days, we will give them P4,000 for 10 days work. We can give that immediately,” he added.

Bello also said DOLE would provide livelihood assistance to the affected individuals.

Experts say PH must revisit position on climate change

RUNNING PRIEST. Fr. Robert Reyes, called the ‘Running Priest,’ leads the reading of prayers for the conduct of peaceful and honest elections on May 9 in front of the Commission on in Intramuros, Manila. Norman Cruz

A SCIENTIFIC research by local climate experts recommends revisiting the Philippines’ stance on climate change to strengthen the country’s contributions to the Paris Agreement.

According to the study, the Philippines must pursue a different path to strengthen its contribution to the Paris Agreement-one that is anchored on climate change adaptation and resilience, and which finds context in sustainable development, instead of the usual Green House Gas (GHG) inventory-centric approach.

This is true for a country highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change despite having a relatively small carbon footprint, the paper stated.

The document stemmed from a joint research by Dr.Toby Melissa C. Monsod (PhD), Sara Jane Ahmed, Golda P. Hilario,

titled “Accelerating Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation: Strengthening the Philippines’ Contribution to Limit Global Warming and Cope with its Impacts.”

It emphasized that the necessary first step for strengthening and accelerating climate action in the Philippines would be to “return to the first principle of adaptation as the anchor strategy, pursuing mitigation as a function of adaptation, with programs and measures driven by their impact on sustainable development and not by emissions reductions per se.”

The paper was launched during a recent virtual town hall discussion dubbed “Convergence of Health and Environment in Shaping the Strategic Policy Agenda of the Next Administration” organized by the think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

PH, Canada sign labor accord DOH gives awards to LGUs for best healthcare practices

By Vito Barcelo THE Philippines and Ontario, Canada have forged a bilateral agreement strengthening labor relations between them and opening doors wider for Filipinos workers to find employment in Ontario.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Ontario Labor Minister Monte McNaughton recently signed a joint communique recognizing the strong relations between the Philippines and the Canadian province of Ontario,

The two officials are also set to ink a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation.

Bello said the agreement with Ontario was part of DOLE’s program to find more countries for Filipino workers.

Bello conveyed his appreciation for the opportunities provided by the Ontario to Filipino workers. He was optimistic that the MOU would be signed soon.

He likewise hailed Ontario’s recent programs intended to provide workers with complete protection and bigger salaries.

THE Department of Health (DOH) has given out awards to local government units (LGUs) that provided the “best healthcare practices” for their constituents.

The citations, dubbed Healthy Pilipinas Awards for Healthy Communities, aim to promote sustain able and effective healthcare practices in the country.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), and the Livable Cities Challenge lauded the DOH for launching the program attuned to the DOH’s Health Promotion Strategy Framework.

PHAP executive director Teodoro Pa-

dilla urged the country’s next leaders to sustain investments in health to contribute to the aspiration of leaving no one behind when it comes to quality healthcare.

“We believe that giving due recognition to our local governments will not only accord them the accolade they deserve but also send a strong message that health should be prioritized as threats are not yet over,” Padilla said.

He said investing in health yields better outcomes that benefit individual health, the environment, and the economy.

DOH Health Promotions Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho noted that almost 80 percent of health outcomes are due to socio-economic, envi-

ronmental, and behavioral factors.

She said the goal under the Universal Health Care Act is to support and redesign the Filipinos’ lifestyles to be more health-conscious..

PFV executive director Dr. Lulu Bravo cited the need to scale up the country’s primary healthcare system, and move toward promotive and preventive health in communities.

Baguio City was awarded for its mental health program and their COVID-19 prevention and response.

Borbon, Cebu was commended for its Borbon Mental Health Warriors, Healthy Nanay and Bulilit, and Borbon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Health Emergency Services programs. Macon Ramos-Araneta

FDA stops illegal online sale of drugs THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed 48 online posts of the drug Molnupiravir for alleged unauthorized sale to the public.

FDA deputy director general Oscar Gutierrez said there were nine brands of Molnupiravir sold online. He identified them as Molnarz, Movfor, Moluzen,

Molenzavir, Molmed, Mpiravir, Zero Vir, Molnuvid and Movir.

Molnupiravir is used to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in the country.

“Violation po ito ng RA 9711 (Republic Act No. 9711) dahil hindi naman po sila mga rehistradong produkto (This is a violation of RA 9711 because these

drugs were not registered ),” Gutierrez said in the weekly taped “Talk to the People” briefing with President Duterte that aired on Tuesday night.

“We have coordinated this with the owners of platforms] and even drug stores,” he said, adding that all listings and postings were taken down. Willie Casas

American with revoked visa faces deportation

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered the deportation of an American national who was arrested by BI agents for alleged money laundering and theft.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the American as

Renato Rivera Bucoy Jr., 48, who was collared by the BI operatives during a raid of the suspect’s condominium at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Morente said Bucoy would be immediately flown back to the United States since the suspect’s deportation had been approved by the BI board since last year.

“He was also placed in our immigration blacklist, thus he is banned from re-entering the country for being an undesirable alien,” the BI chief added.

According to BI-FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy, a warrant for Bucoy’s arrest was issued May 1, 2018 by a US district court in New Jersey.

MINDING THE STORE. A woman tends to the vegetables at her stall in San Andres Market in Manila. Prices of agricultural products are rising due to the shocking runaway prices of oil products. Danny Pata

A4

Samar mayors back Leni’s bid in May elections

News

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

By Rio N. Araja

UNITEAM VISTS DAVAO DEL NORTE. UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. (center) with his running mate Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (4th left) together with from left Mark Villar, Lakas-CMD President and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Rodante Marcoleta, Win Gatchalian, Gibo Teodoro, Gringo Honasan and Larry Gadon flashes Tibay at Puso sign during grand rally at Municipal Park Grounds, Carmen, Davao Del Norte. Ver Noveno

UniTeam has Davao’s support Isko focuses on gas reserves in Liguasan

By Rey E. Requejo AKSYON Demokratiko standardbearer and Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso vows to work for the full development of natural gas reserves in the Liguasan Marsh located in Maguindanao province, which forms part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“God have mercy, if we succeed in becoming the president of the country, I will see to it that the natural gas deposit in Liguasan Marsh will be fully developed so that our country will not always be dependent on imported fuel which is subject to price increases when there is a conflict like in Ukraine and Russia,” Moreno said in an interview with reporters in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

According to a government survey, the area beneath Lake Buluan in Maguindanao’s Liguasan Marsh contains an estimated 68 billion cubic feet of gas worth at least $1 billion or P52 billion It is also believed to contain oil and coal if deeper digging is made.

“As we all know, there is a recent development that the Liguasan Marsh has deposits of natural gas and possible oil. So it really proves that Mindanao can save our country from our daily needs and in the future, especially oil, which is a problem of human life because we depend on the crude oil we import from various sources abroad.

When there are incidents such as the explosion of an oil plant in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, the price fluctuates and we have no control over that price. That is the world market price, so based on supply and demand,” Moreno explained.

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE province’s biggest political names have merged to back presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and vice presidential bet Sara Duterte as the UniTeam kicked off its Davao region campaign.

The prominent clans of the Del Rosarios, Floirendos, Dujalis, Uys and Aalas were among BBM-Sara’s staunch allies who were present in the provincial rally held in Carmen town on Wednesday morning.

They were also joined by Mayor Virginia Perandos of the host town.

Oyo Uy, from the well-known Uy family of the business and enterprise

sector, said they do not have any other candidate for the country’s two highest posts but only the BBM-Sara tandem.

“Diri sa Davao del Norte, 101 percent ang among support sa BBM-Sara tandem. Walang ibang makapapagpatuloy ng mga nasimulan ni President Duterte kundi sila lang,” Uy said.

(Here in Davao del Norte we

are 101 percent in support of the BBM-Sara tandem. Only the two of them can continue the reforms initiated by the Duterte administration) Uy is vying for vice gubernatorial post in tandem with another accomplished politician — board member Roy Catalan of Panabo City.

The gubernatorial aspirant said that if given a chance, his administration would focus on empowering the agriculture sector which is heavily affected by the pandemic and strengthening the health services in the province.

The province is greatly known for its billion-peso banana industry and other premium commodity crops.

DIALOGUE WITH FISHERFOLKS. Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, had a dialogue with the fisherfolk community in Brgy. San Jose, Sogod, Southern Leyte who are beneficiaries of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) Angat Buhay Sustainable Livelihood and Training program. The fisherfolk community lost their livelihood due to Typhoon Odette in December 2021 and had since received food packs, shelter repair kits and financial assistance for their fishing boats from the OVP. (VP Leni Media Bureau)

OUT of the 23 mayors in Eastern Samar, at least 19 of them are backing the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2022 national election.

Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone and the local chief executives said it was only Robredo who visited their province and helped the people living in the hinterlands in 2014 even before she wanted to be the country’s next president.

Last Tuesday night, Robredo visited the province and met with the local officials to seek their support.

She was greeted by an estimated crowd of 75,000 people.

Along with Eastern Samar Rep. Fe Abunda, those who manifested their support for the Vice President were Jose Ivan Dayan Agda of Borongan City, Rafael Asebias of Quinapondan, Javier Zacate of Sulat, Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan of Guiuan, Godofredo Garado of Maydolong, Gil Norman Germino of Can-Avid, Allan Contado of Balangkayan, Shonny Nino Carpeso of Dolores, Edwin Quiminales of Mercedes, Thelma Nicart of San Policarpio, Melchor Mergal of Salcedo, Heracleo Santiago of Maslog, Gina Ty of Taft, Viviane Alvarez of Oras, Benjamin Ver of Jipapad, Roland Evardone of Arteche, Dennis Estaron of San Julian, Flora Ty of Gen. MacArthur and Gilbert Go of Giporlos.

Abunda is the sister of celebrity host Boy Abunda.

Of all of the presidential candidates, she believes that the best one for the job is a woman.

‘Govt needs to quickly act on minimum wage’

By Joel E. Zurbano SENATORIAL candidate Jejomar Binay on Wednesday urged the government to immediately resolve the petitions of labor organizations to increase the country’s minimum wage.

Binay also proposed further increasing income tax exemptions to benefit more working Filipinos, not just minimum wage earners.

Binay said middle class and working Filipinos have been affected by the increase in prices of basic commodities and fuel triggered by the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines had filed a petition seeking to raise private workers’ minimum wage in Metro Manila to P1,007.

TUCP asked the Department of Labor and Employment’s Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board for a P470 wage hike from the present P500 to P537 per day.

The group also filed petition before the Northern Mindanao – Regional Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) for a P413.00 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in Region 10.

Comelec tweaks guidelines of next presidential debate this weekend THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will introduce changes in the format of its second presidential debate.

The next Comelec is scheduled this weekend. In an ABS-CBN report, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said with the new changes, viewers can “expect more clash of wits and the passions will be high” among candidates.

The first presidential and vice presidential debate was held on March 19 and 20 and the discussion centered around COVID-19 and the economy.

Garcia said one of the changes is that more media personnel would be allowed inside the venue for the upcoming debate.

The first presidential and vice presi-

dential debate, held on March 19 and 20, focused on COVID-19 and the economy.

In the previous debate, candidates were given 90 seconds for their preliminary statements, 30 seconds for rebuttals, and 30 seconds for rejoinders. The candidates also drew lots to determine who would answer first, and after the first candidate an-

swered, the rest followed in alphabetical order.

Held at the Sofitel Manila in Pasay, the first presidential debates lasted for around 2 and a half hours.

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was the only presidential candidate who was absent in the first Comelec debate.

QC is finalist in WWF’s One Planet challenge QUEZON City has been selected as one of three national finalists for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) 2021-2022.

Two other major cities - Davao and Dipolog City were also selected along with Quezon City. These three cities were selected among the 16 qualified cities from the Philippines.

The OPCC is a friendly global compe-

tition initiated by the WWF to recognize cities for their climate actions and ambitions and assess whether they align with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement in limiting climate change to 1.5 °C. Cities are also key contributors to climate change, as urban activities are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. An estimated 75 percent of global CO2 emissions are from cit-

ies, with transport and buildings being among the largest contributors.

