Manila Standard - 2022 April 1- Friday

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NCR still Alert Level 1 until April 15 METRO Manila and 48 other areas will remain under the most lenient Alert Level 1 until April 15, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

This after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) agreed to retain the Alert Level 1 classification in Metro Manila, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a press statement.The provinces of Albay,

Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Bukidnon, and Surigao del Sur, as well as the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Iligan, and Surigao, have been included on the list of areas that will be under Alert Level 1 until mid-April 1.

Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Baguio City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, City of Santiago, Quirino, Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 47 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DOJ to tail rallies for vote-buying Taps NBI fieldmen for spot-checking, banks to monitor cashless transactions

By Rey E. Requejo

J

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to get men out in the field to monitor campaign rallies and sorties of national and local candidates for cases of vote buying.

“I have directed the NBI to mobilize their field and regional offices and be active and not just wait for tips, but go out themselves, go out to rallies and sorties so that they [vote buyers] can get caught in the act,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra issued the order a day after saying the Department of Justice may investigate cases of vote buying on its own

Comelec delists 10.5m voters for May 9 polls CLOSE to 10.5 million registered voters in the country have been either deactivated or deleted from the list of voters for the May 9 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Thursday.

Data from the poll body revealed that a total of 7,236,952 deactivated voters and 3,246,262 names have been deleted from the voter's list.

Among the deactivated voters, 7,229,493 had failed to vote in the last two national elections, 3,993 were excluded due to court orders and 2,718 were declared insane or incompetent by authorities.

Also deactivated were 536 voters who were sentenced to more than one-year imprisonment, 134 who failed to validate, 52 who lost their Filipino citizenship; and 26 who were sentenced for committing crimes

against national security.

Among deleted voters, 1,490,678 voters transferred to another city or municipality; 892,627 were double registrants and 755,769 already died.

Also deleted are 64,320 with double entries; and 42,868 who applied as overseas voters.

There were a total of 6,950,449 newly registered voters while there were 1,520,500 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voters, who have or will turn 18 years old by Election Day, and have been included automatically in the voters' list.

The country has a total of 65,831,792 registered voters for the forthcoming polls.

Meanwhile, the Comelec reported that there are a total of 84,221 approved applications for absentee voting.

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Duterte remains neutral, no bet yet for president PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is not supporting any candidate to succeed him in the May 9 general elections.

Duterte, in a speech during the joint PING LACSON

meeting of the national and regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Lapu-Lapu City, said he remains neutral.

This was despite his faction of the rul-

ing party PDP Laban last week endorsing "I am not supporting any presidential the candidacy of former senator Ferdi- candidate. Neutral ako. So this is not a nand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the running campaign because I am not campaigning mate of his daughter, Davao City Mayor for any particular candidate. So stop Next page Sara Duterte-Carpio.

US backs PH arbitral victory, says China ‘no lawful claim’ WASHINGTON has reiterated Beijing “has no lawful claim” in areas judged by an international arbitral tribunal to be part of Manila's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Visiting Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet issued the statement following the recent maneuver-

LITO ATIENZA

ings of the Chinese Coast Guard close to Philippine Coast Guard vessels off Scarborough Shoal.

Chollet described the situation in the South China Sea as “ground zero for strategic competition in the IndoPacific” and “test for international Next page rules-based order.”

Atienza hints to drop VP bid if Lacson quits

By Macon Ramos-Araneta HOUSE Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza on Thursday said he is seriously considering withdrawing from the vicepresidential race—and will do so if Senator Panfilo Lacson, who has been lagging in surveys, willabandon his presidential bid.

This would free up their running mates, Senator Manny Pacquiao and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, to form a new tandem with a little

STRIKE AND MANEUVER MISSION.

A US Apache helicopter maneuvers and makes an attack during a combined arms live-fire exercise under the Balikatan 2022 at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Camp O’ Donnel in Tarlac on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Danny Pata

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BSP warns of risk of tokens in e-games Doctors note more diabetic cases after COVID infection THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) warned the public again on the risks of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) following the theft of $615 million worth of digital tokens from a digital ledger used by players of the popular online game Axie Infinity.

About 35 percent of traffic in Axie Infinity comes from the Philippines, ac-

counting for the biggest share of its 2.5 million daily active users.

Bridget Rose Mesina-Romero, BSP Payment System Oversight Department Deputy Director, called on the public to exercise caution over play-to-earn games, noting the risks that come with them.

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LPG up P3.27/kg as oil price rollback looms The upward adjustment came as a senior Energy official said fuel prices in the OIL firms have increased the price of ker- country may drop next week.

Rino Abad, director of the DOE's osene by as much as P3.27 per kilogram effective today (Friday).

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By Alena Mae Flores

By Willie Casas DOCTORS on Thursday said more persons became diabetic after being infected with COVID-19.

“There’s what we call new onset diabetes after contracting COVID-19,” said Dr. Carol Montano, vice president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM).

“This was discovered in a meta analysis which found there

was an increase in diabetic patients among those 18 years old and above,” Montano said in a televised press briefing.

On the other hand, a person's immunity is lowered when they have high blood glucose and this is worsened by the cytokine storm, said Dr. Aurora Macaballug, also an official of the PSEDM. Some COVID-19 patients are given steroids, which can increase blood sugar, Macaballug said.

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Meet the country’s first female jet fighter pilot A FILIPINA has qualified to join the ranks of the country's elite jet fighter pilots, the Philippine Air Force announced Thursday.

PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said 1st Lt. Jul Laiza Mae B. Camposano-Beran qualified to fly into combat using the SIAI-Marchetti AS211 light jet combat aircraft, which the

PAF also uses in attack and surveillance missions.

"The PAF made history (by) having its own, first-ever female fighter pilot on March 30, 2022 from the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. 1st Lt. Jul Laiza Mae B. Camposano-Beran was checked out as

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BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING.

1st Lt. Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran, the country's first female jet fighter pilot

A2

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Govt flexi-work to be permanent’ Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Lizada said the flexi-workplace would be implemented even without a pandemic.

“The new Commission (is) straightening out and making the flexi-workplace permanent. We are institutionalizing it, not only during the time of the pandemic,” she said.

Lizada said CSC Memorandum Circular 18 issued in 2020 on alternative and flexible work arrangement was only effective during a public health emergency, which is set to end by September this year.

The flexi-workplace includes workfrom-home, skeletal workforce, four-day

compressed workweek, staggered working hours, and a combination of the four.

Meanwhile, the four-day workweek implemented in the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals to produce the 10-hour work per day, like in the Supreme Court, will shift back to the eight-hour work per day starting Monday, April 4.

Earlier, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo ordered the return to regular eighthour daily work, also starting on April 4, after it found that the 10-hour work per day on a four-day workweek has caused inconvenience to many employees and “is counter-productive.”

DOJ...

ing wrong with that, but if the objective is to vote for someone, that is vote buying punishable under the Omnibus Election Code,” he said.

Reiterating his promise to give priority to such cases, Guevarra said a case will be filed first against the one who buys votes but that it will be expanded to cover the candidate.

"The first to be sued will be the one who directly buys votes and later on, if he admits that he was just ordered to do so by a candidate, then that will be the beginning of an expanded investigation,” he said.

He also reminded the public that under the Omnibus Election Code, charges can also be brought against those who accept money or anything of value in return for or against a certain candidate.

“Under the Election Code, even those who ask or accept or promise not to vote or vote for a candidate are also liable," he added.

Guevarra appealed to the public to help fight vote buying.

“It is important for people to take action and file a complaint. Let's act, let's file a complaint and then leave it to us to process the case. We will hurry,” he added.

Guevarra said his office will be seeking the help of banks to check on cashless transactions used in vote buying and electoral fraud.

On Tuesday, Guevarra said the DOJ will form a composite team for the Comelec’s inter-agency task force against vote buying on May 9.

He said the team will be composed of prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service, lawyers from the Public Attorneys Office and the main and field offices of the DOJ Action Center as well as investigators from the NBI. The task force, the Comelec said, will be composed of the DOJ, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, the

Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Information Agency, the NBI, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The poll body said the task force will act on its own initiative or on formal complaints involving vote buying.

Commissioner George Garcia on Thursday defended the appointment of Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as chairperson of an inter-agency task force against vote buying.

Ferolino had come under fire earlier this year for delaying a decision on the disqualification case against presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos until a fellow commissioner who was expected to vote in favor of it had retired.

But Garcia told CNN Philippines Ferolino had “vast experience in the field” as a former provincial election supervisor and he vouched for her integrity.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said among those already printed, 72 percent or 48,504,708 ballots have been exited or have already completed the whole processing, such as verification and re-verification.

He said almost 179,000 ballots were tagged as defective and were subject to reprinting, accounting for 0.28 percent of the total printed ballots.

“This is still very manageable, just a small figure. What’s important is we see these kinds of problems and discrepancies,” he said.

Ballot printing started at the National Printing Office on Jan. 20 with the manual ballots for local absentee voting, followed by the manual ballots for overseas voting, and the automated election system ballot for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the regional police of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have identified 102 towns and 3 cities in the region as areas of concern in the May 9 elections.

Of these, 16 towns and two cities were under the red category, most of which are in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao, and Basilan because of the presence of threat groups, the police said. Vito Barcelo

Atienza...

"Very seriously," Atienza told reporters when asked if he is considering backing out from the vice-presidential race, later adding that his decision is "almost final."

Pacquiao earlier said Atienza is endorsing Sotto – who had convinced Lacson to avert retirement to make a second run for the presidency following his 2004 bid -- as his replacement.

"I'm praying and hoping that Ping -he already knows the realities of his political position. I hope he backs out, too.

That would change the whole structure to completely demolish a Sara-Bongbong tandem," Atienza said, referring to former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, both leaders in pre-election surveys.

"Kung uurong siya [If he would back out] and he will do that self-sacrificing act, sino ba naman ako [Who am I]? I will also formally withdraw and commit and offer it to the Filipino nation of my withdrawal from this particular race. Because I don't want to meddle in a partnership. Kung tuloy ang partnership ni Ping at Tito, I don't want to be the third man in the relationship," he added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Civil Service Commission is making permanent the alternative and flexible work arrangement for government employees, Commissioner Aileen Lizada said Thursday.

From A1

initiative, but preferred to wait for a directive from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Guevarra said that there was no need to get a warrant of arrest from a court if they actually saw vote buying being done in their presence.

The DOJ chief said there are two main elements of vote buying--the act of offering, promising or giving money or anything of value, and second is the intention to induce the voter to vote for or against a particular candidate.

He said the combination of the two elements will make the offense of vote buying.

“So, the intention is important… because if it is given just to help and no one says to vote for this or that, there is noth-

Comelec...

From A1

The majority of the applicants are members of the Philippine National Police -- 48,698; followed by the Philippine Army -- 32,786; Philippine Air Force -4,261; Department of Education -- 3,075; and members of the media, 953.

A total of 9,346 applications have been denied.

Those who avail of absentee voting will cast their votes from April 27 to 29. They will be voting for national positions only, one each for president and vice president, 12 senators, and one party-list group.

On the other hand, the poll body also reported that as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, a total of 63,856,233 or 94.68 percent of official ballots have already been printed at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City.

The Comelec will be printing a total of 67,442,616 to be used in the May elections.

Out of the 17 regions, only the ballots from the National Capital Region have not been completed.

As of Wednesday, 51.02 percent or 3,735,978 ballots have so far been printed, out of the 7,322,361 ballots that need to be printed.

US...

From A1

He stressed the need for the US and the Philippines to continue sharing information and coordinating responses to China’s use of “leverage” to coerce the Philippines or others in the disputed waters.

“Our view has been very clear that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has no lawful claim to the area determined by the arbitral tribunal to be part of the Philippines, to the Philippines EEZ and continental shelf. We recognize the sovereign rights and the jurisdiction under the UN Law of the Sea treaty of the Second Thomas Shoal and Reed Bank,” Chollet said.

Chollet met with Philippine officials in Manila where he underscored the US commitment to Southeast Asia and the US-Philippines alliance, particularly its commitment to a free and open IndoPacific.

At the same time, Chollet reiterated Washington's commitment to its obligations under the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty and to find ways to “to refine and strengthen” the security relationship, ensuring that the defense relationship remains “relevant to current challenges.”

Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said China and other countries whose fishrmen frequent the Scarborough Shoal be taken to an ar-

Meet...

From A1

the first female AS-211 combat mission ready pilot and wingman," he added.

Mariano said Camposano-Beran first flew alone or went "solo" in the AS-211 on December 5, 2020.

"She had 150 plus hours flying the AS211," he added.

Mariano said Camposano-Berran underwent the "Jet Qualification Training" and the so-called "Intro To Fighter Fun-

bitration court to compel them to agree on ground rules for these countries' fishermen.

Carpio told ANC: "The first thing to do is agree on the ground rules: how many tons of fish can each party take within the year because we don't want to overfish. There must be ground rules. China even refuses to discuss this," he said when asked what the next president can do to force Beijing to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling declaring the shoal a common fishing ground."

"What we can do is bring another case to compel China to agree to ground rules.

We will quantify the losses of our fishermen already because our fishermen cannot freely fish there. We will quantify the losses and claim damages against China for these losses," he added.

Carpio said that Vietnam, which also claims a portion of the South China Sea, should be included in the arbitration process.

"We can ask Vietnam to join us in that arbitration so we will get more countries on our side. This is really a question of getting world opinion on your side because there is no world policeman to enforce the ruling.

We can isolate China by getting the world opinion on our side very clearly and that should be our game plan," he said.

The retired magistrate said the Philippines should conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea with other countries. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) damentals and Combat Crew Training" both in the AS-211, before flying "solo."

These trainings, which take around two years, are done to ensure that fighter pilot trainees like Camposano-Beran will not only know how to fly the aircraft but will also allow them to learn about fighting air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-tosurface in the AS-211, he added.

"And while doing this, she was also flying with the FA-50 as a backseat pilot and (gaining) combat experience having flown in the FA-50 on an actual strike mission," he added.

From A1

over a month before the May 9 elections.

Lacson, however, rejected Atienza's call and even said he was insulted by it.

"That's kabastusan (vulgarity) to say the least. For somebody like him who’s older than me to say a candidate should back out without even consulting (the person), that's insulting," Lacson said in a press conference in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

Now an independent candidate after his previous party switched its support to Vice President Leni Robredo, Lacson said he has rejected calls to back out "for the nth time."

"I'll finish this race and I'm not backing out. I would suggest that Lito Atienza should go back to school and study GMRC (good manners and right conduct), which law I authored," he said.

However, reacting to Atienza's endorsement, Sotto said he is humbled and “will certainly appreciate” such a move for the party-list lawmaker to give way to him.

"Lito Atienza has, is, and will always be a true statesman!" added Sotto.

NCR...

From A1

Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Angeles City, Tarlac, Zambales, Olongapo City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Lucena City, Marinduque, Romblon, Puerto Princesa City, Catanduanes, and Naga City will also remain under Alert Level 1 for the same period.

In the Visayas, Aklan, Guimaras, Capiz, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Siquijor, Cebu City, Biliran, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City will also stay under Alert Level 1.

The implementation of Alert Level 1 will also continue in Zamboanga City, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, and Butuan City.

