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373k election ballots defective Comelec says they will be destroyed, replaced with reprinted ones

By Vito Barcelo

A VOL. XXXVI • NO. 71 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

of

T least 372,878 ballots for the May 9 elections were found defective and are subject for reprinting, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the defective ballots—which account for only 0.55 percent of the 67.4 million ballots printed— would be destroyed as soon as the replacements are reprinted this week.

The Comelec said it already finished printing the last batch of the 67.4 million ballots for the May 9 national and local elections ahead of the target date.

Rejected ballots are those with smudges, not perfectly cut, wrong lines, colors, or other printing errors. It will be disposed of in the presence election

BANTER IN BATANGAS. UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) shares a light moment with running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio (center) and Lakas-CMD President and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez (right) during their Grand Rally in Lipa City, Batangas on Thursday (story on A4). Ver Noveno

Duterte names Teodoro, Villar his 2 top senatorial bets Palace assures PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has announced former defense secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and former public works secretary Mark Villar are his top two candidates whose circles he will shade in his ballot in the May 9 elections.

During the President’s Chatroom aired

on state-run PTV-4 on Wednesday night, Duterte interviewed the two senatorial candidates separately, describing Gibo as his “number one” bet and Villar as his “number two” bet.

Duterte expressed confidence that if elected to the Senate, Teodoro, a pilot

and the 1989 first placer in the bar exams, would be one of the “best” senators who would push for legislative measures aimed at bringing development to the country.

“I will show everyone that I will vote for you and I will place your name on

top of the list because you are first to do many things,” he told Teodoro, who was defense secretary in the Arroyo administration and ran for president in 2010.

He said Villar would be his second candidate, noting that he already promised to make Teodoro his first choice. Next page

Business group warns outages may affect polls

By Othel V. Campos THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) raised alarm Thursday over power failures that may affect the May 9 national elections.

“It is imperative to develop an energy transition plan that places the Filipino and the Philippine context at its center, adheres to the key principles of climate equity and energy security, and supports the fulfilment of the country's development goals,” MAP said in a statement.

For a safe and secure voting process, the group recommended addressing projected power shortages, particularly in the next 30 days, asking electricity users to adopt energy efficiency measures in their households, offices, and businesses.

The group has also reminded the distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in major demand areas or the Greater Metro Manila to prepare for or

3 big sunspots to trigger solar activity THE state weather bureau on Thurs- mum" phase of its current solar cycle. day released images of three large In a social media post, the Philipsunspot groups it took on Thursday, as pine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Next page the sun was entering the "solar maxi-

SUNSPOTS. This image taken and released by PAGASA on Thursday shows several sunspots -- areas on the Sun's surface that are relatively cooler and appear dark than its surroundings. These patches are roughly the size of Earth, or about 20-40 times larger than a typical spot, the state weather bureau said. PAGASA photo

Next page

Prov’l buses OK on EDSA past time limit

By Joel E. Zurbano

hours it had set, provided they do not terminate the trips at their THE Metropolitan Manila own terminals and instead use the Development Authority said designated integrated terminals.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes provincial buses are not prohibited Next page from operating beyond the window

MIDNIGHT LINE. Commuters wait for their respective buses headed for the provinces at the EDSA-Cubao bus station in Quezon City after midnight on Wednesday as government allotted a 10 p.m.-5 a.m. window hours for the provincial buses to use EDSA and Metro Manila roads. Norman Cruz

Rody to deliver land reform till end of his term THE Duterte administration will continue to push for genuine land reform and address long-standing concerns of farmers and indigenous peoples, acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said.

Andanar issued the statement days after presidential candidate Ka Leody de Guzman survived a shooting incident in Bukidnon Tuesday where he was discussing alleged land grabbing cases with members of the Manobo-Pulangiyon tribe.

De Guzman called on the government to address the problem of land grabbing which he said has led to mass exodus of IPs from their ancestral lands.

“President Rodrigo Duterte remains committed to delivering genuine agrarian reform in the country,” Andanar said in a press statement.

Citing government data, Andanar said the administration distributed 229,289 hectares of agricultural lands from July 2016 to May 2021, benefitting 166,217 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

He said the government also issued 57 Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs), covering 993,345.17 hectares of ancestral domain, which benefited 257,047 indigenous peoples from 2016 to June 2021.

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‘Agaton’ fatalities jump to 224, over 140 still missing

By Othel V. Campos THE reported death toll from Tropical Storm Agaton has risen to 224 with 147 people still missing, disaster officials said Thursday. Of the reported deaths, 178

PUTIN HAILS ‘LIBERATION’

BY RUSSIANS OF MARIUPOL WORLD / B2

have been verified.

Those missing were mostly in Eastern Visayas, where massive landslides occurred on April 10 in Baybay City and on April 11 in Abuyog town, both in Leyte Province, the National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Rescuers have slowed the retrieval of bodies buried under landslides as they are taking precautions with the ground in the affected areas remaining unstable. Next page

End of an era as Netflix faces stagnation NEW YORK—Having lost subscribers for the first time in more than a decade, Netflix faces the new challenge of stagnation from a position of strength.

A drop of just 200,000 users—less than 0.1 percent of its total customer base—was enough to send Wall Street panicking, with shares plunging more than 30 percent on Wednesday.

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A2

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Panel OKs boosters for kids 12 to 17 T

By Willie Casas

VEP chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said Thursday in a televised public briefing that the recommendation had already been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the final decision

would come from the Health Technology Assessment Council.

Earlier, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said about 9.1 million adolescents were fully vaccinated

while some 1.5 million children ages 5 to 11 years old were fully vaccinated as of April 18.

Since the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time, Gloriani said booster shots would provide an extra layer of protection, especially for those directly exposed to coronavirus.

The neutralizing antibodies of fully vaccinated individuals are expected to come back or increase five to seven days after the administration of a booster shot.

For some people, it takes only two to

373k...

who said their taking down of notes on ballot shipments would cost him his job.

“Why be secretive about the shipping info on voter’s ballots, unless Pandora’s boxes are being sent out for election mischief?” she added.

Brigido Dulay, the Foreign Affairs undersecretary for civilian security and consular affairs, had denied reports mainly on social media that pre-shaded ballots were handed out at various overseas polling posts.

“By virtue of a human error, when the ballot was given out to the voter, two ballots that were sticking together after coming out of the printing press, and when this ballot was filled up, the voter actually filled two ballots,” he said.

When this anomaly was discovered as the ballots were to be fed to the votecounting machine, DFA personnel supposedly peeled off the second ballot, but in another case of human error, it was returned to the pile of unused ballots instead of being lumped with other spoiled ballots, Dulay said.

He said that “again partly due to human error, this [ballot] was mixed in the receptacle for unused valid ballots.”

Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said the supposedly pre-shaded ballots may have escaped scrutiny from election officers, as the chair of the board of election inspectors only authenticates official ballots on the first page.

“If an allegation is that two ballots were given, it must have been authenticated on the first page only because at the back page, there’s no authentication of the chairman,” he said.

Dulay assured the Senate committee that voting posts have resumed normal operations, except for three that had suffered delays.

The independent inspection of ballots and secure digital (SD) cards only began last month after most of them had already been produced and Marcos’ committee discovered that observers were being kept out of the NPO compound in Quezon City and the Comelec’s technical hub in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Marcos noted the Comelec was setting

itself up for failure in deciding to limit the use of digital signatures to Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao due to supposed difficulty in procuring the right type of cable for vote-counting machines.

“The Comelec has made excuses of the pandemic and procurement to set aside inspections and security checks required by law. It has offered no convincing remedies to inspire public trust,” she said.

“Less than a month before May 9, the Comelec’s shortcomings have put the integrity of the coming elections under a cloud of doubt,” she added.

Meanwhile, the poll body said it expects an increase in turnout among overseas absentee voters this year.

Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said in a TV interview pointed to the heavy turnout during the first day of absentee voting in places like Hong Kong, where 30 percent of Filipinos have already voted.

Comelec data showed there are about 1.7 million Filipinos living abroad who were registered in the 2022 polls.

Casquejo said this early, voting abroad has already reached their target, which is more than 30 percent.

He said the current number of voters who turned up to cast their ballots has already surpassed their target compared to previous elections.

Of the registered overseas voters, 786,997 are from the Middle East and African countries, 450,282 are from the Asia Pacific, 306,445 are from the North and Latin America, and 153,491 are from Europe.

Casquejo attributed the higher turnout to the “vote anywhere” scheme where overseas Filipinos are allowed to vote even if they are in another country during the election period.

In other developments: • The Comelec said some Filipinos voting in Eastern Visayas will have to cast their votes in makeshift precincts after Tropical Depression Agaton damaged polling centers in several areas in the region.

Comelec Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said they have already issued a directive to their regional offices and ordered the construction of temporary

polling precincts.

“We received reports from Region 8 that several voting centers have been damaged by the typhoon. As a remedy, we ordered makeshift polling centers which will be procured by our regional offices for our voting centers,” he said.

The makeshift centers will mimic the size of a small room but will depend on the number of voters to be accommodated, Sinocruz Jr. said.

It will also be made of wooden materials.

“We will approximate the size of polling rooms to accommodate the number of voters. These are being done and will be procured by our regional offices. Those not needing makeshift [polling centers], will be transferred to other voting centers,” he said.

Agaton wreaked havoc on parts of the Visayas and Mindanao regions ahead of Holy Week. It affected 2,081,011 individuals or 599,956 families in 2,421 barangays in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro (see related story on A1 – Editors).

Sinocruz Jr., however, said no election paraphernalia were damaged during the typhoon, including the voting counting machines (VCM).

• The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it recorded 28 electionrelated incidents from Jan. 9 up to April 17.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said of the incidents, 21 were later shown to have nothing really to do with the elections.

Five incidents were connected to an election that happened in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 3 (Central Luzon), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao) and Cordillera region, and two incidents still being investigated if they are election-related.

Fajardo said the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have deployed their personnel to the said regions to ensure orderly and peaceful polls on May 9.

(See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Duterte said he believed the Senate needed someone like Teodoro, who served Tarlac in the House of Representatives, who always “acts in good faith” and “knows how to address the pressing issues” in the country.

“He knows the problems of the country. He knows because he served the government,” he said.

“He could not be considered a savior, but really, he can help the country if he is there in the Senate for the people.”

He also noted that it would be a wasted opportunity if Teodoro failed to make a political comeback as senator.

Teodoro, meanwhile, vowed to pri-

oritize legislative measures that would ensure the country’s economic recovery from the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

He cited his plan to craft measures that would help maintain peace and order in the country, improve the education system, and protect the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers.

“And those are just a few, Mr. President, of the efforts and measures.

There are other measures I would also introduce some other time,” Teodoro said.

Despite initial “misgivings” about Villar because of his age, Duterte said he had

“no regrets” about appointing him to his Cabinet.

He said Villar had “very good credentials,” but also “earned the reputation” of being an efficient government worker.

“Now, I do not regret that I appointed you as one of my Cabinet members,” Duterte said.

Villar was Duterte’s youngest Cabinet member. He was only 38 years old when he was appointed as DPWH secretary in 2016.

If elected as senator, Villar said his main platform would focus on continuing Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” initiative. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

was election-related.

“During the initial investigation, the guard fired because there was a group of people who wanted to enter a place and he could not stop them. He fired a warning shot, unfortunately someone was hit. We do not yet have an indicator or indication that would say that this is connected with the election,” Carlos said. Malacañang has condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

“Violence has no place in any civilized society and we condemn the incident in Bukidnon where gunshots were allegedly fired against the camp of Ka Leody de Guzman,” Andanar said.

‘Agaton’...

ment of Agriculture said.

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday announced price freeze on household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products for 15 days in more areas placed under a state of calamity due to Tropical Depression Agaton.

In an advisory, the DOE said the price freeze on LPG and kerosene is now in effect in Sara and Passi City, both in Iloilo, from April 12 to 26, 2022.

Meanwhile, the price freeze on petroleum products is in effect from April 13 to 27 in Lemery, Iloilo and Potatan, Leyte.

The DOE declared a price freeze on LPG and kerosene in several areas under state of calamity last week.

The NDRRMC said assistance worth P64 million has been provided to regions affected by Agaton.

This includes financial aid, family food packs, tents, and kitchen sets that were given to victims in Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro.

The NDRRMC said 11,279 houses were damaged—10,519 partially and 760 totally—in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

said Thursday that based on the existing policy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), all provincial buses shall terminate their routes at the North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) in Bocaue, Bulacan or at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Artes said the LTFRB heeded the request of MMDA after provincial bus operators appealed to the agency to allow them to ply EDSA during the window hour period from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. within a two-week dry run, which started last week of March.

Artes likewise confirmed the agency and the provincial bus operators had a "gentleman's agreement" after they requested for an extension, thus allowing all provincial buses from traversing along the stretch of EDSA and utilized their respective Metro Manila terminals 24/7 during the Holy Week.

The window hours scheme, however, resumed on Wednesday, April 20.

Reports showed thousands of passengers stranded in various terminals in Central Luzon because there were no buses going to Manila.

As many as 3,000 passengers have been stranded at the Dau Mabalacat City Bus Terminal since Wednesday morning.

The LTFRB, however, clarified in a separate Facebook post on April 20 that it was not a party to the "gentlemen's agreement" between the MMDA and provincial bus operators.

"The LTFRB was not party to the agreement while it was being discussed," the agency said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ing otherwise: The company anticipates a much larger drop in its second quarter —of around two million net subscribers.

"I'm not sure that's a turning point" for Netflix, said Scott Zari of S&P Global Ratings.

"But I think it is indicative of maybe a new phase of slower growth," he said.

Bank of America analysts said in a note that Netflix "made it clear that we can expect very low subscriber growth in '22 and '23 with no margin expansion."

The shift was felt even in the tone of

the company's results presentation on Tuesday evening.

The affair focused less on the streamer's mega hits such as "Bridgerton" and "Ozark" and more on combating the 100 million households who watch Netflix for free thanks to shared passwords.

"When we were growing fast, it wasn't the high priority to work on," cofounder Reed Hastings admitted. "And now we're working super hard on it."

AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

HE country's vaccine expert panel (VEP) has recommended the administration of the first booster dose against COVID-19 for children ages 12 to 17 years old as face-to-face classes start soon.

From A1

stakeholders. There will be only one ballot for each voter.

“We will first complete the reprinting and the printing of other forms, then the destruction will follow. We will issue a notice,” Garcia said.

At least two officials—Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Senator Imee Marcos—have scolded the poll body for anomalies with the ballots, even those provided to overseas Filipinos under absentee voting rules, with just under three weeks before Election Day. On his Twitter account, Locsin told Comelec on Wednesday to “please attend to this and take the hit,” referring to complaints by OFWs that the ballots they received were either pre-shaded for a certain candidate or did not have all the candidates’ names. “@DFAPHL does not print the ballots.

Oh, tweet a picture of this ballot so I can make it karat but if I find out this is all fake, magtago ka na sa ends of the earth.

Nagkakasakit na @dfaoca tao ko so daming nag boboto under OVA,” he warned poll personnel.

[Translation: Tweet a picture of this ballot so I can ‘kalat’ (spread) it… You better hide… the people at DFA Office of Consular Affairs are getting sick with so many people voting under OVA (misspelled OAV, overseas absentee voting).]

Meanwhile, in a Senate hearing, Marcos questioned the Comelec for banning accredited observers from noting down the destinations and packing details of voter ballots ready to be shipped nationwide.

As chair of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, Marcos said the incident took place last Tuesday, when the officer-in-charge of security at the National Printing Office (NPO) told observers they were no longer allowed within the agency’s premises.

Marcos said the ban followed a confrontation the previous day between the observers and an NPO security guard,

Duterte...

From A1

Duterte said he could not imagine what his administration would be like “without Mark Villar there at the helm of DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways).”

“So you’re right, you worked hard and for me, I will place you in number two because I already made a promise to my number one and you are both imbued with a sense of urgency to really improve the lives of the people,” he told Villar.

Palace...