But some cities have started to use renewable energy sources, implement regulations to limit industrial emissions, and institute energy efficiency measures Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte expressed her gratitude to WFF-OPCC for selecting her city as one of the finalists.

Poll body seeks to recalibrate rules on gun ban THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking to recalibrated the Comelec guidelines for gun ban exemptions ahead of the May polls.

In a GMA News report, Comelec chair Saidamen Pangarungan said that the “amendments to Resolution No. 10728 with the aim of producing a more efficient system of issuing certificates of authority” include the decentraliza-

tion of the granting of exemption to the Regional Directors and Election Officers and the grant of automatic exemption to justices, judges, and prosecutors, including the Ombudsman.”

Resolution No. 10728 details the guidelines in the use of firearms and bodyguards during the election period.

“The Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC)

was given one week from today (1) to finetune and finalize the proposed amendments; (2) to ensure that the regional directors and election officers possess the required capacity to undertake the task; and (3) to consult with Comelec partners and study the safeguards needed for such amendments,” Pangarungan, quoted by the GMA News report, said in a statement.

NEW CENTENARIAN. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman awarded the latest centenarian, “Lolo” Isidoro Cao of Tabaco City who received his P30,000 cash incentive from LGUTabaco. Norman Cruz

Opinion Thomas Dewey in 1948, Bongbong Marcos in 2022

EVERY industry commits booboos, and the opinion polling industry is no exception.

The opinion polling industry has had its share of booboos, but none has surpassed the booboo it committed in connection with the U.S. Presidential election of 1948. I am impelled to bring that remarkable episode in U.S. political history to the recollection/notice of the 2022 Philippine electorate in the face of the opinion-polling firm Pulse Asia’s finding of a commanding lead - an unprecedented 37 points - by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a.k.a. Bongbong Marcos, over his leading rival, Vice-President Leni Robredo.

The polling firm appears to have succeeded in conditioning - that’s the operative word - many voters regarding Mr. Marcos’s electoral prospects, to the point where a fellow-newspaper columnist titled a recent piece “Game Over.”

Seriously? Is the 2022 Presidential game really over, with Bongbong Marcos the runaway winner? After reading what I am about to write regarding America’s 1948 presidential election - its first after World War II - millions of this country’s eligible voters may well decide that the 2022 presidential game is by no means over.

The Thomas Dewey in the title of this column was the standard-bearer of the Republican Party in the U.S. presidential election of 1948. His Democratic opponent was Harry Truman, who had succeeded the enormously popular Franklin Delano Roosevelt as Chief Executive upon the latter’s death in April 1945.

The contrast - and difference in electoral attractiveness - between President Truman and Mr. Dewey could not have been greater. Until President Roosevelt chose him as his running mate, Harry Truman, the junior senator from the midwestern state of Missouri, was not well-known nationally. An executive of a haberdashery firm prior to his election as senator, Harry Truman was self-effacing and lacked charisma. By contrast, Thomas Dewey was a charming attorney who parlayed a successful career as New York state prosecutor to the governorship of the U.S.’s most important state. Truman had the advantage of being in the White House; and Dewey’s strength was his popularity.

Many Democratic Party leaders wanted a standard bearer other than Harry Truman, but, as the incumbent, Mr. Truman had the strongest claim to his party’s

nomination.

Given Governor Dewey’s greater popularity and the all-out support of the Republican Party - the party of Abraham Lincoln had been out of power since 1932 - President Truman went into the 1948 election as the clear underdog. Using today’s video-game language, the Republicans would have said “Game over” as Election Day neared.

Getting into the political mood of the day, Gallup Poll and the other opinionsurvey firms weighed in with survey after survey indicating a commanding lead by Thomas Dewey over Harry Truman. By the time America’s voters trooped to the voting stations, the opinion-survey institutions had virtually conceded the election to the New York governor. In its final survey the biggest firm in the U.S. opinion-survey industry, Gallup Poll, gave the election to Thomas Dewey.

This game is far from over.

So widespread, indeed, was the feeling that the Republican Party candidate was the incoming President that one of the leading U/S/ newspapers, the Chicago Tribune, actually began running an issue whose banner headline was “Dewey Wins.”

One cannot be too harsh with the opinion-survey industry of the U.S. for calling the 1948 Presidential election results so wrongly, in the process committing the biggest gaffe in the industry’s history. After all, the candidate that they said would win, Thomas Dewey, was a first-rate human being - decent, honest, God-fearing and possessed of a blemishless public record. Mr. Dewey totally deserved the commanding lead that the pre-election survey results said he enjoyed.

Contrast that with the commanding lead that Pulse Asia has reported Bongbong Marcos enjoys. Mr. Marcos has not a single one of the personal and professional attributes of Thomas Dewey.

The difference between the two men is like the difference between day and night.

Notwithstanding the well-orchestrated attempts to condition Filipino voters’ minds that it is over, the 2022 presidential game is far from over. Between now and Election Day, a ‘commanding lead’ can disappear. Gallup Poll and the other U.S. opinion surveys committed an enormous booboo in prematurely declaring Thomas Dewey the winner over Harry Truman. Bongbong Marcos appears to be well on the way to becoming the Philippines’ Thomas Dewey.

Money at the heart of international efforts to save nature

By Laure Fillon CAN humanity curb spending that harms the world’s biodiversity and instead focus funding on protecting it?

That question is at the heart of international negotiations in Geneva, which will set the stage for a crucial United Nations COP 15 biodiversity summit in China later this year.

Almost 200 countries are due to adopt a global framework this year to safeguard nature by mid-century from the destruction wrought by humanity, with a key milestone of 30 percent protected by 2030.

These ambitions will only be met with a new approach to biodiversity funding and a rethink of the huge sums spent on subsidies harmful to nature, according to observers.

Subsidies for things like fossil fuels, agriculture and fishing can often result in environmental destruction and encourage unsustainable levels of production and consumption, experts say.

The exact figure that the world spends on these harmful subsidies is debated, although the group Business for Nature estimates that it could be as much as $1.8 trillion every year, or two percent

of global gross domestic product.

Financing in general was among the more challenging issues up for debate at the Geneva meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which ran until Tuesday.

“Resource mobilization at this meeting has become a thorny issue,” said Ghanaian academic Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, who has played a key role in international efforts to protect biodiversity.

“It is a balancing act. At the global level money has continuously been a problem.”

‘Not peanuts’ The draft text contains the aim “to redirect, reallocate, reform or eliminate harmful incentives”, reducing them by at least 500 billion dollars per year.

It also includes a goal of increasing total finance from all sources to at least $200 billion a year by 2030 and increasing international money that goes to developing countries by at least $10 billion per year.

Last year, a study by groups including The Nature Conservancy and the Paulson Institute estimated that in 2019, the world spent between $124 and $143 billion per year on activities that benefit nature.

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EDITORIAL

These will not be missed

R

EGARDLESS of who is elected president in May, we look forward to some changes in the way things are done when President Duterte leaves office on June 30.

For all the administration’s achievements, there are aspects of its governance we will not miss. These include: An acrimonious relationship with the press. From the start, the President has had an antagonistic attitude toward the media—cavalierly dismissing critical reports about him as “fake news,” shuttering the country’s biggest broadcast network because he didn’t like the way it had treated him, and using government resources to persecute news organizations that speak truth to power. The next administration—even if it vows to continue pursuing the President’s agenda—would do well to put an end to this acrimony, and acknowledge that a free press has a crucial role to play in society that does not always involve praising those in power. The press needs no special favors; it just needs to be treated professionally and fairly.

Carelessness with facts. On many

Are these too much to ask? occasions, this administration has been loose with the facts, accusing its critics of being subversives or terrorists without offering a shred of proof to support its charges. We need only recall the ridiculous “matrix” that the Palace in 2019 insisted showed a network of anti-government personalities who were plotting to overthrow the government.

The list included opposition politicians, lawyers, journalists and even clergymen and one future Olympic Gold athlete—and it was completely false.

Perhaps no other agency of this administration exhibits an utter disrespect for the truth than its anti-communist task force, that regularly smears its targets as communists and terrorists,

with again no factual or evidentiary basis. People the likes of its spokesperson, Lorraine Badoy, who paints with a broad, indiscriminate red brush, will surely not be missed.

The next administration needs to dial down the anti-communist rhetoric, especially when it is based on lies, and end the waste of resources that is the anti-communist task force.

The use of government positions to reward political allies. The President has not been shy about saying he appointed people to their offices to repay a debt of honor to them for services rendered during the election campaign.

It is this kind of thinking that gave us the biggest corruption scandal in recent memory involving the purchase of billions of pesos of pandemic supplies through a favored—but unqualified— company.

The next administration needs to bring back meritocracy. Don’t appoint people because you owe them a favor; appoint them because they are the best qualified for the job.

Will getting rid of these practices be too much to ask of the incoming administration? For all our sakes, we hope not.

DPWH should fully open Kennon Road now but it is still ongoing. This being the case, the DPWH should develop a traffic management scheme to allow more vehicles to pass through Kennon Road to alleviate traffic along Marcos highway.

PEOPLE going up to Baguio City from the south normally take the Marcos highway. This is because for the past few years, the iconic Kennon Road has been closed to the public. Those living along the road however, and who own vehicles, are exempted from the ban.

Government vehicles and some influential government officials are also apparently allowed to use the road.

During weekends, the DPWH allows limited access for private vehicles. From Friday midnight to Saturday midnight, class one vehicles can use the road going up to Baguio City. From Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight the road is open to the same class of vehicles going down. According to the Regional Highway Patrol Office, the reason for this is the never-ending road repair works that have been going on for some years. The road has been closed much longer than when it was closed due to the earthquake in 1990.

Why it is taking such a long time to repair a badly needed road has never been explained satisfactorily. There seems to be no sense of urgency by the DPWH to finish the repair works that are being done in some sections of the road. These are in Camp 3 and 4 where some slope protection works are going on. The one in Camp 6 has something to do with the bridge while the one below the checkpoint if one is going down is also about slope protection. The repair works should have been finished by

Financing is one of the more challenging issues.

But they said the amount needed by 2030 should be up to $967 billion per year, which could include refocusing funding for harmful subsidies.

Vinod Mathur, president of the National Biodiversity Authority of India, is calling for $100 billion every year in additional funding.

“There has to be substantial funding, not just peanuts. It should be new funding, or additional funding and it should be timely,” he told AFP. Without it, developing countries say ambitious conservation targets will be

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

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

Using Marcos highway adds about 20 to 30 minutes to the trip going up or down, and with gas prices skyrocketing, this is adding to the burden of the motoring public. Since all classes of vehicles like buses, huge delivery trucks and class one vehicles must use the highway, the huge vehicles are slowing traffic flow considerably because overtaking becomes difficult for the faster and smaller vehicles.

Any diversion of traffic to Kennon Road therefore can help lighten the traffic along Marcos highway thereby improving traffic flow especially among owner driven vehicles. There are ways that this can be done without impacting so much the repair works being done along Kennon Road. For instance, adding more days to the three weekend days that the road is open to the public is one. Another is opening the road after work which is basically five O’clock in the afternoon to eight the following morning. The posting of signaling people will probably be necessary but this should be a small price to pay by the contractor or DPWH for the public to be able to use the road and improve traffic for both Marcos highway and Kennon Road.

A few years back, I remember the

DPWH mentioning the need to strengthen the slopes of Kennon to make the road an all-weather road. But that was a couple of years before the pandemic and as we can see, not much has been accomplished.

People might start to ask questions and be suspicious if there is a hidden reason why the repair works have not yet been completed. This is more so because the DPWH can apparently open and close Kennon whenever it pleases. It would help if the DPWH comes out with regular bulletins on the progress of the repair works. The public deserves that. It is also a mystery why the local governments of Baguio City and the Benguet Provincial government do not nudge the DPWH to open the road to the public at the earliest possible time. Both should be the ones pounding on DPWH to open the road but nothing is being heard from them. It seems that there is a conspiracy to keep the road closed to the detriment of the motoring public.

The last time I passed Kennon Road, there were road repairs being done but traffic was still allowed both ways albeit there were some controls. This was some years back and I am surprised that the repairs being done now are the same sections being repaired then.