The component cities and municipalities will also be under the lowest COVID-19 alert level: • Ifugao: Lagawe, Lamut • Mountain Province: Besao, Bontoc, Sagada • Nueva Vizcaya: Bambang, Bayombong, Dupax Del Norte, Quezon, Solano, Villaverde • Quezon: City of Tayabas, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, Sampaloc • Occidental Mindoro: Lubang • Palawan: Culion • Camarines Norte: Daet, San Vicente • Camarines Sur: Bombon, Cabusao, Camaligan, Iriga City, Presentacion (Parubcan), San Fernando • Sorsogon: Barcelona, Bulusan, Casiguran, City of Sorsogon, Gubat, Juban, Magallanes, Prieto Diaz • Antique: San Jose de Buenavista, Sebaste • Iloilo: Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Concepcion, Dueñas, Guimbal, Janiuay, Lemery, Mina, Pototan, San Dioniso, Santa Barbara

LPG...

From A1

Oil Industry Management Bureau, said Thursday that oil prices had decreased in the previous three trading days.

“The price is declining. I hope that from today until tomorrow the decrease will be maintained to ensure a price rollback next week,” Abad said, indicating the peace

Under the eight-hour daily work, certain officials and employees at the CA and the CTA, just like at the SC, will have to report physically for work from Monday to Thursday, while others would have to be onsite from Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm.

SC, CA and CTA officials and employees who are not reporting on Monday and Friday will have to work from home.

At the Sandiganbayan, being both a trial court and an appellate court, heads of offices would have to determine who will report for work from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and who will work from home for one day during the week.

• Negros Occidental: Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), La Carlota City, Pulupandan, Sagay City, San Enrique • Bohol: Batuan, Corella, Dimiao, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran City • Negros Oriental: Dumaguete City • Eastern Samar: Arteche, Balangkayan, Can-Avid, City of Borongan, Jipapad, Maydolong, Salcedo, San Policarpo, Sulat, Taft • Leyte: Albuera, City of Baybay, Dulag, Matag-ob, Palo, Tunga • Northern Samar: Capul, Lapinig, Lavezares, San Antonio, San Jose, Victoria • Samar: Western Samar, Marabut, Pagsanghan • Southern Leyte: Anahawan, City of Maasin, Hinundayan, Libagon, Limasawa, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan • Zamboanga Del Norte: Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Piñan (New Piñan), Polanco, Rizal • Zamboanga Sibugay: Ipil (Capital), Tungawan • Lanao del Norte: Bacolod • Misamis Occidental: Clarin, Jimenez, Ozamiz City, Panaon • Misamis Oriental: Alubijid, Binuangan, City of El Salvador, Initao, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Naawan, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan • Davao de Oro: Montevista • Davao Oriental: Cateel, City of Mati • Cotabato: North Cotabato, City of Kidapawan, President Roxas • South Cotabato: Polomolok, Santo Niño • Sultan Kudarat: City of Tacurong • Agusan del Norte: Carmen, Jabonga, Magallanes, Nasipit • Agusan del Sur: Bunawan, Loreto, Prosperidad • Dinagat Islands: Loreto • Surigao del Norte: Tagana-an (See full story online at manilastandard.net) talks between Russia and Ukraine had an influence on oil trading this week.

“I will not yet disclose the figure, but there is a strong indication that there will be a price rollback as far as three trading days are concerned,” he said, adding oil prices have remained volatile.

In separate advisories Thursday evening Petron and Phoenix LPG said they will increase the price of LPG by P3.25 per kilogram.

Over 7,000 displaced by Taal eruption

By Rio N. Araja THE unrest of the Taal Volcano has affected 7,237 persons, or 2,047 families in 18 barangays, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Thursday.

The report coincided with three phreatomagmatic eruptions, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum Jr. Solidum said the first eruption generated plumes 900 meters high, and the two others both generated plumes 500 meters tall.

Phreatomagmatic eruptions are caused by the interaction of magma and water.

Eruptions normally consist of multiple explosive events, the interval of which may vary.

Phivolcs reported that for the past 24 hours, no volcanic earthquake caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano was detected. However, lowlevel background tremor has persisted since March 29.

Solidum earlier said a low-level background tremor might signify stronger hydrothermal activity or boiling of groundwater, and degassing of the volcano. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Doctors...

From A1

One in five virus patients or 20 percent are diabetic, Macaballug said, citing a study on Philippine COVID-19 outcomes conducted at the Philippine General Hospital.

The study found that 53 percent of COVID-19 outcomes resulted in death, 34 percent led to intensive care unit admission, and 30 percent resulted in respiratory failure, Macaballug said.

This is why the group urges diabetic patients to get vaccinated and receive their booster shots, Montano said.

“Our constant reminder is this may be the end of COVID but diabetes never ends,” she also said.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) laid out three possible paths that the COVID-19 pandemic might follow in 2022—with a new, more virulent variant as the worst-case scenario.

The WHO said the most likely way forward was that the severity of disease caused by the virus would wane over time, due to greater public immunity.

But the UN health agency also said a more dangerous variant of concern than Omicron could be lurking round the corner.

With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

BSP...

From A1

“We have been reminding the public that they should be aware of how these games work, the risks attendant to them, and they should for example know how they can have recourse or remedies,” she said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

“They should only place funds that they are willing to lose because of the risks,” Mesina-Romero added.

Investigators are on the trail of the hackers, watching the money as it moves around a system that critics call the Wild West of finance.

But they are playing catch-up: the gaming company that got scammed apparently did not even notice for six days.

The hack is one of the biggest to hit the crypto world, raising huge questions about security in an industry that only recently burst into the mainstream thanks to celebrity promotions and promises of untold wealth.

Axie Infinity maker Sky Mavis said they were made aware of the security breach on Tuesday, after Ronin said hackers gained access to private keys to withdraw digital funds. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Duterte...

From A1 *fu****g* with me, kasi ito hindi pulitika,” Duterte said.

The President made the statement on the same day that he began campaign activities for PDP-Laban bets in Cebu, where he endorsed the party's full senatorial slate, including its guest candidates.

“Siyempre, nandito ako, magmagandang loob ako, itong lahat na tumatakbo ngayong eleksyon, sana manalo sila [Of course, I am here, begging for your indulgence, for everyone running here in this election, I hope they all win],” he said.

Duterte's PDP-Laban faction last week formally endorsed Marcos, Jr.'s presidential bid, even as the party was originally built to fight his father's dictatorship.

While still mum on his preferred presidential bet, Duterte said he would not hesitate to "proclaim" local officials actively fighting illegal drugs and communist rebels.

"Iyong lahat ng mayors lalo na fighting the communists, active masyado, hindi ako makasabi na botohan mo sila, bawal man [All these mayors, especially those fighting the communists, they're all active, I can't say you should vote for them]," he said in jest.

News Palace hits ‘campaign’ to sanction Rody MALACANANG denounced on Thursday a global campaign to impose sanctions on President Duterte and other ranking government officials for allege human right violations.

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) announced earlier that it has launched a campaign to penalize ranking government officials who allegedly masterminded or took part in human rights violations.

It was the first time a human rights group was campaigning to enforce the Magnitsky Act, which authorizes the United States government to sanction human rights violators globally by banning entry into the US and freezing their assets.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar dismissed the move as an effort to publicly “name and shame the Philippines before the international community.”

“It is baffling how it has come up with allegations of human rights violations of the Philippine government without validating the same with the appropriate authorities,” Andanar said in a press statement.

He reiterated however the government’s commitment to actively engage with the international community in addressing the country’s human rights concerns.

JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said the fate of “esabong” or online cockfighting is in the hands of Congress.

“We leave it to Congress to do what is necessary,” Guevarra said in a media briefing.

A3

SC eyes speedy trial of domestic violence

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered trial court judges to prioritize cases involving domestic violence against women and children the incidence of which ostensibly went up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his keynote message during the launch of “HerStory: Gender Award of Distinction” held at the Manila Hotel, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo noted that the pandemic has brought about numerous problems affecting women, including those in the judiciary.

Gesmundo cited statistics showing the “disturbing” spike in recorded incidents of domestic violence against

women and children, prompting the SC to issue a directive for judges to prioritize the resolution of these cases, including the issuance of urgent reliefs such as temporary protection orders (TPOs), permanent protection orders (PPOs), and writ of habeas corpus, as well as to resolve them immediately.

“We shall continue to train our judges to handle these cases with the utmost

SWS: Nearly all Filipinos agree govt should provide free meds NEARLY all Filipinos agreed that the government must provide free medicines for the people.

This was shown in a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted on December 12 – 16, 2021 to determine the people’s preference on access to medicines.

The SWS research indicated that 96 percent of the adult respondents said the government should “definitely” provide medicine free of charge for the people, while 78 percent were a bit unsure with “should definitely, and 17

percent quite undecided with “should probably” answers.

The SWS also noted that there was a very strong agreement across demographics, ranging from net +89 to +98.

The survey which covered 1,440 adult respondents nationwide also revealed the issues that should be addressed to lower or do away with the high out-of-pocket spending of Filipinos when it comes to healthcare.

Out-of-pocket spending is the cost of medical care that families pay directly out of their own money.

E-sabong’s fate up to Congress—Justice chief

By Rey E. Requejo

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

The secretary made the statement even as he defended the move of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to regulate “e-sabong.”

“If Congress believes that a legislative franchise is needed and PAGCOR lacks the power to impose rules and regulations then so be it,” he said.

“But if Congress won’t act, the Executive department has to,” Guevarra pointed out.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) issued earlier legal opinions sought by the PAGCOR, and stated that it is within the jurisdiction of the PAGCOR to regulate “e-sabong.”

sensitivity, but always with fairness and impartiality,” the chief magistrate said.

Gesmundo also said that female officials and personnel of the court, including women justices and judges have had to bear the increased burden of working from home while tending to their children at the same time due to quarantine restrictions and lockdowns during the pandemic.

Because of this, Gesmundo said he is proposing the establishment of childminding centers in courts to ease the dual burden on female court officials and employees.

“We are all too familiar with stories of women multi-tasking with an open zoom meeting while cooking or tending to their children at the same time. Their

quality of life has been greatly diluted,” the Chief Justice said.

Gesmundo also lamented that cases involving mental issues likewise increased during the pandemic.

“Recently, we lost one of our judges who suffered from post-partum depression. To say it is tragic does not approximate the loss experienced by her family and the community she served, nor the loss of our institution,” Gesmundo said.

To address this problem, the Court would set up mental health units in judicial regions across the country, he added.

“The mental health of our officials and employees, our justices and judges, had been largely neglected in the past.

Not anymore,” he stressed.

IN BRIEF Bicol int’l airport bans drones THE Bicol International Airport (BIA) is now strictly off-limits to unauthorized persons or objects, under pain of fine and imprisonment, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Thursday.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay has issued a new ordinance declaring BIA’s 16-kilometer radius as a protected area.

Provincial Ordinance 0059-2021, approved by Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, prohibits the unauthorized entry of kites, hot air balloons, or any remote-controlled flying gadgets that could obstruct aircraft operations within BIA’s immediate environs.

The ordinance also prohibits the pointing of laser lights to aircraft, as well as the entry of persons, vehicles, or animals without the permission and approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as the BIA operator.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the agency reminded the public that it is not only dangerous, but also illegal to point laser beams or high intensity lights at the airport and on flight paths as it could jeopardize aircraft safety. Joel E. Zurbano

SSS: ACOP extended to June 30 THE Social Security System on Thursday announced that the compliance deadline for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners’ program (ACOP) for 2021 has been extended from March 31 to June 30.

“Originally, we have given covered pensioners a period of six months from October 1 last year to comply with the ACOP for the calendar year 2021.

But in view of the restrictions that were implemented at some point earlier this year due to the Omicron variant, along with other considerations, we decided to extend the deadline for another three months or until June 30,” SSS president and chief executive officer Michael Regino said. Rio N. Araja

AP Party-list shows hard work during pandemic key ticket to earn Filipino vote

By Peter Paul Duran

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According to Rep. Ronnie Ong, #164 AP PARTYLIST will enact laws to ensure the flow of funds in the fields of livelihood, allowing every Filipino to live a better life.

AP Partylist vows to promote for the following statutes based on its BIYAHE platform:

ILENTLY, efficiently, effectively.

AP Party-list showed how the partylist system—openly criticized by some to be abolished in recent years for being prone to abuse—can be a driving force for true nation-building.

The pandemic highlighted various problems the Philippines was in dire need to address swiftly.

Ako’y Pilipino Party-list, or AP Partylist for short, worked harder in hard times and saw these crippling problems Filipinos faced especially in the transport and jobs creation sector when the pandemic hit.

“Nagtrabaho ang team namin during the pandemic, hindi kame nag-stay at home,” said Ronnie Ong, AP Party-list 1st nominee during a virtual interview with Manila Standard.

Recognized this year as one of PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter,” Ong has always worked above and beyond his call of duty. While a newcomer, he’s been known inside and outside of Congress not only to push for legislation, but to also mirror these proposed laws with tangible programs and projects.

A sudden pandemic brought upon the country needed out-ofthe-box solutions and so, since the very first ECQ, Rep. Ronnie and his team were out on the streets to bring hygiene and care packs to various communities. After that came one project after another for their #COVID19Bayanihan projects namely: “Libreng Gulay,” “Libreng Sakay,” “Libreng Bisikleta,” “Libreng E-Tablets,” and “E-skwela Hub E-learning Centers.”

“And unlike sa ibang party-list na lumalabas lang ngayon dahil campaign period, tayo from day 1 na nagstart ang lockdown nasa labas tayo everyday, and thats our track record,” he added.

Ong, 51, who also served as a representative for another party list in the 18th Congress, chose to lead AP Party-list in a bid to help more Filipinos recover from the effects of the pandemic as well as address gut issues immediately.

B I Y A H E

During the MS Loop interview, Ong shared how AP Party-list wants to represent everyday commuters, workers in the transportation industry, senior citizens, PWDs, farmers, fisherfolk, and other marginalized sectors.

Ong also mentioned that he wants to improve the PWD system (Person with Disabilities) as several people have abused this right. He also cited House Bill 5362 for the senior citizens who would like to continue working and give incentives to the companies who accept senior citizens as employees.

He also noted the help of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as they have given several jobs for senior citizens in airports, universities and hospitals.

Moreover, AP Party-list wants to push for a one-stop-shop Overseas Filipino

Workers (OFW) center for every region in the Philippines to eradicate the trouble every OFW have to go through, hopping from one place to another just to settle important documents for their pre-employment requirements Ong, also a staunch animal welfare advocate and loving fur parent, iterated that the Animal Welfare Act needs to have more teeth to punish individuals who are cruel to animals especially those caught mistreating stray cats and dogs. Alongside Yassi Pressman, Ong vowed to support the initiatives of PAWSsion Project to adopt stray animals and provide their needs especially food.

“We wanted to focus on transportation and job creation. Namulat mata namin dito sa pandemic na ang dami pa natin kailangan gawin,” he said.

Backed by a star-studded list of A-list celebrities which includes Pressman, Julia Montes, and Coco Martin, Ong said that the latter even echoed the party-list’s mission in serving the Filipino on a recent trip with the Actor in Cebu.

“Sabi nga ni Coco sa’ken, ‘Ron, hindi na tayo pang-probinsya lang, pang buong Pilipinas na ang kailangan natin tulungan. Dahil buong Pilipinas apektado, kahit sino ka man, ano man pinanggalingna mo, lahat may pinagdaanan na problema ngayong pandemya,’” Ong shared.

Asked where he draws inspiration to serve beyond the call of duty, Ong said AP Party-list is grateful to the everyday Filipino they meet and interact with, noting that this is the true meaning of public service.

