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(Story on A4) ESPINOSA RECANTS DRUGS RAPS VS. DE LIMA, SENATOR MAY SUE ACCUSERS By Rey E. Requejo

LEILA DE LIMA

SELF-CONFESSED drug lord Kerwin Espinosa has retracted all his allegations implicating detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima in illegal drugs cases. In a counter-affidavit subscribed before the Department of Justice on Thursday, Espinosa recanted his sworn statements during the Senate joint committee hearings on the killing of his father, Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., claiming he was “coerced, pressured, intimidated

and seriously threatened” by the police to implicate De Lima. “Any and all of his statements given during the Senate hearings, or in the form of sworn written affidavits, against Senator Leila de Lima are not true. He has no dealings with Sen. de Lima and has not given her any money at any given time,” Espinosa said. “Any statement (Espinosa) made against the Senator is false and was the result of pressure, coercion, intimidation and serious threats to his life and family

members from the police who instructed him to implicate the Senator into the illegal drug trade,” the statement added. As a result, the senator’s camp said they are considering filing countercharges against those who coerced Espinosa into implicating her in the illegal drugs trade, De Lima’s legal counsel and spokesperson Rolly Peoro said in an ANC interview. The senator, who is seeking reelection in the May 9 polls, will not let her accusers

KERWIN ESPINOSA

PH top fake drug source—US

China heads 6 nations leading origins of counterfeit pharma products By Othel V. Campos

HE United States government has cited the Philippines as a leading source of fake pharmaceutical products, along with China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

In its 2022 Special 301 Report released Thursday, the US Trade Representative (USTR) cited a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which highlighted the global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, which was estimated at $464 billion in 2019, accounting for 2.5 percent of all goods traded in that year. The OECD report, “Global Trade in Fakes: A Worrying Threat,” said China continues to be the largest origin economy for counterfeit and pirated goods, accounting, along with Hong Kong, for more than 85 percent of global seizures of counterfeit goods from 2017 to 2019. “This past year, countries continue to report significant quantities of counterfeit imports from China, including COVID-19 testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as those air-purifying particulate respirators meeting US Department of

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 78 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

VOTERS' NEEDS. The isolation area for voters who have COVID-19 symptoms is set up during the second day of local absentee voting in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday. Inset shows voters from Manila checking their names on the certified lists of voters at the local elections office in Arroceros, Manila. Danny Pata

Contacts of first BBM skips Comelec pres’l panel interview, opts to stump Omicron variant Poll body seeks case now at 44 May 9 declared special holiday PLAN FOR SCHOOLS.

By Willie Casas

THE number of close contacts of the Finnish woman, the first detected case of the Omicron BA.2.12 variant of COVID-19 in the country, has gone up to 44, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Thursday. Vergeire, in a message to reporters, said that based on their current contact tracing, nine were in Quezon City, five were in Benguet, and 30 were from the plane she rode going to Manila. The Department of Health (DOH)

UniTeam presidential bet Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. explains his plan to expand the number of nonteaching personnel in public schools to address the complaints of public school teachers on work overload (see related story on A6). Ver Noveno

By Willie Casas

FORMER senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will not participate in the final Commission on Elections presidential panel interview, saying he wants to focus on his presidential campaign before the May 9 polls. "With less than two weeks before the May 9 elections, frontrunner Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has decided to forego his participation in the Comelec's presidential panel interview, scheduled on May 1, 2022," his spokesman, lawyer Vic Rodriguez said in a statement. Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the pre-taped

panel interviews with the candidates would be aired on Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) member stations from May 2 to 6. The 64-year-old Marcos thanked the poll body for its invitation and acknowledged the importance of the event. "He opted, however, to conclude the entire 90-day campaign period with visits to his supporters and compliances with previous commitments for political events, like town hall meetings and political rallies," Rodriguez added. Marcos, who is leading in several preelection surveys, skipped the first two Comelec-sponsored debates last March 19 and April 3. The Marcos camp said he would not participate in debates that only intended to pit candidates against each other, claiming that the public was supposedly tired of "political mudslinging".

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare the national elections on May 9, Monday, as a special non-working holiday. Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan said the en banc had signed Resolution 10784 containing the commission’s request to the President. “We signed resolution 10784 requesting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to declare May 9, 2022 a special

Fishers hit by Chinese boat to get P6m LAPULAPU'S 501ST.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 501st anniversary of the victory of Mactan themed "Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu" at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on April 27. Karl Alonzo/ Presidential Photo

By Rey E. Requejo THE crew of fishing boat F/B Gem-Ver 1, which sank after it was rammed by a Chinese vessel at Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea in June 2019, will receive P6 million in compensation –half of what was

originally being asked for by the fishermen and the boat owner, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday. The Department of Justice previously said the crewmen and the boat owner were asking for P12 million in compensation. Next page

Outages likely during elections, says group

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DESPITE government assurances to the contrary, rotating brownouts are likely during and after the national elections on May 9, a climate and energy policy group said Thursday.

The group, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), said forced shutdowns of baseload coal power plants continue to occur less than two weeks before the elections. "The latest data shows that the GOMP Next page

CHARGING AT SM. SM Prime, through the leadership of Disaster Resilience Champion Hans Sy, has officially launched its EV Charging Stations at SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM North EDSA. From left are DOE Supervisor for the Energy Utilization Management Bureau Usec. Jesusito Sulit, DENR Field Operations for Luzon and Visayas Asec. Gilbert Gonzales, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr., DOST Administration and Legal Affairs Asec. Teodoro Gatchalian, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, and DOTR I-ACT Chief Charlie Del Rosario.

BSP READIES ‘HACKING’ RAPS ON 2 BANKS BUSINESS / A7

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

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‘World to melt if Putin uses nukes’ P RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday night warned of the worst possible outcome for the entire world amid Russia’s continued threat to potentially use tactical or low-yield nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

In a speech in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu during the 501st anniversary of the Victory of Mactan, Duterte expressed disapproval over Russian President Vladmir Putin’s nuclear threats and raised fears that it could mean the end of the world. “Putin’s threat is not good. If he really presses the button there and it goes nuclear and they use nuclear armaments, I think that my brother Lapulapu is wait-

ing for all of us there in heaven because the world will melt,” he said in Cebuano. Duterte did not elaborate further but noted the importance of taking a stand during events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. “Our history is evolving, the history of our world. How we react, how we define ourselves, how we would stand in this conflict if it really goes nuclear,” he

added. Duterte earlier said the Philippines will maintain its “neutral” stance on ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. On March 4, Duterte made a similar statement but added that the country may have to eventually "choose sides." He said he is keeping his fingers crossed that the situation will not "go out of control." In a speech in Butuan City on April 12, Duterte said Russia's invasion of Ukraine deserves "condemnation." Although he described Putin as his “friend”, Duterte said Russia’s attacks on Ukraine were “so brutal.”

PH...

It reminded consumers to purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments, as the agency noted that the counterfeit drugs have different features from the legitimate products. It said the “logos, security marks, knurlings, print colors and appearances” of authentic products are different from the counterfeit ones. It posted on its website photos comparing authentic from counterfeit drug products. According to the FDA, among the products that have counterfeit versions include Paracetamol, Phenylpropanolamine HCl/Chlorphenamine Maleate; Carbocisteine, and Dextromethorphan HBr. Last week, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with other government agencies, confiscated fake and unregistered health products from China worth P31.5 million during separate operations in Manila. In one of his weekly “Talk to the People” televised messages last February, President Rodrigo Duterte told authorities to inject the fake medicines into those

selling them. “The [fake] drugs seized from them, you keep it for the courts’ intervention. You preserve the body of the crime,” Duterte said, addressing FDA Deputy Director Oscar Gutierrez. “Now, if there are already too many of them, my suggestion to the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group): ‘Tell them [sellers] to keep half of what was confiscated. Let them take it —slowly,” the President added. The USTR report said the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients bearing counterfeit trademarks is a growing problem that has important consequences for consumer health and safety, exacerbated by the rapid growth of illegitimate online sales. The agency noted that counterfeiting contributes to the proliferation of substandard, unsafe medicines that do not conform to established quality standards. While it may not be possible to deter-

mine an exact figure, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that substandard or falsified medical products comprise 10 percent of total medical products in low and middle-income countries. The Special 301 Report is an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement. The USTR reviewed more than 100 trading partners for the 2022 Special 301 Report and placed 27 countries on the Priority Watch List or Watch List, indicating problems with respect to intellectual property rights protection, enforcement or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. The Philippines, which was put on the list in 1989, was removed in 2014 and has been off the list since then. In its Special 301 Report this year, the USTR urged countries to adopt laws and enforcement practices designed to prevent unauthorized camcording, such as laws that have been adopted in the Philippines, Canada, Japan, and Ukraine.

Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party and vice-presidential candidate in the general elections, called for the immediate release of De Lima after Espinosa recanted. “Ngayong binawi na ni Kerwin Espinosa ang lahat ng mga paratang laban kay Senator Leila De Lima, dapat palayain na si Senator Leila -- now na! [Now that Espinosa has retracted all his accusations against Senator De Lima, Senator Leila should be freed – now!]” Pangilinan said

in a statement. “Patunay na gawa-gawa ang mga ito… Napakalaking sampal sa katarungan ang mahigit limang taong pagkakapiit ni Senator Leila [This proves that the charges are fabricated… Senator Leila’s five-year detention is such a big slap in the face of justice],” the running mate of Vice President Leni Robredo added. Espinosa in 2016 testified before the Senate that De Lima was part of the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as Justice Secretary under the administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

He also accused de Lima of receiving from him a total of P8 million in drug payoffs for her senatorial campaign through her former driver and security aide, Ronnie Dayan. Espinosa in his counter-affidavit claimed he had “no other option but to invent stories” for fear for his life and that of his family's, noting that his father was killed on November 5, 2016 – or 18 days before the legislative inquiry. He said he was told to “cooperate” or else he and his family members will “suffer the same fate” as his father's. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

presidential candidates had confirmed their participation but did not identify them. He added two vice presidential candidates also confirmed their attendance. Neither did Garcia identify them. The Comelec, the government's election watchdog, switched to an interview format instead of holding the last of its three debates after it was postponed due to the controversy over a contractor's alleged failure to pay Sofitel for hosting the events. The Comelec scrapped its town hall debates — supposedly the last one in the series of debates leading to the May 9 elections—after its private partner, Impact Hub Manila, allegedly failed to settle its dues with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the venue for the previous debates. Garcia, during the Laging Handa briefing, said the Comelec would send the panel to the location of the candidates to conduct the interview. Each candidate will be given an hour to discuss their individual insights and platforms. Meanwhile, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center executive director Cezar Mancao II said Thursday the hackers arrested for ‘selling victories’ to Eleksyon 2022 candidates were able to obtain the data of voters. Mancao said his information technology operatives told him the information on voters were among the data accessed by the hackers. “As per the evidence gathered by my IT operatives earlier, there were data of (sic) voters,” he said in an interview on ANC. “Well, as I have said, we have gotten access, we were given actually, if you are a voter we know where you would be voting, what province, what precinct, if you are still actively participating,” he added when asked what kind of data had been involved. Asked if the hackers had access to the data of around 65 million voters in the country, Mancao said: “That's what my IT operatives have gotten.” (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Poll...

"It is not in our policy to prevent them from voting. What we are just asking is that they wear face masks and if you can, wear a face shield,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said. “They can vote. We will make a way to set up isolation centers in each polling center, so they will be separated from other voters, and they will be able to vote in isolation centers,” he said. The poll official assured those experiencing symptoms could vote and would not be turned away. Earlier, the Department of Health called on people with COVID-19 symptoms to just stay in their homes to avoid spreading the virus. At the same time, President Duterte urged the public to practice minimum health protocols to avoid a post-election surge. Vito Barcelo

(grid operating and maintenance program) is not being followed as multiple coal plants still experience unplanned shutdowns,” said ICSC chief data scientist Jephraim Manansala. Manansala said the Department of Energy (DOE) highlighted in January that the key to averting the looming blackouts during and after the election period is to strictly follow the approved GOMP. Just this month, the DOE called on generation companies and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure the country has enough power supply by holding off maintenance activities one week before and after May 9. He said coal plants are not allowed to have planned and scheduled outages from March 26 until June, according to the approved GOMP 2022-2024. However, 12 out of 23 coal plants in Luzon have experienced shutdowns after March 25, and two were still down as of Wednesday, Manansala said. In the initial findings of the “Luzon

Power Outlook: Determining the Adequacy of Power Supply for April-June 2022” report which ICSC launched in February, the climate and energy policy group warned that a deficit of 1,335 megawatts (MW) in the country’s power supply can materialize in the second quarter. This will lead to a red alert status, possible rotating blackouts, and an increase in power rates in the Luzon grid, the group said. Based on the latest developments in the status of coal power plants, ICSC said it is standing by its projections despite the DOE and NGCP stating that the country has enough power for the coming election. ICSC said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued a resolution in November 2020 showing the maximum allowed planned and unplanned outages for coal-fired power plants in a year. Pulverized coal power plants are allowed a total of 44.7 days of shutdowns (27.9 planned, 16.8 unplanned) while circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal plants, which use newer technologies, are only allowed 32.3 days of shutdowns (15.4 planned, 16.9 unplanned). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

The owner of the Chinese ship extended his apology to the fishermen through the Philippine Embassy in China. Beijing said the Chinese vessel did not intend to abandon the Filipino crew, but was forced to sail away for fear of being surrounded by several other Filipino boats near the area—a claim belied by the fishermen. President Rodrigo Duterte also apologized to the fishermen even as he described the ramming as a “little maritime incident.” In September 2020, Guevarra said

based on the testimonies given by the fishermen, the amount of compensation was pegged at P12 million. “From their report, the total estimated civil damages amount to something like P12 million plus for the repair of the fishing boat, for lost income and wages for a period of six months. The owner of the vessel also asked for moral damages,” Guevarra said. In a 14-page report dated June 20, 2019, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority PCG-Marina said the Recto Bank incident was a

"very serious marine casualty." The Chinese vessel, the report said, abandoned the Filipino crew despite "direct knowledge of their distress situation." "By maneuvering back and stopping approximately 50 meters away from FB 'Gem-Ver' with her fishing lights open, the other vessel can be considered to have direct knowledge of the distress situation," the document read. The report said this was in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

From A1

Health certification standards (N95) and equivalent masks, sanitizers, detergents, and disinfectants,” the USTR said. “In the first year of the pandemic alone, US Customs and Border Control (CBP) seized more than 30 million counterfeit face masks, (as) 14 US brands are the most popular targets for counterfeiters, and counterfeit US-brand medicines account for 38 percent of global counterfeit medicine seizures.” The Department of Health (DOH) has yet to react to the USTR report as of press time. But last January, amid the high demand for paracetamol and other medicines for flu-like symptoms, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—an agency under the DOH—warned the public and healthcare professionals against the proliferation of counterfeit over-the-counter drugs.