Part of the work that DPWH should also be doing along Kennon Road to protect the slopes is to plant trees with broad leaves in coordination with DENR or alone if need be. This is because these kinds of trees are better in retaining water and can therefore strengthen the slopes better than pine trees. There are other things that the DPWH can do but the most important is to finish the repairs so that the road can be fully opened to the public soonest.

impossible to achieve, a real concern given the world has missed virtually all of its biodiversity targets so far.

Rich countries “recognize that there are additional efforts to be made”, according to one representative, although they took issue with the developing countries’ estimates of funding needed.

Observers expect the private sector to play an increasingly important role.

Private sector role Last year, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Mike Bloomberg joined other philanthropists in pledging $5 billion by 2030 for biodiversity restoration and conservation.

The Business for Nature coalition has the support of more than a thousand companies, which like the conservation groups, are asking for an ambitious text.

“Companies need the political certainty to urgently invest, innovate, shift

their business models,” said Business for Nature Director Eva Zabey, adding that many firms are prepared to be held accountable for their biodiversity impact.

As for subsidies, governments often defend them as helping the poor, said Ronald Steenblik, author of the Business for Nature study.

But he said “when you do the analysis you find that actually the major beneficiaries are very often the most wealthy”.

Some 80 percent of fishing subsidies, for example, go to industrial fishing and not to small-scale fishermen.

But reforms can be challenging because entire sectors of activity depend on them.

As is often the case in international negotiations, the subject will likely only be resolved in the home stretch, at COP15 in China. AFP

Why are the repairs taking so long?

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

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World

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Skeptics doubt Russian pledge to deescalate around Kyiv K YIV—Ukraine and Western allies waited Wednesday for signs Moscow was “radically” reducing military activity around Kyiv, as promised in peace talks, with skepticism high after Washington warned Russian troops were being repositioned and not withdrawn.

Both sides called talks in Istanbul “meaningful” and “positive”, in sharp contrast to previous rounds of discussions, raising hopes after more than a month of war that has killed thousands and displaced millions.

Russia’s deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin said there was progress on “the neutrality and non-nuclear status” of Ukraine -- two central Russian concerns.

And he said Russia would “radically, by several times reduce the military activity” around Kyiv and the northern city of Chernigiv.

But the pledge was met with skepticism in Ukraine and Western capitals, with the Pentagon saying Russia had merely repositioned a “small number” of forces near Kyiv, but could be preparing a “major offensive” elsewhere.

The “vast majority” of Russian forces around Kyiv remained in place, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

“We’ve only seen a small number begin to move away from Kyiv, mostly to the north.

“Russia has failed in its objective of capturing Kyiv,” the Pentagon spokesman added, but “it does not mean that the threat to Kyiv is over”.

Ukraine’s military also warned the Manila withdrawal of Russian troops around Standard Kyiv andTODAY Chernigiv “is probably a rotation of individual units and aims to mislead”.

On the ground overnight, air raid sirens sounded several times in the capital and continued into the morning.

‘We’ll see if they follow through’ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described “positive” signs from the Istanbul talks, which are expected to continue via video, but said there were NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given to the public the the Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of the Intestate Estate of Lutgarda Delgado Sangalang has been executed by and among her heirs, namely: Milagros D. Sison, Ana Victoria Delgado Torroba, and Teresita L. Goddard, as per Doc. No. 505; Page No. 102; Book No. VIII; Series of 2022 of the Notarial Register/Book of Atty. Henson M. Montalvo, Notary Public for and in the City of Makati.

no plans to let down defenses.

The signals “do not drown out the explosions or Russian shells”, he said in a late Tuesday video address, urging FOOD QUEUE. Residents wait for food outside a church in the northeastern city of Trostianets, on March 29. Ukraine said on March no talk of lifting sanctions on Moscow 26 its forces had recaptured the town near the Russian border, one of the first towns to fall under Moscow’s control in its month-long until the war is over. invasion. AFP Ukraine’s Western allies said they had no plans to ease measures taken to punish Russia for the invasion.

“We’ll see if they follow through on what they’re suggesting,” US President BNEI BRAK, Israel—Five people “We unfortunately have to note that country was “facing a wave of murderJoe Biden said after speaking with the were killed in gun attacks Tuesday five people have died,” said Eli Bin, ous... terrorism”. leaders of Britain, France, Germany and near the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, head of the Magen David Adom emerUS Secretary of State Antony BlinkItaly, who vowed no let-up in sanctions. emergency responders said, in the third gency responders, revising upward a en condemned Tuesday’s “terrorist atBelgium, Ireland and the Netherlands fatal gun or knife spree in the Jewish death toll of two from shootings in two tack”, calling the recent spate of vioon Tuesday announced 42 Russian dipstate in a week. locations in Bnei Brak. lence “unacceptable”. lomats would be told to leave, with Residents of the ultra-orthodox town Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, Police were deployed in large numMoscow in turn expelling 10 diplomats of Bnei Brak and the neighbouring who is based in the West Bank, issued a bers in Bnei Brak late in the evening, from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. town of Ramat Gan reported that a man rare condemnation of the attacks.

AFP journalists at the scene said.

Still, the face-to-face talks in Istanbul had driven around and opened fire at “The killing of Palestinian and Israeli There was no immediate claim of remarked the first sign of progress in dispassers-by, and Israeli police later said civilians will only lead to further dete- sponsibility for the shootings. cussions to end the conflict, with Kyiv’s security forces killed the assailant. rioration of the situation, while we are Bennett said he would convene an negotiator David Arakhamia saying They did not reveal his identity, but all striving for stability,” Abbas said in emergency meeting with top security there were “sufficient” conditions for Israeli media reported a Palestinian a statement carried by the Wafa news officials to review the situation.

Zelensky to meet Russian President from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, agency.

- Spate of attacks Vladimir Putin. who had spent four years in the JewIsraeli Prime Minister Naftali BenTuesday’s killings mark the third And optimism over the apparent progish state’s prisons, was linked to the nett, who heads an ideologically dispa- deadly attack in Israel in a week, bringress sent European and US stock markets attacks. They identified him as Diaa rate coalition government ranging from ing the combined death toll to 11, exup, while oil prices fell by five percent as Hamarshah.

Jewish nationalists to Arabs, said CYAN the cluding perpetrators.

AFPBLACK MAGENTA YELLOW supply fears eased, and the ruble surged 10 percent against the dollar.

Moscow had already signaled last weekend that it was dialing back its war goals, focusing its military resources on capturing the eastern Donbas region.

Nokor faked ‘monster’ In recent days, Ukraine’s fighters missile launch—Seoul have recaptured territory including the SEOUL—North Korea faked the launch strategic Kyiv suburb of Irpin, and Britof what analysts have dubbed its “monain’s defense ministry said overnight ster missile” last week, Seoul’s military “it is almost certain that the Russian said Wednesday, adding that the test was, offensive has failed in its objective to in reality, likely the same intercontinental encircle Kyiv.” AFP ballistic missile Pyongyang fired in 2017.

IN BRIEF

Saudi-led coalition declares Yemen Ramadan ceasefire

RIYADH—The Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government against Huthi rebels in Yemen’s conflict Tuesday announced a ceasefire from Wednesday morning and peace talks during the Islamic month of Ramadan starting next month.

“The coalition hereby announces the cessation of military operations in Yemen beginning at REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 0600 am (0300 GMT) WednesREGIONAL TRIAL COURT day, March 30, 2022,” it said in NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION a statement carried by the Saudi BRANCH 217, QUEZON CITY Press Agency.

MARSIAN INDUSTRIAL SALES AND SUPPLY CORPORATION, duly represented by This “coincides with the launch LUIS BENEDICTO N. ONG, of Yemeni-Yemeni consultations Plaintiff, -vsCIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-07023-CV with the aim of creating the appropriate conditions for their sucAGA & SONS CONSTRUCTION & DEVLOPMENT CORPORATION, cess and creating a positive enviDefendant, ronment during the holy month x----------------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE of Ramadan for peace making in WHEREAS, by virtue ofthe Writ of Execution dated November Yemen,” it added.

4,2020, issued by the HON. DOLLY ROSE R. BOLANTEPRADO, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, in the aboveRamadan is to start in the first entitled case, which plaintiff has recovered in our Court against days of April. defendant for the recovery of the Philippine Currency per plaintiff’s counsel computed amount of claims, in the amount The rebels have shunned the of the sum of SIX HUNDRED FORTY ONE THOUSAND, SIX meeting in Riyadh from WednesHUNDRED SIXTY SIX PESOS and SIXTY SEVEN 67/100 CENTAVOS(Php641,666.67) plus interests until fully paid, of day that is hosted by the Gulf Cowhich real property [ building or improvements only] is being operation Council and involves levied before the Assessor’s Office, Pasig City and said property is located and more particularly described as follows, to wit: the Yemeni government and US XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.....................TAX DECLARATION and UN envoys to Yemen. The NUMBER E-022-13050, containing an area of total:180.70 sq.

Huthis say they won’t travel to m ...... Located at Eusebio Ave., San Miguel, Pasig City .......

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. enemy territory for talks.

Registered for Taxation purposes in the name of AGA & SONS UN envoy Hans Grundberg CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENTCORPORATION. earlier on Tuesday evening said NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of the said Writ of Execution on Twitter: “I’m very grateful for and in accordance with the provision of the Rules of Court, the undersigned Sheriff, hereby gives notice to all interested parties the unanimous support expressed and to the public in general, that on April 21,2022 at 10:00 A.M. for UN efforts on immediate deor soon thereafter at the main entrance ofthe Hall of Justice Bldg.

Annex, City Hall Compound, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon escalation and a political settleCity, the undersigned will SELL at public auction to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the above-described ment of the conflict.” personal property [ building only], in order to satisfy the writ of The coalition’s announcement execution together with all the expenses for the execution and sale. comes after an official told AFP This Notice of Sheriff’s Sale will be published in a newspaper that Saudi Arabia was waiting of general circulation accredited in the office of the Clerk of for “serious steps” from Yemen’s Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City, once a week for three consecutive weeks. The first publication to take place at least rebels on a potential prisoner twenty [20] days before the date of auction sale. swap before responding to their Likewise, three [3] copies of this notice shall be posted in three offer of a ceasefire.

[3] public places where the property is located. Also, copies of the-same will be posted in the bulletin board of the City Hall of - Prisoner release talks Quezon City, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City, and this Court.

The Iran-backed Huthis called Prospective buyers are hereby enjOined to investigate a three-day truce and dangled the for themselves the Tax Declaration of said property, and the encumbrances if any. possibility of a permanent end to hostilities on Saturday, seven Please be guided accordingly.

Quezon City for Pasig City, February 21, 2022. years after the start of the war.

The offer was on condition that (Sgd.) REYNALDO B. MADOLARIA Sheriff IV the Saudis end their blockade and Copy Furnished: air strikes and remove coalition All Concerned parties. forces from Yemen. AFP (MStandard - Mar. 17, 24 & 31, 2022) (MS-MAR. 31, APR. 7 & 18, 2022)

Gun attacks kill 5 near Tel Aviv, third spree in five weeks

REMEMBERING PRINCE PHILIP. Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (left), Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (right) and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died April 9 last year, at Westminster Abbey in central London on March 29. AFP

‘Human rights crisis’: UN agency says half of global pregnancies ‘unintended’ PARIS—Nearly half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended, the UN reproductive health agency said Wednesday, warning that the war in Ukraine could further exacerbate what it called a “human rights crisis”.

Out of 121 million unintended pregnancies every year—331,000 a day— more than 60 percent end in abortion, almost half of them unsafe, the United Nations Population Fund said in a new report.

The UNFPA said the report was not about “unwanted babies or happy accidents”, but how a combination of gender inequality, poverty, sexual violence, and lack of access to contraception and abortion robbed women of “the most life-altering reproductive choice—whether or not to become pregnant”.

The war in Ukraine and other conflicts are expected to drive the “staggering” number of unintended pregnancies even

HAITI PROTEST. Haitians take to the streets to protest over the increasing kidnappings and insecurity in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, on March 29. AFP

higher as sexual violence increases and contraception access is disrupted, the report said.