Bill of Rights ng mga Pasahero sa Pampublikong Sasakyan Bill of Rights ng mga Biyahero sa mga Sasakyang Pandagat Bill of Rights ng mga Maliliit na Transport Operators Internet Connectivity sa mga Remote Areas

Youth Scholarships and E-Skwela Hubs

Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan Para sa mga Manggagawang Nawalan ng Trabaho sa Transportasyon at Turismo Animal Rights Advocacy Anti-Discrimination sa mga Senior Citizens, PWDs, at Indigents Health on Wheels

Environmental Sustainability in Transport Ensure Fair International Shipping Charges

“I draw inspiration from the people we meet every day. They give us strength and purpose to help more, minsan nakaka-frustrate that you want to help more but you don’t have enough time and resources to help them, tiyaga lang talaga, work lang nang work.”

For a final pitch to earn their vote, Ong reiterated their track record of service during the pandemic, long before any campaign period, doing so without any fuss and anything in return.

“Why AP? Very simple, nagtrabaho kame at nagtatrabaho kame. Hindi pa panahon ng kampanya nagtatrabaho na kame,” Ong said.

“Alam namin ang importance ng boto ng Pilipino sa amin, and we have to really earn it. Hopefully we were able to earn it in the past three years kase wala kaming tigil sa pagtrabaho at pagtulong sa tao.”

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News

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

Bongbong, Sara agree to split up in pol campaign

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rey Requejo WITH the elections barely five weeks away, the UniTeam tandem of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio have agreed to split up in their sorties in order to cover more areas of the country.

“There will be several areas that we will not campaign together because we have different areas to focus on,” Duterte-Carpio said in a chance interview in Antipolo when asked why her presidential tandem was not with her during the rally.

While Marcos was not with her in Limay, Bataan and in Antipolo City, the presidential candidate was in Mindanao, courting voters in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and in Bukidnon.

“That is the agreement, to cover more areas. We need to split up and collaborate on certain areas,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Party (NUP) on Thursday announced its support for Duterte-Carpio, the candidate of Lakas-CMD. “We wish to announce that the National Unity Party (NUP) has decided to endorse the vice presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte,” the NUP said.

“We call upon all our party members to join hands with the Uniteam of former Senator Bongbong Marcos and Mayor Sara in nurturing national unity, peace and development,” the NUP added.

PREPARING FOR RAMADAN. A boy reads the Koran inside the

Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. The observance of the holy month of Ramadan in the country this year will start on the evening of April 2 until May 2, with Muslims observe fasting from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. before doing prayers until 8 p.m. Norman Cruz

New format for poll debates

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday unveiled the new format of the presidential debate scheduled on April 3.

In a press briefing, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the event will have a total of four segments.

“Previously, we asked one general question per segment which all of the candidates answered. For the upcoming debate, there will be one general question that will be posted for all the candidates to answer, and this will happen at the start of the debate. For each succeeding segment, the candidates will be divided into groups of three

where each group will be given one question to debate on,” the poll body official added.

He explained that in total, there will be three questions for each succeeding segment.

Each candidate will be given 120 seconds to answer the questions and another 30 seconds for a rebuttal.

“Groups of threes will change with each segment. Each group will be randomly pre-determined via a drawing of

lots which will happen two hours before the debate or at 5 p.m.,” he added.

All candidates will be given 60 seconds each to deliver their closing statements.

Asked who among the 10 presidential bets have confirmed their attendance, James said “all of them except one”.

Commissioner George Garcia urged Congress to pass a law that will mandate the holding of presidential debates every election in the country.

Garcia said the poll body is also looking into sanctions that could be imposed on those who skip debates.

He said the proposed law will also include penalizing those who would skip the debate.

“What are the punishments, sanctions? Disqualification or an election offense? Just to be clear, if the Comelec will do that, that would be unconstitutional because that is legislation, but then just the same, the issue on sanctions is not over yet,” Garcia said.

At present, those who refuse to attend the Comelec sponsored debates will be prohibited to air their electronic rally on the commission’s platform.

The poll body earlier directed its Law Department and the Education and Information Department to determine other sanctions they may possibly impose on debate skippers. With Vito Barcelo.

Prexy bets urge govt to collect P203-billion Marcos estate tax

POLL WATCHERS. Members of the LGBTQIA+ display placards in Quezon city as they launch “Bakla Bantay Boto,” a poll watch coalition and campaign against electoral fraud in the upcoming May elections. Manny Palmero

Leni visits Cagayan de Oro to meet supporters

By Rio N. Araja

AFTER her campaign sorties in Eastern Visayas, Vice President Leni Robredo has flown to Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao to visit political leaders here and woo voters.

She met with Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Misamis Oriental Rep. Juliette Uy in Cagayan de Oro as well as with Bukidnon Rep. Maria Lourdes Acosta-

Isko: Prioritize reviving local steel industry

By Rey E. Requejo AKSYON Demokratiko presidential candidate Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso said that he will fully support the revival of the National Steel Corporation and other steel manufacturing plants in the country.

He said this will generate more jobs and business opportunities that will hasten human and economic growth.

Moreno made the assurance after reporters asked him about his plans for Iligan City, particularly the NSC, which was once touted the largest steel mill in Asia but has been shut down for more than a decade due to financial issues.

“As I have said, we need to create more jobs, jobs, jobs. At least 4.2 million Filipinos lost their jobs for the past two years, and creating an industry like steel manufacturing or producing steel is a good venture for our country,” Moreno said in an interview before Team Isko embarked on a motorcade in the Northern Mindanao city of Iligan.

Alba separately and her husband Jose Manuel, who is running for Congress to replace the former.

She also met with CDO Mayor Oscar Moreno, who is seeking a gubernatorial seat in Misamis Oriental.

While most local officials in Mindanao are backing Robredo for her presidential bid, they said they have their own choices for the vice presidency.

Rodriguez and Uy wanted Robre-

do to pair with Davao City and vice presidential bet Sara Duterte.

On the other hand, Moreno and the Acostas were behind Robredo’s running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Rodriguez, who met with Robredo together with other local candidates under his Centrist Democratic Party, said they never talked about his group’s support for another vice presidential aspirant during their hour-long meeting.

PRESIDENTIAL candidates in the upcoming May elections are urging the government to collect the Marcos heirs’ P203-billion estate tax.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Supreme Court (SC) already ruled with finality regarding the tax.

He said nobody can claim the contrary since the SC ruling was final and executory. He also said the estate tax could balloon to a trillion pesos if remained uncollected.

“So it is just right to collect the tax debts. If not, that might balloon to one trillion. Remember, it started with P23 billion, that is the basic estate tax that they need to pay. In the course of time, there were surcharges, penalties, and it reached P203 billion,” Lacson, quoted in a GMA News report said.

Lacson also backed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to collect the tax debt.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno earlier “dared” the camp of fellow presidential bet Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to pay the P23 billion estate tax debt.

Moreno said this was the after a general counsel of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas said this was the amount the

Supreme Court ruled with finality.

Senator Manny Pacquiao also supported the calls to collect the debts.

Pacquiao said “even the President” said that taxes should be paid.

Pacquiao made the remark when asked if he would have the BIR intensify its efforts in collecting the Marcoses’ estate tax which is said to be valued at over P200 billion.

“Even the President sabi niya bayaran niyo ‘yung tax na hindi niyo binayaran.

Bayaran niyo ang tax na hindi niyo binayaran kasi commitment din naman natin ‘yan,” Pacquiao said at a news conference during a campaign stop,” Pacquiao, in a separate news report said.

For the Akbayan party list, the BIR should file a criminal case against Marcos Jr. and his family for “their refusal to pay the P203 billion estate tax debt.”

The party list group filed a petition filed before the BIR, which said the tax agency should not allow Marcos Jr., “use the presidency as a tax shield.”

Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, the spokesperson for Marcos Jr, has repeatedly said that the ownership of the properties which are subject of the estate tax had yet to be settled. Rodriguez also said the issue was “all politics.”

Pacquiao tours Visayas, seeks to deliver projects to stop poverty

WITH less than 40 days before election day, presidential candidate Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao barnstormed areas in the Visayas, bringing his message of poverty alleviation, and will forego the usual political gimmick of tapping artists and entertainers to bring in the crowd.

“Iba naman to, di naman ito concert. Iba kasi ang concert, syempre matagal na nakatiwangwang ang mga tao sa bahay dahil sa pandemya at dahil hindi nakalabas kaya excited sila magkaroon ng concert na ganun. Invited ang mga artista so marami talagang dadalo. Kahit ako pag gusto ko

ang isang artista dadalo ako, so ganun yun (This is different, this is not a concert, we understand people have been indoors so when they want to see an artist they would go out, I would do the same),” Pacquiao told newsmen.

Before politics, the 43-year old Pacquiao has drawn record crowds,

including around 20.4 million payper-view (PPV) buys in his 27-year boxing career.

Campaigning to get his platform of a no-nonsense crackdown on corruption and affordable housing for all is altogether a different thing, the former eight-division titleholder said.

Opposition lawmakers hit govt on ‘Build, Build, Build’ shortcomings

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

FOOD SECURITY. A stevedore carries a sack of rice from a truck to a rice store in Divisoria,

Manila. President Rodrigo Duterte recently approved the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to boost local food production and ensure food security, productivity and economic growth as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. Norman Cruz

OPPOSITION senators said the government’s Build, Build, Build program must address shortcomings in the agriculture sector.

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and re-electionist Sen. Risa Hontiveros asserted that infrastructure support to this sector would spur agricultural growth and boost the country’s economy, in general.

This assertion was echoed by their party mates, Vice President Leni Robredo and former Rep. Teddy Baguilat.

Robredo, who is running for President in tandem with Pangilinan, vowed to press for the implementation of a “rural version” of “Build, Build, Build,” which aims to usher in the “golden age of infrastructure” in the country.

Pangilinan said the commitment was included in Robredo’s basket of agricultural policies that she ticked off during her sorties in Central Luzon, considered a farming powerhouse.

Under the “Build, Build, Build” program being implemented by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Robredo vowed to focus more on post-harvest facilities such as cold storage in the rural areas.

Opinion Perpetuation of testimony in heinous crimes I USUALLY base my articles on existing laws and jurisprudence, but I am making an exception for this week’s article. I intend to bring to the attention of those who will assume positions in the 19th Congress of the Philippines, the absence of a law on gathering competent and relevant testimonies immediately after the commission of heinous crimes, especially before the case is filed in criminal courts, or when the witnesses are not found in or are outside of the Philippines.

Crimes are classified as heinous for being grievous, odious, and hateful. These acts are inherently wicked, vicious, atrocious, and perverse, making them repugnant to the common standards and norms of decency and morality (Republic Act 7659). Examples are treason, parricide, murder, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence, destructive arson, and plunder, among others.

While there is a legal process at the level of the Office of the Prosecutor (OP) that determines whether a crime has been probably committed by the suspect, it may take time before the OP ascertains it. During this period, the witnesses of both the offended party and the accused may be vulnerable to duress, violence, undue influence, or physical harm that may later affect the truthfulness and accuracy of their testimonies in court.

There is evidently a gap in the Rules on how to protect the testimonies of the witnesses before the case is filed by the OP in court and the State commences to prosecute. This is a cause for concern of lawyers and parties in criminal cases because witnesses may depart from the Philippines with no definite date of return, may die, become sick or infirm, or be oppressed or harassed by interested parties, before they are presented in court.

Some say that affidavits submitted before law enforcement officers and prosecutors during preliminary investigation are sufficient protection for these testimonies, but these are worthless in the absence of an opportunity that should be given to the adverse party to cross-examine the witnesses. This is because cross-examination only takes place during the deposition or trial for a case in court and not during the preliminary investigation.

Others also say that there are provisions in the Rules on Criminal Procedure that deal with a witness who is sick or infirm, about to depart from the Philippines, or is located more than 100 kilometers from the venue of the hearing. However, these provisions on the Conditional Examination of witnesses for the prosecution and accused only apply if the criminal case has been filed in court and the necessity of preserving the testimony arises before the actual trial (Sections 12, 13 and 15, Rule 119).

Additionally, conservative legal thinkers say that there is a provision in the Rules on Criminal Procedure on the discharge of an accused as a state witness (Section 117, Rule 119). However, this provision provides only the immunity of the discharged accused from conviction and preservation of his testimony in court. It does not include the preservation of witnesses’ testimonies before the filing of a criminal case.

Neither does the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (Republic Act 6981), offer sufficient protection for the gathering

of witness testimonies in heinous crimes or felonies because: (a) not all material witnesses may qualify under the witness protection program and even if they do, they will have to wait for trial; (b) while witnesses are protected from threat, intimidation, or harassment, their testimonies may still be corrupted before they are presented in court; and (c) witnesses may linger in safehouses that can lead them to forget the substance of their testimonies.

There is also the potential danger of witnesses being threatened, intimidated, or harassed by their guards, who may be used as conduits by interest groups to distort the witnesses’ testimonies when presented in court. Furthermore, the female witnesses may, due to unnecessary personal familiarity with their guards, be susceptible to sexual indiscretion which may result in unintentional pregnancies.

There is a void in gathering the testimonies of vital witnesses immediately after the commission of heinous crimes.

Risk reduction may be achieved by competent courts receiving testimonies (not necessarily the court where the criminal cases are assigned) immediately after the occurrence of the crimes, provided that witnesses in these cases are subject to cross-examination by the adverse party or suspect. Unfortunately, there are no laws on this matter.

Perpetuation of testimony would have been an ideal procedural option to preserve the testimonies of witnesses before a case is filed in court. Unfortunately, perpetuation of testimony in our Rules applies only to civil or commercial litigation either by: (a) taking the deposition (testimony) solely in the action initiated for that purpose; or (b) a deposition pending appeal in an already pending civil case (Rule 24, Rules of Civil Procedure).

The perpetuation of testimony is utilized when a person threatened with or exposed to a suit is unable to bring the issue to an immediate judicial determination. It may also be availed by a person who intends to institute an action for the purpose of establishing his rights regarding a particular matter but is unable to do so (Evidence, Francisco, 1996 citing 16 Am. Jur. 702).

The provision on perpetuation of testimony, specifically Rule 134, was originally part of the Rules on Evidence adopted by the Supreme Court on March 14, 1989. However, when the Rules of Civil Procedure was amended in 1997, the provision on perpetuation of testimony was transferred to Rule 24 to form part of the modes of discovery now known as Depositions before action or Pending appeal.

In the case of People v. Sergio and Lacanilao, the Supreme Court was faced with the problem of applying Rule 23 on Depositions Pending Action, used in civil cases, to a criminal case instead of using the Conditional examination of witness for the prosecution, which is under the Rules on Criminal Procedure (Section 15, Rule 119). This legal issue was brought about by the conditions laid down by the Indonesian government in taking the written interrogatories of the convicted Marie Jane Veloso (Veloso) who is imprisoned in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Full version on www.manilastandard.net

Refuse to be the fool

‘Cause when they own the information They can bend it all they want.’

- John Mayer, Waiting on the World to Change AT No other point are fake news and shameless propaganda more prevalent in our country than today.

In these weeks leading up to the May elections, the term “disinformation” has become a buzz word as much as the names of the candidates themselves.

As a result, and with greater urgency than ever, citizens, professional groups and civil society organizations have felt compelled to put up fact-checking units, and more importantly to collaborate, to combat this menace.

Despite such initiatives, it remains difficult to catch up with the sheer number of fake and misleading posts online.

Our first instinct would be to blame technology. In the olden days, journalists were hard pressed to get quotes from their sources or background information for their assignments. But because of technology,

a simple Google search would bring us thousands, if not millions, of search results. It is also now easier to get quotes from practically anyone.

The deluge of all these presents a problem – which, and whom, to believe?

But technology is a double-edged sword, as it has always been. Our current predicament is more a result of human nature.

The receiver of fake news may just not know any better. Or may be too fascinated with the immediacy offered by the Internet while oblivious of its dangers. Or enamored of certain personalities, proof and logic be damned.