Espinosa... From A1

get off the hook, Peoro said, adding he was not surprised by Espinosa’s recantation of his allegations against her. “I cannot tell yet what the next action of Sen. De Lima is. But as an advocate of justice, surely… she will not let this off the hook or taken for granted," the lawyer said. As the staunchest critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs, De Lima marked her fifth year in detention last February 24 at the Philippine National

BBM... From A1

But political analyst Tony La Viña argued, "A president needs to engage with the people, engage with the media, explain himself, explain his policies, and do so in a way that he can be proved." "Not just by propaganda, not just by saying things one way – things have to be 2-way, 3-way, 4-way even," he told ANC's Dateline Philippines. Earlier this week, Marcos told CNN Philippines he would explain issues himself if he became president, while expressing puzzlement at how some reporters were saying they had a hard time getting interviews with him. He also previously said he was better off campaigning than joining debates to bring his platform to the public. "Even if he wins by a landslide, even if it's by a huge margin, you cannot just expect people to accept whatever their decisions are without it being explained, without it being debated," La Viña said. "And if he thinks he can govern on the basis of silence, right, of not communicating to the people, he'll soon know enough, he'll have a reality check that government doesn't work that way and governance does not work that way," he added. Some political observers disagree with La Viña, saying Marcos had consistently raised his platforms of government in the different rallies attended by scores of thousands of people—without attacking any of his political opponents. They also noted that Marcos' critics had not as much as included in their criticisms other presidential candidates who were not invited or had opted out in other presidential interviews. As of sundown Thursday, only two of the presidential candidates – Ernesto Abella and Faisal Mangondato – have given their assurances to attend the interviews, according to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. But at a later Laging Handa hearing Commissioner Garcia said two more

Fishers... From A1

“I understand that the owner of FB Gem-Ver will receive the amount on behalf of the fishermen and himself,” Guevarra said. In 2019, Chinese fishing vessel Yuemaobinyu 42212 rammed Gem-Ver before abandoning 22 Filipino fishermen in the open sea for at least four hours. The crew were rescued by a passing Vietnamese vessel.

From A1

non-working holiday all throughout the country in connection with the national and local elections,” Pangarungan said. The Comelec said 84,357 voters have been allowed to avail themselves of local absentee voting (LAV), which will last until today, April 29. Meanwhile, Comelec said registered voters who were found positive for COVID-19 can still vote during the May 9 elections. While the Department of Health does not recommend COVID positive to cast ballots during the national elections, the Comelec said virus-infected patients might vote in isolated polling precincts and as long as they were allowed to go out of their quarantine areas.

Outages... From A1

He also reiterated that he was different from Putin because he only allowed the killing of “criminals” while the latter authorized bombings of the children and elderly. Malacañang earlier said the Philippines is joining the rest of the world in praying for an “early and peaceful” resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, especially since the world is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24, has killed and injured thousands and forced more than five million people to flee abroad.

Pagasa: La Nina to persist from June to August THE La Niña phenomenon in the Philippines, characterized by unusually cold temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, is likely to persist until June to August 2022, based on climate models, state weather bureau PAGASA said. The ongoing La Niña has slightly strengthened based on observed temperatures, PAGASA said during the 147th climate forum held April 27. La Niña is an oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon that is the colder counterpart of El Niño, as part of the broader El Niño–Southern Oscillation climate pattern. The name La Niña originates from Spanish for "the girl," by analogy to El Niño, meaning "the boy." The weather bureau said La Niña was responsible for increasing the likelihood of above-normal precipitation in some parts of the country. In the same forum, PAGASA showed a rainfall forecast for the month of May. Its forecast shows near normal (81 to 120 percent of normal) rainfall in almost the entire country, while above normal (>120 percent) rainfall is expected in Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. The rainfall forecast for the Angat watershed is also above normal. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Cordillera, Abra cops face raps over Pilar death TOP police officials in the Cordillera Autonomous Region and Abra province are facing murder complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation before the Department of Justice related to the killing of a bodyguard of Pilar Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Somera Disono last month. According to a 24 Oras TV report, the NBI recommended for prosecution CAR regional director Police Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee and Police Col. Maly Cula, acting police provincial director in Abra. Police Lt. Col. Melencio Mina, chief of the provincial intelligence unit and provincial drug enforcement unit; Police Capt. Ronaldo Eslabra, chief of the Pilar police; Rodrigo Base, Comelec Officer 2; and members of the Pilar police and the regional mobile force battalion were also charged. "Conspiracy (is defined as a) unity of acts," said lawyer Joseph Martinez of the NBI-National Capital Region. “Based on the evidence we have gathered, they set up a PNP-Comelec checkpoint which they tried to pass off as legitimate but the evidence we got indicated otherwise,” he added. Sought for comment, Lee said the conspiracy angle was only an allegation by the NBI. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Contacts... From A1

announced on Wednesday the Philippines has detected its first case of Omicron BA.2.12 in Baguio City, in a 52-year-old Finnish female who arrived from Finland on April 2. The unnamed Finnish woman was not required to undergo routine isolation at a quarantine facility because she was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and arrived asymptomatic, the DOH said. The DOH said the Finnish national has finished her seven-day isolation and has recovered and has been discharged. It added that the patient returned to her home country on April 21. Vergeire pointed out that the BA.2.12 sublineage was “2.5 times more infective but not more severe” than the original Omicron variant of COVID-19. The DOH earlier said at present, BA.2.12 is neither a variant of interest nor a variant of concern. "The public can avoid all variants, whether new or currently circulating, by continuing to wear the best-fitting mask, isolate when sick, double-up protection through vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow," it said. Vergeire said it was a matter of time that the more transmissible Omicron variant would enter the country and possibly cause an increase in COVID-19 cases again. An infectious diseases specialist on Thursday warned that the slow booster uptake could cause a new surge of COVID-19 infections in the country amid the threat of a new sublineage of Omicron. Dr. Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, said that the Omicron BA.2.12 subvariant is still highly transmissible. However, he said it does not appear to cause severe infection. “That's what we're concerned about right now, especially with a lot of these super spreader events and then our booster uptake is low,” Solante said in Filipino in an interview with TeleRadyo. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News PH could be next location for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to having the Philippines as the next location of a future Hollywood movie. Best-selling author, writer and executive producer of “Crazy Rich Asians” Kevin Kwan announced during the recently-concluded World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Manila that he wants to make his next movie in the country. “It’s a country with so many amazing locations, cultures, flavors, and of course, people. This is my fourth trip [here] and it’s always a pleasure to be back,” he said. Award-winning film producer Lawrence Bender said his and Kwan’s participation in the WTTC Summit is because of their shared interest to film a movie in the Philippines. Both Kwan and Bender were in the Philippines on an invitation from the DOT to speak for the WTTC Summit

session on the impact of novels and film in boosting tourism. “In case of (bringing the spotlight to) the Philippines, absolutely… For me, it’s about showcasing cultures… telling stories that are authentic to the place, to really celebrate that place,” Kwan said. “You know, we did that with Crazy Rich Asians quite effectively. It boosted tourism [in Singapore,” Kwan said, noting that many of the film cast were “discovering” the country like tourists as it was their first time to visit. Bender also emphasized that when film crews come to certain destinations to create their movies, the local economy also benefits from it. “Of course, what we do is we come into an area to shoot. We hire local people, we bring in people, we rent hotels. People who are employed, they pay taxes. It’s a net positive for the economy,” he noted. Tourism secretary Berna RomuloPuyat acknowledged the prospects film tourism may bring to the country.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Metro Davao now has own development authority body By Maricel V. Cruz

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure to establish the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), a House ofﬁcial said on Thursday.

Republic Act (RA) 11708 or “An Act creating Metropolitan Davao Development Authority” establishes the special development and administrative region, to be known as Metropolitan Davao, which consists of six (6) cities and nine (9) municipalities. House Deputy Speaker and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab was the principal author and sponsor of the measure at the Lower House. Based on RA 11708, Metropolitan Davao includes Davao City; the cities of Panabo, Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; and the municipalities of Sta. Cruz,

Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita and Sta Maria in Davao Occidental. Ungab also thanked Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, given that the creation of the MDDA was one of her initiatives as the head of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDDCC), a special committee under the Regional Development Council -Davao Region. Under RA 11708, Ungab sees a stronger coordination among Metro Davao’s component cities and municipalities, in the planning, implementation and monitoring of priority programs and projects, and the MDDA Act

will ensure a synchronized and uniﬁed development in the Davao region. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go meanwhile commended Duterte for signing into law Republic Act No. 11708. Go, who authored and co-sponsored the measure, assured his fellow Mindanaoans, especially Davaoeños, that the MDDA will improve the coordination among the local government units of Davao City and of nearby areas. He said this will result in better delivery of public services and integrated development planning, among others. This, he said, will beneﬁt Mindanao as a whole. The MDDA is tasked to consult, coordinate, and work closely with the local government units, the Regional Development Council of Region XI, national government agencies, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and the private sector operating in Metropolitan Davao. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Photo contest highlights Las Piñas watershed By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE “LPPWP@15 Mobile Photography Contest” for amateur photographers was recently launched to mark the country’s celebration of Earth Day. Sen. Cynthia Villar lauded the launch of the competition, highlighting the theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration, which is “Invest on Planet Earth.” Villar, the chairperson of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, noted the photo competition will capture the beauty and biodiversity at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). LPPWP, formerly known as Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), was included in the “List of Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. “ “It was then known as LPPCHEA.

Now, we call it the Las Piñas Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). It was proclaimed by the Philippine government a critical habitat on Earth Day 15 years ago (April 22, 2007) through Presidential Proclamation No. 1412,” Villar said. Upon the enactment of the Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System (E-NIPAS) Act on June 22, 2018, LPPWP was legislated as a National Protected Area. Since then, Villar said, so many things have been happening at LPPWP, including threats of reclamation. “But our resolve and commitment to keep the Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in our country thriving and safe from damages and threats is still strong,” she guaranteed. “I am sure the photographers will ﬁnd a lot of subjects or inspiration for their

pictures in our wetland. The migratory and endemic birds, mangroves forest, the native trees, the now pristine shoreline, and of course its corner of the Manila Bay teeming with ﬁsh now,” also related the senator, a known environmental advocate. The 175-hectare nature reserve LPPWP is located south of Manila Bay. It has 35 hectares of mangrove forest providing sanctuary to 82 bird species from China, Japan, and Siberia. This last natural bastion in the metropolis, Villar also said, is home to three endangered or vulnerable bird species--Black-Winged Stilt, Chinese Egrets, and Philippine Duck. The senator extolled that their collective efforts and actions have turned LPPWP into what it is now: a beautiful sanctuary and center of biodiversity in an urban setting.

FALLEN BRIDGE. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Western Bohol responds to the collapse of the Old Clarin Bridge in Loay, Bohol on Thursday. According to the initial investigation, the bridge was not able to handle the weight of vehicles which accumulated on the bridge due to heavy traffic. The PCG said the number of civilians rescued in the incident and currently being given medical assistance has reached 23. There were also 12 vehicles (trucks, cars, tricycles, and motorcycles) that fell into the river due to the collapse.