“We have heard stories from pregnant women who knew that nutritionally they weren’t going to be able to support their pregnancy” in Ukraine, UNFPA executive director Natalia Kanem said.

“There are also predators and traffickers and examples of people who are seeing the tragedy of war as an opportunity to target women and girls,” she told AFP. She said studies estimated that more than 20 percent of displaced women worldwide experience sexual violence —“and I would bet that is under-reported because there is so much stigma around the issue.”

While figures are still sparse a month into the Ukraine war, she said that the conflict in Afghanistan was expected to lead to 4.8 million unintended pregnancies by 2025. AFP

North Korea last Friday claimed to have successfully test-fired a Hwasong-17 missile—a long-range ICBM that analysts say may be capable of carrying multiple warheads—which it first unveiled at a military parade in 2020.

But South Korea’s defence ministry told AFP that Seoul and Washington have now concluded that the launch was actually of a Hwasong-15, an ICBM that Pyongyang test-fired in 2017.

“US and South Korean intelligence has determined that what was fired on March 24 was a Hwasong-15,” the defence ministry official told AFP. Both ICBMs are potentially capable of hitting the mainland United States.

Seoul and Tokyo had separately confirmed at the time that the March 24 missile had flown higher and longer than any previous test—but analysts later pointed to discrepancies in North Korea’s account.

The false announcement was likely an attempt by Pyongyang to compensate for a failed launch on March 16, when a missile, which analysts said was actually the Hwasong-17, exploded shortly after launch. AFP

Beach town Byron Bay sunk by floodwaters SYDNEY—The Australian coastal enclave of Byron Bay, best known for its celebrity residents and idyllic beaches, was inundated by floodwaters Wednesday as severe storms battered stretches of the country’s east.

Torrential rain that began Monday proved unrelenting, with more than 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) falling in the area in 24 hours, forcing many shops in the Byron Bay town centre to close as roads were cut off by rising water levels.

Byron’s normally buzzing high street —lined with popular restaurants, bars and clothing stores—was all but empty Wednesday morning, transformed into a river by the mudbrown floodwaters.

In the nearby town of Alstonville, 420 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours.

By Wednesday morning, there were 10 evacuation orders in place across the affected region, urging thousands of people to leave their homes for higher ground.

For weeks Australia’s east has been smashed by extreme weather, fueled by La Nina weather patterns and climate change.

Record rainfalls and deadly flooding have killed at least 22 people since early February.

In Lismore, which last month was devastated by record 14.3-metre (47-foot) floods, the town’s levee was breached on Wednesday morning, emergency services confirmed.

The town’s local member of parliament Justine Elliot warned residents on social media that the levee’s siren would not sound because of a malfunction. AFP

Manila

Standard

Business

Stock market climbs; ICTSI and Metrobank lead gainers S TOP GAINERS PSEi March 30, 2022

1 ABG 2 BCB 3 RCI 4 RLT 5 CEB 6 I 7 DFNN 8 MG 9 PAL 10 FOOD

LAST PRICE CHANGE 3.85 0.33 6.48 0.5 0.59 0.04 0.23 0.014 47.45 2.85 0.84 0.05 2.7 0.15 0.146 0.008 6.64 0.34 0.61 0.03

% CHANGE 9.38% 8.36% 7.27% 6.48% 6.39% 6.33% 5.88% 5.80% 5.40% 5.17%

TOP LOSERS

1 REG 2 MA 3 ROCK

LAST PRICE CHANGE 2.81 -0.53 0.01 -0.001 1.38 -0.11

% CHANGE -15.87% -9.09% -7.38%

4 5 6 7 8 9

MEDIC SPNEC NOW PHR COAL EEIPA

0.9 1.93 1.21 0.98 0.245 100

-0.05 -0.1 -0.05 -0.04 -0.01 -4

-5.26% -4.93% -3.97% -3.92% -3.92% -3.85%

10

EVER

0.26

-0.01

-3.70%

TOCKS climbed Wednesday along with the rest of Asia as investors gave a cautious welcome to Russia’s pledge to “radically” wind down military activity around two cities including Kyiv, lifting hopes for a ceasefire in the month-long Ukraine war.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 51.93 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,167.02 on a value turnover of nearly P6.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 106 to 81, with 44 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the largest port operator and owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., gained 2.8 percent at P222, while Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei Group rose 2.5 percent to P20.50.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. of the Ty Group, the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, advanced 2.3 percent to P55.65, while fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. climbed 2 percent to P29.80 Most Asian markets also advanced Wednesday. Russia’s announcement, after talks between the two sides in Turkey, sparked a rally on US and European markets while sending oil

B3

TODAY

prices tumbling.

Russia’s deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin said there was progress on “the neutrality and non-nuclear status” of Ukraine—two central Russian concerns.

And Kyiv’s negotiator David Arakhamia said there were “sufficient” conditions for President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet in a push to end the crisis.

However, the excitement was tempered as world leaders greeted the news with skepticism, with Joe Biden saying he wanted to see if Moscow will “follow through” on a promise to de-escalate.

And the Pentagon said Putin had merely repositioned a “small number” of forces near Kyiv but could be preparing a “major offensive” elsewhere.

The strong gains on Wall Street and in Europe were largely matched in Asia, with Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Taipei, Jakarta and Wellington all performing well. Tokyo bucked the trend by falling.

“The first sign of good news, no matter how tenuous, from the Ukraine-Russia talks resulted in a mass stampede into equities,” said OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley.

“Asian markets, as desperate for any good news from the Eastern front as anyone else, have reacted by rallying strongly.” With AFP

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Saudi-Russian tandem holds firm on oil policy despite war LONDON, United Kingdom— Saudi Arabia and Russia, the twin pillars of the OPEC+ group of oil producers, look set to hold firm in refusing increases in crude production despite appeals to boost supply and stabilize price volatility.

The thirteen members of OPEC proper will meet their ten allies from the OPEC+ grouping—chief among them Russia—on Thursday for their monthly stocktake of the oil market.

Prices have seen several spikes since Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine began on February 24, at one point reaching $139.13 for the benchmark Brent North Sea crude contract and $130.50 for the American WTI, close to alltime records.

Despite this analysts say OPEC+ is unlikely to deviate from the policy of cautious increases it has set out for the months ahead.

“The war in Ukraine reminded the world that we are still dependent on OPEC+ to provide the world’s energy supplies,” says Edward Moya, analyst at Oanda.

When prices have been rising, Riyadh has profited, ignoring the warnings from the G7 about the “key role” the cartel

has in regulating prices.

The International Energy Agency has also been vocal on the need for Thursday’s meeting to produce “good messages which would help to relieve the strain in the oil markets.”

More so than any other member of OPEC+, “the Saudis have no real incentive to boost production as they are benefiting from the high oil prices and strong demand,” says Moya.

Another consideration for Saudi Arabia is a desire not to alienate Russia.

Coming out in favor of a big boost in production would at this moment be read as a signal that Saudi Arabia was lining up beside its traditional ally, the US. “As the war rages, any measure which removes oil as a weapon for Putin will be read in Moscow as a provocation,” Philippe SebilleLopez, head of the Geopolia consultancy, told AFP. Indeed, “by not compensating for Russia’s oil shortage,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appears to be allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold “the importing world in hostage to Russian oil and gas,” says Stephen Innes, analyst at SPI Asset Management. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

1 SM 2 CNVRG

VOLUME 799,910 15,545,300

VALUE (PHP) 717,071,005 461,482,745

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3,203,440 9,945,500 1,593,290 8,648,500 1,876,740 3,850,290 10,005,300 101,325

424,099,456 377,475,535 347,729,972 307,790,280 222,425,390 213,482,768 204,111,794 186,799,740

BDO SMPH ICT ALI URC MBT RLC TEL

Vietnam’s VinFast announces $2-b US electric car factory WASHINGTON, United States—Vietnamese car manufacturer VinFast announced Tuesday it will build a $2-billion electric vehicle factory in the US state of North Carolina amid its push to enter the competitive global market for EVs. President Joe Biden cheered the announcement of the 800-hectare factory in Chatham County that will also make electric busses and EV batteries, calling it “the latest example of my economic strategy at work.”

“Our efforts to build a clean energy economy are driving companies to make more in America, rebuild our supply chains here at home, and ultimately bring down costs for the American people,” he said.

VinFast said construction on the facility that will be able to produce 150,000 vehicles a year would start this year once a permit is obtained, and aim to finish by 2024.

In a statement, the automaker said the factory would produce the fivepassenger VinFast VF 8 and the sevenpassenger VinFast VF 9, both of which are all-electric SUVs. Under the company’s memorandum of understanding with the state of North Carolina, VinFast said it would expand the factory in the future.

“North Carolina’s strong commitments in building a clean energy economy, fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation make it an ideal location for VinFast to develop its premium, smart and environmentally friendly EVs,” VinFast Global CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy said in a statement.

The carmaker is a subsidiary of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, Vingroup, which is owned by Pham Nhat Vuong, the country’s richest man with a fortune Forbes estimates as $6.3 billion. AFP

TRANSPORT STRIKE. People walk along a stretch at the Pan-American Highway blocked by

truck drivers demanding nationwide lower fuel costs and reduced toll payments, near the southern Andean city of Arequipa, Peru on March 28, 2022. AFP

Sri Lankans stand, sweat and seethe as economy grinds to a complete halt

By Sean Gleeson and Archana Thiyagarajan COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—As Sri Lankans faint in day-long queues for fuel and swelter through stifling evening blackouts by candlelight, anger is mounting over the worst economic crisis in living memory.

A critical lack of foreign currency has left the island nation unable to pay for vital imports, leading to dire shortages in everything from life-saving medicines to cement.

Long lines for fuel that start forming before dawn are forums for public grievances, where neighbors complain bitterly about government mismanagement and fret over how to feed their families as food prices skyrocket.

“I’ve been standing here for the past five hours,” Sagayarani, a housewife, told AFP in Colombo while waiting for her share of kerosene, used to fire the cooking stoves of the capital’s poorer households.

She said she had seen three people faint already and was herself supposed to be in hospital for treatment, but with her husband and son at work she had no choice but to wait under the blistering morning sun.

“I haven’t eaten anything, I’m feeling very dizzy and it’s very hot, but what can we do? It’s a lot of hardship,” she said, declining to give her surname.

Trucks at the port are unable to cart food and building materials to other urban centers, or bring back tea from plantations dotted around Sri Lanka’s verdant inland hills.

Buses that normally transport day laborers across the capital sit idle, some hospitals have suspended routine surgeries, and student exams

were postponed this month because schools ran out of paper.

“I’ve been living in Colombo for 60 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Vadivu, a domestic worker, told AFP. “There’s nothing to eat, there’s nothing to drink,” she added. “The politicians are living in luxury and we are begging on the streets.”

Expecting worse Many among Sri Lanka’s 22 million people are no strangers to privation: throughout the global oil crisis of the 1970s, authorities issued ration books for essentials such as sugar.

But the government concedes the present economic calamity is the worst since the South Asian nation’s independence in 1948, and a popular local quip now is that the rationing system at least offered some certainty that goods would be available.

A series of misfortunes have pummeled the country—which emerged from decades of civil war only in 2009—in recent years.

Farmers were hit by a crippling drought in 2016 and the Easter Sunday Islamist bombings three years later, which killed at least 279 people, led to a wave of cancellations from foreign travelers.

The coronavirus pandemic then decimated a tourism sector already reeling from the attacks and dried up the flow of remittances from Sri Lankans abroad.

Both are critical sources of foreign cash needed to pay for imports and service the nation’s ballooning $51-billion foreign debt.

But a far bigger factor was government “mismanagement,” said Murtaza Jafferjee, chairman of the Colombo-based Advocata Institute think tank.

In this picture taken on March 25, 2022, people stand in a queue to buy kerosene for home use at a service station in Colombo.