Those peddling fake news deliberately have their own agenda. Perhaps it is to profess their undying loyalty to an idol. Collect a paycheck.

Sell their soul.

Those who stand by and look the other way may say it’s freedom of expression at work. In fact, they are simply protecting and preserving their own interests, whatever these may be.

It’s easy to criticize disinformation on personal blogs and vlogs and social media platforms. Those behind them have no formal training, enjoy no mandate and are not in any way accountable for what they say. It is far more heartbreaking to see fake news, or indifference to/tacit encouragement of it, on what are supposed to be legitimate media outlets.

For example, there are reports that solely rely on PR feeds of candidates without getting

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EDITORIAL

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US oil reserves

HE US initiative to tap its oil reserves to ease the global supply crisis is a welcome move. But whether it will make a significant impact on world supply and bring back oil prices to the level before Russia invaded Ukraine remains to be seen.

to 180 million barrels, from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve to check rising petroleum prices. The additional crude supply hopefully will ease the tight supply in the global market following the Ukraine war.

The crisis has amplified the importance of achieving energy and food independence.

World oil prices expectedly dropped yesterday on reports that the US is considering such a move. With the decision of the so-called OPEC+ producers that include the regular 15 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia to basically maintain their current output, the additional supply from the US is a shot in the arm for the rest of the consuming world.

US President Joe Biden as of press time is considering the release of 1 million barrels a day for several months, or up

The US has been storing oil in four salt caverns along the gulf coasts of Texas and Louisiana after the 1973-1974 oil embargo as a national security measure in offsetting disruption in global supplies.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, meanwhile, has compounded the already tight global oil supply at a time when the world economy is starting to reopen

two years into the pandemic. Russia is a major oil and gas producer, while Ukraine serves a transshipment point for Russia’s gas exports to Europe.

Surging oil prices have raised inflation in the developed and ThirdWorld countries alike and reduced the global growth prospects. The European development bank EBRD has also predicted that the gross domestic product of Russia and Ukraine would contract 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, this year. The lower economic output of the two nations is significant—Russia and Ukraine are the world’s major wheat and corn producers.

The Philippines, meanwhile, like many developing countries, is reeling from surging crude prices in the world market. It has not created a strategic oil reserve similar to what the US has done as a defense to supply disruptions.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified the importance of achieving energy and food independence. The incoming administration should be aware of this weakness.

Alvarez and Robredo IN A TV interview last week, Davao del Norte Representative and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez proved that he does not think before he talks.

Alvarez was interviewed after he announced that his political party, Reporma, had withdrawn its support for the presidential run of Senator Panfilo Lacson, and is now gunning for the rival bid of Leni Robredo.

Lacson disputes Alvarez’ claim, and said only Alvarez’ provincial chapter of Reporma joined the Robredo camp.

Alvarez himself admitted to the media that he was very upset that some P800-million in campaign funds supposedly promised to Alvarez by Lacson were not forthcoming.

In my opinion, the incoherent Alvarez was desperately avoiding the pointed questions directed to him by the interviewer.

For instance, the interviewer asked Alvarez how Robredo reacted to his sudden shift from Lacson to her camp, considering that even before the start of the official campaign period for the presidency, Alvarez had been describing Robredo as unfit for the presidency.

The interviewer also reminded Alvarez that the latter even tried to get Robredo impeached by the House on a previous occasion.

In response, Alvarez said he had already apologized to Robredo, and Robredo welcomed him to her camp.

It was noticeable that instead of explaining the reasons for his complete turn-around, the other side of the story. Some opinion writers hide behind the protective cloak of “opinion” and use it as a license to spew lies and insults, and fan speculation. When they are called out, they cry persecution and violation of their rights.

Still another tragedy is that many Filipinos are not able to tell news from opinion, especially when they gain access to articles not from the web sites of legitimate news organizations, but from social media links, memes and quote cards. Worse, being fact-checked is now being portrayed as something evil or unjust, inflicted on persons merely trying to express themselves.

Then again, who could be victims of factchecking except liars themselves?

In the fight against fake news, media owners’ leadership would go a long way.

••• Why do we see disinformation as a threat to our democracy and our way of life?

People’s decisions, especially during elections, shape the course of the nation. But how do we arrive at this decision? What input do we take into consideration when deciding whom to vote for, or junk? Naturally, if our people base their decisions on lies and denials despite proof to the contrary, their votes would be tarnished and would no longer be freely made.

Filipinos could be discerning and intelligent if they set their mind to it. They could have an open mind and arm themselves not with hateful words but the skill to distinguish valid from invalid claims. The operative word, however, is “could,” not “are.” Not yet, at least.

The various initiatives to this end are laudable. Fact-checking groups have daunting work before them, but they persevere.

Individual journalists who do what they can

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

Alvarez kept quiet about his past criticism of Robredo and sweepingly claimed that Robredo is the best bet for the presidency.

Alvarez also urged the electorate not to vote for ex-Senator Bongbong Marcos (BBM), who is the leading candidate for president in past and current opinion surveys. Alvarez’ reason?

BBM is not as intelligent as his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Here’s what I think.

Asked why BBM is leading in the opinion polls, Alvarez said that poll surveys are good reasons not to entrust democracy to Filipino voters.

It appears that Alvarez idolizes President Marcos because of the latter’s known intelligence and political savvy. He also distrusts the electorate. A Freudian slip on his part, perhaps? I think so. It’s either that, or Alvarez did not understand what he was talking about. Whichever it may be, Alvarez has zero credibility.

Comparing BBM to his late father in terms of intelligence is beside the point as far as the current race for the presidency is concerned.

BBM is the ideal candidate for president, and he is the most qualified for the presidency in this year’s election. His platform for government is sound and feasible, and good for the country.

Unlike his rivals, BBM has never said anything unwarrantedly derogatory against their persons, notwithstanding the unfounded to choose the truth fight their battles every day. Social media users who lovingly guide their relatives and friends to becoming more discerning consumers of news are on the right track.

But there is one powerful group of people that, if they are tapped, could do much to institute an evidence-based mindset on a greater scale. These are media owners.

Many owners of media organizations are themselves big names in politics and business. It would be worth asking them periodically of the motivations that brought them to own their news outfit in the first place. Is it to push their own or their relatives’ agenda? Protect their business and political interests? Rake in profits by appealing to as many news consumers as possible?

Or are they true to the calling of the profession – to seek the truth and enable Filipinos to make informed and enlightened decisions about their way of life? Whatever their answer, they must realize that the tone is set at the very top. So what tone do they want to set for the members of their organization?

It’s not as simple as it sounds, of course. There are many real-world factors to consider, and sometimes these considerations conflict with one another. Journalistic integrity or economic survival? Valid criticism versus family loyalty?

Sustainable governance for the future of our children or the concentration of power within a certain clan? Afflicting the comfortable or exposing yourself to backlash? Sometimes you make courageous decisions. Sometimes you give in to your baser instincts. Sometimes you feel defeated and get exhausted, but live to fight another day.

The industry is, as anyone, a work in progress. But we should never fail for lack of trying. The course of our country, and our children’s future, hinges on the kind of information we use and allow to influence our decisions today. Wherever we are on the information chain, let’s protect that with all our might.

Today is April Fools Day. Today and every day, let’s resist being the Fool.

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

adellechua@gmail.com

accusations and nasty things his rivals have been hurling at him.

Worth emphasizing is BBM’s experience in local government management as the past governor of Ilocos Norte, and in national legislation as a former senator. BBM’s vast experience in public service makes him the right choice for the country’s next president.

Unlike Robredo, BBM has the bearing of a real leader, and can speak in straight English.

Despite all the vilification thrown his way by the Aquino family and their underhanded allies in the intolerant, judgmental pinklawan army, BBM has weathered the times. He harbors no ill will against the Aquinos and he is not vindictive. During his tenure in the Senate, BBM even sponsored a law naming some infrastructure after the late Ninoy Aquino, who was the staunch political adversary of BBM’s late father.

In contrast, Robredo is patently unfit to be president.

I believe Robredo has no laudable achievement as a non-descript member of Congress (2013-2016) and as accidental vice president (2016-2022). As VP, Robredo did nothing but cause division in the government, and unjustly badmouth the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Moreover, Robredo’s public statements underscore her insufficient knowledge of the Constitution and pertinent laws.

So what is the real reason why Alvarez shifted his allegiance to Robredo? Can we conclude that they truly deserve each other?

No wonder the Duterte administration agreed to unseat Alvarez as House Speaker in 2018, after just two years in office.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

I would have smacked Chris Rock, too

If BBM becomes president

PDP-Laban should purge unwanted elements

Mr. Nice Guy

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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TODAY mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China, Solomon Islands agree to controversial security pact HONIARA—The Solomon Islands on Thursday said it had inked a wide-ranging security pact with Beijing, an agreement Western allies fear will pave the way for the first Chinese military foothold in the South Pacific.

“Officials of Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China have initialed elements of a bilateral Security Cooperation Framework between the two countries today,” said a statement from the prime minister’s office in Honiara.

It is now awaiting signature by foreign ministers of the two countries.

A draft version of the agreement, leaked

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that TURISTA.PH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Formerly: PARAGUA ECORESORT VENTURES INC.) with office address at 3rd Floor Alveo Corporate Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Creative Industries/ Knowledge-Based Services Provider-Software Development [Travel and Tourism Software Development (Turista.ph)] under R.A. 11534 (CREATE LAW) and the Preffered List-Strategic Services of the 2020 IPP with office address 3rd Floor Alveo Corporate Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

last week, detailed measures to allow Chinese security and naval deployments to the crisis-hit Pacific Island nation.

It included a proposal that “China may, according to its own needs and with the consent of the Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands”.

It would also allow armed Chinese police to deploy at the Solomon Islands’ request, to maintain “social order”.

The “forces of China” would also be allowed to protect “the safety of Chinese personnel” and “major projects in the Solomon Islands”.

Without the written consent of the other party, neither would be allowed to disclose the missions publicly.

The leaking of the draft sent political shock waves across the region.

The United States and Australia have long been concerned about the potential for China to build a naval base in the South Pacific, allowing its navy to project power far beyond its borders.

Any Chinese military presence would likely force Canberra and Washington to change their military posture in the region.

Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Thursday that the China-Solomon Islands pact would “change the calculus” of his country’s operations in the Pacific. AFP

(MS-APR. 1, 2022)

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy.

I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject.

I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF LAVINA LAKHWANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2170-A FATIMA ST., SAN MIGUEL VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY (2004-2014) 8861-D SAMPALOC ST., SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE, MAKATI (1997-2004) 9009 ARANGA ST., SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE, MAKATI (1993-1997) 3. I was born on APRIL 21, 1985, in METRO MANILA Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of INDIA

FLOODED DOWN UNDER. A handout photo taken and received on March 31 from the New South Wales (NSW) State Emergency Service shows floodwaters inundating the northern NSW city of Lismore, Australia. AFP

LEADER NIXES KREMLIN PROMISES

Ukraine girds for Russian onslaught in east anew

K

YIV—Ukraine’s president warned Russian troops are regrouping in preparation for a renewed assault in the east Thursday, as he dismissed Kremlin promises to scale back attacks on the capital Kyiv.

With shelling of Kyiv and Chernigiv continuing despite a Russian vow to “reduce” military activity by “a large margin”, Volodymyr Zelensky told his war-torn nation to brace for a new Russian onslaught in the eastern Donbas region.

“We don’t believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase,” Zelensky said in a late-night video message.

“There is an accumulation of Russian troops for new strikes in Donbas and we are preparing for it.”

“We will fight for every meter of our land,” he said.

In five weeks of brutal fighting Russian forces have been humbled by dogged Ukrainian resistance, and forced to rethink any ambitions to sack the capital or overthrow the democratically elected government.

Western intelligence agencies have been keen to underscore Russia’s military failings, and to push suggestions that President Vladimir Putin is being misled by his own fearful advisors about battlefield reverses.

“We’ve seen Russian soldiers—short of weapons and morale—refusing to carry out orders, sabotaging their

own equipment and even accidentally shooting down their own aircraft,” Britain’s GCHQ spy agency chief Jeremy Fleming on Thursday, after similar claims from the White House.

Citing US intelligence, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said Putin “felt misled by the Russian military”.

Military experts believe that with thousands of Russian troops killed and many thousands more injured, Moscow has no choice but to ditch efforts to advance simultaneously along multiple axes in the north, east and south.

There are growing indications that Russia’s focus is turning to the east, and capturing more towns and cities in Donbas including the besieged port city of Mariupol —even as the long-range assault on other cities continues.

Shift in strategy Russia’s Ministry of Defence on Thursday claimed that was the plan all along.

“The first stage of the special military operation,” said major general Igor Konashenkov, was “to force the enemy to concentrate its forces, means, resources and military equipment to hold on to high populated areas”.

He said the aim was to degrade and tie up Ukrainian forces so they could not be used “in the main direction of our Armed Forces in Donbas”. “All these goals have been met,” he added. AFP

Pope on 2-day visit to Malta for migrants

4. My father's name is KISHORE LAKHWANI and he was born on NOVEMBER 10, 1957, in JAKARTA, INDONESIA He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's name is RENU LAKHWANI and she was born on MAY 6, 1961 in AJMER, INDIA. She is a citizen or subject of INDIA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is PRODUCT RESEARCH & ASSOCIATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER and from which I derive an average annual income of P412,500, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

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

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

BACK ON EARTH. Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov (right) and Anton

Shkaplerov (center) and NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei (left) are seen inside the Soyuz MS-19 space capsule shortly after the landing in a remote area outside Dzhezkazgan (Zhezkazgan), Kazakhstan, on March 30. AFP

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

IN BRIEF

8. I have 0 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

UN: Halt worsening Afghanistan crisis

Residence

GENEVA—The United Nations urged the world to stand by Afghanistan at a pledging conference on Thursday where it is seeking a record $4.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to the broken country.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15 amid the hasty withdrawal of US-led foreign forces, and the country’s humanitarian crisis has rapidly worsened since.

The donor conference comes a week after the hardline Islamists closed down girls’ schools, to widespread international dismay, despite promising a softer version of their previous harsh regime, from 1996 until 2001.

While condemning the closures, the UN, Britain, Germany and Qatar, which are co-hosting the virtual pledging event, insisted the international community must not abandon the Afghan people, with 60 percent of the population needing aid to stay afloat.

And they also urged donors not to fall into the trap of neglecting the crisis in Afghanistan while seized by Russia’s war in Ukraine. AFP

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

Name of School DLSU-TAFT

Place of School MANILA, PH

Dates of Study 2002-2006

COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN

MANILA, PH MANILA, PH

1998-2002 1991-1998

Highest Grade Completed BACHELOR’S DEGREE HIGH SCHOOL GRADE SCHOOL

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

Foreign judges to stay on HK top court

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

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated

(MS-MAR. 25/ APRIL 1 & 8, 2022)

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HONG KONG—Australian and Canadian judges confirmed Thursday they will stay on Hong Kong’s top court after two senior British justices resigned to avoid endorsing China’s crackdown on political freedoms in the financial hub.

Judges from common law jurisdictions are invited to sit as non-permanent members at Hong Kong’s top court, which is separate from mainland China’s opaque, party-controlled legal system.

UK Supreme Court President Robert Reed and fellow judge Patrick Hodge resigned from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal on Wednesday, saying the government had “departed from values of political freedom and freedom of expression”.

Four of the ten remaining overseas judges -- who unlike Reed and Hodge are retired— have said they will remain, including Australian judges William Gummow, Anthony Murray Gleeson and Robert French.