Opinion

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Qui tacet consentire’ IT IS often said that silence may be construed as consent or agreement. The Ancient Romans encapsulated this in the maxim qui tacet consentire videtur, which means “[he] who is silent is understood to consent”. This is similarly applied to diplomacy, where the failure to object or contest a proposal of another is considered an assent or acquiescence to it. This is also known as the Silence Procedure. In our day-to-day life we hear people saying that silence means yes, and that the failure to react to a negative statement is to agree to it. Some would even say that the failure to explain or comment on an imputation of a crime published in a newspaper, broadcasted on television, or posted and streamed online counts as an admission of guilt. In the Rules on Evidence, before the silence

Does silence mean consent? of a party can be taken as an admission, it must appear that: (a) he heard and understood the statement; (b) he was at liberty to interpose a denial; (c) the statement pertains to matters affecting his rights, and naturally, calls for an answer; (d) the facts were within his knowledge; and (e) the inference drawn from the silence would be material to the issue (Evidence, Francisco citing 31 Corpus Juris Secundum 1062). It is essential to discuss each of the requisites of this specific rule. The person heard and understood the statement. It is important that the act or statement was “made in the presence or within the hearing or observation of a party” for him to deny an act or statement. The statement must be in a language known to the party or to which he is familiar with. Ideally, to satisfy the requirement of hearing or observation, the actor or declarant and the party subject of the act or statement must be physically present in one place. However, perception over telephone conversations or teleconferences may fall within the definition of hearing a declaration. Will the Rule similarly apply to declarations made in the course of a virtual or online meeting conducted using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet? The answer is in the affirmative. While the participants are not in a physical meeting, the act or declaration of another can be perceived at the moment it is made, and therefore, must be denied if not true. This is unlike a statement published in a newspaper, released on television, or circulated online, since the acts or statements were not made in the presence or within the auditory perception of their subjects. While the latter can always write or call the attention of the publisher, broadcaster, or vlogger to correct a false or flawed act or declaration, the Rule on Admission by Silence does not apply. However, as for adverse statements in writing, the Rule on Admission by Silence applies if the party was carrying on a mutual correspondence with the declarant. “If there was no such mutual correspondence, the rule is relaxed on the theory that while the party would have immediately reacted by making a denial…, such prompt response can generally not be expected if the party still has to resort to a written reply (G.R. No. 180197, June 23, 2009).” In the case of Villanueva v. Balaguer, Villanueva argued that by not responding

EDITORIAL

to the demand letter which expressly urged Balaguer and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) to reply if the statements are untrue, the latter in effect admitted the matters stated therein, pursuant to the Rule on Admission by Silence (G.R. No. 180197, June 23, 2009). According to the Supreme Court, “[O]ne cannot prove his claim by placing the burden of proof on the other party. Indeed, a man cannot make evidence for himself by writing a letter containing the statements that he wishes to prove. He does not make the letter evidence by sending it to the party against whom he wishes to prove the facts [stated therein] …” (G.R. No. 180197, June 23, 2009). Therefore, a failure to answer such adverse assertions in the absence of further circumstances making an answer requisite or natural does not constitute an admission. The Supreme Court further declared that an admission by silence cannot be assumed on the part of Balaguer by virtue of his failure to protest or disclaim the attribution to him by the newspapers that he is the source of the articles (G.R. No. 180197, June 23, 2009). The statement calls for a comment if not true, but only when proper under the circumstances. The act or statement made in one’s presence, if not true, must be objected to or commented on by the party for admission by silence not to apply. However, the comment or reply must be given only when proper under the circumstances. For instance, if a person is taunted by a group of people, the former is not expected to comment since to do so may expose him or her to physical harm and violence. Similarly, when an employee is verbally abused by an employer, the employee must not disrespect or retaliate against the employer but instead report the incident to the proper government authorities. The statement is material to the issue, and the facts are within the person’s knowledge. This only means that the statement must be relevant to the dispute or controversy and that the person who heard the statement understood its meaning. Hence, if the statement was made in a language not known to the hearer, then there is no duty to reply or comment. This is different from the silence of criminal suspects during custodial investigation which cannot be taken as evidence against them. This is clear in the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution, which provides that “[A]ny person under investigation for an offense has the right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice” (Section 12(1), Article III). This is to safeguard suspects from being coerced to confess to a crime they did not commit. Coupled with the suspect’s right to legal representation, it is the duty of law enforcement officers to inform the suspects of their rights during custodial investigation (Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 [1966]). In 1992, the rights of persons arrested, detained or under custodial investigation were made into law through Republic Act 7438. In the said law, the arrestee, detainee, or person investigated shall be informed of their right to remain silent and shall at all times be allowed to confer privately with their counsel. In court, the accused’s “silence shall not in any manner prejudice him” (Section 1 (d), Rule 115, Rules on Criminal Procedure). However, the judge may not be prevented from drawing or forming a personal conclusion from such silence or refusal to answer. Like any other right, the suspect’s right to silence during custodial investigation and the accused’s during trial must be respected. It is not a tool to suppress the truth, but a means to ensure that any statement, admission, or confession made by persons deprived of liberty are spontaneous, were made voluntarily, and were not products of coercion.

The Lipa (Batangas) phenomenon THERE has been a continuing movement in the Philippines mainly by Marian devotees particularly by those who venerate Mary Mediatrix of All Grace of the 1948 phenomenon where rose petals with the imprint of images of Jesus Christ and Blessed Virgin Mary were noted. My wife and I in particular are Marian devotees, having undertaken Marian pilgrimages in Europe and in Akita, Japan. To non-Catholics, the faithful venerate Marian images, unlike those of God, where we Catholics worship them, Santa Banana! It was during Holy Week that I read reports that there is now a visible movement of Marian devotees, particularly of those devoted to Mary Mediatrix of All Grace to revive the Lipa phenomenon of Mary who allegedly appeared and consequently showered rose petals on the Lipa Carmelite monastery of nuns. I was a member of the Sodality Club of the old Ateneo de Manila at the ruins of Padre Faura. It was during my second year student in my four-year Bachelor of Arts course that we took a pilgrimage to Lipa where thousands of Marian devotees flocked. I saw rose petals strewn all over the garden of the Carmelite Monastery. We were, however, prohibited to

touch them. Still, some pilgrims managed to bring some of those petals home. Since that time, all these years, I have been wondering whether or not that phenomenon was indeed miraculous or not. But I did believe, as I do now, that the Lipa Miracle was indeed authentic and worthy of belief . I believe in the old adage that for those who believe, no explanation is necessary, but for those who do not believe, no explanation is possible. Tragically and sadly, the Lipa phenomenon was wracked by controversies, my gulay, so much so that a commission was formed which decreed it not worthy of belief and veneration by Catholics. But I am going ahead of the story. The Lipa story began when the Carmelite monastery was in total ruins, having then been bombed by the Americans during the Liberation because it was occupied by the Japanese during the Occupation. But through the rigors and dedication of six Carmelite nuns and through donations and contributions, the Lipa monastery was restored to its original structure. I’m taking off from the book written by Rene C. De Jesus, a member of the Volunteers of God branch of the Focolare Movement. He writes for Focolare’s New City magazine and is a member of its Editorial Board. In his chosen apostolate at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, he directed spiritual formation meetings for inmates at maximum security compounds. I must congratulate him for bringing to life the Lipa Phenomenon. The story is intertwined by the life of one Teresita “Teresing” Castillo who became a

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Stagflation

HE global economy is facing complex market forces that are driving commodity prices higher and hindering efforts to reduce world poverty. The war in Ukraine has pushed oil prices to over $100 per barrel while the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is punishing China’s economy, the world’s second-biggest, after an industrial lockdown.

The International Monetary Fund the other day gave out a “stagflationary” outlook on Asia, a reference to stagflation in which an economy is facing the twin threats of rising inflation and a stagnation of economic output. Higher crude prices, aside from raising the cost of transportation, have translated into increased prices of food and electricity. Shipping companies are quick to adjust their freight rates to reflect the increased cost of fuel. The cost of commodities and other products loaded into ocean-going and inter-island vessels will surely increase and the higher prices will eventually be passed on to the consumers.

Growth could be stunted if the economy remains partially reopened, instead of having a free rein. The resulting increase in the prices of fuel and commodities will create another vicious cycle. The overall inﬂation rate, driven by higher petroleum and food prices, will rise. This, in turn, will prompt central banks across the globe to increase interest rates in a bid to induce savings and curb consumer spending until prices stabilize. The IMF as a result has reduced

the growth forecast for Asia to 4.9 percent, due mainly to the slowdown in China that has created ripple effects on other closely-linked economies. The Fund also expects inflation in the region to rise 3.2 percent this year, a full point higher than seen in January. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, meanwhile, has conceded that it may consider raising interest rates from the record-low 2 percent by June this year to prevent the inflation rate from rising further. The Philippine inflation rate, though, is relatively low compared with those in the developed countries. The inflation rate in the US, for instance, is around 8.5 percent. Raising interest rates and giving the economy room to grow at the same time will require a balancing act from monetary authorities. The Philippines, perhaps, is nowhere close to stagflation because the economy is just starting to rebound after months of lockdowns. But its growth could be stunted if the economy remains partially reopened, instead of having a free rein.

Comelec should DQ Tulfo motu proprio

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is correct. Broadcaster Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo is disqualified from running for senator in the coming elections. In 2010, the Regional Trial Court of Makati convicted Tulfo and others for the crime of libel, based on an article Tulfo wrote in a certain tabloid. His conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeals in 2014. Thereafter, Tulfo sought relief from the Supreme Court. On April 10, 2019, the Supreme Court affirmed Tulfo’s conviction in a decision written by Justice Marvic Leonen. It’s available online under Guy vs. Tulfo (G.R. No. 213023). In the end, Tulfo and his co-accused were required to pay the complainant about 1.7 million pesos. Libel is a crime involving moral turpitude. The Supreme Court said so in Zari vs. Flores (A.M. No. P-1356, November 21, 1979) and in Ty-Delgado vs. House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (G.R. No. 219603, January 26, 2016). Moral turpitude is defined by the Supreme Court in Guy vs. Tulfo as everything which is done contrary to justice, modesty, or good morals; an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes his fellowmen, or to society in general. Under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code, one who has been convicted by final judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude is ineligible to run for elective public office. Therefore, it is crystal clear that Raffy Tulfo is disqualified from running for senator in the May 2022 elections.

This is a tragic story that could well be made into a movie since it has all the ingredients of a blockbuster. postulate of the Carmelite Monastery, having virtually escaped at the age of 16 from her middle-class family and pursued by her two brothers with guns who tried to force her out of the monastery. Santa Banana! The story goes that Teresing, because of her affection for and devotion to the Monastery prioress, underwent painful physical sufferings from Satan to make her become so homesick that signs were all over her body inflicted by Satan. But, Mama Mary allegedly spoke to her to continue suffering to the extent that she even drank dirty water that she had washed the feet of the prioress with. This reminds me of what Saint Bernadette of Soubirous did at the Miracle of Lourdes when Mary of the Immaculate Conception told her to eat grass and dig with her hands the ground from which the miraculous spring waters of Lourdes come from. There were reports of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Teresing, after which showers of rose petals with the imprints of Jesus Christ and Mama Mary could be seen, my gulay ! With all these, pilgrims started piling into the Monastery. The Bishop of Lipa, Monsignor Alfredo

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

That the Comelec can take action motu proprio is not disputed. It acted motu proprio when it expunged nuisance candidates from the official and final list of presidential and vice presidential wannabes. How Tulfo’s patent disqualification from running for public office escaped the notice of the Comelec is baffling. Tulfo’s conviction by the Supreme Court for a crime involving moral turpitude is recited in a decision made public as early as April 2019. That decision could not have gone unnoticed by the Comelec. Decisions of the Supreme Court are a matter of judicial notice, which means courts and quasi-judicial bodies (like the Comelec) are expected to be aware of the rulings of the Supreme Court. Under the Constitution, a majority of the members of the Comelec, including its chairman, must be lawyers. As lawyers, they ought to know that libel is a crime involving moral turpitude. For the same reason, they are also expected to be aware of the decision of the Supreme Court convicting Tulfo for the crime of libel. When she was still a member of the Comelec, ex-Commissioner Rowena Guanzon was apparently unaware of the fact

that Tulfo is legally disqualified from running for the Senate. It looks like Guanzon, who likes to style herself as an expert in election laws, was caught unaware of something which she, as a lawyer and as a Comelec commissioner, ought to have been aware of. Guanzon was so immersed in her proclivity to get Bongbong Marcos (BBM) disqualified from running for president that she did not bother to attend to her duty to scrutinize the qualifications and disqualifications of all other candidates for high public office. Because Guanzon’s attention was on BBM’s disqualification case, she let Tulfo’s case slip pass her. Tsk, tsk. The last of the disqualification cases against BBM pending in the Comelec has been resolved in his favor. That means there are no more legal impediments against BBM’s run for the presidency. Obviously, Guanzon should have focused her efforts not on BBM, but on Tulfo. Instead of waiting for the Comelec to act motu proprio against Tulfo, Erfe should move swiftly and file the corresponding petition against Tulfo’s candidacy with the Comelec. Because a candidate’s qualifications for public office is a matter of primordial public interest, any voter has the legal personality to file the corresponding petition to cancel Tulfo’s COC in the Comelec. If the petition is not forthcoming, filing a formal letter of request with the Comelec will suffice. Both ways, the Comelec will be forced to take action on the matter. If that doesn’t work, and Tulfo wins in the senatorial elections, the thirteenth placer among the senatorial candidates, or any voter for that matter, may file a petition for quo warranto against Tulfo with the Senate Electoral Tribunal, within 30 days from proclamation day. Knowing how the electoral tribunals haphazardly resolve cases, Tulfo’s disqualification case may ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

Verzosa went to the convent and grew so concerned over the phenomenon. He then decided to go to the Monastery, but as he reached the Monastery, rose petals flew before him, Santa Banana! This personal encounter changed his heart. In January 1949, the cornerstone of the image of our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces, a sculpture for the occasion was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by some 30,000 to 50,000 people, including former First Lady Aurora Quezon. Showers of rose petals continued having imprints of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. On 23 January 1950, Bishop Verzosa was relieved for no reason at all, leaving with him 33 years of dedicated service of the administration of the diocese of Lipa. Then Apostolic administrator Monsignor Rufino Santos replaced Versoza. Under his authority, a commission was formed to investigate the Lipa phenomenon. Auxiliary Bishop Alfredo Obviar was likewise relieved and was demoted as apostolic administrator of the diocese of Lucena. Teresing, deeply saddened by the departure of Verzosa and Obviar, remained until she was involuntarily dismissed after facing heavy interrogation. Teresing left the monastery and went home. The commission was composed of bishops and psychologists, but the investigation was haphazard and consequently a verdict was arrived at and issued before the investigation. The monastery nuns were told to burn all the rose petals and were left with very painful memories of the phenomenon. The statue of Mary Mediatrix of All Graces was ordered

removed from view and people were banned from further venerating it. Years later it was discovered that members of the commission were ordered by the Apostolic Nuncio to conclude the investigation as soon as possible. Teresing never married, but in her twilight years ( she is as old as I am in years, having been born on Sept 12, 1927), she suffered Alzheimer’s Disease, erasing all memories of the Lipa phenomenon. But many or most Marian devotees, particularly those who venerate Mary Mediatrix of All Graces have kept faith, still hoping that the Lipa phenomenon be investigated anew. On record.there had been many miracles attributed to the shower of rose petals at the Carmelite monastery, the most notable of which was that of that miracle of the rose petals on a little girl who could not walk because one leg was shorter than the other as a result of having a club foot. She had to be carried. Her parents managed to get hold of rose petals from Lipa and these were rubbed on the head of the girl, and lo, she was able to walk again normally like other people. The girl is the daughter of one of a middle class family from Candon, Ilocos Sur. The Lipa phenomenon is a tragic story that could well be made into a movie since it has all the ingredients of a blockbuster – pathos, love and demonic happenings, sacrifice, tragedies, apparitions and human error. As far as I am concerned, there is an urgent need after 74 years to revisit the Lipa phenomenon, especially now, with no less than Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in Rome. As for Teresing, I hope she is still alive and well.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, head of the PAO forensics division, is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take notice of Tulfo’s disqualification from running for the Senate. Erfe believes the Comelec should immediately attend to this matter by cancelling, motu proprio (on its own), Tulfo’s certificate of candidacy (COC). Under the Omnibus Election Code, the Comelec can disqualify Tulfo outright, motu proprio, from running for senator.