AFP

(MS-MARCH 23 & 30, 2022)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Finance SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, 1307

MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF

: : : : : :

ASIA-PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTER BACOLOD, INC. (Registrant)

SEC-MSRD Order No. 27 Series of 2022

x---------------------------------------------------------x

Initial Public Offering

ORDER Upon consideration of the Registration Statement and other papers and documents attached thereto which were filed on behalf of ASIA-PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTER BACOLOD, INC., the Commission in its meeting of 22 March 2022 resolved to favorably considered the same in accordance with Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code and the corresponding Rules and Regulations, relating to the registration of up to Two Hundred Forty Thousand (240,000) common shares with par value of one thousand (PhP1,000.00) per share. The shares are broken down as follows: Primary Offering (To be offered and sold by way of Initial Public Offering)

36,000

Equivalent to 3,600 blocks or 10 shares per block at an offer price ranging from ₱250,000 up to ₱400,000 per block

Issued and Outstanding Founder’s Shares (Not included in the Offer)

600

With par value of ₱1,000.00 per share

Issued and Outstanding Common Shares (Not included in the Offer)

203,400

With par value of ₱1,000.00 per share

Total

240,000

The securities will be traded Over-the-Counter through the Hospital’s employees namely Ariel S. Malata and Chleo Dominique P. Espera who were designated to act as salesmen.

In this regard and after determining that the company has complied with the required submissions as directed in the Pre-Effective Letter issued on 23 March 2022, the subject Registration Statement is now rendered effective.

Let a Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale be issued in favor of ASIA-PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTER BACOLOD, INC. authorizing the sale and distribution of the above-mentioned securities.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the Issuer in a newspaper of general circulation and uploaded in the Issuer’s website within two (2) business days from its issuance. The company is hereby directed to furnish the Commission with a copy of the Affidavit of Publication of this Order.

SO ORDERED. Pasay City, Philippines.

March 28, 2022 Signed VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director (MS-MAR. 31, 2022)

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

B4

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, March 30, 2022 51.93 PTS. 7,167.02

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

719,586,107 84,409 6,865,312,181.62 106 81

UNCHANGED

44

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.0690

Japan

Yen

0.008138

0.4237

UK

Pound

1.310000

68.2104

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127766

6.6526

Switzerland

Franc

1.074345

55.9401

Canada

Dollar

0.800064

41.6585

Singapore

Dollar

0.737409

38.3961

Australia

Dollar

0.750900

39.0986

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652379

138.1067

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266489

13.8758

Brunei

Dollar

0.734700

38.2551

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029762

1.5497

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.1777

Euro

Euro

1.109000

57.7445

Korea

Won

0.000828

0.0431

China

Yuan

0.157146

8.1824

India

Rupee

0.013221

0.6884

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.237417

12.3621

New Zealand

Dollar

0.693600

36.1151

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034930

1.8188 Source: BSP

Dominguez says work on 3 bridges to start in 1st half

Business

Taiwan firm to develop $1.9-b ‘industrial town’

By Othel V. Campos

H

EALTH essentials manufacturer Medtecs International Corp. Ltd. of Taiwan disclosed plans to infuse $1.9 billion to develop an “industrial town” that will house all its investments in the Philippines.

Medtecs International is the world’s leading provider and distributor of personal protective equipment and a trusted multi-national PPE stockpiling solutions provider to governments and group purchasing organizations around the world.

Medtecs International chairman Clement Yang said the investments would help the Philippines in its job

generation efforts, with a projected employment of close to 125,000 in the next seven years.

Medtechs’ industrial town will house production facilities for electric vehicles, personal protective equipment and integrated textile manufacturing using tropical fibers, particularly abaca, bamboo and banana.

Yang said the firm was keen on filling the missing gaps in the country’s textile supply chain such as yarn production, spinning, weaving, including the production of recycled polyester textile, which is a mix of polyester with recycled materials from post-consumer bottles.

He also floated the possibility of setting up a facility for the production of nitrile gloves which is being produced in Cambodia as part of the planned PPE hub.

Medtecs also announced the start of commercial operations for the production of melt-blown non-woven fabric/ material—the critical filter medium used in medical-grade face masks with-

in the Medtecs Compound in Mariveles City in the Freeport Area of Bataan.

The project costs about $600,000 with monthly capacity of 25 million facemasks manned by 15 full-time employees.

The Board of Investments said the planned investments of Medtecs are included in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan and are eligible for incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, including the processing of green metals such as nickel for EV batteries.

BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said highly-desirable projects with minimum investment of P50 billion or at least 10,000 job generation may avail of incentives for up to 40 years.

He said the BOI would link Medtecs to relevant local players in the EV assembly/ production and nickel mining companies and provide manpower assistance through an existing partnership with the Commission on Higher Education on industryacademe collaboration.

By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Wednesday three climate-resilient bridges in Metro Manila funded by the Asian Development Bank will start construction in the first half.

The Marcos Highway-Saint Mary Ave. Bridge, Homeowner’s DriveA Bonifacio Bridge and the Kabayani Street-Matandang Balara Bridge are due for completion in 2026. The three bridge projects will be financed through a $175.1-million (about P8.8 billion) loan from the ADB. Dominguez said the bridges are designed to decongest Metro Manila’s traffic-heavy areas and create more jobs in the final stretch of the Duterte presidency.

The bridges spanning over 3 kilometers across the Marikina River are among the 12 to be built under the Metro Manila Bridges Project.

Dominguez and ADB managing director general Woochong Um exchanged copies of the loan documents for the construction of the three bridges in ceremonies at the Department of Finance office in Manila.

“These bridges are crucial components of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program that will help our economy bounce back from the adverse effects of the pandemic. With their high multiplier effect and job-generating potential, investments in infrastructure will be the engine for our rapid economic recovery,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said a key design feature of the three ADB-funded bridges is their ability to absorb strong earthquake shocks and reduce flood risks in the area, making them climate- and disaster-resilient.

Um described the project as a “milestone for the Philippines’ ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.”

“Now, we are seeing the beginning of the end of the pandemic, we hope.

And the signing [of the loan agreement] comes at a critical time. We must continue investments in infrastructure now, which is essential for securing strong economic development in 2022, and this comes from a very strong [Philippine] rebound of 5.6 percent economic growth last year,” Um said.

JG Summit swings to P5.1-b net profit as sales climb 13%

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE JG Summit Holdings Inc. said Wednesday it rebounded with a net income of P5.1 billion in 2021 from a net loss of P468 million amid the pandemic in 2020.

JG Summit said in a disclosure to the stock exchange core net income rose 7 percent last year to P3.5 billion, as it remained on track to full recovery from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consolidated revenues climbed 13 percent in 2021 to P230.6 billion, as the partial reopening of the economy helped its food, real estate, petrochemical and banking segments.

“For the full year of 2021, the business experienced a mixed set of results. Our food and banking segments continued to be stable, while the mobility restrictions and quarantine measures still affected our real estate [specifically malls] and airline businesses. It is noteworthy though that we have seen sequential recovery quarter-on-quarter as the vaccination rollout accelerated towards the second half of 2021,” JG Summit president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei said.

Gokongwei expressed hope that the more relaxed alert level in 2022 would positively impact the demand for the company’s products and services.

He said he remained cautious about the prospects of the company as the volatility in oil prices, rising input costs and peso devaluation would result in margin pressures.

“To mitigate this, we will continue to be proactive in managing pricing and product mix while simultaneously putting in place productivity initiatives across our businesses,” Gokongwei said.

IN BRIEF Benguet Corp.’s revenues hit P3.8b

DATA-DEPENDENT. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (center) reiterates during the Bloomberg ASEAN Business Summit that monetary policy decisions will continue to be based on data. The move comes as inflation settled at 3 percent in January and February 2022, but pressures from rising oil prices may pose upside risks. Joining Governor Diokno on the panel are Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (right) and Bloomberg chief international correspondent for Southeast Asia Haslinda Amin as moderator.

Toyota prepares to avail P2.7-b tax perks after producing 100,000 units TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. is preparing to avail of at least P2.7 billion in tax incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, after locally producing over 100,000 vehicles as of October 2021, a top executive said Wednesday.

“We are now entitled to avail of the incentives. We hit 100,000 units last October 2021. We are now processing for the availment,” said TMP first vice president for corporate affairs Rommel Gutierrez.

He said the company would formalize the availment of incentives through the Board of Investments.

Under the CARS program, participating car companies like TMP can obtain up to P9 billion in fiscal and nonfiscal incentives for producing at least 200,000 of the enrolled vehicle model.

In the case of Toyota, its enrolled vehicle is the Vios.

The production vehicle incentives kick in after a participant is able to deliver 100,101 units to the program.

Toyota so far received part of the fixed incentive support for its P3.2-bil-

lion investment in large parts manufacturing.

The fiscal support will come in the form of tax payment certificates. Participants can use the certificates in offsetting their tax and duty obligations to the government, specifically excise tax, income tax, import duties and valueadded tax.

Under the program, continued support is provided to the parts manufacturing activities of the participants. It also allows for the outsourcing of parts to be owned by the registered carmaker.

The CARS program is a result of the Industry Roadmapping Project launched by the BOI in 2012. Under Executive Order No. 182, the thrust of the program is to provide time-bound and output or performance-based fiscal support to attract strategic investments in the manufacturing of motor vehicles and parts.

Other non-fiscal measures provided by existing laws continue to be in place and are being implemented by relevant government agencies.

Othel V. Campos

BREAKING THE BIAS. Sitel Group, one of the largest global providers of customer experience products and solutions, joins the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day with several womencentered activities and events throughout March.

The global BPO invited associates to mark March 8 by sharing how they break the bias of women in the workplace. The company also reinforced its commitment to women empowerment at work by strengthening its women employee resource program, launching a women’s month fitness challenge and creating fun social media events on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

GET set to deploy electric buses for LRT-1 passengers

By Darwin G. Amojelar LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. teamed up with Global Electric Transport Philippines to provide shuttle service to Light Rail Transit Line 1 passengers.

GET under the strategic partnership will bring in its extensive experience in the operation of an integrated passenger and fleet management system for the shuttle service to benefit LRT-1 passengers.

The shuttle service will feature the Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport minibuses.

COMET electric minibuses are airconditioned, fully electric and zeroemission, with a capacity of 30 passengers and travel range of over 100 kilometers on a single full charge.

They are also equipped with onboard cameras, media system, display monitors, Internet connectivity, as well as wheelchair slot and retractable electric ramp for Persons with Disabilities.

“We are excited to be partnering with LRMC to be able to provide green and affordable transport solutions to every Filipino,” GET Worldwide chairman Tony Olaes said.

For the pilot implementation, the shuttle service will be between LRT1 EDSA Station and the Manila Bay ASEANA area with designated loading and unloading points along Macapagal Boulevard until Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

For the second phase, the route will extend from LRT-1 EDSA Station to the Makati Central Business District.

LISTED miner Benguet Corp. posted higher revenues in 2021 on the back of strong metal prices and favorable market condition that prevailed throughout the year.

Revenues surged over two times to P3.8 billion in 2021 from the previous year’s P1.6 billion. Operating income soared almost five times year-on-year from P340 million in 2020 to P1.6 billion in 2021, pushing income after tax to P1.4 billion, or over three times the previous year’s net income of P381 million.

Nickel operations under Benguetcorp Resources Management Corp. (formerly Benguetcorp Nickel Mines Inc.) accounted for 72 percent of the revenue. Gold operation provided 25 percent, while lime operations/ healthcare business contributed 3 percent.

The substantial growth was driven by higher demand for raw materials as global economies recovered from the pandemic.

The company said that despite restrictive quarantine and strict adherence to minimum health protocols, it remained focused on production targets and business goals.

Aboitiz studies RE as baseload power

ABOITIZ Power Corp. signed an agreement with the International Finance Corp. for a joint study to assess the viability of renewable energy as a source of baseload power to help the company navigate the country’s transition towards a cleaner energy future.

The study seeks to explore a mix of technologies that can potentially displace fossil fuel-based power sources and reduce CO2 emissions from the Philippine energy mix.

The move is in support of the government’s target of 35 percent share of renewable energy in the overall generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“I am pleased to join the representatives of IFC in signing this agreement that aims to take the first few very important steps in this journey of discovery. We eagerly look forward to learning about how we can generate baseload power that is technically and financially feasible and also scalable,” said Aboitiz Power president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio.