From A1

“We assure our people, including Ka Leody de Guzman, that our efforts to provide lands to landless farmers will continue until the end of the President’s term,” Andanar said.

De Guzman said he will press charges against those behind the shooting, which left five people injured, including four members of the IP group.

Philippine National Police chief Dionardo Carlos said it was “premature” to say that the shooting

Business...

From A1

initiate their respective interruptible load program (ILP) throughout their franchise areas.

MAP also advised the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to create provisions for additional reserve power and link with power plants that are not yet connected.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) was also asked by the business

3 big...

From A1

Astronomical Services Administration said sunspots were cooler areas of the sun's surface that appeared darker than their surroundings.

"These patches are roughly the size of Earth, or about 20-40 times larger than a typical spot," it said.

The agency said there would be an increased amount of solar activity during

group to temporarily suspend the secondary price cap (SPC) at the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) and have asked the government to value the country's energy infrastructure as a national security concern while giving priority to longer-term power development.

The government and the private sector must craft power generationspecific plans to stimulate the building of new generation capacity and avert possible supply gaps in the next 10 years, MAP said. With Maricel V. Cruz See full story online at manilastandard.net) this period, including additional sunspots and frequent solar flares.

According to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA, solar flares are powerful bursts of energy from the sun that could impact "radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts."

PAGASA warned the public against looking at the sun directly. People should only look at it with a special filter to protect their eyes, it said.

From A1

Agaton, the first tropical storm to hit the Philippines this year, made landfall on April 10, affecting more than 2 million people across the Visayas region and parts of Mindanao Island in the south.

The agency added that more than 11,000 houses were damaged, while the estimated cost of damage to agriculture has reached P257 million.

Damage to agricultural produce and infrastructures caused by Agaton rose to P2.8 billion as of April 21, with fresh reports of destruction from the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

Based on the report, the typhoon affected the livelihood of 64,525 farmers and fishers. Production loss from standing crops was estimated at 89,093 metric tons (MT) from 31,645 hectares of damaged agricultural lands.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries. Damage to agricultural infrastructure, machineries and equipment have yet to be revalidated, the Depart-

End..

From A1

The loss of subscribers and the company's various plans to revive business "change the historically simple story" of Netflix's solid success, said Wells Fargo analysts, who cut its price target in half.

"The new outlook is clear as mud," they said.

If the Q1 loss of subscribers might seem a blip at first blush, Netflix is signal-

three days, Gloriani said.

"As for those eligible for a second booster dose, it should be four months after the first [booster] dose," she added.

The National Vaccination Operations Center said more than 66.9 million Filipinos were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 12,687,684 million have received their first booster shot as of April 18.

Gloriani said the VEP recommended a heterologous or different vaccine brand for the second booster. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Another suspect in Maguindanao slayings nabbed THE Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNPCIDG) announced Thursday the arrest of another suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in Cotabato City.

In a statement, the CIDG said Datu Harris Ampatuan Macapendeng, the incumbent barangay chairperson of Tuayan, Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao province, was arrested.

With a monetary reward of P300,000 under DILG Memo Circular 2010-76, the suspect was nabbed by personnel of the CIDG Maguindanao Field Unit on Wednesday at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Compound, Cotabato City.

The local police served the warrant of arrest for the crime of 43 counts of murder issued by Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes of Branch 221 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City against the suspect.

Macapendeng was part of the Ampatuan private army and was among those who attended the meetings where the Ampatuans planned the massacre and participated in the murder of 58 people on that fateful day in November of 2009. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

US vows $600m over 4 years to replenish GEF-8

By Rey E. Requejo and Nash Maulana THE United States has committed $600.8 million over the next four years to support the eighth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF8), which is Washington’s largest GEF pledge ever.

“The US pledge aligns with continuing U.S. priorities and supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing climate change, conserving global carbon sinks and other critical ecosystems, and restoring the health of our ocean,” the Americans said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in the Philippines.

The US joined 28 other donors in collectively pledging more than $5 billion to support GEF-8, a nearly 30 percent increase over GEF-7.

The statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte blamed climate change for the great destruction wrought by Typhoon Agaton, the first storm on the country this year, and hoped the government succeeding him after the May 9 elections could do better in preparing Filipinos for natural disasters. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Prov’l...

From A1

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

GIANT WELCOME.

Giant images or Higantes from the province of Angono in Rizal welcome the foreign delegates on the second day of the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Marriott Hotel. Higantes Festival is a secular celebration initiated by the Municipality of Angono to express gratitude to its patron Saint Clement. Based on Angono’s folklore, the ‘higante’ was used as a symbol of farmers’ protest during the waning years of the Spanish colonization when Angono was a hacienda (large tract of lands).

Danny Pata

Comelec junks CoC of Camarines Sur congressional bet

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has stopped the second attempt of former Pasig City Mayor Maria Belen Andaya-Eusebio to run for a congressional seat in Camarines Sur. The poll body junked Eusebio’s certificate of candidacy (CoC) for “false material representation” in claiming she was eligible to run as a substitute candidate in the first legislative district of Camarines Sur which was established to be no longer her official residence.

In a unanimous resolution dated April 20, the Comelec’s first division canceled Eusebio’s COC after ruling that she was “not a bona fide resident” of the municipality of Ragay in the first district of Camarines Sur, and as such had “made a false material representation in her COC. The resolution was signed by presiding Commissioner Socorro Inting and Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Aimee Torrefranca-Neri.

The resolution stopped Eusebio from running as a substitute candidate for her brother, former House Majority Leader and ex-Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., who originally filed his candidacy for congressman in the first district, but later decided to run instead for governor of the province.

This was the second time that the Comelec had barred Eusebio from seeking a congressional seat in Camarines Su. The poll body canceled her COC for the 2019 midterm polls when she tried to run for a seat to represent the second legislative district by similarly making a false material representation that she was then a bona fide resident of that district’s municipality of Libmanan, which was supposed to be her official residence.

Migrant workers department starts work next year —Bello

By Vito Barcelo

L

ABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has directed all personnel of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to observe the status quo in the performance of their duties and responsibilities pending the full constitution of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The newly-created DMW is expected to start operations by 2023, Bello said.

In a memorandum, Bello also authorized POEA chief Bernard Olalia to issue the appropriate orders to carry out his directive “in the interest of the service and to ensure the orderly operations of POEA.” Bello issued the directives amid contrasting positions taken by some quarters that “have caused confusion and disruption of public service to the detriment of migrant workers.”

The Secretary pointed out that the DMW is yet to be fully constituted with the corresponding budget embodied in the 2023 General Appropriations Act; and the implementing rules and regulations; as well as the staffing pattern have yet to be finalized.

Citing the conflicting positions on the constitution of DMW, Bello pointed to the Administrative Code of 1987 stating that all disputes, claims, and controversies, solely between or among the de-

partments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government shall be administratively settled or adjudicated by the Secretary of Justice, as the Attorney-General of the national government.

“Thus, it is of utmost importance that the status quo be maintained pending the issuance of the Justice Secretary of his ruling or decision, which shall be conclusive and binding on all parties concerned,” Bello stressed.

The Blas F. Ople Policy Center has sought the opinion of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on the matter.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the President has been presented with both the implementing rules and regulations drafted by the Transition Committee and the DMW Secretary.

PRICE CHECK. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo leads the inspection of basic commodities at a supermarket in Makati City on Thursday. Norman Cruz

Ex-BSP exec suggests Robredo is right choice for presidency FORMER Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo has described Vice President Leni Robredo as highly competent in helping people during pandemic even with the meager resources.

“Her ability to do with less is the leadership the country needs as it recovers

from the pandemic while saddled with a huge deficit,” Guinigundo said.

He also said with Robredo outperforming other agencies with huge allocations is “a skill set we need in the post-COVID era” when the cost of reconstruction weighed down tax collection.

Robredo is running for President in

PAO disowns DQ plea vs Tulfo THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has clarified it has nothing to do with the petition to disqualify senatorial aspirant Raffy Tulfo filed before the Commission on Elections.

“It is not PAO that filed (the petition),” said PAO chief Persida Acosta.

“Some other people say that we filed the disqualification case against Mr. RT,” she added.

She was referring to the complaint filed by Tulfo’s estranged wife Julieta Licup-Pearson, who filed the petition before the Comelec for his dis aqualification on allegation that he has been convicted of libel.

“All that we want is for Mr. RT to make a public apology,” Acosta said,

adding “up to now, he has not done so.”

She lamented that Tulfo, in a CNN Philippines interview, said he would put up his own free legal assistance clinic if elected as senator due to PAO lawyers’ absenteeism during inquest proceedings.

Moreover, Tulfo claimed PAO’s indigency test was “obsolete and outdated.”

Acosta, however, said under the 2021 revised PAO operations manual, PAO lawyers accept indigent clients who have a net monthly income of P24,000 for those living in the National Capital Region, P22,000 for those living in cities outside NCR; and P20,000 for those living in municipalities outside NCR.

the May 9 elections.

“The next President must be able to judiciously utilize scarce resources,” Guinigundo, adding that among the candidates for President “Robredo is the only one with executive experience to make every peso count.”

He said the country is entering an era

when a COVID-hit economy will not be able to contribute revenues that can substantially finance a national budget.

As a result, he insisted that the country needed a Robredo presidency that would provide “the necessary ingredients to kick start the economy.”

Macon Ramos-Araneta

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IN BRIEF SSS urges members to protect accounts THE Social Security System on Thursday called on its members, pensioners and employers to secure their login credentials on the My.SSS portal and other personal information to protect their accounts from fraudulent transactions.

SSS president and chief executive officer Michael Regino issued the call in light of complaints from SSS members that their accounts with the My.SSS were being subjected to fraudulent transactions by scammers and other unscrupulous persons.

One of the reasons why such fraudulent transactions occur, SSS insiders noted, was the tendency of some members to share their login credentials with unauthorized persons. Rio N. Araja

MHD to resume vaccination drive THE Manila Health Department (MHD) will launch an aggressive vaccination drive in conjunction with the observance of the World Immunization Week to help immunize city residents, especially the children, to ensure their protection from COVID-19 infection.

The MHD has started intensifying its immunization programs in the city’s six districts following a long period of suspension due to the COVID-19 lockdown and prohibition of face-to-face activities.

Routine programs of the MHD in health centers in Manila such as the catch-up and routine immunization of children are now continuing.

Wife of missing activist presses legal battle THE National Union of People’s Lawyers on Thursday asked the Court of Appeals to set aside its decision dismissing the petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas corpus filed by the wife of missing peasant activist Steve Abua against some military officials.

In his motion for reconsideration, NUPL lawyer Edre Olalia stressed that a writ of habeas corpus should be issued directing the respondent military officials to produce the body of Abua before the CA.

QC Congress bet pledges to push free meds policy QUEZON City councilor and congressional aspirant Patrick Michael Vargas, vows to expand and institutionalize the government’s free medicines program for poor families in all government hospitals nationwide.

“Dahil sa epektibong tulong na hatid ng libreng gamot para sa mga mahihirap, kailangan nating siguraduhin na mas maraming Pilipino pa ang magkaroon ng access sa programang ito,” Vargas said.

The Libreng Gamot Para sa Masa Program (LINGAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was launched in March 2017 in six hospitals nationwide to provide indigents free access to prescription medicines.

As of June 2018, the program has covered 29 hospitals nationwide, and has served 64,778 indigent patients.

A bill providing free medicine for the poor filed by Rep. Alfred Vargas, is pending in Congress. Alfred is a brother of Patrick Michael.

“Hangad natin na mas matulungan pa ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, lalo na sa ating Distrito sa Quezon City.

Ipapanalo natin ang libre at dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa pamilyang Pilipino,” Vargas said.

STOP EATING TO EXTINCTION.

Members of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals wearing dinosaur costume stage a protest at ASEAN Garden in Pasay City to urge people not to eat animal meat in time for Earth day.

Danny Pata

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News

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Moreno is ‘not imploding’ amid beef with Leni

By Rey E. Requejo MORENO’S campaign manager Lito Banayo and chief campaign strategist of presidential candidate Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Thursday said the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer is not imploding and being destructive self-destructive in his series of attacks against rival Vice Presidential Leni Robredo.

Banayo stressed that it is only those in the A and B classes, or what he considered as “intellectuals, the political analysts” who are making these observations.

However, Banayo said that it is a different story when it comes to the C, D, and E classes or the poor and the marginalized.

“Candor, frankness, being what you really are is more treasured by the FIlipino electorate, especially the poor and the marginalized than choosing your words to please your audience,” Banayo said, in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.

“I’m not saying it’s helping but I dispute the fact that the statement or the opinion of some it is backfiring against him. Let’s wait for the results in the May 9 elections,” Banayo added.

According to him, Moreno is just being candid and honest about his feelings, which may have been hurt with the insinuations and lies spread against him even way back in 2021 when he declared his intention to run for the presidency.

“Maybe Isko is really hurt by all the insinuations ,all the lies being spread against him, all the pressures that the echo chamber the yellow pinks have done in this campaign,” he said.

Supporters plan birthday bash, rally for Leni

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

FORMER Rep.Erin Tañada, senatorial campaign manager of the Robredo-Pangilinan camp said Vice President Leni Robredo puts the interest of the people above her own as she and her entire family choose to celebrate her special day with the very same people that she has been serving for the past six years.

“For her, the Filipino people are her family,” Tañada said.

A “grand rally” has been set to mark Robredo’s 57th birthday on April 23 on Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City. The event is initiated and organized by an army of supporters and volunteers as a “birthday gift” to the vice president.

The event has been dubbed “Ang Araw ni Leni, Araw Nating Lahat.”

Organizers hope to outdo all Robredo’s previous political rallies in terms of the number of attendees, targeting mostly those still undecided and her new supporters.

Earlier, many supporters and volunteer groups from other presidential candidates have switched their support and have endorsed Robredo’s candidacy.

He said Robredo’s love for the country and the Filipino people is so intense she opted to be with them on her birthday.

Tanada said the vice president’s genuine dedication to her sworn duty to the masses and to the “people in the peripheries,” is one of the reasons many people are supporting her presidential bid.

JOY MEETS WITH BANGSAMORO LEADERS.

Mayor Joy Belmonte held a dialogue with Bangsamoro leaders in Quezon City and encouraged Muslim community officials to be part of the city development council so that they can appoint a representative and have active participation in developing and drafting city government policies.

Manny Palmero

FOR BBM-TITO SOTTO. PhiltraM, a transport group, endorses the tandem of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice presidential candidate Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto during a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday. Manny Palmero

‘Bongbong is destined to be next PH president’

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ATANGAS Gov. Hermilando Mandanas on Wednesday said Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer and frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. is destined to be the country’s 17th president.

During the BBM-Sara UniTeam grand rally at the Lima Park in Lipa, Batangas, Mandanas said Marcos is what the country needs because he envisions what the country and the people really need.

The governor said it would be up to the people to vote for what the country truly needs, which is no other than Marcos.

“Ating ipakilala at ating iboto ang susunod na pangulo ng bansa na si Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.,” he said, which drew resonating cheers of approval from the mammoth crowd of supporters who attended the said rally.

For his part, Marcos Jr. thanked the

Batangenos for the support. Organizers said the UniTeam drew another mammoth crowd, this time at the jampacked grand rally at the Lima Commercial Estate in this vote-rich province.

In his speech, Marcos vowed to lower the high electricity costs in the country to generate more jobs. He is convinced that the fastest way to propel the province to progress and development is to ensure an affordable power rates.

The leaders of BBM Youth Advocate meanwhile called on supporters nationwide to remain steadfast and strengthen their ranks until they finally deliver a

victory for Marcos Jr, in the scheduled May 9 elections.

Harold Toledana, director- general of BBM Youth Advocate, said that they were prompted to solidify their ranks to parry what he described as a flood of fake news and disinformation being unleashed by the camps of other candidates against BBM. The groups claimed that the camps of Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Domagoso were now reportedly resorting to all forms of dirty tactics just to derail BBM from winning the presidency.