“We do not intend to resign and we support the judges of the Court of Final Appeal in their commitment to judicial independence,” Gummow, Gleeson and French told AFP in a joint statement.

Former Canadian chief justice Beverley McLachlin also said she would remain. AFP

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis heads Saturday for a two-day trip to Catholic-majority Malta where he will again highlight the plight of migrants, as the Ukraine war sends a stream of refugees across Europe.

The 85-year-old pontiff is the third pope since 1990 to visit the tiny Mediterranean archipelago, where Saint Paul was said to have shipwrecked in 60 AD—and which wears its religion proudly.

Catholicism is part of the constitution, and 85 percent of the just over half-a-million residents declare themselves believers, while Malta is the only EU country that completely bans abortion.

But Malta is also a key destination for Pope Francis for its frontline role in managing the mass influx of migrants who try to reach Europe, with thousands arriving here by sea over the years.

During five speeches, one of them at a migrant centre, the pontiff is expected to1 repeat his calls for a better welcome for these arrivals—particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a fresh migrant crisis on Europe’s eastern flank.

“Malta is symbolic in several ways,” said Bernard Valero, a former French diplomat and expert on the Mediterranean region, noting its strategic positioning between Europe and Africa and a “scene of the migration tragedy”.

“And the islands themselves -- with a history of shipwrecks, of Saint Paul, of migration—have a very strong religious symbolism”, he told AFP. Even in normal times, religion is evident everywhere in Malta, from the historic churches—often illuminated —to the streets where crosses are suspended above the road.

Ahead of the pope’s visit, key sites have been spruced up, with new pavements laid, although preparations were forced to take a back seat due to March 26 general elections. AFP

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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

China’s factory activity shrinks as lockdowns hurt economy

PSEi March 31, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

BCP

47.3

15.75

49.92%

2 3

CSB V

8.35 0.86

1.42 0.09

20.49% 11.69%

4 5 6 7

MA OPM OPMB BC

0.011 0.012 0.013 7

0.001 0.001 0.001 0.51

10.00% 9.09% 8.33% 7.86%

8

SLI

2.9

0.2

7.41%

9 10

FPI ALCO

0.22 0.59

0.015 0.04

7.32% 7.27%

TOP LOSERS

1 KPPI 2 FERRO

LAST PRICE CHANGE 2.75 -0.7 2.1 -0.2

% CHANGE -20.29% -8.70%

3 4

PRIM PRMX

1.41 2.6

-0.13 -0.22

-8.44% -7.80%

5

RLT

0.217

-0.013

-5.65%

6 7

PBB NI

8.66 1

-0.44 -0.05

-4.84% -4.76%

8 9 10

SFI SLF PHA

0.101 2650 0.54

-0.004 -100 -0.02

-3.81% -3.64% -3.57%

MOST ACTIVE

1 ALI 2 CNVRG

VOLUME 16,600,800 15,492,300

VALUE (PHP) 587,046,405 467,604,535

3 4 5

ICT SM SMPH

2,046,470 431,160 9,635,600

458,587,978 389,490,200 365,291,295

6 7 8 9 10

BDO ACEN BNCOM URC MBT

2,544,680 35,440,400 24,973,000 2,127,120 4,283,310

337,345,138 306,670,056 306,463,168 257,227,520 243,110,906

Spain inflation accelerates to 37-year high MADRID, Spain—Spanish inflation hit a 37-year high in March over soaring energy costs following Russia’s Ukraine invasion, official data showed Wednesday, amid a wave of social unrest over spiraling prices that has spawned protests, strikes and production stoppages.

The rate jumped from 7.6 percent in February to 9.8 percent in March, its highest level since May 1985, according to a preliminary estimate from national statistics institute INE. “It is a bad figure which affects our economy, especially more vulnerable groups,” Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told parliament.

Like the rest of Europe, Spain has been struggling since last year with soaring energy prices, with households and businesses struggling to pay electricity bills.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, food and oil prices have spiked, and Spain’s transport and farm sectors have staged noisy protests to demand help with crippling gasoline prices.

Self-employed truckers have since March 14 been on strike, and have blocked roads to protest rising fuel prices, causing sporadic shortages of perishable foodstuffs such as eggs and dairy products.

Sanchez said 73 percent of the price increases were due to the disruptions to the energy and agriculture markets caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“Putin’s ammunition does not reach us but the impact of the war does,” he added.

The statistics office said the hike in inflation in March in the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy was “due to generalized increases in most of its components”.

“These included increases in electricity prices, in fuels and oil prices, and in food and non-alcoholic beverages prices, which were higher this month than in March 2021,” it added in a statement.

Underlying inflation, which does not include energy or food products, was up 3.4 percent, its highest increase since September 2008. AFP

Employees work on an assembly line producing speakers at a factory in Linquan county, Fuyang city, in China’s eastern Anhui province on March 31, 2022. China’s factory activity shrank in March, official data showed on March 31, as the country’s worst COVID outbreak in two years brought sporadic lockdowns and factory closures. AFP

Stocks extend gains; Metrobank advances

T

HE stock market extended its gains Thursday after oil prices tumbled Thursday on reports that the United States is considering tapping its reserves to combat a supply crisis sparked by the Ukraine war.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 36.45 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,203.47 on a value turnover of P7.8 billion.

Gainers beat losers, 110 to 83, with 49 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. of the Ty Group, the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, climbed 2.4 percent to P57, while Bank of Commerce of the San Miguel Group added 1.8 percent to P12.22 in its market debut.

AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group advanced 2.3 percent to P8.73, but sister unit Ayala Land Inc. fell 1.5 percent to P35.05.

The rest of Asian equities, however, struggled to build on the week’s rally after Russia poured cold water on hopes that ceasefire talks were progressing, leaving the prospect of a protracted war in eastern Europe.

The conflict has already sent shockwaves through the world economy, with growth forecasts this year being lowered across the board. On Thursday, the European develop-

ment bank EBRD said gross domestic product in Russia and Ukraine would contract 10 percent and 20 percent respectively this year.

Asian equity markets fell after three days of healthy gains and following comments from Russian officials playing down progress in talks with Ukraine over the ceasefire.

Adding to selling pressure was data showing signs of a further slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector caused by COVID lockdowns around the country.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Mumbai, Singapore, Taipei and Bangkok retreated, though Seoul, Wellington and Jakarta edged higher.

WTI tumbled more than five percent at one point while Brent dropped more than four percent as reports said President Joe Biden was looking at releasing a million barrels a day for several months—totalling up to 180 million—as he tries to temper a surge in the market to more than $100.

Concerns about demand in China owing to a lockdown in Shanghai were adding to downward pressure.

The White House this month put an embargo on oil from Russia as part of a series of wide-ranging sanctions against the country for its invasion.

However, that sent prices soaring further and put added upward pressure on world inflation, which was already at multidecade highs. With AFP

BEIJING, China—China’s factory activity shrank in March, official data showed Thursday, as the country’s worst COVID outbreak in two years brought sporadic lockdowns and factory closures.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)—a key gauge of manufacturing activity—slid to 49.5, just below the 50-point mark separating growth from contraction, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

It was the first contraction in five months and was lower than expectations from economists polled by Bloomberg.

The fall comes as authorities struggle to stamp out coronavirus outbreaks with restrictions and lockdowns on key manufacturing hubs such as Shenzhen in the south and Changchun in the northeast.

“Recently, clustered outbreaks have occurred in many places in China,” NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe said in a statement Thursday.

“Coupled with a significant increase in international geopolitical instability, the production and operation activities of Chinese enterprises have been affected,” he added.

For weeks China has recorded thousands of virus cases each day, after nearly two years of extinguishing almost all infections within its borders.

That has rattled its “zero-COVID” strategy.

Some companies have temporarily reduced or stopped production because of COVID. The non-manufacturing PMI also plunged, to 48.4 from 51.6, with the service industry significantly hit by the outbreak.

Nomura chief China economist Lu Ting expected the PMIs to drop further “on escalated lockdowns and social distancing measures.”

He warned the lockdown in Shanghai was causing shipping delays and port congestion, with data suggesting more than 150 cargo ships are queuing outside ports in eastern China.

“Beijing’s determination in maintaining its zero-COVID strategy for fighting the infectious Omicron variant will very likely deal a severe blow to the Chinese economy,” he told AFP. AFP

Plenty of fish but no catch as Sri Lanka economic crisis bites

By Sean Gleeson and Archana Thiyagarajan NEGOMBO, Sri Lanka—The sky and seas off Sri Lanka’s coast are crystal blue but a worsening economic crisis has kept fishermen moored at Negombo harbor, out of gas and unable to reel in the day’s catch.

The waters nearby are a tropical bounty of fist-sized prawns and mackerel that normally find their way into the island nation’s staple seafood curries.

But the crisis has left coastal communities short of fuel to send their vessels out to the ocean, and the repercussions are rippling down to dinner tables around the country.

“If we queue up by five in the morning, then we will get fuel by three in the afternoon, on good days,” Arulanandan, a seasoned member of Negombo’s close-knit fishing community, tells AFP. “But for some, even that is not possible, because by the time they get to the end of the queue, the kerosene is gone.”

Around the local estuary, idle crew members sun themselves on deck or lean against the rails of trawlers bobbing in the water, puffing on cigarettes as they listlessly wait for news of a fresh diesel shipment.

Their ships are equipped to go deep into international waters for weeks at a time but the shortages have prevented most from setting sail.

Other fishermen work closer to land, on smaller kerosene-powered motorboats like Arulanandan’s, but locals

People stand over anchored fishing boats as they queue to buy kerosene oil at a fishery harbor in Negombo on March 24, 2022. AFP

say three in every four of these vessels are not working on any given day.

The adversity has knock-on effects— if a crew specializing in catching bait has no fuel, then other boats fortunate enough to source kerosene are also forced to stay on land.

“When I can’t bring money home, my children ask me, ‘Why are you not feeding me?’” Arulanandan says.

“But they don’t understand the problems we are going through.”

‘What will everyone else do?’

An hour’s drive south, on the outskirts of the capital Colombo, stands the

country’s biggest fish market—a bustling open-air warehouse that usually serves as a hub for wholesale buyers from across the country.

The consequences of Sri Lanka’s shrinking catch are being keenly felt here, with far less seafood making its way to stallholders and far fewer customers passing through.

“The buyers come from far away, and because of diesel and petrol shortages, they haven’t shown up,” says Mohammed Asneer, a young shrimp vendor.

“Our sales have gone down and our

expenses have gone up.”

Asneer grows exasperated while bemoaning his straitened circumstances and says he would seize any opportunity to leave for abroad.

“I don’t want to be in this country anymore,” he tells AFP. “We work in the fish market and we can’t even afford to buy a kilo of fish. So what will everyone else do?”

‘Everything is expensive’ Sri Lanka’s government admits that the current economic crisis is the nation’s worst since independence from Britain in 1948. AFP

US to emphasize independence to counter ‘unfair’ Beijing trade practices WASHINGTON, United States—The United States should focus on achieving economic independence from China rather than pressuring Beijing to change “unfair” trade practices, US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai said Wednesday, suggesting a shift in strategy toward the Asian giant.

The new approach takes into account Washington’s inability to force fundamental changes in business practices under a trade agreement signed two years ago during former president Donald

Trump’s administration, she argued.

“While we continue to keep the door open to conversations with China... we also need to acknowledge the agreement’s limitations, and turn the page on the old playbook with China, which focused on changing its behavior,” she told the House Ways and Means Committee.

She noted that the United States has tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese products, but “that has not incentivized China to change.”

“It is very clear to us, I think, collec-

tively, that we can’t keep doing what we have been doing,” she said.

In her appearance before Congress, Tai stressed that the US strategy must now “expand beyond only pressing China” into abandoning trade practices that Washington deems unfair.

“We cannot stop pushing China for change,” she said, and “we can’t just wait for China to change.”

The new approach must “include vigorously defending our values and economic interests from the negative impacts of the

PRC’s unfair economic policies and practices,” she said, using the official term for the People’s Republic of China.

When she joined the administration of President Joe Biden in early 2021, Tai asked her staff to analyze the impact of these practices on US industry and workers, as well as on those of US allies.

“We have seen what happened in the steel and solar industries when existing mechanisms were too slow or ill-suited to effectively address the distortions wrought by China’s targeting of those sectors,” she said. AFP

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

A8

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

SpaceX of Musk ready to provide PH internet—DTI

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry agreed to support the entry of Starlink, the internet unit of Space Exploration Technologies Corp., in the Philippines’ telecommunication space within the last three months of the Duterte administration.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government would provide the required assistance to allow SpaceX, a company established by technology billionaire Elon Musk, to launch widespread internet service using its low earth orbit satellite network constellation called Starlink.

“Their system will augment as well as complement existing broadband capacities. This will further capacitate micro, small, and medium enterprises, facilitate online learning, ecommerce and fintech,” said Lopez.

The DTI said the launch of SpaceX/ Starlink in the country would enable a much faster broadband speed, better connectivity, more capacity for telecommunications services and more affordable rates for consumers.

Lopez met with SpaceX senior executives Rebecca Hunter and Ryan Goodnight, National Telecommunications Commission deputy commissioner Edgardo Cabarios and DFNN Inc. executive chairman Ramon Garcia Jr. on March 20.

He said the company’s registration is already underway.

Starlink provides high-speed, lowlatency broadband internet across the globe. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink enables video calls, online gaming, streaming and other high data rate activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet. Users can expect to see download speeds between 100 Mb/s and 200 Mb/s and latency as low as 20ms in most locations.

The constellation consists of over 1,600 satellites in mid-2021, and will eventually comprise of thousands more of mass-produced small satellites in LEO, which communicate with designated ground transceivers.

AllHome’s profit grew by 46% to P1.44b last year

By Jenniffer B. Austria ALLHOME Corp., a leading home improvement store chain led by the Villar Group, said Thursday net income jumped 46 percent in 2021 to P1.44 billion from P988 million in 2020 on the back of a double-digit growth in revenues.

AllHome said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net revenues climbed 15 percent to P14.325 billion from P12.414 billion after the overall business improved with easing mobility restrictions.

Same-store sales growth rose to 8.1 percent in 2021 from 3.5 percent in 2020, while transaction count also went up 8 percent year-on-year.

“AllHome’s performance in fiscal year 2021 is a full display of our core advantages as we navigated through the many challenges of the pandemic.

As this global challenge draws to a close, we view 2022 with optimism.

All signs point to an increased pace of economic recovery throughout the country, and this bodes well for AllHome,” AllHome chairman Manuel Villar Jr. said.

Gross profit margins in 2021 increased to 35 percent of revenue from 31.6 percent in 2020 as the company implemented a number of initiatives including strategic pricing, conversion of select concession merchandise to outright and increasing in-house brands sales contribution.

AllHome, to capitalize on changing customer behavior skewed towards an increasing adoption of e-commerce as a sales channel, deployed operational efficiency programs to optimize store formats, allowing for additional store warehousing and dedicated fulfillment and logistics areas for e-commerce fulfillment.

Business Higher oil, power prices to hike inflation in March

By Julito G. Rada

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Thursday inflation in March likely accelerated to at least 3.3 percent from 3 percent in February, driven by higher oil and power prices.

Diokno said in a message to reporters the March inflation would likely settle within a range of 3.3 percent to 4.1 percent.

“The continued oil price hikes, along with high electricity rates in Meralcoserviced areas, higher meat prices and the peso depreciation are the primary sources of inflationary pressures during the month,” Diokno said.

He said these could be offset in part by lower water rates in Maynilad and

Manila Water-serviced areas and the decrease in prices of rice, fish and vegetables, owing to easing supply constraints.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price developments and possible secondround effects to help achieve its primary mandate of price stability that is conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth of the economy,” he said.

Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research, a unit of Fitch Group, earlier kept its forecast of a 75-basispoint hike in the policy rate of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for 2022, from a record-low of 2 percent amid the rising inflation and interest rates globally.

Fitch Solutions expects a combination of rising inflationary pressures, continued economic recovery and rising interest rates around the world to prompt the BSP to tighten its monetary policy over the coming months.

It said the easing of COVID-19 restrictions should support a recovery in

domestic economic activity, allowing some room for interest rate hikes, particularly as real interest rate remained negative.

Diokno said in a previous briefing there was nothing to worry about the rising consumer prices because the country’s inflation challenges were more manageable than in some advanced and emerging economies.

He said the root causes of inflation were not necessarily the same. He said other countries were more affected by higher energy and other commodity prices than the Philippines.

Inflation in the first two months averaged 3 percent, the midpoint of the 2022 target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The Monetary Board kept the policy rate at a record low of 2 percent in March, amid the continuing manageable inflation environment.

The Monetary Board, however, raised the inflation forecast for 2022 to 4.3 percent from 3.7 percent. The forecast for 2023 was also raised to 3.6 percent from 3.3 percent.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, March 31, 2022

36.45 PTS. 7,203.47

TOTAL VOLUME

1,494,363,140

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

83,320 7,811,096,782.77 110

DECLINES

83

UNCHANGED

49

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.9600

Japan

Yen

0.008205

0.4263

UK

Pound

1.313900

68.2702

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127766

6.6387

Switzerland

Franc

1.083658

56.3069

Canada

Dollar

0.801218

41.6313

Singapore

Dollar

0.739481

38.4234

Australia

Dollar

0.751200

39.0324

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652450

137.8213

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266553

13.8501

Brunei

Dollar

0.736757

38.2819

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030003

1.5590

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.1480

Euro

Euro

1.116100

57.9926

Korea

Won

0.000826

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.157518

8.1846

India

Rupee

0.013192

0.6855

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.237925

12.3626

New Zealand

Dollar

0.697500

36.2421

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035088

1.8232 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

PAL reroutes flights from New York, Toronto PHILIPPINE Airlines said Thursday all flights from New York JFK and Toronto to Manila are temporarily being rerouted to avoid flying through Russian airspace.

“As a result of the longer routings, our JFK-Manila and Toronto-Manila will need to stop over briefly in Vancouver for refueling before proceeding to Manila,” PAL said.

“We are taking this precautionary measure in view of airspace closure concerns related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict,” it said.

The airline said a one-hour refueling stop and the longer routing over the North Pacific Ocean will increase travel time. “We seek the kind understanding of our passengers for this necessary step, as safety and operational integrity remains the cornerstone of our operations,” PAL said “However, our eastbound flights from Manila will continue to operate nonstop Manila to New York JFK, and nonstop Manila to Toronto. These flights do not overfly Russian territory,” it said. Darwin G. Amojelar

BankCom’s stock rises on trading debut THE share price of Bank of Commerce, an affiliate of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., rose 1.83 percent on its debut Thursday at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

It opened strong at P12.50 from its initial public offering price of P12, before closing at 12.22.

The newly-listed bank raised P3.36 billion in proceeds from the sale of 280.60 million common shares.

“BankCom’s strategic vision is to be at par with the country’s leading domestic banks. We expect the bank to continue to grow in the coming years, achieve economies of scale, improve efficiency and serve more Filipinos, from retail customers, smallto-medium enterprises, to major corporate clients, as Philippine economic growth gets back on track,” SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang said.

Net proceeds from the offering will be used to fund the bank’s lending activities and finance capital expenditure requirements in connection with the upgrading of its automated teller machines fleet and core banking system. Jenniffer B. Austria

HANDWASHING FACILITIES.

Supporting the Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd and Wash in Schools programs of the Department of Education, P&G Safeguard Philippines and Manila Water Foundation inaugurate 19 WASH facilities representing the first batch of 285 hygiene facilities to be constructed in schools across the National Capital Region and Rizal province. #SafeWASH in Schools aims to strengthen efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment through the construction of 10-faucet, foot-pedal-operated hygiene facilities, distribution of hygiene supplies, provision of info-education materials and conduct of hygiene education sessions.

BDO named best bank in PH in 2021

Budget deficit hit P10.2b in February as revenue collection fell THE government’s budget deficit declined 8.8 percent in February to P105.8 billion from a year ago, as revenue collection fell 3.26 percent and public spending slowed down 5.16 percent, the Bureau of the Treasury said Thursday.

Data from the Treasury showed the budget deficit in the first two months settled at P129.2 billion, slightly lower by 0.6 percent than in the same period in 2021.

Revenue collection shrank 3.3 percent in February to P212.4 billion, although total revenues in the first two months were still up 2.1 percent to P490.5 billion.

Taxes accounted for 92 percent or P453.1 billion of the total collection, while 8 percent was generated through

non-tax sources.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s collection in February decreased 11.4 percent to P136.6 billion from P154.1 billion in the same month last year.

BIR’s cumulative uptake as of endFebruary amounted to P332.4 billion, also down by 1.2 percent or P3.9-billion from a year ago.

Customs’ collection climbed 26 percent in February to P59.4 billion as a result of improved valuation and continued intensified collection efforts.

This increased BOC’s cumulative collection in the two-month period to P117.8 billion, up by 24.7 percent or P23.3 billion from a year earlier.

Income from the Bureau of the Treasury amounted to P4.2 billion for the month, down by 7.4 percent from the

Operator sees higher electric rates on big demand

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said Thursday it saw an increase in the average price of electricity in March from the previous month as demand grew and surpassed pre-pandemic levels at the start of the dry season.

IEMOP, the market operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, said it recorded a higher average price of electricity at P6.97 per kilowatt-hour in March, compared to P6.19 per kWh in February.

It said demand averaged 10,600 megawatts in March, up 8.4 percent from the previous month’s figure of 8,200 MW. The agency attributed the rise in demand in the system to the imposition of Alert Level 1 in Metro Manila on March 1, which was later on followed by the implementation of a lesser restrictive alert level status in other provinces on

March 16.

The peak demand was recorded on March 23 which amounted to 13,749MW. This surpassed the peak demand of 11,985 MW in February, IEMOP said.

“The said value was noted to surpass the peak demand levels of the previous years during the same month and even that of the annual peak demand during the pre-pandemic year [2019],” it said.

The same trend was also evident in the regional peak demand in both Luzon and Visayas.

Luzon peak demand was recorded at 11,617 MW which exceeded the annual figures from 2019 to 2021.

The Visayas peak demand amounted to 2,143 MW in March, also breaching the pre-pandemic levels.

IEMOP said the increasing demand was accompanied by sufficient supply levels which amounted to around 13,456 MW or 5.41 percent (695 MW) greater than that of February.

February 2021 level.

“The downturn was mainly attributed to lower dividend remittances from government corporations, guarantee fees and income from government deposits. Compared to January-February 2021’s actual collection of P23.2 billion, BTr’s year-to-date income for this year has similarly dropped by 35 percent or P8.1 billion to P15.1 billion largely due to lower dividends on shares held by the government,” it said.

Collections from other offices such privatization proceeds, fees and charges, amounted to P10.4 billion, lower by 11.53 percent or P1.4 billion than in February 2022. This resulted in a cumulative collection of P22.3 billion in the two-month period, or 2.1 percent behind the previous year’s level. Julito G. Rada

MINING OPPORTUNITIES.

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines chairman Michael Toledo, in a speech before members of the Consular Corps of the Philippines, cites the need for the next government to ensure a stable business environment ‘where policies are reliable, contracts and investments are protected and the rules do not change mid-stream.’ Toledo says mining, especially for a country with an estimated untapped mineral reserves of $1 trillion or equivalent to three times its 2021 GDP, ‘has a tremendous potential to contribute to socio-economic growth.’

LONDON-BASED financial publication The Banker named BDO Unibank as the “Best Bank in the Philippines in 2021” for deploying digital solutions that allowed better customer service, increased resiliency and enhanced cybersecurity.

BDO Unibank won the Bank of the Year in the Philippines at the recent Bank of the Year Awards 2021 of The Banker.

The deployment of the digital solutions allowed BDO clients to open accounts online, make paperless in-branch transactions and do card-less ATM banking using biometrics or QR Codes. Moreover, they can now link together their BDO accounts in one mobile wallet called BDO Pay and make online peer-to-peer and consumer transactions easier and faster.

The Banker said all these efforts allowed “[greater efficiency and] faster turnaround time on transactions as well as greater access to banking systems through an increased number of channels and touchpoints.”

It also lauded BDO’s continued efforts to cater to various customer segments, through the bespoke wealth management products of its subsidiaries: BDO Private Bank, BDO Trust and Investment, BDO Prime and BDO Securities.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

B1

Eagles, Archers grab 3-0 records

By Peter Atencio

Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame towers for a shot during his Eagles’ NCAA game against the Adamson Falcons at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

New moniker: Goodbye Malditas, hello Filipinas

By Randy Caluag

C

ALL them the ‘Filipinas’ from now on.

The Philippine women’s national football team will be using a new moniker as they prepare for the 31st Southeast Asian Games slated for May in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The decision to drop the old Malditas moniker and assume the new one fits the team better, according to team manager Jefferson Cheng.

“It (Filipinas) is simple and nationalistic. Our athletes are Filipinas.

They are strong-willed, determined, passionate and driven by the goal to represent not just themselves, but the country,” Cheng said.

The SEA Games is a significant step in the team’s long buildup for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, set in Australia and New Zealand, where the Philippines will be competing for the first time.

Cheng said the word Malditas, which means “feisty ladies” in Filipi-

no, is not appropriate to describe the team because of its generally negative connotation.

“We trust that Filipino football fans will understand and support this decision,” said Cheng.

The national women’s team first adopted the nickname Malditas during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, under head coach Ernest Nierras.

It was meant to reflect the players’ tough stance.

They had been using it until recently when the team clinched a historic slot in the 2023 World Cup with a spectacular performance in the AFC Women’s Cup in India last February.

The then Malditas opened the tour-

ney with a 1-0 win over Thailand after 12 straight losses to the same team; lost to Australia, 0-4; blanked Indonesia, 6-0, and then upstaged Taiwan, 4-3, via a penalty shootout to seal the historic World Cup appearance. It did not matter that they lost to world-class South Korea in the semifinals in their next game as the World Cup berth was already in the bag.

Currently enjoying their highest ranking thus far at no. 54 in the world, the Filipinas are expected to train in Sydney, Australia, where coach Alen Stajcic is based.

They will play a couple of international friendlies against Fiji on April 7 and 11 in Sydney.

The Filipinas will be in training camp until early May, before flying to Hanoi, Vietnam for the SEA Games.

“It is crucial that the team gets as much time as possible to prepare,” added Cheng, who has been the team’s manager and sponsor since 2018 and in 2019, when they came to within a win of reaching the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

Cheng also supported the team’s campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together with our team manager Jefferson Cheng, the PFF is here to make sure the team will go to every competition as well prepared and fit as possible,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta.

“We look forward to seeing the Filipinas represent the country again when they return to action this April as they prepare for the SEA Games.”

The Filipinas are composed of Maya Taylor Alcantara, Tahnai Lauren Annis, Kristen Bugay, Anical Chabeli Castaneda, Malea Louise Cesar, Alisha De Ocampo, Isabella Flanigan, Kiara Fontanilla, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Jacquelinne Guillou, Sofia Nicole Harrison, Kaya Hawkinson, Halo Long, Eva Madarang, Chantelle Maniti, Olivia McDaniel, Jessica Miclat, Inna Palacios, Carla Portillo, Quinley Quezada, Dominique Randle, Kathleen Rodriguez, Jaclyn Sawicki, Tara Allison Shelton and Karlene White.

Bunquin, Pacheco steer Forest Hills-Megafiber to golf title BAGUIO—Raymond Bunquin turned in 51 Molave points and Gus Pacheco put in 50 to guide Forest Hills-Megafiber to victory in the premier division of the Corporate Cup held at the Camp John Golf Club on Thursday.

Joseph Uy added a 46 in the four-toplay, three-to-count format for a final day 147 and an 282 total.

NC Lanting Security secured a runner-up finish with 275 after a 143.

Goody Ignacio led the last day charge with 51 and was supported by Dai Tsuchiya’s 47 and Ramir Badua’s 43.

The Forest Lodge tallied 137 for 270 and placed third.

“The guys worked hard for this,” said Forest Hills-Megafiber captain and club general manager Bunquin.

The other winners of the tournament, shelved for two years due to the pandemic, were Moto (134-269) in Seniors 1; Megaman (108-229) in Seniors 2; and CJH Dev. Co (111-223) in Seniors 3.

The Manor and Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, Asiatraders Corp., CHEQ Systems, Toyota, CJH Dev. Co., FMMI, Golforce, Warbird Securities, Bishop Carlito Cenzon Foundation, MRT Dev. Co., TOBI Group, Turf Co., Baguio Country Club, GAC Motors, Jten Sports and GPS Tracker were sponsors.

The Forest Hills Megafiber team is composed of Dennis Nicomedes, Raymond Bunquin, Joseph Uy and Gus Pacheco. At left is coach Randy Garalde.

Perpetual, Mapua eye share of NCAA lead UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Mapua seek a share of first place as they play separate foes Friday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym. The Altas go up against San Sebastian at 12 noon, while the Cardinals tangle with Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m.

Perpetual and Mapua hope to force a four-way logjam along with titleholder Letran and San Beda at 2-0.

First-year coach Myk Saguiguit had a winning start, as the Altas pulled off a 77-56 victory over the Bombers last Tuesday, with holdovers Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon leading the way.

“On the performance of the veter-

ans—‘yung nakita niyo kanina, ‘yan talaga sila. Ang tingin ko talagang magiging consistent ‘yan dahil they are very ready for this Season 97,” said Saguiguit.

A team trying to make a return trip to the Final Four after missing the bus in 2019, Perpetual is determined to go all-out with the roster Saguiguit currently has.

“Hindi kami malakas na team, kumbaga lahat dapat ‘yan pag-aralan. Dapat i-take talaga na parang championship kasi hindi ko nakikita na malakas ‘yung team ko. Gusto lang din talaga nila maglaro kaya ganyan ang nakita nila ngayong first game,” said Saguiguit.

The Stags seek to rebound from last Sunday’s narrow 63-65 defeat to Arella-

Games today (La Salle Greenhills Gym) 12 noon – Perpetual vs SSC-R 3 p.m. – JRU vs Mapua

no University, as the Recto-based squad failed to capitalized big man Justin Arana’s absence in the final minute.

Coach Randy Alcantara knows that the Cardinals have to find ways to alleviate the lack of size to contend for the Final Four. “’Yung defense namin. Sa line-up namin, nakita mo naman, ‘yung gitna namin kailangan naming tumibay dahil la-

hat siguro malalaki ang kalaban namin.

Lumalabas si Warren (Bonifacio) lang ang pinaka-center namin,” said Alcantara after Mapua’s season-opening 7367 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Unlike last season, where the Cardinals fell short in their bid despite a strong second round showing, Alcantara stressed the need for his troops to go allout with this year’s competition format.

“We have to treat every game as playoffs, parang kailangang-kailangan talaga.

So anuman ang mangyari sa resulta, ibigay ninyo lang ang best ninyo,” said Alcantara.

Mapua cannot be complacent as JRU is determined to rebound from its 21-point loss at the hands of Perpetual.