Libel is a crime involving moral turpitude.

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UN chief arrives in Ukraine, calls war with Russia ‘an absurdity’ K MORE TESTS. A laboratory technician wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) works at a COVID-19 testing

laboratory in Haian in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on April 27. Despite struggling to defeat the country’s worst outbreak in two years, the leadership is digging in its heels with a strict zero-COVID policy that involves lockdowns in the biggest cities and mass testing. AFP

Canada MPs note Russia’s ‘acts of genocide’

MONTREAL—Canadian MPs on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion recognizing Russia’s “acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people” and acknowledging evidence of “systematic and massive war crimes and crimes against humanity.” “Today every MP in the House of Commons supported my motion to recognize that the Russian Federation is committing genocide against the Ukrainian people,” tweeted Heather McPherson of the leftist New Democratic Party, who introduced the motion. The motion states that the crimes are being committed “by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, directed by President Vladimir Putin and others within the Russian parliament.” The “mass atrocities” include “systematic instances of willful killing of Ukrainian civilians and the desecration of corpses,” torture, rape, and the “forcible transfer of

Ukrainian children to the Russian territory.” By passing the motion, the House of Commons recognized “that the Russian Federation is committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people,” according to the document. The move comes about 10 days after the Ukrainian parliament passed a similar resolution. Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the term “genocide” to describe Russia’s attacks in Ukraine for the first time. Trudeau echoed US President Joe Biden’s use of the term, which the Kremlin had deemed “unacceptable.” In London, Britain denied Thursday it was over-reaching against Russia after Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said “the whole of Ukraine” must be liberated, indicating that Crimea must also be regained. AFP

IN BRIEF Sri Lanka to sell ‘golden’ visas

COLOMBO—Cash-strapped Sri Lanka announced on Tuesday it would sell long-term visas to attract desperately needed foreign currency after the island nation ran out of dollars to pay even for food and fuel. Foreigners who deposit a minimum of $100,000 locally will be granted permission to live and work in Sri Lanka for 10 years under the “Golden Paradise Visa Program”, the government said. But any income from the scheme is likely to be dwarfed by the scale of the current crisis, with acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines that have triggered widespread protests. Thousands of people remained camped outside President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s seafront office to demand his resignation. Trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange was halted three times Tuesday as prices plunged, with the blue-chip S&P index closing down 9.75 percent. That came on top of a near-13 percent drop on Monday, the first day of trading since a two-week break during which the government hiked interest rates and defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt. Equities have shed 47 percent of their value since January, with the local currency falling by about 40 percent against the greenback in the past month. AFP

Trump feared being hit by ‘very dangerous’ fruit

NEW YORK—Ex-president Donald Trump testified under oath that he feared protesters would pelt him with “very dangerous” fruit like pineapples, tomatoes, and bananas saying: “You can get killed with those things.” The comments were revealed in court documents made public Tuesday which included a transcript of a deposition Trump gave last October as part of an ongoing civil lawsuit in New York. The case was brought by several activists of Mexican descent who say they were attacked by his security guards outside Trump Tower in Manhattan in 2015. “I wanted to have people be ready because we were put on alert that they were going to do fruit,” Trump said under questioning by attorney Benjamin Dictor. He added that “tomatoes are bad, by the way” but that “some fruit is a lot worse.” Dictor asked Trump about comments he made at a rally in Iowa in 2016 when the then-presidential candidate told supporters to “knock the crap” out of anyone about to throw a tomato. “That was to the audience. It was said sort of in jest,” Trump responded, before adding: “But maybe, you know, a little truth to it. It’s very dangerous stuff. You can get killed with those things. AFP

YIV—The head of the United Nations arrived in Ukraine Thursday, calling war “an absurdity”, after Brussels warned Russia it will not bend to “blackmail” over its support for Kyiv over the Kremlin’s decision to cut gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called war “an absurdity in (the) 21st century” as he visited Borodianka outside Kyiv, the scene of alleged civilian killings by Russian forces. Guterres will later meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on the visit, which follows talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Guterres is also expected to visit Bucha and Irpin, sites of further alleged Russian war crimes. Putin has said that if Western forces, which are supplying increasingly heavy weaponry to Kyiv, intervene in Ukraine, they will face a “lightning-fast” military response. “We have all the tools for this, that no one else can boast of having,” the Russian leader told lawmakers, implicitly referring to Moscow’s ballistic missiles and nuclear arsenal. “We won’t boast about it: we’ll use them, if needed,” he said. The dire threats came as Moscow claimed to have carried out a missile strike in southern Ukraine to destroy a “large batch” of Western-supplied weapons. As the war, which has already claimed thousands of lives, entered its third month, Kyiv conceded that Russian forces had made gains in the east. Russia’s military offensive saw it capture a string of villages in the Donbas region, now the focus of its invasion. And in its economic standoff with the West, Moscow cut off gas supplies to Bul-

garia and Poland, two EU and NATO members backing Ukraine in the conflict. However, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said Poland and Bulgaria are now receiving gas from their EU neighbors. - ‘Blackmail’ She described the announcement by Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom as “another provocation from the Kremlin”. “It comes as no surprise that the Kremlin uses fossil fuels to try to blackmail us... Our response will be immediate, united and coordinated. “Both Poland and Bulgaria are now receiving gas from their EU neighbors,” she said. “The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe will come to an end.” European powers have imposed massive sanctions on Russia since Putin’s invasion, while shipping weapons to Ukraine’s defenders. But they have moved slowly on hitting Moscow’s vast exports, with many EU members -- notably industrial giant Germany -reliant on Russian energy. Putin has intensified pressure by insisting on payments for gas in rubles -- hoping to force his foes to prop up his currency. Gazprom announced the halt of gas to both Poland and highly dependent Bulgaria, saying it had not received payment in rubles from the two EU members. AFP REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila Branch 211 UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Mortgagee,

N OTICE PUTIN TO PARLIAMENT. Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a

speech at a meeting of advisory council of the Russian parliament in Saint Petersburg on April 27. AFP

Israelis stand silently to remember Holocaust, 6 million killed in WWII JERUSALEM—Israel came to a standstill on Thursday, halting the morning bustle for two minutes as sirens blared to honor millions murdered during the Holocaust. In an annual ritual at 10:00 am (0700 GMT), pedestrians froze in place. Drivers stopped and stood in silence beside their vehicles, honoring the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War Two. At Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday that the Holocaust is the “ultimate, absolute expression of thousands of years of anti-Semitism.” Bennett also rejected any attempt to draw parallels between the Nazi genocide and current conflicts. “I take the trouble to say this because as the years go by, there is more and more discourse in the world that compares other difficult events to the Holocaust. But no. Even the most difficult wars today are not the Holocaust and

are not comparable to the Holocaust,” he said. In an address to Israeli lawmakers last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is Jewish, compared Russian aggression in his country to the Holocaust, drawing immediate criticism from some officials in Israel. About 161,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel, according to official figures. The President of the German parliament, Baerbel Bas, said during a visit to Yad Vashem on Wednesday that “a special obligation arises from Germany’s historical guilt.” “Israel’s security and the fight against all forms of anti-Semitism are part of our national identity. We will not forget,” she said. In another development, Israel, which withdrew from the UN cultural agency UNESCO with the United States over alleged bias in 2019, has no objections to a US return, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. AFP

PRAYER TIME.

Palestinian devotees pray on Laylat al-Qadr outside the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan late on April 27. Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny) is according to tradition the night in which the holy Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. AFP

Notice is hereby given that PAVI GREEN RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as Renewable Energy Developer of Solar Energy Resources (36.139MWc/28.600MWac PAVI Green Vicente Solar Power Plant Project) in Brgy. Cabanbanan, San Vicente, Camarines Norte, to avail of the incentives under R.A. No. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 based on the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) as the transitional Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication/posting. (SGD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE Director III Resource-Based Industries Service (MS-APR. 29, 2022)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 104, QUEZON CITY Room 507, Hall of Justice Annex, Quezon City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City Email Address: rtc1qzn104@Judiciary.gov.ph/Landline: 8.35.45.227

REGALIA PARK TOWERS, Petitioner, -versus-

R-QZN-16-10263-CV

REGALIA GROUP CORPORATION and DOLLEGENE SAN FELIPE, Respondents. x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, under the Writ of Execution issued by the Hon. Catherine P. Manodon, Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 104, Quezon City, in the above-entitled case, against the defendant, Dollegene San Felipe for the recovery by way of restraint of the sum of Three Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand and Fifty-Five Pesos and 57/100 Pesos (P397,455.57) representing the unpaid obligation as of December 31, 2017, and 20 (20%) percent of the total amount due as and by way of attorney’s fees, and the cost of suit, Philippine Currency, a levy was made on November 23, 2021, under the Writ of Execution, on the rights, interests, shares, and participation of herein defendant Dollegene San Felipe, which property is more particularly described as follows, to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. N-35021 “Unit 808 (Tower B) - a commercial condominium unit located at the 8th Flr. Level of the Regalia Park - Phase 2 (Tower B) containing an area of 29.60 sq.m., more or less” NOW THEREFORE, under the said writ and in accordance with Sec. 15, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency on May 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building Annex, Diliman, Quezon City, on the rights, interest, shares and participation of defendant Dollegene San Felipe in the abovedescribed real property in order to satisfy the Writ of Execution. PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS are hereby enjoined to see and investigate the title of the above-described property and the encumbrances thereon if any there be.

-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.)

Owner Address:

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

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

Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 27, 2022.

WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sale on or before the date of Sale under penalty of law. *Rule 29, Sec. 13 CC: TAPALES PRODON WEE-TOE TATEL & RODRIGUEZ LAW OFFICES G/F One Breatriz Tower Aurora Boulevard cor. Lauan Street, Cubao, QC REGALIA GROUP CORPORATION 150 P. Tuazon A venue, Cubao, QC DOLLEGENE SAN FELIPE Block 14 Lot 30 and 32, La Joya. Sta. Rosa, Laguna (MStandard - Apr. 29, & May 6, 2022)

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:

If the auction could not take place on the said date due to a fortuitous event or if the aforesaid date is declared a non-working holiday, it shall be held on June 3, 2022 at the same time and place without further notice.

(Sgd.) ERWIN CACHERO Sheriff IV

: : : : :

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: UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Union Bank Plaza Building Meralco Avenue cor Onyx and Sapphire Roads Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA No. 186 National Road, O’donnel Capas, Tarlac, (MStandard – Apr. 22, 29 & May 6, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Leni pledges to empower ‘last, least, lost’

CATANAUAN EMBRACES LENI.

Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo receives a warm welcome at the PASICATanuan: Multisectoral Assembly in Catanauan, Quezon where a crown of local residents, among them priests, and other sectoral groups endorsed her candidacy with dances, placards, and her portraits.

BBM nixes new taxes for recovery By Rey E. Requejo

RESIDENTIAL frontrunner former Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. said he is against imposing new taxes to ease the burden of the people who are still recovering from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with a broadcast network, Marcos said there are many challenges confronting the country in the aftermath of the pandemic. “Depends on what sectors and in what area but if it’s going to be, if the brunt of it is going to be felt by the consumers (general public), I wouldn’t be very partial to that for the simple reason that it’s very difficult that people, don’t put on weight… .people are already struggling,” Marcos said. “Everywhere you look… there are problems, our educational system we really have to fix it very, very (quick) ... We have to support the teachers more and when I talk about support not just the salary, not just the benefits, it’s also the training because, you know, the technologies, the new systems are moving so

quickly,” Marcos said. While he admitted that taxes was important for the government, he cautioned against increasing taxes “unless extremely” necessary especially if they would directly affect the ordinary and poor citizens.” At the same time, Marcos emphasized the need to revisit the country’s educational system with a view to instituting reforms. He said it’s about time that the government embarks on agency-specific scholarship programs. He also vowed to address the lack of non-teaching staff in public schools resorting to work overload for the teachers. “The teachers should have the benefit of knowing all of that so that they can teach the child, for our

youth when they graduate, it’s really good to train them,” he added. In the same interview, Marcos underscored the need to streamline the bureaucracy. “We have to improve the bureaucracy, we have to improve the quality of public service,” Marcos stressed. “The agencies should have scholarship programs like the DA will have scholarship programs for agronomist and agriculturist and hydrologists - those are the experts they need. If we need engineers for the energy side, then the DOE will have to sponsor scholars for that requirements . (If) we need good lawyers for the DOJ, then the DOJ will support scholars for that,” he said. He stressed that one way to maintain high quality education in public schools is to reduce the non-teaching loads of teachers.