Toledana urged members to comply with Atty. Vic Rodriguez’s call that they should not rest “until we have achieved the 70-percent preference survey rating” to ensure BBM’s victory. With Rey E. Requejo

HOUSETO-HOUSE CAMPAIGN.

Manila mayoral candidate Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna greets her constituents during a houseto-house campaign at Farola in Tondo, Manila on Thursday morning.

Norman Cruz

WITH conflicting narratives and messages of hatred getting delivered faster than ideas for development, former BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said the May 2022 elections have become more toxic compared to past elections.

Due to this, she said it is crucial for Filipinos to elect a competent leader

‘Engage stakeholders on BARMM programs’ COTABATO CITY-- Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal has called on school officials to come up with best programs, activities and projects (PAPs) for the regional education investments of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) has the region’s highest budget at P24.7 billion or 30.95 percent of its P79.8 2021 regional appropriations.

BARMM also released its local subsidy, initially to 11 barangays that have been without the internal revenue allotment (IRA) shares of support from the national government. Nash B. Maulana

Hontiveros renews call for free dialysis treatment SENATOR Risa Hontiveros renewed her appeal to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to continue providing free treatment for dialysis patients.

Each patient, she said, needs a total of 156 dialysis sessions for a complete year of treatment.

“We need to continuously help dialysis patients, especially now that we have not yet fully recover from the effects of the pandemic,” she said.

She stressed the government should ensure that they can get all dialysis sessions for free in 2022,” said Hontiveros.

The senator is working hard to ensure that dialysis patients are spared from shelling out around P12,000 weekly for dialysis sessions.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Salceda eyes ‘big whale’ investors in PH

Lacson ally Henares: Coming elections ‘more toxic’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

IN BRIEF

who would steer the nation forward without further dividing the country.

“And this is a responsibility that presidential candidate Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson is more than willing and ready to take in the interest of public service,” she said.

This election, she also said. is increasingly becoming more toxic.

“The people are fighting each other.

We need a president who is ready to

serve. He (Lacson) would no longer study (to prepare himself for the job). He already knows what to do,” further stated Henares is currently working with Lacson as his assistant campaign manager.

She chose Lacson over other presidential candidates because of his competence and unrivaled years of experience in governance and public service—both as law enforcement officer and lawmaker.

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay, Committee on Ways and Means chair, said he is promoting the Philippines as an investment destination for “big whale” investments under the country’s main tax incentives law, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. Salceda made the statement in the wake of his meeting Japanese Embassy officials Minister for Economic Affairs Masahito Nakata and Finance Attaché Kotaro Yamaguchi.

“I am seeking major Japanese investments into the Philippines, particularly those above US$1 billion. I’m shooting for big whales, those that will qualify for the 40-year tax incentives under CREATE. Frankly, when it comes to investors in the Philippines, no one else comes close to Japan. Maricel V. Cruz

Sara seeks ‘peaceful’ May 9 polls

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAKAS Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte urged every Filipino to help in ensuring the conduct of clean, orderly, and peaceful national and local elections on May 9.

“We are worried about election day and we always call on everyone to support an honest, orderly and peaceful elections for our country,” Duterte told reporters in an ambush interview.

Aside from voting day, Duterte said they are preparing for the canvassing of votes and the proclamation of winners

by Congress.

The legislature is scheduled to reconvene

on May 23, two weeks after the elections, principally to canvass the votes for president and vice president and declare the winners.

The term of office of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo will end at noon of June 30.

Duterte reiterated that she and UniTeam standard-bearer former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) are maintaining a running-scared stance in the homestretch of the campaign despite leading by a margin of more than 30 percentage points over their closest opponents in Pulse Asia’s March tracking survey.

She said they are revisiting the Calabarzon area, Central Luzon and the Bicol region to reach out to more voters.

Opinion Policy insights on UP admissions

A FEW days ago, I had the chance to read the policy paper entitled “On the ‘income advantage’ in course choices and admissions: Evidence from the University of the Philippines”.

It was published in the International Journal of Educational Development and was written by Dr. Sarah Lynne S. Daway-Ducanes of the UP School of Economics, Dr. Elena E. Pernia of the UP College of Mass Communication, and Vincent Jerald R. Ramos of the Hertie School of Governance.

It discusses a few interesting factors that contribute to an “income advantage not only in terms of being admitted to the UP System, but also in being admitted to the first-choice cluster”. Analysis of data covering a period of ten years (2006-2015) showed that applicants coming from richer households have higher probabilities of being admitted to UP. Understanding UP’s system of admitting students is significant as it is the country’s largest state university. Moreover, its students bear the moniker “Iskolar ng Bayan”, as their education is funded by the people’s taxes. It is therefore natural to posit that educational opportunities stemming directly from government taxes be distributed equally among the social classes. However, as is discussed below, this is not always the case.

Here’s what the university can do.

I reached out to Dr. Daway-Ducanes, who is my first cousin, to provide a compressed version of their article. Here is their simplified version.

Recent evidence in developed economies points to rising inequality of access to higher education, favoring students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Given the sparsity of evidence in developing economies like the Philippines, we ask the question: Does an ‘income advantage’ exist in the University of the Philippines (UP) admissions, in spite of policies that aim to democratize access to higher education, particularly in the “Unibersidad ng Iskolar ng Bayan”? Using 2006-2015 admissions data from the UP System, we indeed found an ‘income advantage’ for applicants coming from richer households.

Having consistently ranked highly in international university rankings and having many of its units recognized as “Centers of Excellence” by the Commission on Higher Education, UP has maintained its status as the premiere institution of higher education in the country. From 2006 to 2015, UP received approximately 63,000 to 88,000 applications per year, of which only around 15-19 percent were admitted. During this period, 66 percent of all UP applicants predominantly came from three regions— the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), and Region III (Central Luzon), suggesting the over-representation of some geographic areas in the applicant pool.

The 2006-2015 data further showed that the distribution of applicants was skewed in favor of richer applicants: 32 percent of all applicants to UP during the study period belonged to the highest income classification (with annual household income of more than around PhpP 536,000), while only 11 percent were from the lowest income classification (with annual household income of not more than around PhP 75,000).

In terms of admissions, applicants from

the three topmost income groups comprised around 56-66 percent of those yearly admitted into UP, and around 59-64 percent of those yearly admitted into their first-choice cluster (i.e, Arts and Sciences, Management and Economics, Science and Technology, or Social Sciences and Philosophy).

Income affected the probability of being admitted to UP Using logistic regression analysis to analyze the probability of admissions depending on one’s socio-economic status, while taking into consideration other personal and geographic factors (such as high school grades, high school type, high school region, year of application, sex, etc.) typically reported in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) application form, there remained an ‘income advantage’ not only in being admitted to UP, but also in being admitted to one’s first-choice cluster.

Students from the poorest income group were 13 percent less likely to get into UP than those coming from the richest income group.

All other income groups had a lower probability of admission relative to the richest income group, but this gap shrunk as the income group increased. In particular, students coming from the second highest income group were still less likely to be admitted, but only by around 4 percent, relative to the highest income group.

What might then explain this ‘income advantage’? The literature on admissions inequality in other countries points to the mediating effects of family dynamics and early childhood outcomes, cultural and emotional capital, and private tutoring as mechanisms through which the ‘income advantage’ may play out, apart from that which work directly through the quality of education typically received in high schools that wealthier households can afford.

For instance, there are various college preparation classes offered by private review centers for senior high school students intending to take university entrance examinations. These review classes, which many low-income students may be unable to afford, could significantly improve the performance of the applicant in UP’s admissions test. Moreover, income may proxy for better quality of nutrition (‘brain foods’, in particular) and an environment more conducive to learning (i.e., having one’s own room, latest gadgets, etc.) only available to students coming from wealthier backgrounds.

Some policy implications Public investments and student support programs The above results suggest that policies, such as Republic Act 10931, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or the Free Tuition Law, are likely to disproportionately benefit wealthier students. Moreover, the high level of competition to get into UP, given that the ‘demand for admissions’ far exceeds the supply, is likely to persist.

Public policies should then address the structural gaps in our educational system.

First of these is to address the public-private divide through additional investments in primary and secondary public schools. Early child development interventions beginning in basic education (i.e., kindergarten through grade 6) have yielded benefits in students’ academic achievements, growth and development.

Likewise, these manifest in positive effects in academic outcomes as the student progresses to junior and senior high school. To address the glaring disadvantage of students from public vocational and public barrio schools vis-`a-vis students from private schools and science high schools in terms of the probability of admission to UP, leveling the quality of education across various high school types is a significant step in the right direction.

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Ukraine war steals the show at Venice Art Biennale

By Kelly Velasquez/ Rebecca Gnignati PAVLO Makov fled Russia’s invasion with almost nothing but is proud to represent Ukraine at this year’s Venice Biennale, which raises questions about the role of art at a time of war.

“I feel myself much more a citizen of Ukraine than an artist from this country,” the 63-year-old told AFP ahead of the opening this weekend of one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.

He added: “I’m simply doing something that I have to do. It’s like a duty.”

Back after a pandemic-induced break, the 59th edition of the Biennale has been overshadowed by the war in Ukraine.

Organizers banned Moscow’s representatives in protest at the invasion, while Ukraine’s national exhibit only made it here after being whisked out of Kyiv on the day Russian troops crossed the border.

Makov’s installation comprises 78 light blue funnels mounted on a triangle through which water flows, slowing as it travels downwards to drip slowly into the collecting basin, echoing in the otherwise silent space.

He describes his work, “The Fountain of Exhaustion”, as “a metaphor for contemporary life”.

“I don’t think art can change the world. But art can help us to survive,” he said.

Makov sees as unavoidable Russia’s exclusion from the Biennale, where 58 countries are represented in national pavilions showcasing 213 individual artists.

“The dialogue with Russian culture we have now has only one place, at the front,” he said.

No place for art The funnels for his work were brought from Kyiv by curator Maria Lanko, who left the Ukrainian capital when Russia invaded on February 24 and drove for six days through Romania, Hungary and Austria to Italy.

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EDITORIAL

Near the pre-pandemic level

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OME economic indicators and corporate disclosures of late are pointing to an economy that is about to reach its pre-pandemic level. These numbers will likely translate into a robust first-quarter economic growth once the government officially releases the gross domestic product report in May.

One leading gauge of an economy on the rebound is automotive sales. Vehicle sales in March jumped 43 percent to 29,685 March from a year ago and nearly reached the industry’s pre-pandemic monthly level of 30,000 units. Higher car sales reflect consumer confidence.

They are an indication that the middleincome earners are upbeat about their financial prospects and are willing to invest in high-ticket items.

Another solid basis for a recovering economy is the performance of the manufacturing sector, which grew faster in both volume and value in February.

The volume of production index expanded 84.3 percent in February from a year ago, faster than the 17.1-percent increase in January, as the economic reopening and the easing of mobility restrictions boosted consumer and busi-

ness confidence. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez notes that with fewer COVID-19 cases in February and March, “all signs point to a full recovery in full swing starting March and in the coming months.”

The emerging economic data are snapshots of how the economy performed in the first three months of 2022.

Increased electricity sales complement the expansion of the Philippine

economy. Sales of Manila Electric Co., the country’s biggest electricity retailer, rose nearly 6 percent in the first quarter from a year ago. Higher residential, commercial and industrial electricity sales are a reliable measure of expanding business activities and strong consumer demand.

The economic recovery is also evident in the travel and tourism sectors based on the public statements of airline companies. Cebu Pacific expects to restore 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity this month on the easing of air travel restrictions, while Qatar Airways Group is hiring more crew from the Philippines to support global operations amid the recovery of the travel industry. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has made a turnaround when it registered a comprehensive income of P56.49 billion in 2021 from a huge P73-billion loss in 2020.

The emerging economic data are snapshots of how the economy performed in the first three months of 2022. The Philippines could even surpass economic expectations in the coming months once it fully removes all mobility restrictions and starts the new normal.

BBM will revive his father’s pro-people projects tuations in oil prices in the world market. The arrangement stabilized the price of gasoline and diesel in the Philippines, which thus prevented any sudden, run-away increase in the cost of prime commodities and food staples.

BONGBONG Marcos (BBM), the consistently leading presidential candidate in all election surveys past and present, recently made an announcement that was welcomed by his supporters and many undecided voters.

BBM announced that if he is elected president, he will revive many of the pro-people projects of his late father, President Ferdinand Marcos.

One of those projects, BBM said, will be the creation of more hospitals and health centers everywhere, particularly in the remote areas of the Philippines.

During his administration, President Marcos established many public hospitals which remain functioning today. Those hospitals include the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Center and the Children’s Hospital in Quezon City. These hospitals saved many lives at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Marcos also established the extension building of the Philippine General Hospital (the highrise behind the old building), and the renovation of the Veterans Memorial Hospital, V. Luna Medical Center, and East Avenue Medical Center.

BBM also plans to revive the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS) housing project for low-income Filipino families started by his father in the 1980s. Those sturdy tenements are still around in many parts of Metro Manila today.

Likewise, BBM intends to bring back the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF) created by his father in October 1984. The OPSF collected a few centavos from every liter of gasoline or diesel fuel purchased by motorists at gasoline stations. That fund absorbed any increase in gasoline prices brought by fluc-

The 35-year-old had been preparing for war, although she had to leave behind the massive base of Makov’s installation.

‘Art can help us survive.’

“We kind of joked, saying: ‘Okay, if ever something starts we can put those boxes in a private car and take them out’,” she told AFP. In the nearby Giardini, the halls of the Biennale’s Russian pavilion are empty.

The curator and artists resigned following the invasion, with artist Kirill Savchenkov saying “there is no place for art when civilians are dying”.

Organizers of the Biennale praised the move and subsequently banned anyone linked to the Russian government from the entire event, join-

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

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

In 1994, under the administration of President Fidel Ramos, Congress abolished the OPSF. As a result, Filipino consumers today are at the mercy of fluctuations in oil prices in the world market.

BBM is right. The OPSF must be revived.

As the late President Marcos correctly saw it, Filipino consumers need it badly.

The ever-increasing public demand for electricity in the Philippines was also addressed by President Marcos.

By and large, imported oil is used in the generation of electricity in the Philippines.

This means the cost of electricity depends considerably on the price of imported oil.

To make the Philippines less vulnerable to the fluctuations in the price of oil in the world market, President Marcos began the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Stalled by protests regarding public safety instigated by local communists, the operation of the BNPP was overtaken by the February 1986 EDSA mutiny which allowed Corazon Cojuangco Aquino to seize the presidency from President Marcos. Under Aquino, the BNPP was mothballed.

Forty-three years following the mothballing of the BNPP, all the safety issues raised by local communists against the BNPP proved to be baseless.

Here’s the sad part.

Had the BNPP been allowed to operate, the electricity bill of every common household in the country would have been 90 percent cheaper since 1986.

Now, let’s hear the good news.

BBM said he will order a study into the feasibility of upgrading, renovating and ultimately, operating the BNPP, all with a view to lowering the cost of electricity in the Philippines, without compromising public safety.

Water was another concern addressed by the late President Marcos.

Under his watch, President Marcos established the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija; the Magat Dam in Cagayan; and the Angat Damin Bulacan. He also created many water projects in the Visayas and in Mindanao.

Because of those dams and water projects, agricultural productivity in the Philippines was at its peak, and the supply of potable water in the country during the summer months was never in peril, during the administration of President Marcos.

BBM is also going to take steps to make sure that the supply of water in the country will not be a problem for the Filipino people.

Communism remains an obstacle against progress in the Philippines. This godless ideology promotes terrorism, poverty and social discord among our people.

The communists almost succeeded in taking over the Philippines in 1973, but martial law under President Marcos (proclaimed in September 1972) derailed everything for the reds. That is why to this day, three decades after the passing of President Marcos, the local communists still hate him, and by extension, BBM. Communists see the incompetent, weak, gullible and delusional Leni Robredo as their only hope for survival. That is why they are supporting Robredo’s run for the presidency.

If Robredo wins, communism will not only remain alive in the country; the godless communists will have a strong influence in the government.

For voters, it’s a choice between a continuation of the pro-people projects under BBM, or a communist-influenced government under Robredo.

