Manila Standard - 2022 April 30 - Saturday

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File photoon datedA4) July 27, 2016 shows President Duterte during a National Security Council meeting attended by four former presidents (Story including (from left) Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Harry

NCR TO REMAIN UNDER ALERT LEVEL 1 UNTIL MAY 15—PALACE

NEWS / A2

Roque says Malacanang is inclined to ask the four ex-presidents to attend a meeting on issues besetting the West Philippine Sea. NSC file

HCWs’ benefits now mandatory Duterte signs law granting frontliners better pay plan

By Vito Barcelo

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 79 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bleak outlook in food security for next 8 years

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure granting the mandatory continuing benefits to public and private healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies of a national scale.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11712, or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, on April 27, 2022.

The law grants a monthly health emergency allowance ranging from P3,000 to P9,000 depending on the “risk exposure categorization” of the frontliners. It also provides for compensation for sickness or death, among other benefits.

Also covered are frontliners who are nonhealthcare workers. These include workers rendering medical, allied medical, administrative,

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By Othel V. Campos FOOD production is not expected to recover from various setbacks for another eight years, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said Friday.The bleak outlook was the offshoot of the outbreak of several animal diseases as well as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, PCAFI president Danilo Fausto said during a forum organized by the Management Association of the Philippines.

“In our 2030 outlook, pork production levels will have nearly recovered to preASF (African Swine Fever) levels despite a slightly lower herd. The majority of pork production will come from large commercial farms, either contracted to or owned by slaughter groups,” Fausto said.

He noted an increasing trend toward integration by commercial farms to include feed production upstream and slaughtering and meat cutting downstream.

“Some of them will even integrate into retail and food service like meat shops, QSR (quick service restaurants) and online deliveries. The domestic production efficiency will be improved markedly, with the capacity of commercial producers to invest in technology and Next page infrastructure,” Fausto said.

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MANDATORY BENEFITS FOR PANDEMIC HEROES.

File photo shows health workers conducting house-to-house antigen testing in Makati City earlier in January during an Omicron variant-fueled surge in COVID-19 cases. Norman Cruz

Govt mum on US citing PH LPG to lead oil price cuts by P5.77/kg as top source of fake drugs

By Alena Mae S. Flores

By Othel M. Campos GOVERNMENT officials remained silent on the issue of counterfeit drugs on Friday after the United States government cited the Philippines as a leading source of fake pharmaceutical products along with five other countries.

This developed as the leading local

drug industry group said counterfeiting is a serious concern affecting the global pharmaceutical supply chain and a burden to patients worldwide, including the Philippines.

The president of a local consumer group, however, said he did not believe the US Trade Representative's Special

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CONSUMERS will likely experience lower pump prices next week by nearly P2 per liter for gasoline and nearly P6 per kilogram price cut for cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Rino Abad, director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, attributed the price cuts to the surge cases driven by new Omicron

variants in China and South Africa that could dampen global demand.

"That's what we are seeing. It's driven by the surge of new variants," Abad said.

Sources said unleaded gasoline may go down by P1.12 per liter, diesel by P1.81 per liter, and kerosene by P1.88 per liter effective Tuesday.

On May 1, LPG prices are also expected to go down by P5.77 per kilo equivalent to around P63.47 per 11-kilo

tank to reflect the lower contract price of LPG in the world market.

AutoLPG prices will likewise go down by about P3.23 per liter.

OnApril 26, the oil companies implemented an oil price hike in domestic oil products.

Gasoline increased by P3 per liter, diesel by P4.10 per liter, and kerosene by P3.50 per liter.

These resulted in the year-to-date

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Comelec spokes, deputy face relief over debate fiasco

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay

THE head of the Task Force PiliPinas Debates 2022 Fiasco of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recommended the temporary relief of Comelec Spokesperson Director James Jimenez, and Education and Information Department (EID) Director Frances Arabe, from their duties in dealing with the media as the investigation on the foiled presidential and vice-presidential debates continue.

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, in a statement released Friday, said, in the interest of the service, he recommended

DOJ eyes raps vs. Espinosa over his reversal on De Lima

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering filing perjury charges against drug lord Kerwin Espinosa after he recanted his testimony that linked opposition Senator Leila de Lima to the illegal drug trade.

In a message to reporters Friday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he is discussing the matter with the panel of prosecutors, a day after Espinosa retracted his previous allegation that he had drug dealings with De Lima in the New Bilibid Prison through her personal driver Ronnie Dayan.