Lacson sees come-frombehind win INDEPENDENT presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson predicted a come-from-behind victory for him and his running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III. In an interaction with supporters in Malabon City, Lacson raised the possibility of pulling a major upset during the May 9 fueled by ‘silent supporters.’ Lacson said he met lots of people who informed him they were secretly campaigning for him and Sotto regardless of their standings in the pre-election polls. He quoted their supporters as saying; “Every time we go to a place… No matter how distant from the capital, whether in a city or a far-f lung rural town… There would be people who would come to us and whisper—there’s a lot of them— ‘Senator, Mr. Senate President, we are just here. We are your silent supporters.” The senator also said he could no longer count how many of those people personally came to him to pledge their support. According to him, such gestures of support fueled his resolve to stay in the presidential race without relying too much on the endorsement of particular groups or politicians. “We have so many silent supporters. They told us, they might be surprised that on May 9, we will be there. When we go to the polling booth, they would be really surprised that what will come out of our ballots are votes for LacsonSotto.” Macon Ramos-Araneta

VICE President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo on Thursday laid down her basic platform of governance as “empowerment of the last, the least, and the lost.” Meanwhile, Robredo’s campaign, along with that of her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, gained a significant boost after 84 Catholic priests in Quezon rallied behind them. In a forum organized by the UPCIFAL Philippines, in collaboration with the UP System Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and the UP Internet TV Network, Robredo said she would use her office’s experience with its flagship Angat Buhay program to help achieve her campaign promise of a better life for all Filipinos. The event was dubbed “Leaders in Focus: Embedding Sustainable Development in the Governance Agenda of Presidential Candidates.” The organizers used the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)a set of 17 goals developed by the United Nations (UN) member states in 2015as a global call to action for a holistic approach to end poverty. “From concept to execution, we want Angat Buhay to align with the big goal of empowering the last, the least, and the lost, and we did not need to look further than the SDGs for a framework of our objectives,” Robredo said in her opening statement. She said the program’s success would be “but a fraction of the possibilities open to us should we be given the chance to work with wider pathways of governance.”

April 27, 2022 PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05 - 2022 TO

The Port Manager PMO NCR South International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) Cargo Owners/Brokers/Shipping Lines Port Users Other Concerned

SUBJECT :

Approved Implementation of the Eight Percent (8%) Balance of the Approved 10% Increase in Cargo Handling Tariffs at the Manila South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal (MICT

Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 3129, the implementation of the eight percent (8%) balance of the approved 10% tariff increase in cargo handling charges (except for empty containers and out-of-gauge cargoes) at the Manila South Harbor and MICT was approved. The implementation of the eight percent (8%) balance shall be effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

AKSYON DEMOKRATIKO IN BACOLOD CITY. Manila Mayor and presidential candidate Isko

Moreno Domagoso and his running mate Doc Willie Ong, along with the party’s senatorial slate call on Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia before hitting the campaign trail. Norman Cruz

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager (MS-APRIL 29, 2022

Moreno cites Guimaras’ food sufficiency MANILA Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday said the island province of Guimaras could serve as a template for food sufficiency which could be replicated in other provinces of the country. Moreno, standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko, barnstormed Guimaras where he and his teammates were warmly welcomed by Gov. Samuel Gumarin and other local officials of the island province known for its export-quality mangoes. “One story that the Governor and I talked about earlier, it is funny that an island like Guimaras still sends food out of the island. So, it means that Guimaras is a good model for food sufficiency. They produce their own rice, in fact even more. They reserve for the summer and then send to Iloilo,” Moreno told reporters in an interview.

“So, that’s one food basket. Then, proper zoning. They have an ecozone, gateway zone, food basket zone, and tourism zone. That’s what Gov. told me earlier. Then they produce their own electricity through renewable energy and they can sustain their utility,” the 47-year-old presidential candidate said. Guimaras is well known for its agricultural crops, particularly mangoes, where some 50,000 of these trees are planted. Guimaras Island is famous for producing some of the sweetest mangoes in the world thus earning the nickname “Mango Capital of the Philippines” from local and foreign tourists. “There are two good high-value cropscashew and mango. In fact, there is a joke here that a foreigner ate Guimaras mangoes but they were not peeled because the skin was sweet,” Moreno said. Rey E. Requejo

Drilon says DMW chief’s appointment ‘illegal’

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Thursday urged President Duterte to end the confusion triggered by the appointment of his former adviser, Abdullah Mama-o, as secretary of the yet-to-beconstituted Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). He asserted that Mama-o’s appointment was “illegal” since the DMW was

yet to be constituted, and the staffing pattern including the secretary remained to be created. He added the appointment of Mama-o was merely meant to make him a member of the transition committee. “It is the height of absurdity and clearly against legislative intent to allow the new appointee to determine policies without

an actual department. The intention was to allow for a smooth transition and turnover and this is the exact opposite of that,” Drilon said. He reiterated his earlier warning to Mama-o that he could be held liable for usurpation of authority if he continued to exercise the functions of the yet-to-be-constituted department. Macon Ramos-Araneta

April 27, 2022 PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 04 - 2022 TO

The Port Manager PMO Batangas Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) ATI Batangas, Inc. (ATIBI) Cargo Owners/Brokers/Shipping Lines Port Users Others Concerned

SUBJECT :

Approved 10% Upward Adjustment in Cargo Handling Tariffs at Batangas Port - Phase I and II

Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 3128, the 10% upward adjustment in cargo handling tariffs at Batangas Port - Phase I and II was approved. Said rate increase shall be effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager

(MS-APRIL 29, 2022

Business IN BRIEF

SM Investments’ stockholders OK renewables plan

Indonesia bans all exports of palm oil

JAKARTA, Indonesia—Indonesia began imposing a complete ban on palm oil exports Thursday, as the world’s largest producer of the commodity risked destabilizing a global vegetable oil market already hitting peak prices. The archipelago nation is facing a domestic shortage of cooking oil as well as soaring prices, with consumers in several cities having to queue for hours in front of distribution centers to buy the essential commodity at subsidized rates. Authorities in Southeast Asia’s most populous country fear the scarcity and rising costs could provoke social tensions and have moved to secure supplies of the product, which is used in a range of goods such as chocolate spreads and cosmetics. In a last-minute reversal late Wednesday, they clarified the embargo would include all exports of the oilseed and not only products intended for edible oils, as indicated a day earlier. “All products,” including crude palm oil, “are covered by the Ministry of Trade regulation and will be enforced,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. President Joko Widodo said supplying the country’s 270 million residents was his government’s “highest priority.” “As the world’s largest palm oil producer, it is ironic that we are having difficulties getting cooking oil,” he said. AFP

PSE registers record income of P919.48m

THE Philippine Stock Exchange posted a record earnings in 2021 on the back of record initial pubic offerings. The PSE said in a statement net income in 2021 reached P919.48 million, up 40 percent from P656.81 million in 2020. Operating revenues climbed 25.3 percent to P1.65 billion. “Our good financial position allowed us to pay a total of Php 11.00 per share in regular and special cash dividends early this month. This year’s total cash dividend distributed is the highest amount ever paid to PSE stockholders,” said PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon. Listing-related fees rose 28.3 percent, boosted by the largest IPO in PSE’s history, as well as seven other IPOs, 11 follow-on offerings, four stock rights offerings and seven private placements, among others. Trading-related fees increased 15.2 percent while service fees grew 26.1 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

Cebu’s Chioson taps First Gen supply anew

CEBU-BASED steel product maker and property developer Chioson Group of Companies (Chioson Group) has tapped anew clean energy leader First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group to supply additional renewable energy to run the factory of another Chioson Group subsidiary. Chioson Group, through unit Puresteel Manufacturing Corp. (Puresteel), firmed up recently a contract with First Gen’s whollyowned subsidiary First Gen Energy Solutions Inc. (FGES) to supply electricity from a clean and renewable source. Under the contract that took effect on March 26, Puresteel will buy 600 kilowatts (kW) of RE for its facilities in Mandaue, Cebu. Energy Development Corp., another First Gen subsidiary, will supply the power from its geothermal power plants in Leyte island. With the new power supply contract, the Chioson Group now draws all its power needs, totaling 2,100 kilowatts or 2.1 megawatts, from EDC’s geothermal facilities. The group of companies aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Alena Mae S. Flores

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

By Jenniffer B. Austria

NEW CLARK TERMINAL. Delegates to the recently-held World Travel and Tourism Council Summit in Manila visit the new terminal of Clark International Airport as part of an investment tour. Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. chief executive Bi Yong Chungunco (second from right) introduces the new terminal of CRK, which is crucial in achieving its objective of serving millions of the country’s travelers and pushing economic developments in the region. With Chungunco are (from left) Richard Haddad of the UAE delegation, lawyer Charles Bautsta of the Tourism Promotions Board and lawyer Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

BSP prepares sanctions on 2 banks over ‘hacking’ T Manila

Standard

TODAY

By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday it will impose sanctions on BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets and controlled by the Sy Group, and Union Bank of the Philippines of the Aboitiz Group over a hacking incident last year that affected the accounts of clients. BDO said it would comply with the BSP decision, but added it would not have any impact on the bank’s operations. “We will work with the BSP to ensure a more secure banking environment,” said BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan. The BSP, however, did not specify what type of sanctions it will impose on the two big banks. It said in a statement it completed the investigation into the incident that originated from a compromised web service in December 2021. The incident involved unauthorized access of accounts with BDO and fund transfers mostly to accounts with UnionBank. “Based on the results of the investigation, the Monetary Board approved the imposition of sanctions on BDO and UBP to ensure that both banks will swiftly address the issues the BSP noted,” the BSP said in a statement. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said “this incident is a reminder that we should continue to enhance our defenses against cyber threat actors to protect the integrity of the financial system and the interests of depositors.”

Doctors back Vape Bill’s final version to protect youth and penalize violators LEADING medical experts lauded Congress for including strict provisions in the final version of the Vape Bill to prevent the use of substandard electronic cigarettes, flavored vapes and products with high-nicotine content. Dr. Dante Dator, one of the country’s top urologists, said the bill will ensure the regulation of these products, which the existing laws do not address. “Equally important and unknown to many, [the Vape Bill imposes] total ban on selling high-nicotine vapor products, which the current law, RA 11467, does not have. This is as restrictive as it can get. It’s a no-brainer that this bill should pass into law,” said Dator, who is also a former executive director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. Dator’s comment followed the publication last week of the details of the final version of the Vape Bill and its key provisions, particularly those designed to protect minors and

regulate the sale, advertising and public use of vapor products and HTPs, which are considered less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes. The final version of the Vape Bill, as approved by the bicameral conference committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, bans the selling of vapor products with nicotine content above 65 mg/ml. It also prohibits the use of flavor descriptors that appeal to minors in addition to the ban on using flavors that appeal to minors under RA 11467. The bill also prohibits the display of vape products beside other products that appeal to minors in stores as well as the use of celebrities and social media influencers in advertising materials. Dator said the final version of the Vape Bill, once enacted into law, will guarantee the protection of the youth, so they will not use these products.

BPI upbeat on 2022 growth prospects BANK of the Philippine Islands, the thirdlargest lender in terms of assets, is bullish on the 2022 growth prospects amid the sustained strength of core businesses and the reopening of the economy, a top executive said Thursday. BPI president and chief executive Teodoro Limcaoco, in an online briefing, did not provide the bank’s net income guidance for the year but expressed confidence the growth momentum from 2021 and the first quarter this year could be carried over to the rest of the year. “The first quarter [numbers] were very strong… and provisioning and loan book were well taken care of. Our net interest margins were strong in the first quarter… These may linger till the end of the year,” Limcaoco said. BPI executive vice president and chief finance officer Maria Theresa Marcial said the expected higher interest rates environment this year would be good for the bank’s balance sheet. “We saw an increase in net interest earnings in the first quarter, and this can be sustained for the balance of the year,” Marcial said.

“With the reopening of the economy, we are seeing around 10 to 12 percent growth across loan books, and we see good signs in our asset quality,” Marcial said. Marcial said any interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from the recordlow of 2 percent would be good for earnings and asset repricing. Limcaoco said the bank would spend a substantial amount for technology this year— amounting to about P13.5 billion—as digitalization emerges as the trend in the banking industry. “We spent P9 billion in technology-related items in 2021, and the budgeted spend this year is around 50 percent higher,” Limcaoco said. BPI posted a net income of P8.0 billion in the first quarter, up 59.6 percent from the same period last year on higher net interest income, lower loss provisions and normalized tax expenses, after last year’s one-time tax adjustments upon effectivity of the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act. Julito G. Rada

The BSP investigation recognized the corrective actions undertaken by both banks related to the cyber incident, including reimbursement by BDO of affected clients. The sanctions imposed emphasize the importance of continuously enhancing risk management systems involving cybersecurity, anti-money laundering and combating terrorism and proliferation financing, the regulator said.

SHAREHOLDERS of SM Investments Corp. approved the conglomerate’s venture into renewable energy. SM Investments said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday shareholders approved the merger of the company with Allfirst Equity Holdings Inc., the holding company of Philippine Geothermal Production Co., which in turn operates the Tiwi and Mak-Ban steam fields. SM Investments will be the surviving entity under the merger plan. “The acquisition is in line with group’s strong commitment to sustainability and in promoting renewable energy in the Philippines,” the conglomerate said. The merger will enable SM Investments to invest directly in clean renewable energy-related production and create value for minority shareholders. SM Investments plans to issue 43 common shares in exchange for one Allfirst common share or a total of 21.5 million SM Investments common shares, subject to a fairness opinion by an independent appraiser. Out of the 21.5 million SM Investments common shares, four million shares will be issued by SM Investments to itself, and be treated as treasury shares, while 17.4 million shares will be issued to the other shareholders of Allfirst Equity. SM Investments owns a 19-percent stake in Allfirst Equity prior to the deal. The merger is expected to completed by the third quarter of 2022.