In my opinion, voters should go for BBM.

ing a global cultural boycott of Moscow over the war.

They also financed the reconstruction of Makov’s artwork.

“It is definitely due to this solidarity (that) we have this project finished here,” he said.

Makov himself left Ukraine with his family — including his 92-year-old mother. They are currently in Austria.

Packing in haste, initially “I only took documents and money”, he said.

But then came the thought that “I may not be able to have shower in the next coming week... So you take underwear with you and a pair of jeans and that’s it.”

Turmoil of history The Biennale, which is open to the public from April 23 to November 27, was due to take place in 2021 but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This year’s edition — the theme of which is

“The Milk of Dreams” — is curated by Italian Cecilia Alemani, who has ensured there is a majority of women and non-binary artists.

“In the 57 editions of the Biennale, except for the last one, there has been a great preponderance of male artists. This is why I wanted to rebalance the history,” the 45-year-old told AFP. Looking to the Ukraine conflict, Alemani said she appreciated the Russian team’s decision to resign rather than “have that brand for the rest of their lives”.

She added: “It is also the role of the Biennale ... to record the turmoil of history.”

In this spirit, Alemani announced the launch of “Piazza Ucraina” (Ukraine Square), a space designed for meditation, discussions and performances.

It is marked by a mountain of sandbags, similar to those erected around statues in Ukraine to protect them from attack. AFP

There will be more hospitals and health centers everywhere.

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Putin hails ‘liberation’ of Mariupol port city 9 bodies found outside Kyiv, some bearing ‘signs of torture’

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RESIDENT Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed Russia’s “liberation” of Mariupol after Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told him Moscow controlled the Ukrainian port city apart from the giant Azovstal steel plant.

Taking full control of Mariupol on the Azov Sea would be a major strategic victory for Russia, helping it to connect annexed Crimea to the territories of pro-Russian Putin separatists in eastern Ukraine.

“Mariupol has been liberated,” Shoigu told Putin during a televised meeting. “The remaining nationalist formations took refuge in the industrial zone of the Azovstal plant.”

Shoigu said around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers remained inside the plant, where the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance has been sheltering, using the facility’s network of underground tunnels.

Putin said the “liberation” of Mariupol was a “success” for Russian forces, but ordered Shoigu to call off the planned storming of the Azovstal industrial area, dismissing it as “impractical.”

“There is no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities.

Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can escape,” Putin said.

Thousands of civilians are believed to have died in the city, which was besieged by Russian troops for over a month, with little access to food, water and

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AUCTION SALE ACME PAWNSHOP, INC. Auction sale on May 05, 2022 10:00 a.m. MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas; 12:00 noon Alabang Town Center Stall 2074 U/L, 2:00 pm G/F Majalco Bldg. Benavidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati and L&R Bldg., 1018 Pasay Road, Makati and 4:00 pm Circle C G14, #17 Congressional Ave. Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City. All items Pawned December 01-31, 2021.

(MS-APR. 22, 2022)

Advertising Department 8564-6229

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila Branch 211 UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Mortgagee, -versus-

CASE No. FRE-MC22-1385 For: Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage under Act No. 3135, as Amended by Act No. 4118

MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA and ARIES NICHOL TANGLAO Mortgagors, x----------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended

by Act 4118 filed by UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Mortgagee, against MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA and ARIES NICHOL TANGLAO, Mortgagors, with residence and postal address at 186 National Road, O’donnel, Capas, Tarlac, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness, which as of March 18, 2022 amounts to TWO MILLION SIX THOUSAND SEVENTY FIVE PESOS, and 15/100 (Php 2,006,075.15), Philippine Currency, plus interest, attorney’s fees, sheriff’s fees and other expenses for the foreclosure and sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash and in Philippine Currency on the 24th day of May, 2022 at 9:00 o’clock A.M., or soon thereafter infront of the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City, the following described real estate property together with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. 008-2020010793 IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as: FLOOR UNIT TYPE FLOOR AREA (SQ.M.) TOTAL AREA (SQ.M.)

: : : : :

14 J STUDIO 23.76 23.76

OF THE “ AXIS RESIDENCES TOWER A” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 14803; 22726 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of (TEN THOUSAND SIXTY ONE (10,061) Square Meter, is registered in the name of: Owner Address:

: MAGDALENA VISTAN VILLANUEVA, Filipino, Single, of Legal Age No. 186 National Road, O’donnel, Capas, Tarlac 2315 Philippines

with no electricity.

Four buses carrying evacuees from Mariupol have left the besieged and destroyed port city.

“Four evacuation buses managed to leave the city yesterday through the humanitarian corridor,” Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on social media, adding that evacuations of women, children and the elderly would continue Thursday.

“The security situation is difficult. Things may change,” she added.

The battle for Mariupol appears to be nearing a tipping point after nearly two months of devastating fighting that has seen untold numbers of civilians trapped and killed.

Control of Mariupol and the separatist-controlled eastern Donbas region would allow Moscow to complete a southern corridor to the Crimean Peninsula that it annexed in 2014, depriving Ukraine of much of its coastline.

On Wednesday, senior Ukraine negotiator and presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak proposed a “special round” of negotiations in the city to “save our guys.”

Meanwhile, the bodies of nine civilians, some showing signs of torture, have been found in the town of Borodyanka outside the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, a senior police official said.

“These people were killed by the occupiers and some show signs of torture. I want to emphasize that these people were civilians. The Russian military knowingly shot civilians who did not put up any resistance,” the head of the police in the Kyiv region said overnight Wednesday to Thursday. AFP

PEAK BLOOM. A woman prepares to take a picture of flowering trees along a street in Beijing on April 21, 2022. AFP

Biden and West stare down gauntlet of long war ahead in Ukraine THE United States and its allies have warned the world: the next phase of the war in Ukraine will be long. And it will pose a daunting diplomatic task for Joe Biden, who must find a way to maintain unprecedented Western unity against Moscow – for the duration.

The world must prepare for a “long fight ahead,” the US president said during his visit to Poland last month.

In Washington, there is a certain satisfaction with the way the first phase

of the war has played out, since Russia invaded February 24.

American intelligence had expected the capital Kyiv to fall quickly, but with US and European backing, Ukrainian forces have pushed Russian troops back into the country’s east.

And the US government – along with the European Union and NATO – has organized a vast coalition to impose extraordinary economic sanctions on Russia.

PALESTINIAN militants fired volleys of rockets from Gaza into Israel, which responded with air strikes in the early hours of Thursday in the biggest escalation since an 11-day war last year.

A rocket from Gaza on Wednesday evening fell harmlessly in a garden in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, police said.

Israel struck back in central Gaza after midnight, witnesses and security sources said, prompting further launches of at least four rockets by militants in the besieged territory.

Israel said its jets had targeted a military post and a tunnel complex “containing raw chemicals used for

the manufacturing of rocket engines.”

Hamas, the Islamist movement which rules the Gaza Strip, said it had fired surface-to-air rockets at Israeli planes.

The exchanges come after nearly a month of deadly violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, focused on Jerusalem’s flashpoint AlAqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

Israeli police said Thursday that dozens of rioters had thrown stones and petrol bombs from the mosque.

“A violent splinter group is stopping Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque and causing damage to the site,” the police alleged. AFP

SPINNING VS. RUSSIA. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson spins khadi on a charkha or a spinning wheel during his visit at the Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad on April 21, 2022. Johnson will try to get his reluctant counterpart Narendra Modi to back Western action against Russia. AFP

Macron, Le Pen in final poll campaigning rush for prexy elections after bitter debate PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron and far-right rival Marine Le Pen on Thursday prepared for a final rush of campaigning before France’s presidential election after an acrimonious debate where they clashed over relations with Russia and the Islamic headscarf.

France faces a stark choice in Sunday’s second-round run-off between the centrist Macron and the anti-immigration Le Pen, who will seek to become the country’s first far-right head of state in an outcome that would send shock-

waves around Europe.

There are just two days of campaigning left as Saturday is a day of calm with no campaigning allowed.

On Thursday, Macron was due to meet voters in the north of Paris and Le Pen to hold a rally in the northern city of Arras.

Wednesday’s bruising three-hour live televised debate saw Macron repeatedly seeking to land punches on Le Pen over her record, while she sought to keep the focus on the government’s performance.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine overshadowing the campaign, Macron angrily zeroed in on a loan Le Pen’s party had taken from a Czech-Russian bank ahead of her 2017 election campaign.

“You are dependent on the Russian government and you are dependent on Mr. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Macron said. “When you speak to Russia you are speaking to your banker.”

Macron also referred to Le Pen’s past recognition of Russia’s 2014 annexation

of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

“Why did you do this?” he asked.

Le Pen replied that she was “an absolutely and totally free woman,” arguing that her party had only taken that loan as it could not find financing in France where banks refused to lend to her.

Macron adopted a variety of poses to express skepticism at her arguments, raising his eyebrows, leaning his chin on his fists and lamenting in apparent bewilderment “Madame Le Pen... Madame Le Pen!” AFP

Horror art: Image of ‘beautiful’ kidney stones

“In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on May 31, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. without prior notice.”

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said Real Estate Property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, April 12, 2022.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF By: (Sgd.) NICANOR A. DE RAMOS Sheriff IV RTC-Branch 211 Sheriff-in-Charge WARNING: It is absolute prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of law.

Copy furnished:

MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA No. 186 National Road, O’donnel Capas, Tarlac, (MStandard – Apr. 22, 29 & May 6, 2022)

European countries – which are deeply affected by the inflation precipitated by the sanctions – could be tempted to release some of the pressure on Russia.

Such a scenario does not seem imminent, at least for now.

“I think the upcoming battle is going to be spectacular,” involving “big battles between big armies,” former US ambassador to Kyiv William Taylor said. AFP

Gaza militants, Israel in biggest exchange of fire since 2021 war

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.”

UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Union Bank Plaza Building Meralco Avenue cor Onyx and Sapphire Roads Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila

But as the new battle takes shape in Ukraine’s east, American strategists fear this mutual effort will gradually deteriorate.

If the fighting stays concentrated in the Donbas region, far from Kyiv and NATO’s eastern border, the feeling of urgency that has so far united the West is likely to fade, according to a diplomat.

“It’s a challenge,” he told AFP. Another official believes that some

PASSOVER. Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, early on April 21, 2022. The Samaritans are a community of a few hundred people living in Israel and in the Nablus area who trace their lineage to the ancient Israelites led by the biblical prophet Moses out of Egypt. AFP

CANADIAN film-maker David Cronenberg has been shocking audiences for decades with his graphic “body horror” movies but he has now gone further by creating art from his own insides.

The director is auctioning an image of his recently removed kidney stones just in time for the release of his latest movie “Crimes of the Future,” in competition for the Palme d’Or at Cannes next month.

“My doctor said: ‘You know, I would like to have your kidney stones so that we can do a chemical analysis and see if there’s something in your diet that has caused your body to create this,’” the director told an online forum of his fans.

He said he refused because the analysis would destroy the objects.

“I think they’re too beautiful to be destroyed,” he said, adding that he felt a “closeness” to them.

“After all, this is pretty intimate, it comes from the inside of my body.”

The image, called “Inner Beauty,” is being sold as a digital token (NFT) with a starting bid of the equivalent of roughly $30,000 needed to kickstart a 24-hour auction.

Nobody has yet agreed to pay that price.

The 79-year-old auteur has pushed the boundaries of taste and tested the patience of censors throughout a five-decade career that has fixated on the idea of humans as guinea pigs, transformed by technology and their environment. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

B3

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Twitter wary of Elon Musk’s takeover bid

PSEi April 21, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

PA

2.94

0.38

14.84%

2 3

ABG OPM

4.5 0.012

0.5 0.001

12.50% 9.09%

4 5 6 7

MAHB PRC SFI EMP

1.09 5.25 0.105 18

0.09 0.25 0.005 0.8

9.00% 5.00% 5.00% 4.65%

8

IDC

0.94

0.04

4.44%

9 10

KPPI VUL

2.65 1

0.09 0.03

3.52% 3.09%

TOP LOSERS

1 ATNB 2 ARA

LAST PRICE CHANGE 0.54 -0.04 1.04 -0.06

% CHANGE -6.90% -5.45%

3 4

DIZ HTI

5.2 1.11

-0.29 -0.05

-5.28% -4.31%

5

STI

0.345

-0.015

-4.17%

6 7

APC ACR

0.234 0.99

-0.01 -0.04

-4.10% -3.88%

8 9 10

ICT AB SPNEC

222.2 5.6 1.72

-8.8 -0.2 -0.06

-3.81% -3.45% -3.37%

MOST ACTIVE

1 BPI 2 BDO

VOLUME 4,964,570 3,147,750

VALUE (PHP) 496,449,199 423,679,789

3 4 5

SM AC SMPH

421,950 440,220 7,247,500

369,090,850 344,774,925 270,592,615

6 7 8 9 10

URC ICT ALI CNVRG ACEN

2,233,420 1,112,170 6,320,200 7,054,400 22,422,900

257,183,046 249,921,102 221,892,885 215,043,795 192,303,881

WALKOUT. A handout photograph released by the government of Canada shows Canada Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland (center), posing for a photo with other finance ministers after a multi-nation walk out to protest Russia during a G20 meeting in Washington, DC, on April 20, 2022. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen led a multi-nation walk out of a meeting Wednesday of finance officials from the world’s richest countries when Russian officials spoke, in protest against Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. AFP

Market retreats; ICTSI and SM Prime decline

S

TOCKS retreated Thursday on profit taking and fresh worries over elevated oil prices in the world market and the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index declined 80.93 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,061.49 on a value turnover of P6 billion. Losers edged gainers, 91 to 83, with 61 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. of the tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., the biggest port operator, sank 3.8 percent to P222.20, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group fell 3.1 percent to P37.

Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the largest snack food maker, dropped 2.9 percent to P113.50, while AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group slipped 1.7 percent to P8.45.

Meanwhile, oil bounced back on Thursday after a day of losses over demand concerns linked to China’s COVID-19 lockdowns as markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai fell sharply.

Ongoing restrictions in the country, including in the economic hub of Shanghai, where millions remain confined to their homes, have hit transport networks.

But traders were balancing the demand shock alongside threats to supply caused by the war in Ukraine, with the European Union mulling bans on Russian crude.

The United States has said it will release a substantial portion of its reserves to cushion the shortfall.

“I continue to expect that Brent will remain in a choppy $100.00 to $120.00 range, with WTI in a $95.00 to $115.00 range,” said OANDA’s senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

“A potential European oil embargo on Russia next week after this weekend’s French elections could see a move towards the top of the range.”

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index continued its downward spiral and Shanghai closed more than two percent lower as news from China around COVID-19 restrictions, interest rate cuts and curbs on tech companies remained a cause of concern.

“China’s markets continue to underperform, weighed down by growth fears and theCOVID-zero policy on the mainland, while US delisting fears on dual-listed equities continue to hamstring Hong Kong markets as well,” Halley said.

But elsewhere in Asia, markets were largely up, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 making the most significant gains and continuing a week of upward movement on optimism over a falling yen. But the Bank of Japan could face pressure over its loose policy. With AFP

Cannabis fair brings freedom—and dollars—to Denver

By Laurent Banguet DENVER, United States—Tens of thousands of cannabis enthusiasts gathered in Denver on Wednesday to celebrate the ever-widening US legalization of recreational weed with plumes of pungent smoke, music... and a few grumblings about commercialization.

April 20 has become the national holiday for pot in the United States, as the date corresponds with the “420” slang name for marijuana.

In particular, Colorado’s capital has become a magnet for enthusiasts, since the western US state became the country’s first to vote to legalize recreational cannabis a decade ago.

They gathered for festivities on Wednesday afternoon in a park overlooked by the windows of the local Capitol building, where protests to push for decriminalization of marijuana sparked up in the 1990s.

Among the first to arrive at the Mile High 420 Festival—billed as the world’s largest free gathering of its kind—was Michael Farwell, proudly carrying a giant oversized joint measuring around 15 inches (40 cm) long, thick as a chair leg.