De Lima’s counsel and spokesman, Dino de Leon, told CNN Philippines they

saw value in Espinosa’s reversal, and said they may use him as a witness for the defense.

"This testimony of Kerwin actually fits into the real picture. And the real picture is, the witnesses are under threat, under duress and they are being violently threatened, not only them, but their families," De Leon told CNN. De Lima said Espinosa’s confession demonstrated the lengths that President Rodrigo Duterte and his people have gone to fabricate testimony and evidence against her.

"As I have always been saying, all allegations against me invented by the Duterte machine of lies and fabrications would ultimately unravel,” she said.

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"Directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe be temporarily relieved from any functions involving media relations and exposure."

At the same time, the poll body commissioner recommended that Comelec designate replacements for the two officials.

"To continue the duties of Directors Jimenez and Arabe in the Education and Information Department (EID), it was recommended that temporary replacements be designated," he said.

Bulay added that Jimenez and Arabe

might still retain their other internal posts.

"To prevent disruption in the essential election operations, the elections being a few days away, Directors Jimenez and Arabe were recommended to continue other functions under the supervision of their committee heads," he said.

“The debates were recently rescheduled to April 30 and May 1, but because of inevitable scheduling conflicts, will instead hold a panel interview for presidential and viceNext page

Comelec Director James Jimenez

BURST OF COLOR.

Artist Migs Antonio shows young fan, Eirian de la Cruz, some points on how to execute colors on his 'Distort Monsters' mural, a ten-piece installation at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati City.

Diana Noche

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News

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Alert Level 1 for NCR until May 15 M

By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas

In a statement, acting presidential spokesman Secretary Martin Andanar said Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 1 until May 15.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) approved the new alert level classifications that will be implemented from May 1 to 15.

For Luzon, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Baguio City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, City of Santiago, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva

Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Angeles City, Olongapo City, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Lucena City, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Puerto Princesa City, Albay, Catanduanes, and Naga City will stay under Alert Level 1.

The Alert Level 1 classification in Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Siquijor, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City has also been retained.

Iloilo province has been added to the roster of areas in the Visayas that will be

put under Alert Level 1 from May 1 to 15.

In Mindanao, the places that will stay under Alert Level 1 include Zamboanga City, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Davao City, and Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.

The following component cities and municipalities will also be placed under Alert Level 1 from May 1 to 15: • Cordillera Administrative Region: Tublay, Benguet • Region 4-A: Candelaria, Quezon; Dolores, Quezon; and San Antonio, Quezon • Region 4-B: Cagayancillo, Palawan • Region 5: Caramoan, Pili, and Tigaon, Camarines Sur; and Capalonga, Camarines Norte.

• Region 6: Candoni, Negros Occidental and Tobias Fornier (Dao), Antique • Region 7: Amlan (Ayuquitan), Negros Oriental and Duero, Bohol

HCWs’...

individuals will receive P1 million.

Workers who get sick and will be treated as severe or critical cases will receive P100,000, while mild and moderate cases shall be provided with P15,000.

The compensation shall be given to the beneficiaries within three months after confinement or death and upon submitting complete requirements.

Under the law, those deployed in "low risk areas" will receive at least P3,000, those in "minimum risk areas" will get at least P6,000, and those in "high risk areas" will be given at least P9,000.

Subject to the President's approval and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Health DOH may increase the amounts

of the HEA, taking into consideration the cost of necessary expenses incurred by health care and non-healthcare workers in rendering services at the time of public emergency.

Full PhilHealth coverage will be granted to hospitalized health workers due to COVID-19.

For future national public health emergencies, PhilHealth coverage for direct health care costs of those admitted to hospital will be subject to fund availability and the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) assessment and recommendation.

Regular testing of health and nonhealth workers, as often as necessary, will be covered by PhilHealth.

An ad hoc grievance board will also

be created in the DOH regional offices to receive, investigate, adjudicate, and recommend actions to arrive at a settlement of complaints related to the failure of granting the benefits.

The grievance board will be composed of a grievance officer from the DOH, a representative from the health professional organizations, and an arbitration officer from the Department of Labor and Employment exercising jurisdiction where the concerned hospital is located.

The necessary funding for the implementation of RA 11712 will be charged against the available appropriations of the DOH and any other sources that may be identified by the DBM.

according to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP).

IEMOP, operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) observed better supply conditions due to the resumption of operations by generators that were previously on outage.