Sports

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Filipino Kai Sotto, shown here defending against Serbian Boban Marjanovic, a player of the Dallas Mavericks, declared his intention to join the 2022 NBA Draft.

Sotto projected to be chosen in 2nd round of NBA ‘22 Draft AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CHARMAINE GONZALES CARANDANG and Remm Gonzales Carandang who died on May 10, 2015 and December 24, 2016 respectively in the City of Mandaluyong Philippines have been extrajudicially settled to Carl John G. Carandang. The deceased left a Parcel of Land with TCT No. 008-2013000009. This Settlement under Notary Public ATTY JAN RURIK D. PADIERNOS as per Doc. No. 210, Page No. 42, Book No. 10, Series of 2022. (MStandard-Apr. 29, May 6 & 13, 2022)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 106 QUEZON CITY DEXTER D. ABANTO, Petitioner, -versus-

R-QZN-21-04425 CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Pursuant to Article 36 of the Family Code

KATHERINE SANGLA Y -ABANTO, Local Civil Registrar of Antipolo City and the Philippine Statistics Authority, Respondent, x---------------------------------------------------x

ORDER OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

In a verified Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed on June 7, 2021 , petitioner prays that after due hearing his marriage to the respondent which was solemnized on February 17, 2011 , by Hon. Danilo O. Leyble, City Mayor, Antipolo City, be declared NULL AND VOID, AB INITIO, on the ground of psychological incapacity of both parties. Summons was issued on November 2, 2021. The Officers Return dated December 6, 2021 states that respondent is now in Dubai since sometime in June 2021. On February 2, 2022, petitioner filed a Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication praying that the service of summons be effected upon the respondent by publication which was granted, per Order dated February 28, 2022 of the court.

By Peter Atencio

FTER two years of waiting, Adelaide 36ers’ rookie Kai Sotto of the Philippines said he is ready for the 2022 NBA Draft. The 7’3” Sotto said this after he came up with a solid finish in his season with the 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League. Sotto had been scoring in double-figures in his last two games with Adelaide and even had a career-high 21 points against Brisbane in April. The 19-year-old Sotto posted his decision on his Instagram account on Thursday and thanked Adelaide for helping him develop his game during the season. “I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. Please pray for and support me during my quest to fulfil my ultimate dream,” said Sotto in a message to his well-wishers on Instagram. According to the website nbadraftroom.come, Sotto is expected to be picked in the second round of the draft, which is teeming with big men. The website listed Sotto as the 17th-best center in the

Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in “Manila Standard”, a newspaper of national circulation, pursuant to P.D. No.1079, at the expense of the petitioner. Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and sent by registered mail to the respondent at her last known address also at the expense of the petitioner, and for petitioner to submit to this court proof of compliance herewith.

NLP/trc OSG ACP Dexter D. Abanto Katherine Sanglay-Abanto Atty. Karl Daniel E. Buban

(Sgd.) NOEL L. PAREL Judge

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 106, QUEZON CITY (rtc2gzn106@judiciary.gov.ph 8639-6019) DEXTER D. ABANTO, Petitioner, -versus-

Civil Case No.R-QZN-21-04425 CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Pursuant to Article 36 of the Family Code

KATHERINE SANGLAY-ABANTO, Local Civil Registrar of Antipolo City And the Philippine Statistics Authority, Respondents. x ------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

A Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication was filed by petitioner, through counsel. In the Officers Return dated December 6, 2021 summons was not served for the reason that the respondent is now in Dubai since sometime in June 2021, as per information of Ms. Jacqueline Lubrica, cousin of the respondent. The 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure provide that when the defendant does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff, service of summons may, by leave of court, be effected by publication in a newspaper of national circulation in such places, and a copy of the summons and the order of the court shall be sent by registered mail to the last known address of defendant {Rule 14, Section 15}. Also, the Rule on Declaration of Absolute Nullity of Void Marriages provides that when respondent cannot be located at his/her given address or his whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, summons may be effected on him/her by publication, with a copy of the summons be sent to him/her by registered mail at his/her last known address {Section 6, A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC} WHEREFORE, the Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication is granted. Let an Order of Summons by Publication be issued. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, February 28, 2022. NLP/trc:: OSG, Petitioner, Atty. Buban

(Sgd.) NOEL L. PAREL Judge

(MStandard - Apr. 29 & May 6, 2022)

THOMAS Gabuat and Ma. Judyann Padilla got back into the groove of things and fashioned out another pair of victories each to boost their rankings in the PPS-PEPP national age group tournament in Zamboanga del Norte last Tuesday. Gabuat mastered Pete Bandala twice, posting a 6-3, 6-2 triumph in the boys’ 16-and-under finals then claiming the 18-U crown via 6-2, 6-3 romp while Padilla took the girls’ 16-U title with a 6-4, 6-4 decision over Christine Gulagula. The Ozamiz City find then survived arch rival AJ Acabo, 5-7, 6-4, 10-3, to rule the 18-U division of the Labason leg of the grueling Mindanao swing of the nationwide junior circuit. Gabuat, from Zamboanga Sibugay, and Padilla also dominated the PPS Dipolog leg with two wins apiece two weeks ago but were foiled by Vince Serna (18-U) and Acabo (16-U) in last week’s Sindangan stop of the country’s longest-running agegrouper put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Marlyn Mesiona likewise kept the girls’ 14-U crown with a 6-0, 6-0 rout of Nicole Gom-Os while Bandala made up for his twin losses in the upper division by topping the boys’ 14-U class with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Kevin Gallinero. Others who shone in the Group 2 tournament at the Labason tennis courts were Vienna Cagas of Oroquieta City, who trounced Marian Sarsaba, 6-0, 6-0, and 10-year-old Sherwin Gom-os, who blasted Brielle Gamus, 6-1, 6-2, to clinch the 12-U top honors. Meanwhile, action in the circuit presented by Dunlop and held under the auspices of the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) resumed yesterday (Thursday) for the Liloy leg, also in Zambo del Norte. Lanao del Norte will host the next stop on May 1-3 for the Maranding leg while Oroquieta City in Misamis Oriental will host the next stop on May 4-6. For details and registration, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Bautista scores golden double at PH trackfest

NOW, THEREFORE, respondent KATHERINE SANGLAYABANTO, whose last known address is at No. 110 Gen. Luna Street, Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City, is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 106, Quezon City, National Capital Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Quezon City, her answer to the petition in the instant case within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last date of publication of this summons. In the event of failure to do so, this court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not collusion exists between the parties in the filing of the instant petition; and if it is determined that there is no such collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present his evidence in support of the petition.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, March 8, 2022.

coming draft, with Chet Holmgren (7’0”, Gonzaga), Jalen Duren (6’10”, Memphis) and Mark Williams (7’0”, Duke) occupying the Top 3. Other slotmen ahead of Sotto in the list are 6’11” Khalifa Diop of Senegal, 7’1” Christian Koloko of Arizona, 6’11” Walker Kessler of Auburn, 6’11” Ismael Kamagate of France, 6’9” Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky, 7’3” Zvonimir Ivisic of Croatia, 7’1” Ibou Dianko Badji of Senegal and 7’0” Kofi Cockburn of Illinois. Sotto made a decision to turn pro two years ago, leading him to join the first batch of G League Ignite players. But Sotto was not able to play a game in the NBA’s developmental league after a call up to the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team kept him to joining a G League tournament that was held under a bubble in Florida. He eventually signed with Adelaide in the NBL as a Special Restricted Player. In his first season with the 36ers, Sotto normed 7.52 points on 50 percent shooting with 4.48 rebounds. “Thank you, Adelaide! Thank you, Australia! It has been an unforgettable year! To the 36ers’ management, my teammates, my coaching staff and my agent Joel Bell, I am a better man and a better professional player than a year ago because you all took me under your wing and challenged and mentored me to live up to expectations,” said Sotto on IG.

Gabuat, Padilla win, boost PPS net rankings

Clinton Kingsley Bautista

UNABLE to compete in the last Singapore Open, Clinton Kingsley Bautista made the most of his last tuneup before the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games in sweeping both of his events at the Philippine Athletics Championships at the Philsports track oval on Thursday. An Apprentice Seaman in the Philippine Navy, Bautista ruled his pet event, the men’s 110-meter hurdles, in 14.36 seconds and had much left to spare 40 minutes later in topping the 200-meter run in 21.91 seconds. The 29-year-old pride of Camiling, Tarlac emerged as the first double gold medalist in the two-day meet organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. “Given the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, our hosting of the Philippine Athletic Championships is

our last effort to prime our athletes for the Vietnam SEA Games,” Patafa president Philip Ella Juico said of the event that drew 482 athletes from all over the country. “Maganda sana makapag-compete sa Singapore Open para maibaba ko pa ‘yong time ko, pero ganu’n lang po talaga. Kaya pinaigi ko ang takbo dito since huling laro namin before the SEA Games kaya dapat pag-igihan,” said Bautista, who only had a 40-minute break in-between events. He will be out to defend his men’s 110-meter hurdles title in the Vietnam SEAG athletic competitions unfold on May 14 at the My Dinh National Stadium in the capital of Hanoi. Not to content with accomplishments in the morning, the athlete was eyeing his third gold in the afternoon in the trackfest also backed by Iligan City, G-Shock Casio, Chips Delight and Lily’s Peanut Butter.

Remaining in the country after competing in the last Singapore Open, 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Fil-Am Willie Morrison III also made his mark in hurling 49.97 meters in topping the men’s discus throw. “I like it here, especially in Baguio where I’ve been training because it’s pretty cool over there,” said Morrison, who has been training in the Pines City for a week before coming down for the meet. The reigning men’s SEA Games shot put king will hope to add another gold today in his favorite event in the competition also supported by GuanaPro-C, Cellife Cellular Nutrition, @Tokyo, Masiv Sports, Gatorate, Summit Mineral Water and Pencer Q. SEAG-bound Edwin Giron and Bernalyn Bejoy swept the men’s 800-meter runs in times of 1:53.75 and 2:12.66, respectively.

Bernardo, Pantig fall to Malaysians in Asian badminton NATIONAL team members Christian Bernardo and Paul John Pantig got a glimpse of how the opposition will be in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam during the Smart Badminton Asia Championships 2022 on Thursday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Muntinlupa City. The 26-year-old Pantig and the 24-year-old Bernardo took on world no. 44 Malaysian partners Man Wei Chong and Kai Wun Tee and fell in a 7-21, 12-21 setback following a men’s doubles, second-round encounter that lasted just 27 minutes. Pantig, an enlisted man in the Philippine Navy, said they need more patience and control of the ball the next time they meet the Malaysian duo at the Bac Giang venue in Hanoi. “Sobrang konti lang ang rally namin. We need more patience and control of the ball. We were rushing our shots against them,” said Pantig, who is also first timer in a world-class level encounter and with new national coach Rosnan Razak watching over them. Bernardo, a returning player to the national squad, led a small comeback in the second set after the Malaysians took a 13-6. Bernardo’s smashes allowed the Filipino tandem to get close, 10-13. But a series of errors after the Malay-

sians went on the offensive allowed Man and Kai to move ahead, 19-11. Earlier, world no. 7 Pusarla V. Sindhu of India earned a place in the quarterfinals with a win over Singapore’s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi, 21-16, 21-16, in the women’s singles’ Round of 16. Sindhu earlier hurdled a tough matchup with Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei to win, 18-21, 27-25, 21-9. Sindhu will take on world No. 9 He Bing Jao of China in the last eight, as the Chinese fifth-seed took down Japan’s Ohori Aya in a three-setter, 18-21, 21-13, 21-13. World no. 2 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, meanwhile, fended off the challenge of Indonesia’s Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi, 21-23, 21-9, 21-19. In the men’s singles, world No. 52 Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia got past Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, 21-19, 22-20, while compatriot and world no. 8 Jonathan Christie and reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore arranged a quarterfinal showdown. Christie fought off Daren Liew of Malaysia, 21-14, 13-21, 21-19, while Loh downed Japanese Koki Watanabe, 21-16, 21-6. The men’s doubles saw another upset as Ren Xiang Yu and Tan Qiang of China dominated

World no. 7 Pusarla V. Sindhu of India earns a place in the quarterfinals with a win over Singapore’s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi, 21-16, 21-16.

world No. 2 pair Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, 21-9, 21-15. Peter Atencio

Clark Development Corporation@29 Anniversary Special Issue

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 E-mail: advertise@gmail.com

Beyond adversities: CDC celebrates 29 years of continued success

LARK Development Corporation (CDC) marked its 29 years in service with the significant milestones it has achieved amidst the challenges posed by the global health crisis. The state-owned firm’s remarkable gains on investments, financial performance, and other developments also underscored its resilience and stability in the face of adversity. GROWTH IN NUMBERS With 1,153 locator companies from diverse industries, CDC soars even higher. These locator firms presently employ a total of 121,341 workers from the Freeport’s surrounding communities. A growth in the aggregate investments in Clark was also observed, with a value of P 9.6 billion for 2021. Meanwhile, industry leaders from around the world are also turning to Clark for a more favorable investment climate. According to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, CDC has the third highest share on the country’s overall growth rate in terms of approved Foreign Investments. CDC’s stake was valued at P 3.68 billion, an increase of 43 percent than in 2020 with P2.57 billion. Filipino investments in Clark are also on the rise with a 16.2 percent growth in

LEADERS OF DEVELOPMENT. CDC Board of Directors led by its Chairman Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan (6th from left) with CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (5th from right) continue to create more possibilities for Clark Freeport Zone. Also at the forefront in bringing Clark to greater heights are (from L-R) Dir. Marcelino Q. Malajacan, Jr., Dir. Ernesto D. De Vota, Dir. Felimon T. Santos, Jr., Dir. Ana Liza A. Peralta, Vice Chairman Benjamin P. Defensor, Jr., Dir. Jon T. Castro, Dir. Luisito V. Clavano, Dir. Emmanuel B. Salamat, and Dir. Arturo B. Ortiz.

of Clark Freeport Zone as a premier investment destination across the globe with its notable pecuniary performance last year. Positive developments on its finances were posed, citing a revenue of P2.63 Billion for 2021 which is one percent higher than its data in 2020 at P2.60 Billion. The state-run corporation similarly maintained a strong financial stance with an overall cash position of P5.96 Billion in 2021. This signifies a 15 percent upturn compared to the figure in 2020 at P5.19 billion. The government–owned corporation correspondingly generated a P1.30 Billion net income last year, a 55 percent upswing against its P0.84 Billion net income in 2020. CDC’s financial report also showed Turn to C2

A MILLIONAIRE’S PLAYGROUND. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Chairman Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan (4th from right) joined Hann Philippines Inc. Chairman and CEO Daesik Han (3rd from right) in leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the soft opening of Hann Casino Resort inside Clark Freeport Zone. Also, in the photo are (from left to right) Hann Philippines, Inc. Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Engineering Vic Sia, Hann Philippines, Inc. Assistant Vice President for Finance Mitchell Estacio, Hann Philippines Inc. Assistant Vice President for Corporate Planning, Development and Communication Agnes Liwanag, Hann Philippines, Inc. Assistant Vice President for Surveillance & Security Jan Andres Struwig, and Swissotel Clark and Widus Hotel General Manager Tarek Aouini.