The study includes evaluating hybridphotovoltaic storage technology and assessing the technical and economic viability of generating power from a combination of different RE sources. Alena Mae S. Flores

D&L Industries hiked 2021 income by 31%

FOOD ingredients producer D&L Industries Inc. said Wednesday net income jumped by 31 percent in 2021 to P2.6 billion from a year ago, on higher volume and increased exports.

D&L said in a disclosure to the stock exchange total volume went up by 11 percent in 2021 from a year earlier, while export sales grew by 62 percent year-on-year.

“Our business faced incredible challenges during the pandemic. Now emerging two years later on a better footing both operationally and financially, with our earnings already back to pre-COVID levels, we feel that the company has not only proven but also strengthened its resilience,” D&L president and chief executive Alvin Lao said.

“While we are cautiously optimistic that we are likely at the tail-end of the pandemic, we remain focused on our core competencies, ready to ride another wave of volatility brought about by recent geopolitical uncertainties,” Lao said.

Lao said that despite the Ukraine-Russia war and continued increase in raw material prices, the company is expected to post better results in 2022. Jenniffer B. Austria

Sports

Phenomenal Brownlee leads Kings to PBA finals JUSTIN Browlee unleashed what could be his best game in a Barangay Ginebra San Miguel jersey this season, leading the Gin Kings to another finals’ stint in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. The 6’6” Brownlee, who averages 28.64 points for the conference, scored a season-high 47 points to help power the Kings to a 112-93 smothering of the NLEX Road Warriors in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinal series in the 2022 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Brownlee’s huge game earned praise from coach Tim Cone after Ginebra finished off NLEX with three wins and a loss. The resident Ginebra import has steered the team to the finals for the fifth time.

It was another masterclass performance for Brownlee, eclipsed only by his 50-point outburst in a 127–123 overtime Ginebra win over the Columbian Dyip in the final game of the 2019 PBA Commissioners’ Cup elimination round.

“What a phenomenal, phenomenal performance that was

by Justin. I’m amazed. You could see it coming, because of the intensity he had in practice today, before the game. Even at halftime, you’ll know, he’ll have a big performance,” said Cone.

The 33-year-old Brownlee, who also had 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks, scored 18 points of his 26 halftime points in the second quarter as the Gin Kings led 5350.

Brownlee’s trey with 10:02 left in the third and his partnership with Christian Standhardinger and Jeff Chan led to a nine-point edge, 63-54, by the Kings.

Brownlee, who sank six of 10 treys, had 10 points in the fourth, including a triple in the last two minutes giving the Gin Kings a 15-point spread, 108-93.

The last time the Gin Kings were in the Governors’ Cup finals was back in 2019, when they beat the Meralco Bolts, 4-1, following a 103-05 semifinal triumph in Game 5. Peter Atencio

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee, described as ‘phenomenal’ by his coach Tim Cone, shoots two of his season-high 47 in Game 4 of the Kings’ semifinal war against the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. The Kings advanced to the finals following a 112-93 win.

Drama in Saitama 2: Donaire’s rematch with Inoue set June 7

By Randy Caluag

T

HE long-awaited rematch between two of the best bantamweight boxers in the world--Naoya Inoue of Japan and Filipino Nonito Donaire--is finally happening on June 7 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

In a post on his official Twitter account, Inoue confirmed Part II of the duel that will put his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles and the “Filipino Flash” Donaire’s World Boxing Council belt on the line.

Inoue’s post, with the hashtag #DramainSaitama2, was accompanied by a fight poster from Amazon Prime Video, the official broadcast partner in Japan.

Inoue and Donaire met for the first time in November 2019 in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament in a classic brawl that was hailed as the undisputed Fight of the Year.

Inoue’s unanimous decision win over Donaire could not hide the struggle the

Japanese champion went through in that fight.

Inoue suffered a broken bone around his right eye due to Donaire’s big right hand in Round 9. He, however, bounced back big with a body shot knockdown in the 11th round to seal the hard-earned win.

Donaire (42-6,28 KOs) also rebounded with back-to-back victories after that loss, proving that at 39, he could still provide the scare—or even a knockout performance—against the Japanese Monster, who remained undefeated in 22 fights, 19 of them by KO. Although he needed three months to recover from injuries after that first edition of the “Drama in Saitama”, Inoue

(Photo from Naoya Inoue Twitter)

has won three fights after that bout with Donaire.

The two will be meeting again after failed attempts by the camp of another Filipino bantamweight champ, World Boxing Organization titlist John Riel

PATAFA, Obiena end conflict; pole vaulter back in SEAG squad

By Peter Atencio

Philip Ella Juico

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Ernest John Obiena

THE squabble involving the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and the country’s top pole vaulter in Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is over.

The dispute finally came to a halt after Obiena expressed his apologies to the PATAFA, its board members, members of the national team and its president Philip Ella Juico during a virtual session.

Forgiveness was expressed by both parties over issues that were raised against each other since November last year.

Officials of the Philippine Sports Commission made the announcement after a series of talks that they brokered ended amicably following its fifth session on Wednesday.

“It is with much joy that we announce that both parties have agreed to a settlement and the proceedings ended successfully. The

Philippine Athletics and Track and Filed Association, the sole governing body of athletics as recognized by the World Athletics, has agreed to endorse Mr. EJ Obiena to the 2022 Southeast Asian Games and the 2022 World Outdoor Athletics,” said PSC chairman William Ramirez in a statement.

The conflict started when the national sports association for athletics questioned Obiena on the unliquidated financial assistance given him representing the salary of his coach Vitaliy Petrov.

Ramirez served as the sole mediator in the proceedings, done with the help of Assistant Solicitor General Bernard Hernandez and the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc., through its Executive Director Atty. Arleo Magtibay, Jr. The PSC mediation team, led by Atty.

Guillermo B. Iroy, Jr., PSC’s executive director, was also present.

Globe, AcadArena renew partnership to foster growth of Filipino student gamers DIGITAL solutions provider Globe and leading campus esports and gaming organizer AcadArena have renewed their partnership to further support the growth of student gamers in the Philippines.

As an enabler of a seamless digital lifestyle, Globe is committed to empowering future gaming champions and content creators. Working with AcadArena is one way to achieve its goal of solidifying the country’s position among regional and global esports giants.

The partnership encompasses esports and education content in AcadArena for students to #OwnTheWorld. Students can develop essential skills needed around the growing esports industry through various programs, modules, and access to industry professionals. AcadArena also delivers the best collegiate level tournaments across varying skill sets

and titles.

“Globe is proud to renew our commitment to support AcadArena and its projects. We are one in the belief that the esports scene starts with the youth.

We aim to develop and pioneer more programs, more competitive events, and more engagement for our esports stakeholders in the collegiate esports scene,” said Ralph Aligada, Head of

Globe Games and Esports.

“Globe has been with us since day one. With their support, the world is kinder to student gamers who are still hit hard by the pandemic,” said Ariane Lim, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of AcadArena.

To help student gamers and esports enthusiasts, Globe offers relevant data packages, esports team sponsorships,

expanded grassroots activities, and nationwide leagues support.

Recently, Globe joined hands with Blacklist International, the defending Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Champions. This is only the beginning of many collaborations that Globe will launch this year as it continues to be at the forefront of the games and esports ecosystem in the Philippines.

Casimero to seal a fight deal with either Donaire or Inoue.

Casimero instead will defend his title against British mandatory challenger Paul Butler on April 22 in the United Kingdom.

Forest Hills Megafiber grabs lead at Corporate Cup BAGUIO—Gus Pacheco shot 47 points, while Raymond Bunquin and Dennis Nicomedes added 44 each to steer Forest Hills Megafiber to a two-point lead in the Group 1 division of the Corporate Cup at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

The Antipolo-based squad tallied 135 in the Molave system for its first-round score and was two up against The Forest Lodge, which pooled in 133.

NC Lanting was a shot back at 132, making it a tight race in the premier men’s group.

Monet Garcia carded 46 and was backed by Sean Bedi’s 45 and Jason Yu 42 for Forest Lodge. Scoring for NC Lanting were Goody Ignacio 48, Ramir Badua 43 and Dai tsichiya 41.

James Wright Cafe assembled a 135 to grab a six-point advantage over Baguio Blue Bloods Vikings (129) in Group II. Spann and Bunker, thanks to the 49 of Jonah Ilagan, was third with 127.

The Manor and Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, Le Chef, Federal Management and Maintenance, Tobi Group of Companies, Bishop Carlito Cenzon Foundation, The Turf Company, GAC Motors, JTen Sports, Baguio Country Club, Manila Southwoods, Valley Golf, Sherwood Hills and Eagle Ridge are sponsors.

A GAC Motors vehicle, Cobra LTDx complete golf set and GPS Tracker are still up for grabs as hole-in-one prizes as no one has made an ace in the f irst two days.

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Sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Cebuana Lhuillier resumes tennis tilts

Knights manhandle Chiefs for 2nd win

By Peter Atencio

In this file photo taken on April 14, 2019, American golfer Tiger Woods celebrates after sinking his putt on the 18th green to win during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Woods has ruled out making a full-time return to professional golf as he works his way back from career-threatening leg injuries. AFP

Tiger plays at Augusta to test Masters’ fitness

Jean Henri Lhuillier

GET your gears ready as Cebuana Lhuillier is all set to kickstart its tennis tournaments this summer.

Fourteen junior age-group tournaments nationwide have been initially lined up for the second and third quarters.

The first leg is scheduled on April 6 to 10, at the Santa Rosa Complex in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

The company also renamed its tennis program to Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour, which also organizes tournaments for professionals and legends.

In addition, Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour will now migrate to the tournament platform of Universal Tennis, the company behind Universal Tennis Rating, a global rating system that promotes fair and competitive play across the tennis world.

“I am elated that we are now able to hold tennis tournaments once again, which is a core part of our program to support the establishment of grassroots tennis development in the country. Rest assured that we remain committed to hone local talents and discover promising young players that, when given the right training and exposure, can represent our country in the international stage,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO. After the Sta. Rosa leg, the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour moves to other destinations nationwide, including Negros Oriental, Bulacan, Leyte, Bohol, Zamboanga, La Union, Metro Manila, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Cebu City.

The tour is sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines.

Only fully-vaccinated individuals are eligible to participate in the program, which will enforce minimum health and safety protocols.

For more details and latest announcements, follow the UTP social media page.

N

EW YORK—Tiger Woods played an 18-hole practice round at Augusta National on Tuesday with son Charlie and pal Justin Thomas, testing his fitness for next week’s Masters, according to multiple reports.

ESPN and Sports Illustrated, citing unnamed sources, said Woods f lew to and from Georgia on his private jet to see how well he could walk the hilly layout only 13 months after suffering severe leg injuries in a California automobile accident.

The year’s first major golf event will be played April 7-10 at Augusta National, where Woods has captured five of his 15 major titles.

Woods suffered severe right leg injuries in a car crash in February 2021, saying later he was lucky to survive the mishap and fortunate to still have both legs.

While saying he plans to return to tournament play on a limited basis,

the 15-time major champion has given no timetable for when he might next play competitively.

Reports of Woods’s arrival sparked speculation that the 46-year-old American, whose world ranking has slid to 944, could make his comeback on the same Augusta National layout where he last played in a PGA event in November 2020 after Covid-19 delayed the tournament from April.

Woods won the 2019 Masters title, his first major crown in 11 years, since winning the 2008 US Open in a playoff with a broken leg.

The Masters victory capped a Woods fightback from multiple back surgeries that had Woods wondering

if he might ever have a pain-free life much less golf again.

Woods was hospitalized for weeks and struggling to walk for months after the 2021 crash. He has rehabilitated his legs simply to be able to walk much less return to playing form.

But there was a sense that Woods would not have tested his ability to walk the course if he wasn’t confident in his shotmaking skills around the layout.

Since the accident, Woods has played in a family event alongside Charlie and been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

On the Masters website, Woods remains on a list of players who are qualified for next week’s Masters as a past champion, rather than on a list of non-playing past champions.

Woods definitely plans to be in Augusta next week to attend the Masters Champions Dinner on April 5.