The WESM acts as the trading floor of electricity where supply went up by 3.3 percent equivalent to 449 megawatts to 13,995 MW in April, which led to a drop in WESM prices to an average of P6.26 per kilowatt hour in April from P6.97 per kWh in March.

"Another contributor to the decrease in prices was the decline in demand – by around 146 MW or 1.38 percent to 10,454

MW," IEMOP said, attributing this to the presence of two typhoons, Agaton and Basyang, which gave off heavy rains and relatively colder weather all over Luzon and Visayas.

IEMOP said April also covered a weeklong religious break which temporarily halted the operations of many businesses and led to a demand decline.

The peak demand for the Luzon grid decreased to 11,492 MW in April from 11,617 MW the previous month. The recorded peak demand in Luzon this year was at 11,670 MW on March 23.

The peak demand of the Visayas grid increased to 2,156 MW on April 1.

As the elections come closer, IEMOP also assured enough power supply during

the May 9 election day.

Even before and after elections, IEMOP officials said there is ample supply.

The average supply is placed at around 13,558 MW from May 8 to May 11 while the average demand is placed at 10,177 MW, representing an average margin of 3,381 MW. However, IEMOP said that under its worst-case scenario simulation considering a 1,000 MW outage in Luzon, the last week of May will experience a thin supply margin given the lower supply of power.

The thin supply may also be experienced in August and September, it said.

they are “exerting all efforts to protect patients against counterfeiting.”

“We are working closely with regulators in monitoring products in the market, helping identify real versus fake medicines, and in apprehending counterfeiters,” it said.

PHAP is also investing heavily in technologies to protect their products and safeguard the supply chain from counterfeiters.

Its members also have dedicated medicine surveillance units to help keep the integrity of medicines in the country, it added.

“Counterfeiters thrive in an environment where there is lack of information.

It is important that all of us work together in the fight against counterfeit medicines,” the group said.

PHAP urges the public to be vigilant and to source medicines only from FDAapproved pharmacies. If buying online, it is important to “think before you click."

The public must look for the FDA license to operate, and check for a valid physical address or telephone number if buying online. It is also important to always check the physical appearance of the medicine including its color, taste and packaging, the group warned.

“They must avoid sellers who claim they have the miracle drug or vaccine, including those for COVID-19,” it added.

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.

DOJ...

Andanar said.

“We have to underscore what the prosecutor general said – Espinosa is not a state witness,” Andanar added.

In a counter-affidavit submitted before the Department of Justice on Thursday, Espinosa took back his claim that De Lima allowed the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison.

He added that he was threatened by the police to make up stories for fear of his life and of his family.

Human Rights Watch urged the government to release De Lima from detention.

“Kerwin Espinosa’s retraction of allegations he made against Senator Leila de Lima should end the senator’s fiveyear ordeal in police detention,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director, Human Rights Watch, in a statement.

“Authorities should release her immediately and dismiss the trumped-up charges that were the basis for her arrest in February 2017,” he said.

“Espinosa stated in a sworn affidavit that all his allegations against the senator – mainly, that she received money from drug lords when she was Justice secretary – are false and that his testimony implicating her 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 alleged drug trade’,” Robertson said.

“Espinosa's revelation exposes how the Duterte administration manipulated the Philippines’ criminal justice system against a sitting senator who was critical of the ‘war on drugs’ and had sought the truth about thousands of killings,” he said.

“This should compel the international community to pursue accountability against President Duterte and those complicit in the ‘drug war’ violence,” Robertson also said.

Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao called for the immediate resolution of the criminal charges against De Lima, so that she may be set free if proven innocent.

He said the case has dragged on, with De Lima being denied her freedom for years.

Vice Presidential candidate Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said the government should immediately release De Lima.

“Now that Kerwin Espinosa recanted all his accusations against Senator Leila De Lima, Senator Leila should be freed now," Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan pointed out that Espinosa’s confession proved that charges against De Lina were mere fabrications. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ORE than half of the country’s 1,634 cities and municipalities have been included in the list of places that will be under the most lenient COVID-19 Alert Level 1 for the first half of May, the Palace said Friday.

From A1

technical, and support services in hospitals, health facilities, laboratories, medical or temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, and vaccination sites.

The benefits granted by RA 11712 will have a retroactive application from July 1, 2021.

Based on the new law, a public health emergency is an occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health condition of a national scale.

The new law also covers healthcare and non-healthcare workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty.

In case of death, the heirs of the covered

LPG...