“It’s the biggest joint I’ve ever smoked—or I’m about to smoke!” said the 25-year-old.

“It’s like a six ounce joint, six-anda-half-ounce joint... I don’t know,” he added, estimating the blunt had cost around $800 and took more than an hour to roll with the help of two friends.

Farwell made the pilgrimage from the East Coast state of Delaware, where cannabis is currently allowed only for medical use.

“It’s my favorite day of the year. It’s better than Christmas!” he said.

Green gold and greenbacks Since Colorado green-lighted recreational cannabis, eighteen of the 50 US states, plus the capital Washington, have followed suit.

But it remains illegal at a federal level. And even in Colorado, the law technically still prohibits the smoking

SAN FRANCISCO, United States— As tempting as access to Elon Musk’s wealth may be, Twitter is not eager to be ruled by a billionaire known for shooting from the hip with little regard for the consequences.

The global one-to-many messaging platform is moving to prevent the Tesla boss from getting his hands on all of Twitter’s outstanding shares, signaling that worries about where he would lead the company outweigh the proffered payoff.

“It’s management, the board, that feels something is wrong,” said Endpoint Technologies analyst Roger Kay. “Musk is essentially an autocrat; his form of libertarianism has a twinge of far right politics to it.”

Earlier this month Musk, the world’s richest person and a controversial and frequent user of Twitter himself, made an unsolicited bid of $43 million for the social media network, citing better freedom of speech as a motivation.

The offer, which he said was final, values Twitter at $54.20 per share— above the closing price ahead of his bid, but below a high of $77.06 hit in February of last year.

Twitter’s board opted to swallow a “poison pill,” saying any acquisition of over 15 percent of the firm’s stock without its OK would trigger a plan to flood the market with shares and thus make a buyout much harder.

Musk already owns more than nine percent of the company, making him its largest stakeholder.

The billionaire went on to tweet “Love me tender,” an Elvis Presley song title that some took to hint he is mulling whether to sidestep the board and take his “tender” directly to shareholders.

“I think he is running with scissors,” said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group.

“Poor impulse control and too much money are not a good combination.”

Musk has said he’d like to lift the veil on the algorithm that runs on the platform, even allowing people to look through it and suggest changes.

He advocates a hands-off approach to policing content, a thorny matter particularly in high-profile cases such as that of former US president Donald Trump, who was banned after the assault on the Capitol by his supporters as they sought to overturn the US election result last year. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders Dear Stockholder: You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Medco Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”) which will be held on 13 May 2022, Friday, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held and conducted virtually online at www. medco.com.ph/asm by remote communication and voting will be in absentia. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII.

People attend the Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, Colorado on April 20, 2022, known by some as ‘Weed Day.’ April 20 has become the national holiday for the herb in the United States, as the date corresponds with the ‘420’ slang name for marijuana. AFP

of marijuana in public places.

Still, festival attendees know that in reality they have little to fear from authorities, and made no effort to hide their favorite pastime.

It is a long way from the more clandestine origins of this day, said Miguel Lopez, a prolegalization activist and co-founder of the “420 Festival.”

Back in 1995, activists gathered for “smokeins” in protest at the capitol, but had to watch out for police intervention or risk arrest.

Much has changed since then, and legalization went into effect in Colorado in 2014.

But Lopez complained that the festival and the wider legalized marijuana industry have taken a highly commercial turn.

“The message was strong about, you know, we want to legalize, but not at the discretion of legislators who want to just make money,” he said.

The veteran activist pointed out that legal cannabis sales last year in Colorado—a state of fewer than six million people—reached $2.2 billion.

With that translating to $423 million in tax revenue in the state’s coffers, in addition to indirect benefits such as tourism, it is little surprise that local officials now support the “420” movement.

“The grassroots didn’t want it this way. The industry wants it. It’s really over-regulated, it’s overtaxed,” said Lopez.

“It really hasn’t really freed up people, but it’s just made another opportunity for people to come and profit, like oil and gas.”

Lopez, a previous organizer of the festival, was recently ousted by a chain of specialty cannabis stores that have partially rebranded the event.

‘Freedom’ Still, for Tammy Herndon, this day in the park with a joint in her mouth has a taste of freedom.

She lives in the conservative state of Georgia, where cannabis—even for medical purposes—remains illegal.

Hendon, 54, suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a painful condition that some studies have shown can be relieved by cannabis.

A former Navy veteran, she travelled almost 2,000 miles to attend the festival.

“It was on my bucket list of things to do,” she said.

“Georgia is Bible Belt, so there’s no chance you’ll ever be able to have the freedom to smoke there.”

“I’m a disabled veteran. I’m retired from the Navy. If I like to smoke a joint and relax, I should be able to celebrate that.” AFP

Call to Order; Certification of Notices and Quorum; Approval of the minutes of the annual meeting of stockholders held on 14 May 2021; Approval of the Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2021; Approval and Ratification of the acts, contracts, investments and resolutions of the Board and management of the Corporation since the last annual meeting on 14 May 2021; Election of the members of the Board of Directors for the year 2022. The procedure for the nomination and election of directors is set forth in Item 5 of the Information Statement; Re-appointment of Punongbayan and Araullo, the Philippine representative of Grant Thornton International, as external auditors of the Corporation for the year 2022; and Other matters.

For the purpose of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of 19 April 2022 are entitled to attend and vote in the said meeting. To ensure the safety and welfare of our stockholders and other stakeholders and as a precaution against the COVID-19 risk, the Corporation’s Board of Directors has approved on 31 March 2022 in accordance with SEC rules a virtual stockholders’ meeting for 2022. The meeting will be held online by remote communication and voting will be in absentia. The specific procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and voting in absentia are set forth below.

Stockholders who intend to attend and participate in the virtual meeting in person or through proxy shall first submit on or before 28 April 2022 via email to MEDSHMeeting@medco.com.ph the scanned copy of their Letter of Intent to attend and participate via proxy or by remote communication and a copy of the stockholder’s valid government-issued ID showing photo and personal details. Once validated, a registered stockholder will receive via email the proxy form and voting ballot. Stockholders must submit on or before 5:00 p.m. on 2 May 2022 via email to MEDSHMeeting@medco.com.ph their duly accomplished proxy form and/or voting ballot. Validation of proxies shall be on 4 May 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the office of the Corporation. Only stockholders who have notified the Corporation of their intention to participate in the virtual meeting and have registered themselves or their proxies, will be included in the determination of a quorum. We are not soliciting your proxy. All agenda items indicated in the Notice of the Meeting will be set out in the voting ballot and the stockholder may vote as follows: a. For all items, except for Election of Directors, the stockholder has the option to vote: For, Against, or Abstain. The vote is considered cast for all the stockholder’s shares. b. For the Election of Directors, a stockholder entitled to vote: (i) may vote such number of shares owned by it for as many persons as there are Directors to be elected; or (ii) may cumulate said shares and give one candidate as many votes as the number of Directors to be elected multiplied by the number of their shares; or (iii) may distribute them on the same principle among as many candidates as may be seen fit. c. The Corporation’s stock transfer agent and Office of the Corporate Secretary will tabulate all votes received and will validate the results. d. Except for the Election of Directors, all the items in the Agenda for the approval by the stockholders will need the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding voting stock present at the meeting.

For the Election of Directors, the top seven (7) nominees with the most number of votes are elected.

Registered stockholders will receive the meeting link and password to log on to the meeting two (2) days before the stockholders’ meeting. We encourage all registered stockholders to log onto the meeting link 45 minutes before the meeting starts, to avoid any technical difficulty. The meeting will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. on 13 May 2022. The meeting shall be recorded in audio and video format and copies shall be posted by the Company in its website. The procedures for voting and participation in the meeting through remote communication are also discussed further in the Information Statement which shall be made available to the public not later than 21 April 2022 through PSE Edge and the Corporation’s website at www.medco.com.ph/asm. For any questions or inquiries, including request for assistance in the registration process, please contact our Office of the Corporate Secretary through MEDSHMeeting@medco.com.ph.

Medco Holdings, Inc. By: (Signed) PAULINE C. TAN Assistant Corporate Secretary Makati City, Philippines, 5 April 2022

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

B4

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

FedEx expanding Clark business into transshipment hub

By Othel V. Campos MULTINATIONAL logistics firm Federal Express announced plans to expand its operations in Clark Freeport five times more than its capacity in order to operate as transshipment hub for parcel deliveries.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez announced the expansion while on a trade mission in Washington D.C. and after meeting a top executive of FedEx. He said FedEx operations in Clark would be upgraded with a parcel sorting machine and reloader for designated planes flying to various destinations and would not pass through the Customs area.

Lopez said the project was the topic of a previous meeting on April 18 with the Department of Trade and Industry, FedEx vice president Ralph Carter and presidential adviser on flagship programs and projects Vince Dizon.

Dizon was helping FedEx secure the necessary document to allow efficiencies in the planned transshipment operations.

Carter disclosed that FedEx was looking ahead to initiate Phase 2 of its project in Clark soon. Phase 1 involves an area of about 7,000 square meters.

He cited the need to have clear and flexible rules to ensure that transit goods that come to the Philippines are not stopped and inspected.

FedEx executives virtually met with Board of Investments in February 2022 to discuss the company’s expansion plans and assist the logistics firm on the rules on transshipment imposed by the Bureau of Customs.

The DTI and BOI actively collaborate with the BOC on the drafting of a circular memorandum order, which is an important prerequisite to finalizing FedEx’s investment plan.

ICTSI’s Razon still optimistic despite global challenges

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. which achieved a record profit in 2021, remains optimistic this year amid the global challenges that may affect operations overseas.

“Although the war [between Russia and Ukraine] is mainly a European affair, we can all expect to feel the impact globally in terms of the global economy, stability and security,” said ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. during the virtual stockholders’ meeting.

Razon said while he is confident about the performance of ICTSI going forward, “we are mindful of the challenges we face with these global events.”

ICTSI budgeted $330 million in 2022 capital expenditures to pay the concession extension upfront fees for Madagascar International Container Terminal, expansion at Manila International Container Terminal, Matadi Gateway Terminal, Victoria International Container Terminal and Contecon Manzanillo.

Razon said the company had its “best year ever” in 2021, despite the global pandemic.

“We handled consolidated volume of 11,163,473 twenty-foot equivalent units in 2021, higher by 10 percent compared to the 10,193,384 throughput in 2020,” he said.

“The double-digit growth was primarily a result of improving trade as lockdowns and restrictions began to ease, and securing new shipping line contracts at certain terminals,” Razon said.

Razon said without the contribution of the new terminal Onne Multipurpose Termcinal in Nigeria, consolidated volume would have increased by 9 percent.

The company’s gross revenues from port operations went up by 24 percent in 2021 to $1.87 billion from $1.51 billion in 2020.

“Aside from improving demand for trade, contributing to revenue growth were a favorable impact of foreign exchange in certain terminals and the contribution of new terminals. Without the contribution of these new terminals, consolidated gross revenues would have increased by 21 percent,” he said.

Business BDO, BPI registered strong st profit growth in 1 quarter

By Alena Mae S. Flores

T

WO of the country’s largest banks on Thursday reported double-digit growth in firstquarter net income on the back of higher loans and deposits.

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s biggest bank in terms of assets, said net income rose13 percent in the first quarter to P11.7 billion from a year ago, driven by core businesses.

Bank of the Philippine Islands said profit climbed 59.6 percent in the first quarter to P8 billion from a year earlier on higher net interest income, lower loss provisions and normalized tax expenses.

BDO said loan portfolio rose 7 percent to P2.4 trillion on strong demand from corporate borrowers, the recovery in the middle market and the resilience of the consumer segment.

Deposits also went up to P2.8 trillion,

driven by the 11-percent increase in current account/savings account deposits, which now comprise about 86 percent of total deposits. This resulted in net interest income of P33.9 billion in the first quarter, up 6 percent from a year earlier.

Non-interest income also went up by 9 percent to P16.7 billion, led by fees and insurance premiums. Trading and forex gains were in line with normalized business levels.

BDO said operating expense grew 3 percent to P31.8 billion, while asset quality continued to improve with nonperforming loan ratio down to 2.72 percent from 2.81 percent last year.

The bank maintained its conservative credit and provisioning policy with provisions at P3.7 billion compared to P2.9 billion a year-ago, resulting in higher NPL coverage at 120.8 percent. Total capital base strengthened to P429.9 billion, with the capital adequacy ratio and common equity tier 1 ratio both increasing to 14.6 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively, which were above regulatory minimum.

BDO said the sustained earnings per-

formance, robust business franchise and solid capital base placed the bank in a good position for long-term sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, BPI said revenues improved 4.3 percent in the first three months to P25.4 billion, as net interest income increased 12.7 percent to P19 billion, on the back of an 11 basis point expansion in net interest margin to 3.42 percent.

Non-interest income decreased by 14.5 percent to P6.4 billion, owing to lower securities trading gains, service charges, bank commissions and underwriting fees.

This was tempered by the notable year-on-year rebound in foreign exchange trading gains of P702.1 million.

BPI said total operating expenses rose 6.5 percent to P12.6 billion from a year ago, due to broad increases in all cost categories as the volume of transactions picked up, given the economic reopening and relaxed mobility restrictions.

The bank recognized provisions of P2.5 billion as of March 31, down by 30.6-percent from the P3.6 billion it booked over the same period last year.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, April 21, 2022

-80.93 PTS. 7,061.49

TOTAL VOLUME

895,460,960

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

65,393 6,041,791,266.42 83

DECLINES

91

UNCHANGED

61

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.4530

Japan

Yen

0.007816

0.4100

UK

Pound

1.306200

68.5141

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127488

6.6871

Switzerland

Franc

1.054296

55.3010

Canada

Dollar

0.800320

41.9792

Singapore

Dollar

0.733837

38.4920

Australia

Dollar

0.745100

39.0827

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

139.1400

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

13.9867

Brunei

Dollar

0.731154

38.3512

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029616

1.5534

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.2823

Euro

Euro

1.085300

56.9272

Korea

Won

0.000811

0.0425

China

Yuan

0.155763

8.1702

India

Rupee

0.013116

0.6880

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.233699

12.2582

New Zealand

Dollar

0.680600

35.6995

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034286

1.7984 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF CebuPac doubling flights to S. Korea CEBU Pacific is doubling flights to South Korea to meet demand for increased frequencies from the Korean travel market as it also resumed flights to Bali, Hanoi and Sydney to bring the number of its international destinations to 16 by end-June 2022.

“Our short-term plans in the next couple of weeks, or in the next quarter, is to increase flights into Korea. We’ve already been operating Manila to Incheon twice a week since last year. We are looking to increase those operations to four times a week,” said Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao in a new briefing at the sidelines of the World Travel and Tourism Council Summit in Manila.

The airline also plans to relaunch the Cebu-Incheon flights in the third quarter.

“Obviously the regulatory environment in Korea has improved quite a bit. We are now seeing less quarantine restrictions even here in the Philippines. So those things that make travel easier for people are quite are strongly encouraged. So we do look forward to increasing flights internationally, not just to Korea, but restoring most of our international network,” Lao said.

Othel V. Campos

NGCP to invest P160b until 2025

BIODIVERSITY-FRIENDLY CITY. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. teams up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR– National Capital Region, and the local government unit of Quezon City to implement the project ‘Building a Biodiversity-Friendly Environment in Metro Manila. Signing the memorandum of agreement to signify their three-year commitment to implement the urban biodiversity program in Quezon City are (from left) DENR-BMB director Natividad Bernardino, DENR-NCR regional executive director Jacqueline Caancan, QC-LGU city administrator Michael Victor Alimurung and MPIC chief finance, risk and sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.1

Vista Land plans to exit socialized and mass housing segments

By Jenniffer B. Austria VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. plans to exit the socialized and economic mass housing business to focus on high-end horizontal and vertical development and take advantage of increasing per capita spending of Filipinos, a top executive said Thursday.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. said in a news briefing the company would initially launch 44 Vista Estates over the next 12 months.