Marikina sweeps BPBL pre-season

Members of Team Marikina flash the no. 1 sign after sweeping the Batang Pilipino Basketball League preseason, capping its romp with an 87-72 victory over Batang Cainta last weekend.

THE Letran Knights showed the Arellano Chiefs why they are the team to beat in the 97th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The defending champion Knights flaunted their bench depth and sizzled with their outside shooting in the closing minutes of the third and the first five minutes of the last period to put away the Chiefs, 96-67, Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills gymnasium.

Team skipper Jeo Ambohot showed the way for the Knights with a career-high 20 points as Letran grabbed its second straight win.

“We always remind our players that we are the defending champions. But that was two years ago.

This time, we can’t be complacent,” said Letran coach Bonnie Tan. Not satisfied with their 66-51 lead lead on a halfcourt triple by Rhenz Abando at the end of the third, the Knights widened their edge to 26 points midway in the fourth, after Ambohot, Abando and Tommy Olivario strung up four triples.

With five minutes left, the Knights established an unreachable, 84-58 spread.

John Carandang and Kalen Doromal knocked in 11 points each for the Chiefs, who missed big man Justine Arana, out with an ACL injury in their opening game last Sunday.

TEAM Marikina ruled the Batang Pilipino Basketball League in style, blasting Batang Cainta, 87-72, in the finals to complete a sweep of the pre-season tournament at the Palaruang Batang Lambak in Sta. Elena, Marikina City over the weekend.

Artison Arboleda fired 13 points and finished with two rebounds, three assists and three steals to power the hosts to the lopsided triumph that came on the heels of the team’s equally imposing 113-62 romp over Makati Pembo Pecas in the semifinals of the inaugural 18-and-under tournament.

Team Marikina also dominated the elims of the eight-team, three-weekend, community-based tournament staged to identify talents, including those in the out-of-school youth sector.

Arboleda ran away with MVP honors with the organizing BPBL naming a sepa-

rate Mythical 5 made up of Luke Felipe, JL San Juan, Draco Bugarin, Daux Paraiso and Dexter Lugmay. The Core values awardees were Morris Teodoro (character), Sam Reyes (discipline), John Guarino (sportsmanship) and Vic Rosca (brotherhood).

Team Marikina’s Udrih Robosa and John Moldera also topped the two-player two-point shootout to underscore the hosts’ domination of the tournament.

Batang Cainta earlier trounced Mandaluyong Megaworks, 65-55, in their side of the semis of the tournament put up by BPBL, led by league commissioner Ron Camara.

Makati Pembo repulsed Mandaluyong to clinch third place honors.

For details on the next BPBL undertaking, visit the league’s FB page @teamBPBL, IG and website www. batangpilipinobasketball.ph.

PH BEST team to join Circle of Swimmers meet in France THE country’s top junior and elite swimmers under the banner of Philippine BEST (Behrouz Elite Swimming Team) and Swim League Philippines take their strokes to new heights as they plunge into action against the best of Europe and the world in the prestigious 10th Circle of Swimmers of Melun Val de Seine slated May 13 to 15 in Paris, France.

BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh announced recently that the team will be joining the highlevel tournament in an effort to strengthen the physical and mental condition of the swimmers, while exposing them to top-level competition.

“Our mission is to enhance the talents of our swimmers from grassroots to elite. Unti-unti naachieve namin ito for years and now isinama na namin sa pro-

grama ang international tournaments. Kailangan ng mga bata ang experience and an international competition is the best for them,” said Mojdeh.

No less than Tokyo Olympics’ gold medalist Swiss Jérémy Desplanches leads the elite cast in the tournament, which is expected to draw the participation of the best junior and elite swimmers in Europe, United States, Brazil, and China, among others.

“The last time we checked the event calendar, lalaro rin sina European champion Enzo Tesic at Charlotte Bonnet. Malaking kompetisyon ito na lalahukan ng mga Olympian at European champions,” Mojdeh added.

Coming off an astonishing campaign in the FINIS Short Course swim series in Clark under the banner of Quezon Kill-

erwhale Team, Hugh Antonio Parto, who swept his six events in the 15-16 class, will lead the 8-man BEST squad, along with fellow national junior record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh.

Parto, 15, from La Salle-Lipa, holds the PH Junior record in 100-m fly and 200-m (13-under).

At 15, Mojdeh, a Grade 10 student at Brent International School-Manila, is known as the ‘Water Beast’ for her dominant performances in both local and international junior competitions. The young multi-titled swimmer is a recipient of many awards, including the Junior Athlete of the Year from the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

They will be joined by head coach Virgilio De Luna and strength and conditioning coach Jerricson Llanos.

The Philippine BEST (Behrouz Elite Swimming Team) and Swim League Philippines

Entertainment Stars party with Lazada

FOR its 10th anniversary celebration, Lazada Philippines brought the futuristic wonderland Lazada City to life for the mega countdown celebration that took place on March 26 and was broadcast live on LazLive, GMA Network, GTV, as well as Lazada’s official TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts.

The eCommerce platform transported viewers to the vibrant, fun-filled retail wonderland where patrons were able to get the best deals and won as much as P18-million worth of prizes and surprises. They were also treated to exciting performances from Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo, SB19, together with Kapuso’s brightest stars with acts

by Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Barbie Forteza, and more.

Lazada aims to continually innovate on its digital platforms to bring creative digital experiences to its users.

According to Lazada Philippines chief executive officer, Ray Alimurung, “As we celebrate our Epic 10th Birthday, we’re proud to see this massive growth in Lazada users, a reflection of the trust we’ve built with consumers and sellers.

Across the years, Lazada has pioneered many innovations that have transformed the online shopping experience for Filipino consumers including exciting Shoppertainment features such as livestream and gaming.”

Bringing the virtual Lazada City to life for the first time ever, Lazada gave viewers an inside look at how it brings the highly-anticipated Super Party to its users from all over the Philippines.

“The concept for Lazada City began with the idea of a community enabled by the ease and convenience of technology,” explains Mr. Alimurung. “The Super Party Train at the center of Lazada City symbolizes the power of eCommerce and the ease and convenience it brings

NICKIE WANG

I

T WAS a nostalgic moment for KZ Tandingan when she learned that she was going to be part of Top Class: The Rise To P-Pop Stardom as a mentor. It’s as if she’s back on her journey in a talent reality show. The only difference is “I’m judging now instead of the one being judged.”

Alden Richards

’SumasaPuso’ host Toni Aquino

GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 launches a new noontime drama program entitled SumasaPuso hosted

by Toni Aquino.

Foo Fighters cancels tour after Taylor Hawkins’ death AMERICAN rock band Foo Fighters on Tuesday announced the cancellation of all scheduled tour dates “in light of the staggering loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins.”

Hawkins, the 50-year-old drummer for the Grammy award-winning rock group, died over the weekend in a hotel in Bogota shortly before the band was set to perform at the Festival Estereo Picnic on the city’s outskirts.

In its statement posted to social media, Foo Fighters said “we’re sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won’t be seeing one another as planned.”

“Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we’ve made together.”

It is unclear whether any members of Foo Fighters, the group founded by lead singer and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, will still attend Sunday’s Taylor Hawkins at the Lollapalooza 2022 music festival in Santiago

Grammys, where they had been slated to perform.

The band is nominated for three awards, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song at the upcoming gala.

Preliminary toxicology tests found that Hawkins had drugs including opioids in his system before he died, but Colombian investigators did not specify whether the mix caused his death.

As part of one of the world’s most influential and critically lauded alternative rock bands, Hawkins was known for his on-stage charisma and classic rockinspired beats, which he once said were influenced by legends like Phil Collins and Queen’s Roger Taylor.

Foo Fighters celebrated its 25th anniversary last year in a pandemicdelayed tour and had most recently produced Studio 666, a rock-and-roll horror movie. AFP

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As someone who’s a product of a reality talent show, she felt that it would be easier for her to connect and relate with the students while they prove themselves that they are worthy to become the next big star on the P-Pop scene.

“It’s a huge responsibility since there will be 30 students competing to be part of the group that the show is going to form. It’s not an easy task but that alone excites me. I’m all for new challenges in my career,” KZ told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.

When asked what KZ has to say to her potential Top Class students, she shares that “I will do my best to inspire and help them reach their full potential. We will have so much fun in the process but make no mistake, I will be strict.”

She further said that she’s going to be very strict as a mentor because the students need a strong foundation and their experience in the show will prepare them for the real world. “And if we guided them correctly, they will be armed with the right skills and discipline when they start working professionally,” she stated.

“All of us aim for longevity, we all want to stay in the business. So, for a student to become number 1, he must have the right attitude. I prefer to work with artists who are aware that they still

KZ TANDINGAN

As a ’Top Class’ mentor, KZ will help her students be the next big pop stars

Super Radyo DZBB airs new noontime program ’SumasaPuso’ SumasaPuso takes to heart how every music has a story that is etched in one’s memory. This two-hour weekday program is everyone’s newest lunchtime habit as Aquino reads stories from different letter senders accompanied by drama and punctuated by the greatest hits of all time.

“Pakinggan at ating pagsaluhan ang iba’t ibang istorya ng lungkot at ligaya, pighati at pag-asa. Mga kwentong sumasainyo, mga damdaming sumasapuso,” said Aquino.

Catch SumasaPuso every Monday to Friday at 12:30 p.m. on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz. Netizens can also tune in via audio livestream on DZBB’s official website www.gmanetwork.com/ radio/streaming/dzbb.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2022

A top class like

VERY WANG

to people, making it an integral part of Filipinos’ everyday lives.”

Meanwhile, multimedia star and Lazada brand ambassador Alden Richards said “It’s one of the biggest I’ve experienced since I became part of Lazada. I’m very happy and honored to be one of the hosts for this event, [and] for giving out huge prizes.”

“And the performances are way beyond what I’ve expected!” he added.

LazMall brand ambassador and Kapuso star, Bea Alonzo feels grateful to be part of this milestone with Lazada. a“It’s been so much fun and it truly is an epic Super Show. I’m so happy to be here.”

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

KZ with DJ Eva Ronda (right) during the official announcement held at Cornerstone Studio

have more to learn,” KZ underscored In becoming a mentor-judge on TV for the first time, she mentioned that “I’m honored, grateful, and excited to be part of Top Class”.

Getting admitted into one’s dream school is the goal of any ambitious student. However, it is just the first step in the journey of getting to the top. Once admitted, students will have to study hard and it will be the teachers who will get

to impart their knowledge, wisdom, and skills to willing learners, ensuring that graduates will be finishing at the top of their class.

Top Class: The Rise To P-Pop Stardom is the newest and biggest P-Pop reality talent search competition in the Philippines where thirty lucky students will be admitted into the first batch of Top Class. They will have a rare and unique learning opportunity from the sole X

Factor Philippines champion and one of the most impressive contestants in the 2018 season of the Chinese singing competition Singer. In fact, she was so impressive that the eventual winner, British Pop star Jessie J, specifically asked KZ to perform with her during the finals of the show.

Auditions for the show are currently ongoing and it will be open only until April 20, 2022, giving aspiring P-Pop trainees less than a month to get ready and apply for a slot in the highly anticipated talent search. For this edition of the show, Top Class admissions will only be open to boys aged 16 to 26. The audition mechanics can be found on the social media pages of Top Class and aspiring students will have to accomplish the steps enumerated on the Top Class Kumu channel.

Top Class is a collaborative game-changing program of Filipino entertainment giants: Kumu, Cignal Entertainment, TV5, and Cornerstone Entertainment. The show will be hosted

by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Catch the exciting reality series this 2022 only on TV5, Kumu, and select digital platforms.

Viva pivots into podcast space with new titles

From left) Carmina Villaroel, Janice de Belen, Candy Pangilinan, and Gelli de Belen in ‘Wala Pa Kaming Title’

‘The IDK Show’ tackles things close to an artist’s heart

THE last decade has seen a digital tsunami overwhelm the lifestyles and preferences of Filipino consumers. Digital penetration is at an all-time high, with the established players and newcomers offering accessibility options to the general public.