ANGELO Kouame banged in a gamehigh 13 points as the Ateneo Blue Eagles went all out in smothering the Adamson Falcons, 78-47, while Justine Baltazar and Mark Nonoy shone bright as the La Salle Green Archers got past the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 75-65, Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The results sent the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers to their third straight victories in the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

With the Eagles and Archers gaining lots of confidence and momentum, the arch-rivals clash for the solo lead on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin said the team is now putting behind what they went through in their last three encounters as they will now focus on what’s ahead of them, which is their showdown with the Archers.

“Those games are behind us. We now want to approach our game with La Salle as 0-0. It’s the only game that matters now,” said Baldwin after the Blue Eagles earlier hurdled University of the Philippines, 90-81, and the Tams, 79-70.

The 6’1” Kouame, who also had 10 rebounds, left the court for good in the last 1:54 of the third period after Ateneo established a 26-point, 54-28 spread.

The 6’10” Baltazar tallied 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Nonoy contributed 17 for Green Archers, who unleashed a decisive 9-0 run in the remaining 3:08 of the last canto.

The Blue Eagles, with Tyler Tio and Christopher Koon, shooting nine points apiece, extended their winning streak to 29. They have been unbeaten since the first round of Season 81.

Baltazar made up for his lackluster showing in La Salle’s last two games as he powered the Green Archers’ final scoring burst with a floater, a steal and a layup.

Baltazar’s baskets came during a 9-0 spurt that allowed La Salle to stop Adamson after they threatened, 61-62, in the final 5:58.

Nueva Ecija bet wins 2 Philta junior titles LEXIOUS Cruz turned back separate rivals to rule two junior divisions and become a double titlist in the just-concluded Philippine Tennis Association Age Group Tournament at the PCA outdoor shellcourts.

Cruz, who hails from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, defeated Alexandre Coyiuto 6-1, 6-1 in the boys’ 12-under finals, then fashioned a hard-fought 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory over John Kendrick Bona of Puerto Princesa, Palawan to capture the boys’ 14-under crown.

Joining the 11-year-old Cruz in the champion’s podium of the Philta-sanctioned Group 3 event were Jfsky Nadalito Berille, Jana Jelena Diaz, Joshua Diva, Mica Ella Emana, Exequiel Jucutan and Kaye-Anne Emana.

Berille edged Miguel Bartolome, 3-5, 5-3, 10-7, in the unisex 10-under; Diaz from Cavite downed Jayden Ballado from San Jose, NE 6-2, 6-1in the girls’ 14-under; Dapitan Tennis Club’s Diva defeated Olongapo’s Darwin Cosca Jr. 6-3, 6-2 in the boys’ 16-under; Mica Ella of Arellano Universotu dominated Novaliches’ Kaye Mustaza 6-0, 6-1 in the girls’ 16-under; Jucutan tripped Andrei Jarata 6-1, 6-3 in the boys’ 18-under; and Kaye-Ann defeated Angeline Alcala 6-1, 6-1 in the girls’ 18-under divisions.

Philta secretary general Martin Misa and national head coach Chris Cuarto represented Philta president Atty. Antonio Cablitas in presenting the Philta medals during the awarding ceremonies.

B2

Sports

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

Record 91,553 see Barca make Champ League semis BARCELONA—A world record crowd for a women’s football match of 91,553 saw Barcelona cruise into the Champions League semifinals by thrashing Real Madrid 5-2 at Camp Nou on Wednesday to seal an 8-3 win on aggregate.

The crowd figure surpassed the previous record for a women’s match when 90,185 watched the 1999 World Cup final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

It also smashed the previous record attendance for a women’s club fixture, set in March 2019 as 60,739 supporters saw Barca beat Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain needed extra-time to secure a 2-2 home draw with Bayern Munich to progress 4-3 on aggregate.

Barcelona were eager to give Wednesday’s fixture as much visibility as possible.

The club’s 147,000 members were allowed 24 hours to book up to four free tickets, with only an administration charge due of 2.50 euros. Non-members were then able to buy tickets for between 9 to 15 euros.

The reigning European champions advance to the semi-finals where they will face the winners of Arsenal and Wolfsburg.

Alexia Putellas, winner of the women’s Ballon d’Or in November, added Barcelona’s fourth after also scoring twice in the 3-1 first leg win.

“It was magical - the game finished and nobody wanted to go home,” Putellas said.

“We were celebrating with the fans, it’s amazing. There were so many people, so many girls. What happened today was historic.”

Bachmann puts PSG through It started well for Barca when, in the eighth minute, Jenni Hermoso passed back for Mapi Leon out on the right and her in-swinging cross caught Misa out of position, the ball curling over the Madrid goalkeeper and in.

But Barca’s lead was short-lived as Olga Carmona’s driven shot caught the right elbow of Irene Paredes and Olga steered the penalty into the corner.

Madrid were gaining in confidence as the half wore on and shortly after the interval, they pulled ahead, Claudia Zornoza scoring a stunning goal from distance. With Madrid breaking through the middle on the break, Zornoza took over, spotted Sandra Panos off her line and lobbed the keeper from all of 40 yards. AFP

Supporters cheer during the women’s UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP

F1 returns to Las Vegas after 4-decade absence L

AS VEGAS—Las Vegas will host a night-time Formula 1 Grand Prix along its iconic Strip in 2023 with the sport’s top official describing the event as “an incredible moment”.

The race returns to the city for the first time since 1982 and will become the third grand prix in the United States on next year’s F1 calendar, alongside Miami and Austin.

“This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US,” said Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1.

“Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip. There is no better place

for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world.”

The race will take place at night, on a Saturday in November.

The track will be 3.8 miles (6.12km) long from start to finish with top speeds estimated to be over 212 mph (342 km/h).

It will take in the city’s most famous landmarks, hotels and casinos.

There will be 50 laps with three main straights and 14 corners, including a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section.

“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” said Greg Maffei, president of F1’s owners Liberty Media.

Las Vegas twice hosted F1 races in 1981 and 1982 on the car park of Caesar’s Palace after Watkins Glen in upstate New York lost its rights after two decades.

The Miami Grand Prix debuts this year on May 8 while the United States Grand Prix takes place at Austin, Texas on October 23.

The famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway previously played host to the US Grand Prix between 2000 and 2007.

This year will be the first time since Dallas and Detroit in 1984 that the United States has staged two races. AFP

PPS-PEPP jrs’ circuit resumes in Iloilo

JUNIOR tennis makes its restart in two years since the COVID-19 shutdown as the PPS-PEPP National Age Group 2 championships get under way today (Friday) with over 170 entries all geared up for action at LaPaz Plaza tennis courts in Iloilo City.

Nine age-group categories are on tap in the five-day tournament kicking off a busy 40-leg schedule of the country’s longest-running circuit put up to identify talents, particularly from the countryside, who could be trained and developed to become members of future national teams.

Althea Martinez and Alexa Milliam banner the girls’ 18-and-under cast while Nikhel Nowlakha and Benedict Santiago headline the premier division in the boys’ side of the event, which also drew leading and rising players from Puerto Princesa, Ormoc, Dumaguete, Cebu, Bacolod and Panay Island.

Therese Gauran and Kimi Brodeth spearhead the hunt in the girls’ 16-U class while Vincent Baisa and Elemar Sealza are the marked players in the boys’ side. Gauran also gained the top seeding in 14-U play with Alexandra Onte at No. 2.

Kurt Barrera and Rafael Santiago lead the boys’ 14-U field while Louraine Jallorina and Andrew Malbas, and Santiago and Clemente Barrera III loom as the players to beat in the 12-U division.

Theriz Pelayo and Frances Alcarde, meanwhile, gear up for a showdown in the 10-and-under category of the event backed by Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala president and CEO Bobby Castro in his continuing effort to put junior tennis back in the spotlight in new normal.

Also on tap in the event, sponsored by Mayor Jerry Trenas and supported by Dunlop, the official ball, and held under the auspices of the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), is the Legends men’s doubles featuring four divisions, including the 40s, 50s, 60s and the Open.

Smart, MVPSF boost PH golf development, drive winning culture PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. and its premium postpaid brand Smart Infinity have reaffirmed their support for the promotion and development of golf in the Philippines through the MVP Sports Foundation.

MVPSF is supporting 15-year-old defending Philippine Amateur Champion and US Women’s Amateur Championship qualifier Rianne Malixi.

Malixi is also expected to be part of the Philippine team in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May. Malixi, the 2021 American Junior Golf Association winner, joined PLDT Inc. and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio during the tee off at the recently held Infinity Golf Classic President’s Cup -- the annual golf event powered by Smart Infinity.

Part of the many exclusive perks and privileges of every Smart Infinity subscriber, the revival of the Infinity Golf Classic President’s Cup took on a much deeper meaning as it honored changemakers and advocates of social impact and coincided with the 11th anniversary of the MVPSF. Panlilio, who also serves as MVPSF President and Philippine Olympic Committee First Vice Presi-

dent, has always been an advocate of sports development for nation-building.

“PLDT and Smart, together with the MVPSF, have supported many athletes at the grassroots and elite levels as they compete in the international stage with various sports: from badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, football, taekwondo, rugby, weightlifting, and of course, golf. We implement programs to develop emerging sports heroes and promote a culture of winning excellence at a community level, particularly among the youth,” he said.

The MVPSF also backed Olympian and 2018 Asian Games individual bronze medalist Bianca Pagdanganan, who has now turned pro and is already competing in the LPGA Tour in the United States. The foundation also plans to support amateur golfers LK Go, Jolo Magcalayo, and Sam Bruce who are currently studying and training abroad.

“The goal of Smart Infinity is to be the bridge of our members interests and passions, and to further inspire them in their daily lives -- be it in sports, travel, lifestyle, and advocacy projects; to be able to empower them as Changemakers, and to further create infinite legacies for a better world,” shared Sofia Borromeo-

The courageous thing to do BEFORE the game against Singapore last Tuesday night in the 2022 TriNations Cup, members of the Philippine Azkals wrote a letter to management regarding their concerns about several members of the team contracting COVID-19 and playing the game in general.

Part of that letter stated: “As players [we] do not feel 100% comfortable with the current situation that is on going within our camp. A COVID-19 outbreak started soon after the game against Malaysia (March 23, 2022) and we as a camp have been unable to contain the spread even after following protocol and doing everything within our power to stop the spread. Players have contracted the virus on different days at different times with no correlation, some testing negative in the morning and positive in the afternoon/evening. This is showing and proving to us that we are in a high risk en-

vironment to contract COVID-19.”

Despite their concerns, the Azkals also knew how important the game was.

“Having said that, we understand as players the situation that you may find yourself in with other federations or governing bodies that may want to gain from our current situation. We will fill 11 starting players on the field tonight representing the Philippines and the flag to the best of our ability as we do every game but we thought it would be appropriate for you to understand that we do not feel comfortable being in such a situation going into this friendly game. Players here have taken time away from loved ones and people around them to represent and play for their beloved country. As Pinoys we wear our heart on our sleeves in every situation but in this instance we would like to make ourselves heard in this unusual time we find ourselves in.”

The Philippines showed up with just 15 players, including two who are goalkeepers and two substitutes. Despite playing the final half with just 10 men, they were able to create several chances to score against the host but still they lost the game, 2-0, against the host.

As expected, diehard Azkals fans were disappointed and several more were so an-

Golf phenom Rianne Malixi with PLDT Inc. and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio

Alvarez, Smart Infinity AVP and Brand Head. changemakers by visiting smart.com.ph/Postpaid/ Know more about how Smart Infinity empowers infinity

gry after the game. Even Azkals’ manager Dan Palami was first to admit that it was not the result that they wanted.

“I understand that. I mean, we are disappointed at that as well. W could have played the roommates of those who were positive and be at the height of irresponsibility, but what will the players and their loved ones say? So, the management and the coaching staff decided, okay we will honour the commitment to play the game tonight. But we will just have to do it with the players that are available. We could have pulled out but Singapore FA was hoping we would really play.

And we have a commitment that we have to honor. It was the courageous choice,” Palami said after the game.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, Palami said the whole team was in isolation for two days before the game against Singapore. They were not able to hold any practice or team meetings because the players and coaching staff stayed in their rooms as part of the health protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Despite the circumstances and the difficulties they have to endure even before reaching Singapore, Palami was grateful the Azkals played their hearts out in the pitch.

“We’re down to 10 men for most parts of the game. Pero we were still able to create a couple of chances considering Kevin Ingreso was playing center back. Jesse Curran was do-

ing left back for the first time in his life. You have to give credit to the tenacity of OJ Porteria.

And then we had new players that we wanted to check further like Harry Föll and then and we didn’t have the subs. We only have to make subs when we saw the players having difficulty breathing,” Palami added.

The coaching staff also had high hopes for the latest additions to the team.

“This camp was supposed to be a preparation for June, but unfortunately with the circumstances of having positive cases, we never got the chance to make the necessary adjustments or actually prepare. We never had the chance, we were cut off by the pandemic and positive cases. So safety first,” he said.

Which leads us to the next logical subject of what will happen now to Azkals’ coach Scott Copper?

“It is very easy to blame the coach of course. When the team wins, it’s the players and when the team loses the coach is always the first one to be blamed. Even if he was not there. Of course we are all always open to what’s best for both coach Cooper and the team. And management have always been talking about what’s good for the team. We will do that what’s necessary,” Palami said.

Palami says he feels for Copper and how the pandemic really affected the momentum of the team.

“He is a person who has the best inter-

est of the team in mind and I actually feel bad for him because the COVID pandemic stopped the momentum that we had when he first came in. We had a draw against China.

We had a great game against Syria, we beat Guam. And then when we were about to play in Manila for the home games for the next for the second leg of matches, the pandemic broke out and cut the momentum but even then he never stopped working,” Palami said.

According to Palami, Copper was instrumental in getting Jesse Curran, Gerrit Holtmann, Jesper Nyholm and Jefferson Tabinas to play for the national team.

Copper has a contract with the team until the end of the year. Palami said the team will have a camp in the country from May 30 to June 5. Call-ups will be made for the national training pool before it starts. The team will leave on June 5 for Mongolia to compete in the final qualifier of the 2023 Asian Cup. Palami remains optimistic that by then, he will have the team he really needs.

Hopefully, we can do that as well when it comes to the future of our country in the next six years. By June, keeping our fingers crossed and choosing the best, we will have the leader we really need.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kitman at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

Zephanie follows her heart, heart, now sings as Kapuso

As the newest member of Sparkle, Zephanie will sing the summer theme for GMA Network’s talent management arm

have found a new home. And I’m excited to explore new things including acting if that will be presented to me. Acting is on my bucket list,” she added.

She is ready to build new relationships and go on new adventures in her first home - GMA. “I started [my career] in GMA,” she revealed. “We thought it was a singing contest yun pala teleserye sya about singing contests. But isa po ako sa mga napili dun.”

A

MORE mature, yet still very sweet, Zephanie wearing a dusty pink mini dress graced the stage at the Grand Ballroom of B Hotel on Thursday when she was introduced as the newest talent of Sparkle, GMA Network’s talent management arm.

Miss Universe queens to host MUPh 2022 finals

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the 19-year-old singer said that the transition was smooth but it was not an easy decision.

“My management, Cornerstone, has been in talks with GMA since November.

It’s one of the things we had on the table,” Zephanie started alluding to her previous interview with Manila Standard when she joined other Gen C stars in a grand event at the Academy Rock Studio.

“And now that I’m here, it feels like I

Zephanie is the newest talent of Sparkle

She was only nine years old when she became part of the GMA soap Biritera in 2012.

On her return to the Kapuso fold, Zephanie wants to work with the likes of Julie Anne San Jose, Lani Misalucha, Mark Bautista, and Christian Bautista.