From A1

adjustments to stand at a net increase of P18.45 per liter for gasoline, P31.45 per liter for diesel, and P25.05 per liter for kerosene.

Domestic pump prices have been on an uptrend in 13 out of the past 16 weeks.

World oil prices have remained volatile over the Russia-Ukraine crisis, tight global oil supply, and new COVID-19 variants that could impact public health thereby affecting demand.

Meanwhile, prices at the electricity spot market were slightly lower in April due to an increase in power supply levels,

Govt...

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301 Report released Thursday, calling it a “demolition job by the pharmaceutical industry, mostly Americans and multinationals.”

This was “primarily due to price regulations of essential drugs, which was opposed by the pharma industry,” said lawyer Vic Dimagiba of Laban Konsyumer, Inc. in a statement.

Officials of the Health and Trade departments, the Food and Drug Administration, and even Malacanang had no comment as of press time despite repeated efforts by the Standard, after the USTR lumped the Philippines along with China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan among the top countries producing fake drugs.

But Dimagiba said the Philippines has an active program against counterfeit drugs, “and there is a special law that penalties counterfeits.”

"I still maintain that this report is the pharma industry shooting the regulators’ integrity and competencies. Bumawi against MDRP. (They got back against the Maximum Drug Retail Price regulation).

Below the belt,” the LKI president added.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), representing pharmaceutical providers that are engaged in the research and discovery of medicines and vaccines, said

Comelec...

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presidential candidates,” Commissioner George Garcia said earlier this week.

The Comelec will also conduct an internal probe for possible criminalliability of several poll executives for alleged “disadvantageous deal” with Impact Hub Manila (IHM), the private firm that had organized the previous presidential and vice-presidential debates at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.

Bulay expressed alarm after the poll body nearly paid Impact Hub P15 million without any legal basis, since the contract to hold the debate with the private firm is supposed to be “free.”

Both officials were among those involved in the partnership with Impact Hub Manila in producing the PiliPinas Debates 2022.

Bulay said the task force found reasonable cause to merit a factfinding and administrative disciplinary investigation on the matter.

He added that no other information would be released while the investigation

would be ongoing. "(We) cannot release information on the issue to avoid a trial by publicity, to preserve the dignity of the procedures; and considering that government officials enjoy the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties," the poll body Commissioner said.

Aside from Bulay, the task force is composed of the Executive Director, Director of the Finance Services Department, Director of the Law Department, and Director of the Personnel Department.

The investigation stemmed from the financial woes faced by the private company with Sofitel Hotel that led to the cancellation of the holding of the last presidential and vice-presidential debates.

Bulay said the Comelec signed an agreement dated March 7 through thenacting Comelec chair Socorro Inting and IHM founder Celeste Rondario, with IHM official Lawrence Libo-On and poll spokesman James Jimenez as witnesses.

It stated the Comelec would not provide any P15.3-million counterpart money to be paid to the organizer. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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Espinosa had earlier estified in Senate hearings that De Lima was part of the illegal drug trade as then Justice secretary during the Aquino administration – an accusation she has consistently denied.

In a counter-affidavit filed at the DOJ on April 28, Espinosa said he had no dealings with De Lima and emphasized that his previous sworn affidavits against the senator were not true.

The senator said she has always believed that no matter how much Duterte lies and uses false witnesses against her, the truth will still come out to set her free in the end.

“I have been languishing in jail for the past five years on the basis of testimonies of convicted criminals who, like Kerwin Espinosa, were used by the DOJ to manufacture lies about me and about crimes that I did not commit.

“As Duterte steps down from power, more of these convict-witnesses are only expected to come out and confess that they were intimidated, coerced, or bribed into making up the ridiculous and impossible story that I received money from the illegal drug trade,” she said.

“I also expect them to reveal the names of Duterte’s officials who participated in this gross frame-up, so I can also finally bring these people to account for what they have done to me,” she added.

In a separate statement published on Twitter, De Lima said Duterte’s lies are finally coming to an end as he nears the end of his presidency.

"Duterte and his minions used the whole might and abused the power of the government just to destroy and send me to prison. As their power comes to an end, so will their lies, and the truth shall finally set me free,” she said.

Responding to Espinosa’s apology, De Lima, in a separate tweet said she has already forgiven her.

This month, De Lima’s former aide and co-accused in one of two remaining cases, Dyan denied receiving and delivering drug money to De Lima a manifestation filed before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branches 204 and 256.