2021. The approved foreign investments are expected to generate 6,690 job opportunities in Clark.

OUTSTANDING ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE CDC has reinforced the positioning

BUILDING A SMART CITY. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan signed a memorandum of agreement with Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) Chief Executive Officer Kim, Hyun-Jun for the development of a feasibility study for Clark Smart City Project.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

All-star concert pays tribute to frontliners

HOUSANDS Of fans and frontliners flocked to the Smart Araneta Coliseum last April 26 for the Vax to Normal concert. The star-studded show, produced by Merlion Events Production Inc., is a tribute concert for our nation’s frontliners who are at the forefront of the country’s pandemic response. The musical extravaganza also recognized the heroism of medical and non-medical frontliners who have gone above and beyond to perform their duties amid the pandemic. Calista, the country’s most promising girl group, headlined the concert and performed its single, “Race Car.” Managed by Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM), Calista is composed of six multi-talented members Olive, Laiza, Anne, Elle, Dain, and Denise. During the weeks leading up to the concert, they trained for 12 hours a day. “From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Calista trained their vocals and dance skills with their powerhouse coaching team. They are trained by Crissie and Froilan of Douglas Nierras Power Dance, Vimi Rivera, Manouvers, and Marnie Jereza,” Tyronne Escalante, Calista’s manager, shares. Aside from Calista, the concert also

featured guest performances by Yeng Constantino, Elmo Magalona, AC Bonifacio, Darren, Andrea Brillantes, and Ken San Jose. Together, these industry idols energized the audience with their powerful and iconic performances. Many frontliners expressed their appreciation for the tribute concert. They hope that the country continues to heal and encourage everyone to get themselves vaccinated so that we can achieve herd immunity and achieve prepandemic normalcy. “We are eternally grateful for our heroes, our frontliners—both medical and non-medical—who have gone above and beyond their duties to help save the country amid this pandemic. Now, we can attend concerts such as this, meet our friends and families again, travel, and much more. None of this would have been possible if not for our brave frontliners,” Merlion Events Production Inc. CEO Atty. Javier Flores emphasized. Directed by Nico Faustino and Musical Director Soc Mina, Vax to Normal will be telecast on TV5 on May 1, 9:00 p.m. As for the future of Calista, Escalante shares that everyone will have to stay tuned for updates on their social media channels—Facebook (Calista PH), Instagram (@calistamusicofficial), Twitter (@calistasocials), TikTok (@ calistamusicofficial), and YouTube (Calista PH); or visit their website at calistasocials.com.

Calista during the ‘Vax to Normal’ conert

Serenading the queens drums and guitar at the age of anxiety and depression. I want to let nine through the encouragement you guys know that you aren’t alone,” of his parents Jon Martin and he went on to say that he turned to Fatima. Martin is also a member “healthy ways” to cope and “become of a band known as The Aura. ETON a better person.” “I’m honored and excited CONCEPCION *** to perform on the coronation Man of the World 2019 night, and so happy to see the Jin Kyu Kim crowned Philippines for the first time. I will be here until May South Korean model Kim Jin Kyu was officially and going to travel to Boracay,” enthused Martin, crowned Man of the World 2019 in a simple whose parents hail from Nueva Vizcaya. Barely getting started with his musical career, ceremony held at Okada Manila on Sunday. The Martin is ready to grow as an artist having released 29-year-old Jin Kyu was awarded the title vacated his first single “Swollen,” which he self-wrote under by dethroned Daniel Georgiev of Bulgaria being the 19 Recordings. His debut EP Beautiful Ramblings of first runner up in the 2019 Man of the World pageant. The crowning of Jin Kyu was organized by a Restless Mind is an emotional six-track collection which laid bare the emotional rollercoaster he had Carlo Morris Galang, president of Prime Events Productions Philippines Inc. (PEPPS); and Ray Casa been through. Martin admitted having struggled with anxiety and Group of Companies, headed by Jennelyn Delos depression, especially at the height of the pandemic. Santos Floresca, MOTW executive director; and He had posted on Instagram a heartfelt message for Jinky Lontoc, MOTW project director. Gracing the event were MOTW USA Brandex Cruz, MOTW anybody who needed to hear it. “My life is not all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve Iran Ali Gharibzadeh and MOTW Philippines been going through a lot of emotional turmoil these Nadim Elzein. Jin Kyu, who is an aspiring actor and has been cast last few months and have been struggling with

PAGEANT CONCEPT

‘American Idol’ 2020 finalist Francisco Martin

FIL-AM American Idol 2020 finalist Francisco Martin will be a special guest performer at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Coronation happening on April 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena. He will serenade this year’s beauties vying for the coveted MUPh crown with his original composition “Stay.” The 21-year-old pre-law student at College of San Mateo, who gave judge Luke Bryan goose-bumps on his Maggie Rogers “Alaska audition,” made shockwaves during his stint at the 18th Season of the pandemic-delayed reality show, remotely filmed from the contestants’ homes. Martin, a San Francisco resident who moved to Los Angeles, California, started singing and playing

‘Prima Donnas’ comes to a close, plans to end show with a bang

Elijah Alejo

Jillian Ward

By Patricia Taculao THE highly-anticipated drama series from GMA Network Prima Donnas is down to its last episodes after months of drama-filled scenes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Stars Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, and Sofia Pablo headline the series and demonstrates their acting prowess by breathing life into the characters of the three Donnas. Staying true to the series’ compelling nature, the finale of Prima Donna promises to be just as surprising. Jillian even teases that there are numerous revelations about the show fans wouldn’t want to miss. “Ang dapat talagang abangan is kung happy ending yung show namin or baka may suspense pa rin sa ending,” the young actress said during an online media conference for the show’s finale. Jillian even joked about the possibility of a third season. Since its first season, Prima Donnas was rife with twists and turns in the plot. It’s this level of storytelling from the production and creative teams that prompted the renewal of the series for a second season early this year. Moreover, Althea added that the finale has the possibility of revealing Bethany’s (Sheryl Cruz) secret to the family. Since its first season, Prima Donnas challenged the three young actresses to add levels of emotion to their characters and make them more relatable to the audience. Although the second season is coming to a close, the cast holds unforgettable memories and experiences from the series. For Althea, it was her growth as an actress and how she imbibed this maturity

Sofia Pablo

in her character, Donna Belle. According to her, Donna Belle is a positive yet fierce person. In the first season, she’s frequently quarreling with Brianna (Elijah Alejo), but in the second season, Althea’s character became more understanding toward others as part of character her development arc. On the other hand, Elijah holds the cast’s relationships and bonding, as they’ve been working together for nearly three years on Prima Donnas, close to her heart. She and the other young actresses on the cast grew up together while working on the series. “When I started on Prima Donnas, I was 14. Doon ako nag-celebrate ng 15th, 16th, and 17th birthday ko. Talagang part na ng life ko ang Prima Donnas and yung mga memories ko dito na natutunan, yung mga lessons, hindi ko kakalimutan hanggang sa pagtanda,” Elijah said. Award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar directed the two seasons of Prima Donnas and saw just how much the young actresses matured on and offscreen. “They’ve shown great talents. Ngayon nasa kakanila na ‘yon kung aalagaan nila ‘yon dahil mahaba ang tatakbuhin nila dito sa buhay ng showbiz. Acting is a 24/7 education—nagbabago yan everyday. Hindi [ka] pupwede mag-stay sa isang kind ng acting,” Gina said. She also guided the young actresses on how to become better at playing their roles by encouraging them to explore different avenues, actions, and emotions that show a variety while being apt for the scene. Prima Donnas’ last episode airs tomorrow, April 30, on GMA-7.

in an upcoming Netflix series, said he is proud to claim the crown he thought was rightfully his and is happy to be back in the country to help promote the 4th Man of the World pageant. Jin Kyu is set to visit Sagada, Banaue, and Baguio and will be back for the finals on June 18. Man of the World 2022 is being endorsed by the Department of Tourism and is partnering with the local government of Mt. Province and Baguio City where the pageant will be held with some 40 delegates. The 4th edition of MOTW is anchored on the theme “restoration of tourism and preservation of cultural heritage” which was affected by the impact of the pandemic. Its aim is global transformation through togetherness and collaboration for all the delegates.

PEOPLE … are talking about Jake Cuenca After confirming his breakup with Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa on Instagram, Jake didn’t hold his emotions back and posted photos of him crying, showing that he cared as much about their relationship. He showed a vulnerable side to him that broke the toxic masculinity trope, highlighting his love and respect toward his former partner. Jake and Kylie also kept everything under wraps until they reached a mutual understanding, a break from all the intense drama we’ve seen lately.

Althea Ablan

South Korean model Jin Kyu Kim (second from left) bags the Man of the World 2019 title

…are not talking about Baron Geisler Last week was filled with highs and lows for the actor as news about his alcohol relapse circulated through media outlets and social media. He and his wife, Jamie Evangelista, are taking a break to sort things out. On the other hand, Baron also recently graduated with a college degree in Theology. Hopefully, he and his wife come to a mutual understanding about his condition and come out stronger for the sake of their family.

Ricci Rivero Daniel Padilla The basketball player for the University The young actor proves that he’s still a fan favorite as of the Philippines’ Fighting Maroons also thousands of his admirers all took the time made headlines some time ago for asking to greet him on his birthday. Throughout Andrea Brillantes to be his girlfriend his years in showbiz, Daniel changed after a match. Their relationship earned the landscape of Philippine movies and both praise and criticism from the teleseryes, along with his beau Kathryn public, but it’s unlike other relationship Bernardo, to bring kilig to viewers and announcements where people stay tuned a whole other spectrum of emotions. His shine hasn’t dulled just yet as the public to get kilig updates. Most of the people have already moved continues to demand his appearance in on from them. Nevertheless, it seems the pair are happy to be in each other’s company. more projects.

News pillars Soho, Enriquez continue to gain Filipinos’trust LEADING broadcast company GMA Network as well as its news pillars Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez consistently hold the Filipinos’ trust in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2022. In this year’s awarding ceremonies held on April 8, the Kapuso Network once again took the Platinum Award for the TV Network category – the highest honor among the most trusted brands. Formally receiving the award for the Network was GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong. “This is a testament to what we’ve been doing especially in public service as well as the way we deliver news,” said Yalong. GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon also shared how GMA maintains its reputation as the most trusted network. “It helps that we are not beholden to any political group or entity, that we are an independent media organization, and that we have no other interests to protect. We have no other

agenda outside of the drive to excel and to serve our public and viewers the best way we can.” Kapuso broadcast journalists Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez were likewise awarded as the most trusted personalities in their respective categories. Reader’s Digest Hall of Famer Jessica Soho was hailed as the “Most Trusted TV Host for News and Current Affairs” for the 13th consecutive time. Soho continues to earn the Filipinos’ trust year after year, long after earning a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2018. The highly-acclaimed broadcast journalist hosts the top-rating Sunday program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) which is also the most followed Filipino TV show on Facebook. Mike Enriquez, on the other hand, earned his eighth award as the “Most Trusted Radio Presenter” as Filipinos continue to recognize his commitment to Serbisyong Totoo. Enriquez anchors Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide and Saksi sa Dobol B on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz.

The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards is the prestigious annual award-giving body that recognizes which brands and services, as well as the personalities, consumers trust the most and is conducted through its Trusted Brand Survey.

GMA Network EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong (right) formally receives the Platinum Award for the TV Network category

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

To teach is to love By Khristine E. Cuaresma

COME from a family of educators. I have aunts and uncles who were teachers and they have motivated and inspired me to become one of them.