Vista Estates will include residential condominiums, business parks and IT zones, financial centers, institutional complexes, hotels and commercial and retail districts. The company is expected to spend P136 billion for every 100

hectares of development.

Villar said these estates, covering a total of 1,438 hectares, are located in 23 cities across the country.

“We are launching all these 44 Villar Estates, and we are leaving the mass housing already, particularly socialized and economic housing projects,” said Villar, who started his real estate business by building mass housing projects.

He said the company would focus on affordable, middle-income and high-end horizontal projects.

Most of the properties for Villar Estates were acquired over the past several years. Villar said that as land values have gone up significantly, it only makes sense to develop them into

vertical developments.

Socialized housing projects cost P2 million and below, while economic housing projects cost around P550,000 and below.

Villar said with the shift, Vista Land would focus on housing projects costing P4 million or higher. Its affordable housing brand Camella offers housing projects worth P4 million to P6 million.

“I am optimistic coming in 2022, and with the optimism you’ll see a shift,” Villar said.

Villar, who was recently named as the country’s richest by Forbes Magazine, is betting on the expected increase in per capita income of Filipinos that will result in more families capable of buying affordable houses.

TRANSMISSION operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to spend P160 billion for capital expenditures until 2025.

NGCP said in a statement about P111.4 billion of the total capex for the 5th regulatory period is for transmission projects, including completed and ongoing projects, those in the pre-construction stage and those still in the pipeline.

“NGCP continues to invest in undertakings for the improvement of the power transmission grid. We are also working on applying smart grid technologies to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operations and create a world-class transmission network,” the company said.

Included in the capex filing are Pasay 230kV Substation, Manila (Navotas) 230kV Substation, Marilao Extra High Voltage Substation, New Antipolo 230kV Substation, Taguig Extra High Voltage Substation, Taguig-Taytay 230kV Transmission Line and Taguig-Silang 500kV Transmission Line. Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRB wants to streamline fees collected from POGOs THE Fiscal Incentives Review Board plans to streamline and rationalize the fees collected by investment promotion agencies from registered Philippine offshore gaming operators.

FIRB said it would undertake a review as instructed by Finance Secretary and FIRB chairperson Carlos Dominguez III. Based on the submissions of the IPAs to the FIRB Secretariat, 32 POGO licensees and their service providers registered with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, three service providers with the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, five with Clark Development Corp. and one with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

POGOs registered with PEZA are required to pay $200,000 for the application and processing fee and $500,000 to avail of a master license, which is applicable for interactive gaming and land-based casinos.

In terms of the application, processing, and renewal fees for e-casino and sports betting, the IPAs charge varying fees ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Alena Mae S. Flores

Now Telecom shareholder files complaint vs NTC EMERALD Investments Inc., a shareholder of Now Telecom Inc., said Thursday said it filed a criminal complaint before the Commission on Elections against three officials of the National Telecommunications Commission for alleged violation of Fair Election Act and the Omnibus Election Code.

Named respondents in the complaint were NTC chief of adjudication division Nilo Lozada, chief of radio spectrum planning division Roberto Tolentino and head of regulation branch Imelda R. Walcien for alleged violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9006, or the Fair Elections Act. Emeral said in the complaint-affidavit filed on April 19 that “any threat of suspension or cancellation of Now Telecom’s radio frequencies will not only disrupt its operations and jeopardize its business, but will also cause undue prejudice to its shareholders, including Emerald.”

Emerald holds a 12.8-percent interest in Now Telecom.

The NTC did not cannot comment on the issue, saying it had not officially received the complaint.

The criminal complaint alleged that the act of the NTC respondents “in giving due course and setting for hearing the complaint dated Jan. 21, 2022 filed against Now Telecom, which sought to recall all the assigned radio frequencies,” violates Section 6.4 of the Fair Elections Act, which prohibits the cancellation or suspension of legislative franchise during the election period.

The election period for the May 2022 elections commenced on Jan. 9, 2022 and will end on June 8, 2022.

The Omnibus Election Code provides a penalty of imprisonment of one to six years, without probation, for election offenses. If convicted, an accused will also suffer from accessory penalties such as disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of his/her right of suffrage.

NTC officials were unavailable for comments as of press time.

Darwin G. Amojelar

BRITTANY PROJECT. Brittany Corp., the luxury residential arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., unveils Bernese, the first tower of its newest Swiss-inspired condominium project, the Alpine Villas, within the 100-hectare mixed-use Crosswinds Tagaytay. Encompassing 2.3 hectares, Alpine Villas consists of mid-rise towers in the style of Swiss chalets and charming European-inspired cafes and restaurants. Its first tower, Bernese, is a six-story condominium project that offers 83 units with a mix of studio with balcony and one-bedroom with balcony. Leading the unveiling of Bernese are (from left) Brittany Corp. chief accountant Marilyn Oblena, operations head Earl Millanes, administrative head Mia Marasigan and marketing head Joshua Cabungan.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

C1

Avaricio wins 2nd straight LPGT title

Sports Chanelle Avaricio holds her championship trophy, with her final-round placing as backdrop.

Eagles defeat Tigers by whopping 50 points

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Ateneo Blue Eagles are not yet done in extending their winning streak to their longest in recent league history of the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The relentless Blue Eagles kept their winning run unbroken for 33 games on Thursday after posting a massive, 101-51 smothering of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles have not lost a single match for the last three seasons since 2018, capped by Thursday’s whopping 50-point triumph, the league’s biggest since 2016.

No squad in the league has won by a such a big margin since the La Salle Green Archers came away with a 43-point, 99-56 thrashing of UST five years ago.

Raffy Verano and SJ Belangel hit 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the Blue Eagles, who went on to claim their 10th straight triumph this season. They also moved four wins closer to a 14-game sweep and a chance to earn an outright finals’ slot.

“I think the difference in the scoreline is a reflection of our coaching staff. They really asked for a 40-minute performance from our players. This is something that has plagued us this year.

We have not had a 40-minute performance. Today, we came close to that,” said Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin.

The winless Growling Tigers, led by Nico Cabanero with 18 points, were limited by Ateneo’s defenders to 36 points in the first three quarters, including 15 in the third as the Eagles established an 80-36 spread before the start of the fourth period.

Geo Chiu, who had 14 points, gave Ateneo a 47-point lead with his two charities, 79-32, with 1:36 remaining in the third.

And it would even eventually go up to 53 points, after Forthsky Padrigao canned a layup, 101-48, with 42 seconds left.

The Growling Tigers, who started falling behind after Ateneo took a 15-0 run in the first quarter and claimed a 22-8 first quarter lead, are at the bottom of the standings with their 10th consecutive setback.

The Blue Eagles took control of the boards with 49 rebounds, with Angelo Kouame, who had 10 points, hauling down nine.

Kouame got a lift from Chiu with eight rebounds, along with Verano, Josh Lazaro and Dave Ildefonso, with seven apiece.

Meanwhile, Xyrus Torres nailed the game-winning trey to bolster Far Eastern University to a 59-57 win over National University in another game.

The Tamaraws snapped their three-game skid and were able to grab a piece of the fourth spot with the victory, tying the Bulldogs at 4-6.

“We really needed this win kasi NU ‘yung hinahabol namin.

We did not give up, especially in the second half. It’s all about trust for us,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.

FEU will cap Saturday’s quadruple-header against University of the East at 7 p.m., while NU will meet the unscathed Ateneo de Manila University at 12:30 p.m.

Raffy Verano

QC government to renovate Amoranto Sports Complex

By Rio N. Araja TO revitalize sports and harness the potential of Quezon City’s athletes, the city government is now renovating the decades-old Amoranto Sports Complex.

The master plan covers the construction of new sports facilities, such as the Amoranto Arena with an approximate seating capacity of 3,500 for basketball competitions and other big events.

The construction is now in full swing and is expected to be completed within the year.

For swimming training and competition, the Amoranto Swimming Pool is currently being built to include an Olympic-sized swimming pool with 10 lanes and an elevated pool deck.

The tennis court area of the two-story Amoranto Indoor Sports Facility is also due for completion this year.

The other areas of the sports facility shall commence construction soon.

The sports complex can host sports competitions as its design is based on local and international standards.

A five-story deck parking building is also being built to support the high volume of people during an event. This can accommodate more than 300 cars, motorcycles, and bikes.

A special area is also designated for buses.

The city government is also planning to improve the existing grandstand and the track and field oval.

Constructed in 1960 on a 5.8-hectare land in Barangay Paligsahan in Quezon City, the sports complex is composed of a grandstand with main stadium, an eight-lane track and field oval, bleachers, and a gymnasium.

It also has tennis courts, badminton courts, martial arts facility, a swimming pool, and other facilities for different sports activities. Studies on rehabilitating the existing velodrome are being undertaken.

Gialon pulls away by 5 as Rates fumbles CAVINTI, Laguna—Zanieboy Gialon dispatched Joenard Rates with a strong start and a stronger finish as he pulled away by five with a 68 and closer to snapping a long title spell on the Philippine Golf Tour.

Bracing for a shootout with the 2018 PGT Asia Summit Point leg champion, Gialon sprayed the Caliraya Springs Golf Club with three frontside birdies yesterday and surged ahead by three over Rates, who forced a tie halfway through the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship with back-to-back solid 68s but lost his way in the face of his rival’s scorching start.

Rates actually stretched his birdie run to nine with another feat on No. 2 but stumbled with his first bogey on the sixth and yielded another a couple of holes later. He birdied the ninth but struggled at the back with one more bogey and ended up with a 73 to slip to second at 209, now five strokes behind

Gialon’s 12-under 204.

Rupert Zaragosa also razed the frontside with four birdies on his way to a 67 as he tied Rates at second for a coveted spot in the championship flight.

Ira Alido finally hit his stride after a 71 and 73 as he sizzled with a 67 for fourth but his 211 aggregate remained seven shots off the Davaoneno shotmaker, who is seeking to grasp a first crown after thumping the field at ICTSI Calatagan in 2017.

Tony Lascuna carded a 71 and Clyde Mondilla matched par 72 as they shared fifth place at 212 while Jhonnel Ababa, Dino Villanueva and Lloyd Go matched 69s, and Guido Van der Valk floundered with a 73 after a superb second round 68 for joint eighth at 213.

Up by three at the turn, Gialon fumbled with back-to-back bogeys from No. 11, enabling Rates to pull within one.

But he flashed some kind of resiliency, coming away with birdies on Nos. 13, 15

and 16, a blistering windup which Rates had failed to match, putting Gialon way out in front with 18 holes left in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI. “I made good recoveries after bogeying Nos. 11 and 12 on missed green mishaps. After I birdied Nos. 13 and 15, I regained my confidence,” sad Gialon.

That late surge also virtually shattered the diminutive Rates’ bearing and rhythm.

“Gialon’s doing real good -- putting and driving. So I need to do my stuff tomorrow (today) and make some putts,” sad Rates. “I’ll just do my thing and hope for the best.”

Zaragosa also cashed in on his solid driving, short game and putting but the many-time former national champion will have to match or better his output to get a crack at his first pro crown.

“I’m very happy with my output. But i have to stay relaxed and focused,” said Zaragosa.

Zanieboy Gialon: Title within reach

CAVINTI, Laguna -- Chanelle Avaricio battled Chihiro Ikeda shot-for-shot and putt-for-putt and matched her rival’s closing 72 to make it two-in-row on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with a one-stroke victory in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here yesterday.

Avaricio fended off Ikeda’s late charge with clutch pars in the last four holes, preserving her overnight oneshot lead and clinching the victory at 217 as the latter failed to sustain a birdie feat on the 16th and settled for closing pars for a 218 at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club.

“I admire playing against Ikeda, she’s so relaxed all the time and really very good,” said Avaricio, who, however, proved better in the end as she also claimed the bragging rights as winner at two courses which hosted an LPGT event for the first time.

But while she had some local knowledge of Hallow Ridge, which she calls home, she was practically clueless about Caliraya like the rest of the field. But with steady driving and good ball placements, she was able to produce the desired result.

“I didn’t expect it but I’m very happy to win again,” said Avaricio, who beat Princess Superal in sudden death to snare the ICTSI Hallow Ridge crown in San Pedro, Laguna two weeks ago.

“I missed one very short putt but other than that, I played steady.”

And determined.

She went 2-up with a birdie on No. 4 as Ikeda bogeyed the sixth.

But the Fil-Japanese ace gained on a two-shot swing on No. 8 (birdiebogey) to stay a stroke behind after a pair of frontside 36s.

Ikeda forced a tie at two-over overall as Avaricio failed to get up-anddown on No. 10 but the latter birdied No. 14 to regain the lead after the former’s bogey-birdie roll from No. 11.

Avaricio then sat on a two-stroke cushion as Ikeda bogeyed the 15th but threatened again with a birdie on the next before the duo matched pars in the last two holes to enable the former Alabama State U mainstay to record her second straight top podium finish in the circuit put up by ICTSI. It was Avaricio’s third crown after dominating the field at Riviera-Couples last November with her latest feat to further booster her confidence as the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.organized circuit heads to Mt. Malarayat and Summit Point in Lipa City, Batangas next month.

Ginebra Kings go for jugular

By Peter Atencio THE destiny of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will once again rest on the versatility and leaderships of Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson.

Coach Tim Cone believes this as the Gin Kings head into Game 6 of their best-of-seven final series with the Meralco Bolts shooting for the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup title at 6 p.m. Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

When the two played their usual games, the Gin Kings were able to grab the lead in the series at 3-2 following their 115-110 Easter Sunday triumph at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“Justin was doing Justin things, and Scottie was doing Scottie things. The value that they bring with their allaround game is amazing,” said Cone now that Ginebra is close to claiming the crown with a second consecutive finals’ victory.

Brownlee, the season’s best import, has made a difference with his averages of 28.64 points and 10.45 rebounds. And so has Thompson with his norms of 12.82 points and 9.45 boards.

The Gin Kings will be a well-rested unit going into their encounter with the Bolts.

This was after the postponement of Game 6 last Tuesday gave the Gin Kings, and even the Bolts, ample time to rest and recover from their weekend encounter.

Tuesday’s game was called off after thick smoke lingered on inside the Araneta Coliseum hours after firefighters put out a fire at the Big Dome second floor.

C2

Sports

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Stags try to remain in play-in tournament

Higalas to face Cocolife Tigers in PH Super League finals

Games today

(La Salle Greenhills Gym) 12 noon – Arellano vs LPU 3 p.m. – SSC-R vs CSB

By Peter Atencio IT’S on to the finals for the Cocolife Davao Occidental Tigers in the Pilipinas Super League Pearl of the Orient Cup. The Tigers pulled off a 70-55 crushing of the Basilan BRT, to sweep their semis series and move on to the finals on Friday.

They are now bracing for a showdown with the Cagayan de Oro Higalas at 7 p.m. at the Manuel Roxas Sports Complex in Roxas, Zamboanga.

The Higalas stunned the second-seeded Roxas Vanguards, 82-80, in overtime to sweep their own best-of-three semifinal series, 2-0.

League officials, led by Rocky Chan, said they are looking forward to their first finals in the league.

Once they’re done with their first finals’ series, the league will move on with their plans to hold an under-21 cagefest and regional competitions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Game 2 is set on Monday at University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium in Davao City at 7 p.m.

Commissioner Marc Pingris expressed satisfaction at how the tournament ran smoothly during its first season and thanked all those involved for making the league successful.

While the result was similar to its 74-55 Game 1 domination on Tuesday night, Davao Occidental actually started Game 2 slow as Basilan held them to just eight first-quarter points.

It was all Davao Occidental from thereon as they outscored Basilan, 25-11, in the second quarter to set up the blowout.

Joel Embiid of Philadelphia waves to the crowd after the Sixers beat the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. AFP

76ers prevail on Embiid triple; Celtics, Bulls win W ASHINGTON—Joel Embiid hit a stunning three-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining to give the Philadelphia 76ers a shock 104-101 overtime NBA playoff victory over Toronto on Wednesday.