When it comes to acting, she is

(From left) Iris Mittenaere, Demi-Leigh Tebow, and Pia Wurtzbach will host Miss Universe PH 2022

THREE former Miss Universe winners will carry the hosting chores at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night.

Shamcey Supsup-Lee, national director of Miss Universe Philippines Organization, posted on Facebook that Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow of South Africa will fly to Manila to join Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach as live finals hosts on April 30 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Reigning queen Bea Luigi Gomez will crown her successor at the end of the event.

Supsup-Lee also announced the release of the candidates’ individual videos for the MUPh 2022 Casting Video Challenge fan voting brought on YouTube by the ARTE Partylist of Supsup-Lee as its first nominee. Arte Partylist advocates for retail and fashion, textile and tradition, events, entertainment, and creative sector. She will banner the creative sector as well as entertainment and fashion industries.

•••

Okada Manila.

Arnold L. Vegafria, Miss World Philippines Organization CEO and Okada Manila executives gave a warm welcome to the returning queen and people from the media. Paton will travel the world as part of her duties as reigning Miss Eco International 2022.

She thanked all Miss World Philippines Organization and her team Kagandahang Flores led by Rodgil Flores and all the designers and artists, who helped her clinch the second Miss Eco International crown for the country.

The young singer feels like she’s found a new home with Sparkle and GMA

…are talking about

...are not talking about Rufa Mae Quinto

CONGRATULATIONS to Team Payaman’s Vien Iligan and Marlon Velasquez, aka Junnie Boy, who recently tied the knot at Divine Mercy Parish in Silang, Cavite.

Their social media pictures probably don’t justify just how happy they are. Although their marriage came later than their son, Mavi, the pair proved that it’s necessary to learn more about your partner behind closed doors before making a lifelong commitment. Luckily, both Vien and Junnie Boy share many characteristics that make them ideal for each other.

In this week’s “Top 5 Anime betrayals,” comedienne and actress Rufa Mae Quinto earned the disappointment of netizens as she reportedly admitted to supporting aspiring presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos. Many celebrities established that there’s nothing wrong with supporting their respective candidates, but people can’t help but wonder why Rufa returned to the Philippines after living comfortably in the United States of America for years.

UAAP Season 84

The popular Filipino host is facing rumors that he’s begging GMA Network to take him back after he didn’t renew his contract with the network. Much like everyone else, Willie isn’t pleased with the spread of fake news, especially with him as the subject. Aside from telling the public to ignore negative and false news, the TV host also advises media outlets to stop branding him as a billionaire because he’s not a businessman. Here’s hoping that people will stop peddling fake news and look for more credible sources.

SPORTS fans, students, and alumni can’t contain their excitement with the return of UAAP. Now on its 84th season, the popular sports event became the talk of the town as viewers and fans gushed about their favorite players and their performances. It’s also refreshing to see students slowly rekindle their interest in sports while showing their support for their respective schools. Here’s hoping they’d get to watch it live again soon.

THE victorious homecoming press conference of Kathleen Paton. fresh from winning the Miss Eco International 2022 crown in Egypt, was held at the Grand Ballroom of

excited if she would be paired with Jhake Vargas and Derrick Monasterio.

“Masaya ako sa bagong chapter. I’m really excited to be back on stage. This is where I want to grow,” she added, saying that she wants to try drama and teen romance genres.

In real life, romance is far from her mind. “Kung ibibigay ni Lord...,” she trailed off.

Tall and moreno are what she looks for in a guy. If he could carry a tune, that would be a plus.

“May dating pag kumakanta sya, lalo na kung OPM or kundiman, iba talaga ang dating,” she confessed.

GMA’s Gigi SantiagoLara and Sparkle’s Johnny Manahan formally welcomed Zephanie to the Kapuso network.

“We are very happy to welcome Zephanie to the Sparkle family. She will be singing the summer theme for Sparkle so we hope everyone will watch out for that. Her Kapuso family is also excited to welcome Zephanie in All Out Sundays this Sunday.

We really want to harness the powerhouse talent of Zephanie, to watch her grow as an artist, and to see her in more programs and projects in GMA,” Lara, senior assistant vice president for Alternative Productions, said.

Cornerstone’s Vice President of Cornerstone Entertainment Jeff Vadillo shared, “We are excited, Zephanie will shine even more with our new partnership with Sparkle. Looking forward to new possibilities and platforms where Zephanie can showcase her talents.”

PEOPLE

Vien Iligan and Junnie Boy

Miss Eco International 2022 Kathleen Paton

Miss Eco International 2022 Kathleen Paton is back

Bruce Willis is one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, having starred in mega-hit ‘Die Hard’ and its sequels

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Willie Revillame

Action hero Bruce Willis to retire because of illness AMERICAN actor Bruce Willis, star of the Die Hard franchise, is to retire from acting after developing a cognitive illness, his family announced Wednesday.

A post on Instagram said Willis had aphasia — a language disorder that robs people of their ability to communicate. “ B r u c e has been experiencing some health

issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” read the post. “As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”

Aphasia is typically caused by a stroke or head injury — though in more rare cases can come on gradually and progressively.

The condition affects a person’s ability not just to speak and understand verbal communication but also their reading and writing.

The Los Angeles Times reported that questions about Willis’s short-term memory have recently circulated. The paper noted

that he was not at the Oscars on Sunday when several other stars of “Pulp Fiction,” including Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta, took to the stage.

Willis has been a fixture on the small and large screen since the 1980s, coming to public prominence in the TV series Moonlighting. But it was as hard-bitten hero John McClane in Die Hard that he became a bankable major star of the cinema, sparking a career that has generated billions of dollars of box office receipts.

Willis, who this month turned 67, provided the voice for the baby in popular family flick Look Who’s Talking. Another of

his best-known roles was as the dead person that child actor Haley Joel Osment could see in The Sixth Sense.

The Instagram post announcing the news of his retirement is signed by Willis’ current wife, Emma Heming Willis, as well as former wife, actress Demi Moore, and his children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.

“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” it adds. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.” AFP

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

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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

Life Kaycee’s energy and glow show her career as a fulfillment of a childhood dream Catriona among a field of flowers that complements her wardrobe of matching pinks, botanical prints, and flowy textiles

Catriona Gray is among the new ambassadors of H&M’s all-new lineup of Tropical Essentials

Catriona Gray blooms in H&M’s latest campaign

The journey of trusting the process

How skin doctor Kaycee Reyes became a purveyor of holistic wellness

“I

LIKED it! At five, I already experienced dissecting a lizard,” Dr. Kaycee Reyes turned giggly as she spoke about blood and revealed not having the common fear of it as a young girl. Doc Kaycee, as she is fondly called, was on the road, accompanying her son for a visit to the pediatrician, when we had our video interview.

That’s how I have always seen her – a woman-on-the-go who balances her career and her wife and mommy duties.

Roughly three years ago, I had my first consultation with Doc Kaycee in her chic and cozy clinic at The Podium.

More than her bedimpled smile and glass-like skin, which I quickly studied while she was speaking, I was struck by the dermatologist’s warmth and confidence. I was impressed even more when, after years of several attempts to address what I considered stains on my cheeks, she easily zapped them away in a few minutes.

It helped a lot that Doc Kaycee was able to properly identify what other dermatologists and I thought were simply freckles or sun spots. “Those are actually Hori’s nevus,” I will never forget her saying.

Passion shines through when Doc Kaycee explains skin conditions and even how her top-of-the-line machines function. During her media launches, quick 101s are staple, complete with audio-visual presentations to make media guests and regular patients understand the services being offered.

Her energy is telling that Doc Kaycee is living out a childhood dream. “When I was 5, I already wanted to be a doctor because I was exposed to some doctors.

We lived in a compound just beside the hospital owned by my uncle,” she confirmed my hunch.

Doc Kaycee added that she was drawn to the dignified look of medical practitioners in white and the sight of so many patients lining up for their services. She channeled her interest

in the field by helping Preventive and Regenerative dispense medicines in Medicine at Dresden their family-owned International University pharmacy as a kid. in Germany.

That Decades after, makes her an expert Doc Kaycee in Well-Aging pursued medicine and Regenerative and even Medicine.

This considered working specialization led to the with kids. A short creation of Luminisce’s stint in pediatrics, preventive medicine though, made her realize branch, Sol Revive. that she wanted something One thing just led to another.

As a skin doctor, else. Feeling lost and Doc Kaycee’s advocacy Kaycee is passionate wanting to discover of promoting holistic about discussing skin her true calling, wellness is rooted in conditions andtreatments Doc Kaycee began just simply trusting the exploring other options and she was process. later led to traditional and alternative “To give optimum results, we medicine. Her accidental assignments combine aesthetic treatments with and projects in the field equipped her preventive regenerative medicine with enough knowledge to redefine the practices,” she proudly said, standard of beauty she is advocating highlighting her clinic’s distinct onetoday. “To look well, you have to be stop-shop edge over other competitors well,” she would repeatedly say. in the market.

Doc Kaycee is a graduate of the Life coaching, customized nutrition, University of Sto. Tomas Faculty and individualized body and fitness of Medicine & Surgery, completed solutions are just some of the nontraditional services being offered her Diploma in Dermatology

by Luminisce to achieve overall from the King’s College in wellness. As an adjustment to London, and received a what is now observed as the New Master of Science Degree Normal, the clinic has created in Clinical Dermatology home-kit alternatives to wellfrom St. John’s Institute of loved procedures. Doc Kaycee Dermatology at Guy’s & also went out of her comfort St. Thomas Hospital, also zone and launched a Youtube in the United Kingdom. channel.

She then became With this strategy, a visiting fellow the celebrity doctor in Dermatologic literally goes beyond Laser Surgery skin deep. She targets both in Thailand elevating not only the and in Singapore, quality of one’s skin where she accrued but also of one’s life. her expertise on Follow @ lasers, a trademark luminisce_ treatment of official and @ Luminisce, the drkayceereyes to skin clinic she get more beauty and founded ten years ago. wellness updates. For As she nurtures your random thoughts, her love for e-mail the author at learning and randomrepublika@gmail. self-growth, Doc com.

Kaycee recently completed Skin doctor her Master of Kaycee Reyes Science degree in

Making summer memorable for kids EXPLORE the great outdoors and say “Hooray for Summer” fun with amazing playmates from Toy Kingdom.

Here are Toy Kingdom’s Top 10 Toys that will make this summer exciting and memorable.

Topping the list are new toys from Batman and Barbie that have brought happiness to kids for many generations.

This summer, the incredibly detailed McFarlane DC Comics Multiverse Batman Figure and Barbie’s Color Reveal Mermaid sets will be delightful additions to their

collection.

Toys that allow kids to discover outdoor fun come next. With eased restrictions, this is the best time for kids to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. They make a splash in your own backyard with cool inflatable pools, floaters, and bubble blasters.

Create your own exciting w a t e r adventure with a Giant rectangular pool or Waterslide with Gator sprinkler pool.

Or they can have a blast biking around the neighborhood or in the park.

There are Disneyinspired bikes, foldable e-Scooters, and protection sets for active kids on the go; as well as motorized Motor Trucks and Go Karts by Rux and Segway. These will make Let your child learn bike basics with the Deck your kids love Genesis 16’’ with training wheels cycling and

SPRING has just begun and H&M has already made headlines with an all-new lineup of Tropical Essentials. Set in three parts and accumulating over 180 pieces for this season and beyond, this may just be the fashion brand’s biggest local campaign yet, given the three new ambassadors announced alongside it.

One of them, of course, is no other than Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

The brand cited passion as the inspiration for the whole campaign: showcasing a collection of great passion stories from their ambassadresses in order to inspire others to take action toward the things that move them. In this first leg of the collection, Catriona wonderfully interprets the definition of her passion: a passion that blooms.

In H&M’s latest photos and videos, Gray takes center stage in the outskirts of Nueva Ecija. She’s perfectly set among a field of flowers on a slow afternoon, complementing her wardrobe of matching pinks, botanical prints, and flowy textiles. The energy is romantic,

relaxed, captivating–which so happens to also be the perfect way to describe the H&M resort wear that she’s dressed in.

Gray’s personal advocacy has always been about uplifting local communities, hence a passion that blooms. Moreover, winning the Miss Universe title has since allowed her a larger platform to promote her cause. Among these, she now serves as a representative to promote Filipino-made products, opening up conversations and organizing initiatives to support the skills and livelihood of her kababayans. In fact, her shoot being located in Nueva Ecija is symbolic of her support for their local Talavera ARTists guild: an organization that showcases the different art mediums of creatives from the municipality.

Overall, she’s managed to encourage many talented and hardworking Filipinos to bring out the best versions of themselves through the things they create.

Embrace your own passion that blooms and discover more passion stories in H&M stores and at hm.com.

Delivering the best mobile video experience FOLLOWING its back-toback awards as the Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile network, PLDT mobile services arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has been recognized anew for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience across all mobile technologies, according to Ookla®, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

Ookla declared Smart as the winner of the Best Mobile Smart is recognized for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience award with a Video Experience across all mobile technologies Video Score™ of 65.75 based on its analysis of Speedtest Experience to our subscribers across Intelligence® data covering Q3-Q4 all mobile technologies - whether it’s 2021 from 54,894 user-initiated tests. on 3G, 4G, or 5G,” said Jane J. Basas, Its closest competitor registered a SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Video Score of 60.

Business at Smart.

Measured on a scale of 0 to 100, “The latest Ookla data reflects Ookla’s Video Score considers the our unrelenting efforts to improve real-world experience of users while customer experience and stay ahead streaming videos, such as watching of their needs and demands so they on a website or a streaming app. may pursue their passions,” she To score consumer video added. experience, Ookla evaluates five As part of its push to provide the components, including the percentage best Video Experience to Filipinos, of tests where users failed to play a Smart introduced the Smart GigaPlay video, the average waiting time of app, which offers free access to users to start a video, the quality of specially curated live and on-demand video, the percentage of tests where sports and entertainment content the video stalled, and the percentage exclusive to subscribers. of rebuffering among those who Downloadable on the Apple experienced a stalled video.

App Store and Google Play Store, Smart’s latest recognition for Best GigaPlay offers live and on-demand Mobile Video Experience reinforces coverage of the biggest local and the provider’s feat of sweeping the international sports leagues, including Ookla Speedtest Awards™ in both the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, the first and second half of 2021 as Japan B League, National Basketball the Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile Association (NBA), National network amid its continuous 5G Basketball League (NBL), Philippine rollout and network improvement Basketball Association (PBA), efforts across the country.

Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Market research firm Statista the University Athletic Association of estimates that as of Q3 2021, over the Philippines (UAAP).

98 percent of internet users in the Also included in GigaPlay’s Philippines watched any kind of expanding catalog are international online video content each week. and K-Pop music award shows and “As Filipino online users have concerts, Korean drama series, and become accustomed to streaming online Hallyu Hangouts sessions, among videos, our fastest mobile network other awesome content attuned to the enables us to deliver the best Video passions of Filipinos.

Take frozen fun on the go with Disney’s Frozen 2 Elsa’s Fold and Go Ice Palace Playset

electronic mobility as they explore the outdoors.

Rounding up the list are portable playsets from Frozen and Barbie, and Play-Doh sets where kids can explore their creative side.

Check out the Toy Kingdom’s Hooray for Play Collection in-store or on their website at www.toykingdom. com.ph and order now thru their Call to Deliver services at 0917.5578797 and have a personal shopper assist you.

Follow ToyKingdomPH on Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy a summer splash with the family with this Intex Summer Color Pool

Promote active fun with your kids with Toy Kingdom’s Hooray for Play collection