Aside from my family, my teachers during elementary and high school days were very supportive. They fostered within me a desire to learn, challenge myself and pursue my dreams. My father died when I was in fourth grade due to a vehicular accident. He was from Masbate and worked as a lineman for an electric cooperative. Losing my father caused me and my family so much pain. I could hardly focus on my studies with the thought of my father gone. Losing him at 10 was probably the most difficult thing I had gone through during my childhood and up until now. After the demise of my father, my mother went to Cebu to work as a domestic helper. Because of the distance of Cebu from General Santos and the travel

expense, she would only come home to visit us during the Christmas holidays. This became the most important annual event for me and my four siblings. Despite our loss, and to help my mother out, I persisted and was able to retain my SK scholarship from elementary to high school. After graduating high school from the New Society National High School in General Santos City I had to get a college scholarship since my mother could not afford to send me to college. While looking for a college scholarship, I met a lady who awakened the flame that I felt when Papa and I would have informal conversations at the dinner table or during our lull times before bed. She seemed to have touched in me

Khristine with young learners

a fervor to carry on. My next step was to apply for a fouryear scholarship upon the prodding of that lady. During the crucial interview, I poured out all the emotional burden that my heart was carrying, sharing the pain that seemed to engulf me at that moment. After blabbering for almost an hour, the lady then shared her own journey, the challenges that she went through. I bonded with her and felt that I was like her. She made me understand the meaning of life and death, and that each one of us has a purpose in life. Then she asked me: “What is your role?” I did not have an answer. With that question, I felt as though I would break down and throw away my chance of getting a scholarship. “The tragic accident may have ended your father’s life but it did not end yours. It is a beginning for you to move on, to carry on, take more responsibility and make your life as meaningful as it was to him.”

Khristine together with her co-teachers at Pao Pao Elementery School

Khristine checks learning modules submitted by learners

These words struck me and made me realize that I should strive even harder for the sake of my Mother and my siblings. She told me that my current situation should not stop me from striving even harder - especially under dire circumstances. The woman was Linda Atayde, the Executive Director for Education of SM Foundation. As she had foreseen, I became an SM scholar. With the opportunity, I was determined to get good grades to sustain the scholarship grant from SM. The scholarship did not only push me to get good grades, it also provided me with enriching experience despite being a probinsyana. It gave me an opportunity to interact with fellow scholars who are the same age as mine. It also allowed me to learn and enjoy working for SM during my summer and semestral breaks. After graduation, I experienced my first airplane ride to Manila to meet my benefactor, the shopping mall magnate, Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr., in person. It was an invaluable experience for someone like me, a probinsyana who rarely had the opportunity to meet prominent persons. Meeting Tatang made me feel

so lucky and grateful. The experience was indeed priceless. I graduated in 2015 and sadly, two years after, my mother passed on. It was another painful experience, but deep in my heart I knew I had to be strong for my siblings. When I traveled back to Mindanao, I was hired as a substitute teacher at the Lozano Elementary School, teaching six subjects to Grade 4 and Grade 6 pupils. It was a difficult assignment but with my passion, I am confident to say that I did a good job in mentoring our learners. This year is my fourth year as a teacher. I am currently teaching at the PaoPao Elementary School (PES) which is located in Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City, 11 kilometers from where my family and I live. Barangay Sinawal is a far-flung, agribased community which is also prone to landslides. And because of the difficulty in transportation, I learned how to drive a motorcycle just to reach our school. Read full story on manilastandard.net Khristine Cuaresma is an SM Scholar and an alumna of the Mindanao State University-General Santos City campus.

Got to believe in Sandro’s magic

How an online fitness and diet coach transforms bodies and changes lives AFTER more than a year of battling my pandemic woes with habitual snacking, I ended up with weight gain. Tired of the usual quick fixes (name the diet and I must have tried it!), I changed my game. The first step was to seek help. Help came in the form of a fitness and meal plan carefully curated by Coach Sandro Roman, an online fitness and diet coach, a bodybuilder, and an ultrarunner. With what many of his clients refer to as the #SandroMagic, I found myself starting to shed the pounds I needed to lose in no time while enjoying the use of dumbbells I used to dread. What’s behind the magic trick? “I offer a completely customized training and diet plan that is tailored to a client’s specific needs,” Coach Sandro explained to me what the Sandro Roman Fitness Program is all about over a video call. He simply put it, “I aim to provide a specific routine that will basically dictate how my client will eat and train on any given day.” The now sought-after fitness coach makes sure to follow it up every day with guidance and unlimited chat support, seven days a week. This is to make sure his clients stick to what he proudly calls the “solid plan.” “What’s harder is sticking to it in the long run,” said Coach Sandro as he described his e a s y- t o -fol low plans that require his personalized coaching and motivation to be fully maximized. A lengthy questionnaire is filled out by his would-be clients at the start of the partnership and he keeps his services premium by limiting his number of clients per month. Coach Sandro has been in the business of coaching for three-and-a-half years and you can tell by the tone of his voice that he truly loves what he is doing. He matches his Fitness Coach passion with a large amount Sandro Roman of discipline. While he would

wish to have cheesecake and egg tarts every single day, Coach said he knows that choosing chicken breast and seafood is the way to go. The same discipline is applied to fitness. “I try to work out 365 days a year. Working out is my joy. It’s harder for me to stay away from it than to be lazy about it,” he said, making me say “Wow!” in my head. Credibility for Coach Sandro was achieved by having polarizing experiences in his fitness journey. He experienced both the struggles of a lanky kid trying to bulk up and the dilemma of a college student who has ballooned to 210 pounds due to stress eating. He knew where people are coming from whether they are in a thin As a fitness coach, Sandro Roman customizes training and diet plans tailored to a client’s specific needs or a heavy state. “It has been my passion, my only job. I have no side hustle,” Secret to success he shared. “There’s nothing better Asked if there’s an indicator beforehand that than going to sleep at night knowing you’re able to transform people wher- a client will become successful on the program, ever they may be in the world or Coach Sandro noddingly said yes but clarified whatever walk of life they that things are not always black and white. He just could sometimes tell by the way answers are come from.” Waking up to written on his sign-up sheet. “Someone who has messages from a higher motivation is more likely to succeed,” clients and he said. “Someone who is coming from a harder r e a d i n g place in life is going to have a harder time but I about the always welcome the challenge.” Coach Sandro’s clientele now ranges from the impact busiest politicians to college and professional of his p r o - athletes, CEOs, and stay-at-home moms. “I adg r a m just the intensity of my method according to how o n much help they need. Some may need more help t h e i r than others,” the fitness enthusiast explained. Consistency, Coach Sandro said, is what he l ive s has observed through the years to be the key k e e p Coach San- to weight loss and fitness. This is what he tries to train his clients to develop while trusting the dro going. “ W h e n process. “I teach them good habits, I teach them someone tells how to do workouts intensely, I tell them what to me he lost 50 eat, and most of all, I try to be flexible by makpounds because of ing sure they still get to enjoy the things they the routine I’ve giv- love in life,” he said. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I asked Coach en him or when a bride becomes confident and Sandro if anyone can have the much-coveted sixready for her wedding pack abs as he does. His candid answer is that it day, that keeps me go- depends on genetics. He said, “For some people, ing,” he said, describ- there’s a chance that they might never have abs. ing in detail what gives But is it possible for anyone to achieve low body him a boost as a coach. fat levels? Yes. Our bodies are God-given. You “As cliché as that may can shape it as well as you can but genetics are sound, I find more joy beyond your control. Getting six-pack abs is not in helping others, than automatic but anyone can achieve his or her fitness goals. The only way to find out is to try.” just helping myself.”

‘Philippine Art And Beyond’ features visual artists from around the world

Roy Espinosa’s new book features artists from unique cultures

THE art community is buzzing once again with a new book published by topnotch artist Roy Espinosa and edited by art critic Ben-Oliver Matias. The Filipinas Institute for the Advancement of Arts and Culture, Inc. (FILARTS) is launching its new book entitled Philippine Art and Beyond. The book launch is set for April 30, 3:00 p.m. The launch also kicks off a special exhibit of the works featured at 2L Unimart Capitol Commons, Pasig City. The book features visual artists from around the world, represented by their works and commentaries on them. These artists come from different countries of unique cultures, namely (in alphabetical order) Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Egypt, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Vietnam. The book establishes further the significant development in the art world as it reflects the artists’ notions of “personal and national identity, social commentary, cultural traditions, political stance, globalization, body politics, the mundane, and commonality.” The well-thought pieces take audiences to appreciating art and actively engaging in in-depth discussions of the projected imageries, content and perspective, and artistic processes. Contributing writers are Tess Rayos del Sol, Ruth Espinosa, Timberly S. Fuentes, Arnaldo Bernabe Mirasol, Ma. Socorro Margallo-Tan Gana, and Vanessa Tan Gana. The book cover was designed by Frank Cana, while the layout was crafted by John Renoir. Special discounts will be given to purchases by corporations, associations, and other organizations. Last year, Espinosa released the coffee table book Contemporary Art by Asian Artists, which explores the culturally diverse posits of 60 Asian visual artists as they “respond to personal and conglomerate notions of inner visions and exoteric realities projected in their art and artmaking.” Organized by ArtisteSpace, Inc., in cooperation with Unimart Capitol Commons, the exhibit for Philippine Art and Beyond will run until May 30. For details, contact the publisher at filartsincorporated@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Clark Development Corporation@29

E-mail: advertise@manilastandard.net

Anniversary Special Issue

CDC marks 29 years of empowerment By Patricia Taculao

ITH approximately 7,107 islands, the Philippines is teeming with potential tourist sites, both landlocked and sea-locked. Through tourism, investors are encouraged to establish businesses in particular areas of the country, thus boosting their economy and uplifting the lives of residents.

CDC BLOODLETTING ACTIVITY. Employees from Clark Development Corp. participated in the CDC voluntary blood donation program held at the CDC - Health and Sanitation Division (HSD) Training Hall. The activity was organized by the CDC-HSD team headed by Dr. Clemencita Dobles.

BRINGING EDUCATION CLOSER. The Clark Development Corp. officially opened its ‘Pagsasarili’ Family Care Centers in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and in Bamban, Tarlac during a hybrid ribbon-cutting ceremony and ceremonial signing in the two areas simultaneously. CDC chairman lawyer Edgardo D. Pamintuan (3rd from left) led the said ceremony together with Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. chairman Jose P. De Jesus (2nd from left), CDC vice president for admin and finance engineer Mariza O. Mandocdoc (leftmost), CDC assistant vice president for external affairs Rommel C. Narciso (rightmost), operation Brotherhood Community Foundation, Inc. president Sara Francesca S. De Guzman (2nd from right), and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. eExecutive director Filipina C. Laurena (3rd from right). Prime examples of such a location are the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) and Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ)—two contiguous areas in Pampanga and Tarlac, considered by many as one the fastest-growing

investment destinations in the Philippines today. A myriad of establishments, like hotels, restaurants, resorts, and parks, eagerly await local and foreign visitors alike. With such a grand opportunity, it’s a tragic waste if the local government and private organizations will just ignore the demand for development and maintenance. Here’s where the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) plays a role. Established in April 1993 as a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), tasked to manage the CFZ and CSEZ, the CDC oversees the daily affairs in Clark. For nearly three decades and counting, the CDC has ensured that all stakeholders have enjoyed a viable business environment in the two contiguous areas. It implements efficient policies that create a lucrative business climate inside the Freeport while boosting the economies of local communities in and around the Clark area. It stays firm in its goal of transforming the CFZ into a preferred business and tourism destination in the Asia Pacific region and enables investors to find long-term economic returns. CDC also envisions the CFZ as a modern sustainable aerotropolis and the preferred MiCE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibits) and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2030.

ENSURING SAFETY AND SECURITY. CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (3rd from right) and CDC Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan (5th from left) led the ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony of the new Public Safety Department Fire Station in Clark Freeport Zone. Also in the photo are (from left to right) CDC Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Josep Jepri Miranda, CDC Estate Preservation Division Manager Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio, Jr., LIPAD President and CEO Bi Yong Chungunco, CDC Assistant Vice President for Technical Services Department Engr. Teresito Tiotuyco, CDC Vice President for Engineering Services Group Dennis Legaspi, CDC Vice President for Security Services Group Sheldon Jacaban, and CDC Public Safety Division Manager Antonio Rosario.

Beyond adversities: ...

From C1

SM PRIME INKS NEW INVESTMENT IN CLARK. Presidential Adviser for Clark Programs and Projects and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (5th from left, 2nd row), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO and Presidential Adviser for Flagship programs and projects Vivencio Dizon (4th from left, 2nd row) witnessed the signing of lease agreement between Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (2nd from right, 1st row) and SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim (2nd from left, 1st row). Also present during the event are (from left to right, 2nd row) SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, PCCI Senior Vice President Glenn Ang, SM Prime Inc. Director Darlene Barberabe, BCDA Chairman Gregorio Garcia III, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of SM Prime Holdings Maria Elena Bautista, CDC Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group (BDBEG) Rynah Ventura (rightmost, 1st row) and SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for North Luzon Operations Bien Mateo (leftmost, 1st row). CDC Chairman Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan (not in photo) witnessed the activity via video conferencing.

that the 2021 exports value in Clark is US$ 7.2 Billion while imports is US$6.7 Billion. SPRAWLING DEVELOPMENTS More developments on infrastructures and tourism are shaping up in the Freeport. These enhanced the promotion of Clark as one of the leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibit (M.I.C.E.) destinations across the region. Some of the exciting new attractions in Clark include the launching of the Hann Resort and Casino, an integrated gaming, leisure, and entertainment center with an estimated investment of P1.2 Billion. Added to this, is the opening of the Clark Safari and Adventure Park on a 40-hectare property with a P135 million investment. These improvements will complement the imminent development of an intermodal transportation system that will provide effective, efficient, and smart mode of transportation in and around the zone. CDC and SM Prime Holdings Inc. inked a lease agreement in June 2021 for the construction of the P2 billion transport terminal that is intended to increase job opportunities while also providing a sufficient number of departure bays for Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), shuttle services, taxis, and other means of land transportation. CDC’s commitment and drive to face the hurdles posed by changing times propelled it to greater heights. The corporation’s strong economic foundation along with its other feats are the direct results of the persistent works and partnership of of the management, employees, locators, and stakeholders of CDC. Ultimately, CDC’s unstinted initiatives in championing the welfare of its nearby communities, as well as its efforts to provide inclusive development, bolstered the state-owned firm’s track record of success for 29 years that no adversity can ever undermine.