NBA scoring champion Embiid, a 28-year-old center from Cameroon, took an inbound pass near the sideline with less than a second on the shot clock, turned to the hoop and fired, sinking his first career last-second game winner after 14 prior misses.

“That’s the best one,” Embiid said of his last-second shots. “Just get the ball to me or whoever was open. We did that and I’m glad I made a good play.”

Embiid, a 2022 NBA Most Valuable Player award finalist, scored a game-high 33 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds as the visiting Sixers rallied from a 17-point deficit to seize a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with game four on Saturday.

“The job is not done,” Embiid said.

Waiting in the wings

THE Philippine Women’s National Football Team racked two impressive wins against Fiji in Australia. The “friendlies” were part of the Malditas’ preparations for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam next month.

The Malditas were relentless in the games against Fiji, and hopefully their momentum will carry them further until the biggest sporting event in the region.

Equally excited by the reality that the Malditas have qualified for the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand are Isabelle Mapanao, Micha Pauline Santiago and Abigail Agustin Taylor.

The three were members of the U-16 national team before, and as early as now, they have set a collective goal of being part of the next generation of Malditas that will compete in the next World Cup in 2027.

Mapanao was actually part of the Malditas’ squad that competed in Uzbekistan for the Asian Cup qualifiers and joined the twomonth camp in the United States, but was cut before the team went on to clinch that historic World Cup slot in Pune, India during the 2022 Asian Cup. Mapanao is based in Geneva and plays for Versoix FC. Her family moved to the Swiss capital when she was just three months old and was on her last day in the country for a vacation when we got together for a short chat.

Santiago and Taylor, both 17 years old, play for their respective schools and clubs here in the Philippines. Santiago plays for De La Salle Zobel while Taylor suits up for the British School in Manila and for the country’s youth teams.

The three girls have been friends for the last few years and have been close despite the pandemic and the distance. All three started playing early, with Taylor getting into the sport as early as five years old while Santiago started at 6. Both are defenders in their respective teams now.

Mapanao, on the other hand, initially started as a striker when she was seven before eventually settling to man the posts which she eventually became good at.

Five years from now, they are hoping that they get to play in the biggest event they have dreamed of since they were just kids.

“It’s my biggest dream to be part of the World Cup even now. I’m still hoping that I could be part of the Australia World Cup 2023. We will start training. We will train hard and work hard and be consistent about it

and we’ll see results,” Mapanao said.

Taylor chimed in on what her friend and teammate said. “I think it’s just working hard and if there’s opportunity somewhere else, to like look into that because if you can go overseas to train and play with other people from different countries, you see how they play and learn from them. And when you come back here, you’re able to show that to them. And I think you’ll just make the game a lot better and like, more fun because you get to learn from other people too. And yeah, it’s just it’s just an exciting journey for everyone.

We’ll just see where life brings us.”

Santiago also dreams of playing in the World Cup for the glory it brings to the country. “The World Cup is very significant, not only for us individually but also actually for the country. So, it’s very important because the Philippines actually deserves to be seen as a country that is growing gradually when it comes to football but more importantly because every Filipino whom I know who has set a goal actually aims to achieve it. And they tend to work so hard. It’s very significant because we want to show how proud we are as we show to the world how great we are.”

Football is such a big part of their lives now both on and off the pitch and may become even bigger in the future if they stay committed and keep their passion for the sport burning until they reach their ultimate goal.

“It’s good for you to learn the sport. When you have football, you’re able to get away from stressful things such as school problems. It pushes your mind somewhere else. It lets me like be in a different world with no problems. I don’t have to worry. And it makes it me feel good. Football is a good thing,” Taylor said.

For Santiago, aside from representing the country, she also picked up important life lessons while playing the sport.

“When I was introduced to this sport, I learned how to love it. I learned how to be passionate about it and I learned how to set a goal. So, it really changed the way I see things. It really changed my perspective, especially in terms of balancing and communicating because that’s the key role of defenders communicate. I learned so much about it. It’s like a tool that helps me learn every day and helps me have the motive to continue to grow and develop as a person, as a teammate and as part of society,” she explained.

The 18-year-old Mapanao says football has also done a lot of things for her. She said much has happened since Roland Mueller, the former Philippine Azkals and Ceres Negros FC goalkeeper, gave his gloves to her in an event in Geneva when she was not yet a teenager. Mueller is also based in Switzerland.

“I think you can also put like football into a life situation. If you fall down and you make a mistake, you can always get back up and

“We’ve got one more. We’ve got to come back here and try to beat them again.”

Philadelphia trailed by as many as 17 points and never led until overtime.

The Sixers weren’t the only team to overcome a 17-point hole as the host Boston Celtics took a 114-107 fightback victory over Brooklyn thanks to a fourthquarter rally, seizing a 2-0 series edge over the Nets.

At Milwaukee, the defending champion Bucks tried to rally from 18 points down but visiting Chicago got an NBA playoff career high 41 points from DeMar DeRozan in a 114-110 triumph that leveled their series at 1-1.

Philadelphia’s James Harden had 19 points and 10 assists before fouling out in the final seconds of regulation time. Tyrese like work better work harder and use it as a learning experience. And like with the real-life situation, when something pushes you down or something makes you upset or hurt you, you can always get back from it. You can always learn from what made you upset or hurt and you learn from it and you go as a better person. And when football when you make a mistake, you grow as a player and a better footballer, and also with the community I think it’s good because you’re you surround yourself with new people. And you learn about other people and you build a family even with the coaches,” she added.

Mapanao has just been invited to join West Ham Academy in the United Kingdom next year. She also got into a sports program in Switzerland. She is, however, leaning more toward going to East London and learn more how football is being played in the Premier League which has a very competitive women’s league too.

“The English league is a big league.

And I think it’s another level for me to challenge myself. And to improve. And I think that’s a good thing,” she said.

Taylor is also eyeing the possibility of playing in the United States and in Southeast Asia after her finishing Senior High while Santiago intends to keep playing and eventually join De La Salle University’s women’s football team.

For their fans out there, Mapanao has something to say to them. “Just go for it.

You have a dream, you strive for something, put your mind into it and set it into reality.

There will always be low sides of football like when I got cut, I felt really unworthy. I lost my confidence and I just learned from it, took the experience, be grateful and work even harder. So just go for itknowing that you’re good,” she added.

The three ladies are expected to vie for slots in the team that will compete in the Under-20 AFC Qualification Tournament next year.

My sincere thanks for good friend Raymund Villanueva and Lakay Donnie Mapanao for making this interview possible and to Coach Belay Fernando-Dela Cruz from bringing the ladies together in the national team.

My gratitude, too, to Marisse Santiago and all parents who continue to support their kids’ football dreams and aspirations.

You are the true heroes behind every football team of the country, to say the least.

Supportive and loving parents are also the reasons why, as early as now, I can say the future of the Malditas looks bright.

There are so many talented, dedicated and sun-and-three-stars loving players patiently waiting on the wings to take their turn and make us proud because of you.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

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

Maxey added 19 points and Tobias Harris had 11 points and 12 rebounds for the 76ers.

It was a heartbreaker for the Raptors, who were led by 26 points from O.G. Anunoby and 24 from Gary Trent Jr. with Precious Achiuwa adding 20 off the bench.

The 76ers matched a season high with 21 turnovers, 15 in the first half setting up 21 Toronto points.

“We have to take care of the ball, don’t allow last second chances, move the ball to each other and make plays,” said Embiid, who was ripped at halftime by Sixers coach Doc Rivers with Toronto ahead 56-46.

“The first half I was just floating around. I didn’t really want the ball,” Embiid said. “Coach got on me, said I’m the biggest guy out there and I have to dominate. That’s what I tried to do.”

Bulls hold off Bucks DeRozan, who had a private extra shooting session Tuesday, lifted a Chicago squad that lost all four times this season to Milwaukee and in the playoff opener.

SAN SEBASTIAN seeks to stay within the play-in zone as it plays struggling College of Saint Benilde Friday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym. Teams ranked from third to sixth after the single-round eliminations will make it to the play-in round to determine the two other Final Four qualifiers.

As the Stags hold the No. 6 spot at 3-4, coach Egay Macaraya hopes that his troops will play with a sense of urgency in the 3 p.m. match with the Blazers, who are mired on a two-game losing streak.

San Sebastian is holding a half-agame lead over seventh-running Arellano University, which takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 12 noon.

“They are a very good hustle team,” said Macaraya on CSB. “Ang importante, we will try to be composed the whole game.”

Sitting in fourth place with a 4-3 card, the Blazers actually still have a shot of making it to the top two, but their fate of clinching one of the two outright Final Four berths is not entirely on their hands.

Defending champion Letran and San Beda have continued to lord it over in the standings at 6-0, as the two bitter rivals need one more win to advance to gain automatic passage to the Final Four.

Mapua, which at 5-2 is a game ahead of CSB, looms to be a major threat against the co-leaders. The third-running Cardinals have a huge game against the Red Lions Saturday that will determine their fate whether they will make it to the top two after the short elims.

Both outside the play-in range, the Chiefs (2-4) and the Pirates (1-5) cannot afford to drop games anymore if they want to make it past the elimination round.

Smart assembles top gamers for GIGA Arena esports video

Star-studded video for GIGA Arena

MOBILE services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has pulled off an ambitious crossover moment as it brought together top gaming celebrities for a starstudded video for GIGA Arena, the first all-in-one esports platform for Filipino mobile gamers.

The one-minute video features Alodia Gosiengfiao, Dexie Diaz, Christine Samson and Nix Gaming, who are among the most prominent Filipino streamers today.

Alodia rose to international fame for her elaborate cosplays and streaming, and is now the co-founder of Tier One Entertainment, which aims to revolutionize the esports landscape in the country.

Like Alodia, Christine Samson is both a cosplayer and streamer, and dabbles into commercial modelling and a TV hosting.

On the other hand, both Dexie Diaz and Nix are among the country’s top Mobile Legends streamers today with 6.6 million and 4 million Facebook followers, respectively.

In the video, these top gamers were transported to the various dimensions of the GIGA Arena and its featured tournaments for Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, League of Legends: Wild Rift and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to immerse in their favorite games and train for greatness together [https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=5FpNkhsvGDA] Like Alodia, Dexie, Christine, and Nix Gaming, Filipino gamers and esports enthusiasts looking to test their skills and train for greatness can step inside the Smart Giga Arena.

No matter what the game is, whether it’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, League of

Legends: Wild Rift, PUBG Mobile, or Call of Duty Mobile, gamers can find top personalities slugging it out in the trenches with you as they train for greatness in the daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments.

The best part is interested players don’t even have to be the best or high-ranking to get a chance to play—the Smart GIGA Arena trains them to be the best and lets them hone their skills with others who may be more experienced with no discrimination.

The more they play, the better they get, and they can even get chances at winning real cash prizes!

Participate in any tournaments at Smart GIGA Arena To join Smart GIGA Arena, subscribers can simply go to gigaarena.smart and create an account using their Smart or TNT mobile number. To join ongoing tournaments, users need to use Giga Arena tickets, which they can earn and accumulate every time they register to GIGA Games data packs on the GigaLife App or by dialing *123# Aside from enabling users to compete in live tournaments with real cash prizes, the allin-one platform also comes with innovative features that allow mobile gamers to stream live competitions, play arcade games, purchase e-load, and conveniently link their e-wallet to secure their tournament winnings via GigaPay with PayMaya, among others.

Philippines Fastest 5G Mobile Network Smart subscribers enjoy leveled-up gaming experiences powered by Smart, the Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.

Entertainment (From left) Kapuso stars Julie Anne San Jose, Xian Lim, and Jessica Villarubin

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

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Julie Anne, Xian, Jessica wow concertgoers in Dubai THE long-awaited comeback concert of GMA Pinoy TV was a huge success as thousands of concertgoers flocked to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at the Expo 2020 Dubai as the Expo drew to an exciting close.

Time stood frozen as the crowd was stunned when Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin, and Kapuso actor Xian Lim dominated the concert stage.

But even before the concert, the trio was surprised by the warm welcome of Filipino fans waiting for their arrival at the venue.

And just as promised,

fresh from her successful solo concert, Julie Anne gave an explosive live performance singing some hit songs

by Adele and Jennifer Lopez. She also sang her latest original song “Free.”

Jessica wowed the thousands of viewers when she belted out “Girl on Fire” and Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” And though it was her first international performance, she was very confident on stage. She also did not miss the opportunity to talk to her fellow Cebuanos.

Xian serenaded the audience with Eraserheads’ classic songs such as “Pare Ko” and “Magazine.” The False Positive leading man captivated the crowd with his confident command in playing the keyboard on the stage while singing. And the inevitable happened when some overly excited concertgoers swarmed him when he went down the stage and approached them for a quick selfie. The Kapuso actor had to get back to the stage to calm down the crowd.

In their glittering dresses, Julie Anne and Jessica gave a powerful duet of some famous OPM hits of Dingdong Avanzado and Ariel Rivera. The Kapuso singing divas also enticed the audience with their eye-catching concert outfits—from their extraordinary black dresses to voluminous floor-length couture ensembles. Providing their glamorous outfits is Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Ryan Pacioles of Atelier Zuhra. The artists’ hair and makeup were done by Darwin Perez.

The musical extravaganza was also full of surprises when a montage of special video greetings from Kapuso personalities was played on the LED wall.

This concert also united the talented performers of the World Championships of Performing Arts, United Cebuanos Folkloric Dance Ensemble, and MDM Dance Company who sang and danced to the GMA Network theme in a fresh pop tune during the opening act. Dubai Fili-

Calista continues to make waves with ‘Vaxx To Normal’ concert

A

FTER its successful media launch on March 8, and performance at the Philippines first-ever P-Pop Convention, April 9 to 10, Calista, the country’s hottest girl group is breezing through a hectic but joyful schedule.

For now, Calista works hard, trains, and prepares for its upcoming Vaxx To Normal concert, at the Araneta Coliseum, on April 26.

“They train for 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm-workshops, voice lessons, dance training…They’re training double time for the concert,” TEAM Manager Tyronne Escalante shares.

Special concert guests are Yeng Constantino, Elmo Magalona, AC Bonifacio, Darren Espanto, Andrea Brillantes and Ken San Jose.

At the Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) Convention at the New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Calista performed its latest single, “Race Car,” and Little Mix’s “Woman Like Me.” With the members’ high energy, dynamic choreography, and vocals, the group surprised the crowd and excited fans.

Seasoned Filipino band Side A is now under Widescope Entertainment’s sub-labelIcons Music, with a new original, ‘Ibigin Ang Mundo’ dropped in digital stores today, April 22

Many who watched the event live and saw recorded videos on YouTube praised their major improvement since their last performance.

According to Escalante, the progress of the girls could be credited to their hard work and dedication.

“Olive, Anne, Laize, Dain, Denize, and Elle poured their heart into their performance. The girls also appreciate the concern and constructive criticism from their fans and P-Pop fans,” Escalante shared.

…are talking about

PEOPLE ...are not talking about

Kim Chiu

THE Chinita Princess turned 32, and she celebrated it by giving away 1,000 food packs and bonding with kids at a charity event. Kim genuinely enjoyed the experience and company; she even prepared the food packs herself. Her choice of celebration also mirrors how her boyfriend, actor Xian Lim, sees her: someone who is “naturally born with a kind heart.”

Nadine Lustre

“They continue to remain humble and work hard to earn the admiration of the P-Pop industry and its fans,” he added.

According to Escalante, the management, with the producer Merlion Events Production, Inc., made significant changes in the coaching line-up that also contributed to the girl’s growth.

“We are now partnering with Douglas Nierras of Power Dance to fast track the improvement of their dance performance.”

Nierras is one of the best choreographers in the Philippines, a dance legend in his own right who has over 40 years of experience in the industry. He is an award-winning choreographer whose experience with various dance styles has earned him widespread recognition.

TEAM also decided to add another choreographer to form Calista’s powerhouse coaching team, Vimi Rivera. Rivera is a World of Dance Manila Director, owner of Groove Central Dance Studio, head choreographer of Legit Status, and ABS-CBN choreographer.