With this comes products and services that cater to every want and need, as Filipinos from all walks of life are intrigued and hooked to being part of the digital evolution. One area that has generated considerable interest in the field of podcasting. The numbers have been eye-popping: 31 million Filipinos listen to podcasts; and an average of 54 minutes is spent tuning in to podcasts.

Viva One, the digital incubation, and aggregation division of Viva Communications Inc., is taking the lead in bringing more podcast titles that the Filipino audience will be very much interested in. The group recently launched the Oomph Podcast Network, bannered by three fresh podcasts that appeal to a wide

Tina Wells (left) and Amanda Coling in the rated X podcast ‘B*Witches’

array of Filipino listeners: Wala Pa kaming Title with Candy Pangilinan, Carmina Villaroel, Gelli de Belen, and Janice de Belen is the ultimate “chikahan ng mga amigas.” This show tackles anything and everything under the sun that concerns parents raising teenagers and young adults, with a vibe that is so approachable.

B*witches with Tina Wells and Amanda Coling is a womanempowerment podcast that tackles adult themes on womanhood and life. These modern-thinking hosts offer their listeners brave and sexy takes on the themes of love, sex, and relationships.

The IDK Show by Kean Cipriano is a chat amongst musicians. The cool and hip show tackles things close to an artist’s heart – their music, inspirations, trials, and successes.

The Oomph Podcast Network has more titles lined up for release in the coming weeks. From creator-driven to genre-specific titles, there is something for

Matteo Guidicelli headlines his podcast titled ‘Matt Runs’

everyone to enjoy and engage with.

For interested podcast creators, Oomph Podcast offers a comprehensive support system that is designed to help titles get off the ground and be heard by listeners.

Creative, marketing, and production support are part of the Oomph Podcast Network’s business framework and are easily accessible.

Vincent del Rosario, CEO of Viva One, shared, “Viva has been in the business of creating content that has entertained audiences through the years.

We are invested in expanding our reach to the podcasting space to give Filipinos another venue to be engaged with our artists, their insights, and ideas. The digital Pinoy wants to consume all the content that is available and we at Viva One are inspired by their dedication.”

Podcasts are booming – and that boom is only getting louder with Oomph Podcast Network, which carries its mantra “home of podcasts na merong oomph.”

Life

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

C4

THURSDAY, MARCH 3,1 2022

Reasons why we need to get health insurance THE pandemic has made us all rethink the many choices we need to make in life. We all have different priorities in life, but I think we should all agree that our health and wellness should be on the top list.

Taking care of yourself and making sure that you are always in good health is one thing, investing in health insurance is another. I know some people who didn’t think of investing in health insurance as one of their priorities until a situation called for it. If you are in good health and you can afford to get one, now is the best time to do so.

Here are some reasons why we all need to invest in a health insurance package and telemedicine service nowadays: There are affordable health insurance packages Contrary to what some may think about insurance, there are health insurance packages that are affordable and can be availed by ordinary Filipinos. For example, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) financial inclusion super app DiskarTech offers microinsurance health packages for as low as P130 with six-month coverage.

This sachet-type health insurance package by Malayan Insurance can also be availed “on-behalf-of” another family member or friend.

The Insurance Commission (IC) sees sachet-type insurance products that are made accessible to all, as a means of helping transform the economy and making it pandemicproof in the future.

There are health insurance packages that offer complete benefits There are health insurance packages that offer full benefits.

Microinsurance health packages, for instance, offer full benefits at a lower price. As an example, DiskarTech’s six-month Panprotect Senior P900 package already includes the following benefits: Accidental Health Benefit (P100,000), Loss of Life Assistance due to COVID-19

(P100,000), Loss of Life Assistance due to Dengue/Chikungunya (P50,000), Medical Reimbursement (P12,500), and Daily Hospital Income Benefit due to COVID-19 (P750).

Telemedicine services are easily accessible Aside from microinsurance health packages, telemedicine services are also easily accessible through digital apps like DiskarTech.

In partnership with ICT service provider RuralNet which specializes in delivering products and services to the towns and provinces outside Metro Manila via rural banks, DiskarTech’s ‘pakisuyo’ telemedicine services aim to make medical consultation reach more Filipinos from underserved and geographically isolated areas, especially during the pandemic.

This service features a sachet-type telemedicine plan for as low as Php50 per person for a month, and includes unlimited medical consultation with no additional fees for video, audio, or text-based interaction.

With consultations done virtually, telemedicine services are hasslefree and a lot safer compared to outpatient consultations in clinics and hospitals, especially during the pandemic. For platforms like DiskarTech, its telemedicine feature allows Filipinos to get in touch with a doctor 24/7, making the service available anytime, anywhere.

Securing prescriptions and medical certificates via telemedicine services is easier Aside from the actual medical consultation, DiskarTech’s telemedicine feature also allows follow-up services like electronic prescriptions, laboratory requests, and medical certificates. The “pakisuyo” feature also allows the primary subscriber to the plan to avail of the service “on behalf of” another friend or family member.

The microinsurance health packages and telemedicine services offered by digital platforms like RCBC’s DiskarTech are efficient and effective ways for us to become better equipped during trying times.

Preparation is key for us to truly safeguard our own and our family’s health.

For more information about DiskarTech’s health insurance and telemedicine services, visit their website at www.diskartech.ph. You can also download the app via Google Playstore and the Apple App Store.

For comments and feedback, you may reach the author at joba.botana@ gmail.com.

Our health and wellness should always be a top priority and investing in a health insurance can help secure that

Bea is the official brand ambassador of Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox

Bea with Beautéderm president and CEO Rhea Anicoche -Tan (left)

Bea Alonzo advocates optimum digestive health

By Nickie Wang

C

ELEBRITIES are always in the public eye and their weight loss journeys are closely watched by their fans.

And just like many celebrities who have been scrutinized for their body shape, screen star Bea Alonzo revealed her struggle regarding her weight and body image.

Talking to Manila Standard Life, during her launch as the newest brand ambassador of Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitoxm held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, the actress revealed that she had to accept her body shape and work on feeling better about it.

“You have to know that you are enough, I had to learn that and that’s the message that I wanted to share with other young girls out there who might be having the same body image issue.

Just know that you are enough. I try to be positive so kahit na ano ang size mo, you have to feel beautiful. Masarap ang feeling that you feel healthy every day,” she started.

“When you are in your 30s, hindi na lang yung ganda sa labas ang iniisip mo. You also wanted to be healthy and fit, and that’s what you want to invest in the future. Ten years from now, I know, ayaw mong magkasakit. Ever since I was young, I also struggled with my weight.

Maraming nagsasabi mataba ako. Now that I’m 34, I focus more on my health.

Even if I am not the sexiest of them all, I know that people are able to relate to some of my struggles,” she revealed.

Bea admitted that she had to meet everyone’s expectations and in the process, it was her who suffered and got hurt.

“I remember may isa akong shoot sa Singapore. Pagdating ko dun, hindi sila masaya na parang hindi ako payat. I really felt na parang hindi talaga sila happy sa akin. Parang na hurt ako. So I resorted to crash dieting. Pero bumalik din yung dati at mas malala pa kasi crash diet lang yun. Pero naisip ko rin na dapat i-konek ko rin ang sarili ko sa mental health ko. Ngayon mas aware na tayo ngayon how to stay healthy, unlike when

I was still in my 20s. And don’t forget to love yourself. Don’t just do it for a guy or for the society to accept you,” she added.

Recognizing her being a role model to women her age and young women alike, Beautederm Corporation introduces Bea as the official brand ambassador of Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox.

Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox are Japan-made, 100 percent safe, effective, FDA-compliant, and allnatural supplements. Reiko Slimaxine is a Diet Enhancer while Reiko Fitox is Digestion Enhancer – both of which are carefully formulated to provide daily optimum digestive wellness that helps strengthen the overall wellbeing of every individual, especially during these trying times where the currency of good living is defined by a holistically sound physical, emotional, and mental conditions.

Digestion is vital because the body needs nutrients in order to properly function and remain healthy.

Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox are meticulously developed and formulated to aid the body in achieving optimum digestive health as the combination of both supplements help in regulating the intake of unhealthy food and aids the stomach in the

absorption of nutrients that are distributed evenly in the body while allowing the consumption and digestion of food without discomfort since a healthy gut contains good bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents such as viruses and fungi.

Juggling a

balanced life composed of professional and personal activities, Bea is a selfconfessed foodie who rewards herself with delicious treats while maintaining an active lifestyle to keep her mind and body in the best shape.

“Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox are the perfect digestive supplements for me because aside from being all-natural they help me in eating right at the right time while aiding my stomach to break down the food while strengthening my gut,” said Bea. “For someone who is very health conscious like me, Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox is the perfection combination in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I need to stay healthy because for me true beauté is really loving and taking care of myself first, and then I could extend that love and care to others,” she added.

Beautéderm President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan on the other hand believes that Bea is the best ambassador to represent Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox.

“Bea is such an inspiration because she always sees to it that she takes care of herself despite a very hectic schedule,” said Rhea. “Bea is focused and humble and she knows her priorities. I am glad to know that Bea sees to it that she is healthy first and foremost because, for the past two years, we have all learned the value of good health.”

Indeed, true beauté is loving yourself and good health is truly the key to a long and happy life.

And Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox are the best partners in enjoying the benefits of a healthy gut.

For more information about Beautéderm’s Reiko Slimaxine and Reiko Fitox and exciting updates on Bea Alonzo, follow @ beautédermcorporation on Instagram and TikTok; follow @bdhealthboosters on Instagram; follow @beautedermcorp on Twitter; like Beautéderm on Facebook; and subscribe to Beautéderm TV on YouTube.

Bea connects her physical health with her mental condition to achieve better results

Choosing the ideal swimsuit that flatters your body type

By Patricia Taculao

call attention to and which ones they want to conceal.

If a person’s upper body is wider than their hips, they need to call more attention to their lower body. They can opt for a swimsuit that has an eye-catching detail at the bottom, like swim skirt bottoms, since they make the hips

EVERY summer, people flock to the beach or pool to bask in the sun and cool off in the refreshing waters. Among the essentials that people pack for their summer vacation is swimwear, which comes in different colors, shapes, sizes, and styles—some are even designed for specific purposes.

For some women, summer is an ideal time to show their confidence, and wearing the perfect swimsuit can do just that. Yet, finding the right one isn’t as easy as it seems.

Women want to look stylish without sacrificing their comfort.

Shopping for the perfect swimwear takes some time, patience, and creativity. It’s easy to lose track, especially with vast choices of swimwear.

A rule of thumb among seasoned beachgoers is to find swimwear that flatters one’s body shape, especially since most swimsuits are formfitting.

It also helps to consider the parts Swimsuits with cuts on the side can of one’s body that they want to emphasize curves

look wider to create a balanced body shape.

Meanwhile, if a person’s hips are wider than their upper body, they should focus on drawing attention upward. Find swimsuits that have more detail on the upper portion, like a twopiece that has a solid color at the bottom while its top flaunts a floral design or a unique shape.

People with a balanced body shape, on the other hand, need to emphasize their waistline and flaunt their curves. A swimsuit with a wide belt or strategic draping can help bring out natural definition. However, they should also avoid solid colors since it’s less likely to create the definition they’re after.

Defining the waist also works for those with a wider midsection.

Swimsuits with tummy control features like wide waistbands and skimming fabrics may do the trick.

When it comes to determining whether to choose a one-piece Style is among the aspects that swimsuit or those that come in a influence a person’s decision set, the secret lies in the length of when choosing swimsuits a person’s torso.

Individuals with short torsos need to create the illusion of an elongated body. Onepiece swimsuits are a great choice, especially if it features asymmetrical blocks of color because it makes a person’s frame appear longer.

On the other hand, those with longer torsos have an opposite goal: they need to make themselves appear shorter to avoid looking lanky. Unlike people with short torsos, taller individuals should keep away from one-piece swimsuits. Instead, they should opt for swimsuits that come in sets, like tankinis or bikinis, as these strategically “portions” the body to create the illusion of a shorter torso.

Summer is a great time to bust out the swimsuits and flaunt one’s curves. With the right piece that properly complements their body shape, without comprising comfort, they can easily make the most of their time under the sun.

Considering different body shapes makes a person’s search for the right swimsuit easier