Escalante further said that Calista is still trained by vocal instructor Imelda Marie ‘Marnie’ Jereza.

Apart from honing their talent, TEAM and Merlion also expressed their gratitude to the rest of Calista’s team that continue to help the girl group shine, including celebrity stylist Myrrh Lao To.

After spending the past few months helping Siargao, returning to film, and campaigning for her presidential bet, Nadine took some time off with her beau Christophe Bariou and explored France by treating themselves to good food and breathtaking views.

She shared photos on her Instagram account showing their getaway to Strasbourg, France. With all that’s happened to her, she undoubtedly de-

Isko Moreno

With the 2022 elections a few weeks away, presidential aspirant Isko Moreno announced his desire for fellow candidate Leni Robredo to withdraw from the race. He says it’s only fair because other competitors also asked him to withdraw from the presidential race early on, but it leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth when his stance comes from misogyny. It’s a good thing that his running mates and allies are starting to see the negativity in his actions and words.

AJ Raval

The breakthrough sexy actress announced that she turned down a role in the Scorpio Nights remake and will shy away from doing daring projects for some time to focus on her studies. However, AJ shares that she won’t completely disappear from the limelight. Instead, she plans on trying her hand at action roles. Regardless, it’s good to see she’s prioritizing her education to help her grow as a person and actress.

pino Overseas Chorale rendered a solemn performance with some inspirational songs.

For the finale of the concert night, Julie Anne, Jessica, and Xian led the UAE performers to do GMA Pinoy TV’s latest station ID, “Stronger Together,” which is now a popular Tiktok dance challenge that has already more than 1.9 million views on social media. The song is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms worldwide.

“It is such as great opportunity to be here tonight. I love you too!” Julie Anne said during their final performance.

Among the key personalities that express thanks to the concert performers were Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjyaceelyn M. Quintan, Department of Trade and Industy (DTI) OIC-Undersecretary of Trade Promotions Group and Alternate Commission General of the Philippines at Expo 2020 Dubai Rosvi Gaetos.

Side A reenters the scene with new music under new label

Calista is one of the rookie headliners at the recently concluded P-POP CON held at The Big Dome

P-pop girl group Calista

serves the vacation.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

FOR a band that needs no introduction and has long proven its mettle, Side A chooses not to rest on its laurels. With the world opening up and recovering from the effects of a 21st century pandemic, the group delivers a relevant piece carrying a clear message right from its very title, “Ibigin Ang Mundo.”

The track possessing the band’s trademark affectionate balladry sprinkled with current-day sonic elements is released today, April 22, on digital stores.

It is also the first single released under Icons Music, a new sub-label of Widescope Entertainment with a name befitting the level of excellence the band has achieved in its nearly four decades of active music scene presence.

“Ibigin Ang Mundo” features the lead vocals of Leevon Cailao who plays lead guitar for the band. His interpretation carefully captured the sentiment of the song written by bassist Ned Esguerra. Ned wrote it after seeing a video of Climate Clock that popped up on social media.

He was spurred by the urgency of this global concern.

The bass playing tunesmith that Side A fans believe ably took on the role left by former member Joey Benin shared, “I was inspired to write the song as a wake-up call and a call to action for Filipinos around the world to come together and help heal and save the planet in our own little way.”

Climate Clock is said to be a project centered on a clock that counts down the critical time window to reach zero emissions while tracking our progress on key solution pathways.

“Ibigin Ang Mundo” opens with a query,

“Naaalala mo pa ba ang mundo na may sigla’t ganda?” and then a proposition that takes the song to a good place, “Unti-unti na ngang nawawala baka naman sakaling pwede pa na sabay-sabay na tayong tumayo’t magkapitbisig.”

The key chorus lines assure every listener that like our Mother Earth, the song offers a satisfying mix of beauty and sentimentality Side A has always been noted for: “Dahil ang bukas ay hindi garantisado/ Kailan pa ba tayo tunay na magbabago? Hindi na ba natin marinig/ Umiiyak ang daigdig/ At may munting hiling bago maglaho/ Matuto daw tayo na ibigin ang mundo.”

Side A is known for keeping its backbone of brilliance intact best personified by longtime members Naldy Gonzalez (keyboards) and Ernie Severino (drums). While everybody in the group actually sings, the presence of Yubs Esperat (acoustic guitar) ensures there’s that man in the middle singing and doing frontman duties very much how Joey Generoso used to do it. In all fairness to Yubs, he is doing it in his own right.

With “Ibigin Ang Mundo”, the group reenters the music scene recharged from its own bubble where creativity is nurtured in a brand new atmosphere.

Under Icons Music label, the band is blessed to have a pool of seasoned producers, namely, executive producer Vic de Vera, supervising producer Neil Gregorio, and arguably the country’s most popular A&R manager at the moment: Ebe Dancel. Mixing engineer completes the lineup to create a song that should give Side A a clear shot at a new hit.

A single launch is set today 6:00 p.m. at The Podium Roofdeck in Mandaluyong City.

The local music scene has just been rewarded, with Side A back with a new song, a new label, and a new chapter to begin with to further drive the narrative of a colorful saga.

To stream and Download: https://orcd.co/ sidea_ibigin-ang-mundo

Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu adds glamor, excitement to MUPh coronation THE Coronation Night of Heritage International 2022, Miss Universe Philippines set late this year in Zambo2022 will be a gathering of anga Peninsula. four Miss Universe winners, The Miss Tourism HeriPia Wurtzbach (2015), tage Organization, is headed Iris Mittenaere (2016) and

by Michael Angelo Tan, Demi-Leigh Tebow (2017) president/national director; as hosts and reigning Miss with Earl Edward Baludio, Universe 2021 Harnaaz vice-president; Reginald Sandhu as special guest.

Boste Taar, Jr., marketing Shamcey Supsup-Lee, director; Alexander Andan, national director of Miss Univice president for operations, verse Philippines Organizaand Jr Aggarao, PR Mantion and Voltaire Tayag, MUPH ager.

Director of Communications, The pageant aims to help prothanked Ilocos Sur kingpin Luis mote responsible tourism through ‘Chavit’ Singson and Architect protection and preservation of natuRichelle Louise Singson-Michael ral and cultural heritage of the difwho made Sandhu’s coming posferent countries around the world. sible.

The winner will become the face Meanwhile, the Top 32 finaland voice to carry out the mission ists were officially presented to the and objectives of the Miss Tourism press concluding with three special Heritage organization. awards given to Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe 2021 Miss Tourism Heritage PhilHarnaaz Sandhu ippines 2022’s court of honor Best in Arrival Look; Michelle Dee, Frontrow Multi-Level Beauty; and includes Miss Tourism HeritageAnnabelle McDonnel, Best in Catwalk.

Luzon 2022, Miss Tourism Heritage-Visayas Previous preliminary awards have been won 2022, Miss Tourism Heritage-Mindanao 2022

by Ghenesis Latugat, Fashion and Runway and Miss Tourism Heritage NCR 2022. challenge; Ma. Katrina Llegado, Swimsuit chalThe candidates will converge in Manila lenge; Jeanne Nicci Orcena, Livestream chal- on April 18 for a one-day tour of the historic lenge; Pauline Amelinckx, Introduction Video walled city of Intramuros. Next, they will visit challenge; and Isabel Luche, Headshot challenge. the different natural and cultural heritage sites Who will succeed Miss Universe 2021 Top of Cagayan Valley Region. Nueva Vizcaya, 5 Beatrice Luigi Gomez? That will be known Quirino, Cagayan and Isabela will be the venue come the Finals to be held at the SM Mall of for the different pre-pageant activities. The Coronation Night will be hosted by Caoayan City, Asia, Pasay on April 30, 2022.

••• Isabela on May 1.

Miss Tourism Heritage 2022 pageant launched THE maiden Miss Tourism Heritage 2022, the newest national beauty search, was launched recently with more than thirty candidates from different regions of the country competing to become the first representative in Miss Tourism The candidates for Miss Tourism Heritage 2022

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

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

Life

Raising the bar O

How Bar Exam passers teach us a thing or two about success

Thousands of aspiring lawyers take the Bar Exam annually to fulfill their dreams

N APRIL 12, my social media feeds were teeming with news items, congratulatory notes, and status messages about the 2020/2021 Philippine Bar Examinations. The country registered a record-high passing rate of 72.28 percent. Because of the pandemic, two batches of law graduates (2020 and 2021) took the digital examinations last February.

A total of 8,241 examinees out of exemplary list (with grades from 85 to 11,402 test-takers passed what is tagged 90 percent) and 14 on the excellent list as the “Biggest Bar Ever,” with (above 90 percent). a total of 761 on the I found satisfaction in seeing tears of joy being shed by Bar passers, their families, and friends. I could only imagine the stories behind their struggles as relief and happiness were painted on their faces. Yes, emotions radiated through masks as lives were about to shift.

Aside from the examinations going digital, the spread of stories also found a new platform in social media. Back in the day, I remember hearing stories of Bar passers on the radio and watching them on TV (The topnotcher was sure to get airtime on primetime news!).

At this point, successful testtakers took to social media their documented reactions.

On the popular short-form American academic, psychologist, professor, and bestselling author Angela LeeDuckworth is an expert on grit and self-control

CATCH renowned fashion designer and Creative Director of Filip + Inna, Len Cabili, in episode two of Infinite Legacies, a documentary series that shines the spotlight on Filipino changemakers.

“I was a bit fearful of getting into fashion because it’s such a competitive industry,” confessed Cabili.

“But as I was praying on what I wanted to do, the answer really came through working with the artisans.

Things were going to be different and difficult, but the outcome was going to be well worth it,” she added.

Worth it was as Cabili proved passion for fashion and regenerative livelihood don’t just blend well like her creations but also provide solutions for the artisans, their families, and their communities.

With the help of Green Relief and Smart Infinity, Cabili’s change-making journey continues to empower the self-sufficient craftsmanship of local artisans.

The Smart Infinity experience With limitless support and dedicated service, Smart Infinity empowers members and Filipino changemakers to positively contribute to the world. It offers enhanced customer care experiences and a revitalized suite of perks and privileges through its Limitless plans.

These include but are not limited to: personal relationship manager,

Irene Joy Mendoza-Ulep is both a cancer survivor and a bar passer

video streaming app TikTok, some passers and their loved ones shared recorded moments of finding out the much-awaited results. Some even shared snippets of their journey, giving a glimpse of what their life was like during review and after taking the exams.

Among those with reactions that went viral were a cancer survivor who dedicated the major milestone to her late mother and a senior citizen whose wife and children jumped and cried for joy upon hearing the news.

Both retakers of the Bar, the two passers observably shared something in common with other successful law graduates – grit.

American psychologist, professor,

and author Angela Lee-Duckworth highlighted this in her bestselling book titled Grit.

Grit is presented as the sustained application of effort towards a longterm goal. According to Duckworth’s TED Talk on Youtube, the character trait emerged as a significant predictor of success. She detailed how grit, according to her study, toppled over social intelligence, good looks, physical health, and IQ or intelligence quotient.

In a 2013 video, Duckworth explained before a crowd, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.

Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for a week, but for years. And

working really hard to make that future a reality.”

Grit is personified by Bar passers who have gone through tough law school admissions, sleepless nights, grueling review sessions, and even anxiety-filled waiting before the examination results came out.

“Second take! [I’m a] Proud second taker!,” said the lady who shared how she battled cancer during her first attempt at taking the Bar. Her fresh perspective on making it on her second try is a reminder of how we should normalize rising above failures, taking pride in not giving up, and raising the bar when it comes to our goals.

The road to success is often blocked by self-doubt and rejections along the way and the Bar reminds us of what we need to power through those. Grit in the form of having a growth mindset tells us that failure in case we do not make it the first time is not supposed to be a condemnation of how brilliant or capable we are. Rejection, as many would say, is only a redirection. We just need to muster enough energy and the right amount of time to take whatever lessons we have to learn and tread a new path.

Duckworth’s reminder was so succinct, “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Congratulations to our new batch of lawyers! For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@ gmail.com.

SM Foundation recognized by social good partners

Perfect mix of advocacy and art unfolds in ‘Infinite Legacies’

SM FOUNDATION recently received plaques of recognition from its social good partners for its invaluable contribution on relief operations, COVID-19 response, and sustainable agriculture.

SMFI was recognized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its support for AFP Civil Relations Service and Health Service Command: COVID-19 response. The Philippine Army, on the other hand, acknowledged the corporate responsibility arm of the SM Group of Companies for its support in their relief operations by giving SMFI the Pagdamay at Pagbangon and Command

plaques.

Other recognitions received were from City Government of Tuguegarao (Relief operations), and Department of Social Welfare and Development - Region III & X (Salamat Po Award | Sustainable agriculture and relief operations).

These recognitions further fuel SM Foundation’s aspirations in improving the lives of its stakeholders, especially those in grassroot communities. SMFI expressed its gratitude for the continued support of its partners and vowed to further reach more Filipinos through its various social good programs.

Renowned fashion designer and creative director Len Cabili highlights the role of Filipino changemakers in episode two of ‘Infinite Legacies’

Infinity Concierge, dedicated 24/7 hotline, exclusive user experience in the GigaLife app, VIP handling in Smart stores, unlimited 5G data, flagship phones and devices, and privileges with partner brands Manila House, Cala Laiya, Anya Resort Tagaytay, ShangriLa Boracay, Pacific Global One, and Manila Doctors Hospital.

Infinite Legacies, produced by Smart Infinity, airs this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on Cignal and Smart’s GigaPlay App. For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers and updates on the next Infinite Legacies episode, visit the Smart Infinity website at www. smart.com.ph/infinity, and follow @ smartinfinity on Instagram.

SM Foundation’s plaques of recognition from its social good partners

Loving Laguna products at SM Mall of Asia

led by Chairperson Sandra Montano, and Philippine Franchise Association Chairman and Director for MSME/ Homegrown Franchises (Nonfood) Sherill Quintana.

The event showcased products from 12 Laguna businesses led by women in celebration of Women’s Month. These included beautifully designed gowns

(From left) Commissioner Amielyn Limbona, Philippine Commission Chairperson Sandra Montano, Oryspa Solutions Founder Sherill Qu, and Comissioner Judy Calimutan

THE province of Laguna is known not only for its scenic and historical attractions, magnificent festivals, and cultural treasures, but also its wonderful delicacies, artisan crafts, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people.

Mallgoers in Manila recently had a glimpse of Laguna’s food, fashion, fun,

Department of Industry 4A Regional Director Marilou Toledo shops for a bag during DTI’s Kababaihan sa Kalakal at Kaunlaran Fair at SM Mall of Asia

and fitness products during the recent “Kababaihan sa Kalakal at Kaunlaran” trade fair at the SM Mall of Asia.

A joint partnership of DTI Laguna and the SM Mall of Asia, week-long event highlighted the food and creative industry sectors of Laguna, particularly those engaged in processed fruits

and nuts, wearables and home styles, handcrafted works, and fashion designs.

Gracing the event were DTI Key Officials, namely, DTI4A Regional Director Marilou Toledo, DTI NCR Regional Director Marcelina Alcantara, the commissioners of the Philippine Commission on Women

Fruit Liqueur from Sol’s Italian Foods combine authentic Italian methods with local ingredients

from Frannie Wei Haute Couture; trendy bayong bags made of water hyacinth from Da Buena’s Handicrafts; stylish Liliw footwear from Ai-She Fashion; statement accessories from Beadiday Beadshop; and abaca sandals and slippers from Monedo, and Nyms Footwear.

Foodie finds included Laguna delicacies from the Calamba City Society Marketing Cooperative; coconut organic products from Cocoplus Aquarian; non-solvent, single origin and vegan products from Gold in Grass; homemade delicacies from Don Juan’s Filipino Delicacies; and pasta sauces and Fruity Liqueurs from Sol’s Italian Food.

Skin care items from CBS Labs Cosmetic Products were also available.

The DTI Laguna Trade Fair is one of the many exciting events at the SM Statement necklace from Mall of Asia. the Beadiday Beadshop