The Palace played down Espinosa’s retraction, saying it would have no effect on pending cases against the senator.

“While Kerwin Espinosa appears to have recanted his allegations against Senator Leila de Lima, his recantation will not have any effect on the pending criminal cases against the lady senator,” acting presidential spokesman Martin

• Region 8: Matalom, Leyte.

• Region 9: Jose Dalman (Ponot) and Labason, Zamboanga del Norte; Molave and Ramon Magsaysay (Liargo) Zamboanga del Sur; and Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay • Region 10: Tudela, Misamis Occidental; Baroy, Lanao del Norte; Lala, Lanao del Norte; and Tubod, Lanao del Norte • Region 11: Caraga, Davao Oriental •Region 12: City of Koronadal, South Cotabato; Arakan, North Cotabato; and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat • CARAGA: Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur; Libjo (Albor), Dinagat Islands; and General Luna, Surigao del Norte; • Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM, South Upi, Maguindanao and Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Moscow bombs Kyiv during visit of UN leader

KYIV--Russian forces bombarded Ukraine's capital late Thursday during a visit by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who decried the "absurdity" of war in the 21st century, as US President Joe Biden asked for $33 billion more to support Kyiv.

At least three people were wounded in the strikes in the western part of the city, which were the first in the capital in nearly two weeks, and came after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs where Moscow is alleged to have committed war crimes.

Russia's defense ministry on Friday confirmed it had carried out an air strike on Kyiv during a visit by Guterres.

"High-precision, long-range air-based weapons of the Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed the production buildings of the Artyom missile and space enterprise in Kyiv," the ministry said in its daily briefing on the conflict in Ukraine.

The defense ministry said its forces had carried out a range of air strikes on Thursday, destroying three power substations at Ukrainian railway hubs and a Tochka-U missile launcher that it said had carried out an attack on the Russian-held city of Kherson.

Ukraine said Friday that one person had been killed in the Russian strike that rocked the center of the capital Kyiv.

"Rescuers, who are continuing to search and remove rubble from a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district where a rocket hit yesterday, have just discovered the remains of a person who was killed," Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a statement on social media.

Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Bleak...

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With money to invest, commercial farms will be at an advantage over smallhold and backyard raisers, in improving the average carcass weight, driven by modern genetics.

The top eight commercial pig growers or pork producers in the country are San Miguel Foods Inc., Charoen Pokphand Food Corp., Foremost Farm, Universal Robina Corp., Biotech Farm, Bounty Agro Venture, New Hope and Pilmico Animal Nutrition.

Unless backyard farms heed the advice of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to pool themselves into clusters, pig and pork production will be skewed in favor of commercial raisers at a ratio of 70 to 30.

In the near term, ASF is expected to remain in the Philippines, well into 2025, until a vaccine is developed to combat the virus.

While cold chain investments will increase dramatically in the next few years, the spike in investments will be due to the increasing volume of imports rather than domestic pork output.

“Imports will remain high due to lower prices, improved cold chain and consumers’ new habit to store and eat frozen meat. Pork imports will increase in order to meet the domestic demand. This will be facilitated by a relaxing of the current government position on imports in an effort to control retail prices,” Fausto added.

He warned consumers that pork production will be at its lowest in the second half of 2022, though they need not worry about scarcity, given the large volume of imported pork coming into the country.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said there were no problems with the availability of food during the pandemic, but the issue was affordability, especially for those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the public health crisis.

“There was notably no food shortage, despite the pandemic,” Dar said during the Philippine Economic Briefing.

Dar said the succeeding administration must pursue its own projects aimed at improving productivity and achieving sustainability.

“Philippine agriculture has a lot to make up for in significantly increasing productivity and achieving food security.

We do this through a food systems approach, or making all aspects of governance and the economy work to assure food security,” Dar said.

“Our ASEAN neighbors allot 4 percent to 5 percent of their national budgets to agriculture. Based on our annual national budget, we are only at 1.7 percent. We continue the call for significant budgetary support, about triple the current budget, to realize gains over and beyond,” he added.

Dar said the government should ensure the completion of key agricultural infrastructure projects such as farm to market roads and agri-industrial business corridors.

“We strongly recommend fast-tracking farm consolidation, an inevitable, modernizing pillar in our reform agenda. We badly need economies of scale denied by the fragmentation of agricultural land,” he said.

News

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

SCAFFOLDINGS. Workers install scaffolding at the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City.

Rehabilitation works are currently being done in the flyover.

Manny Palmero

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DOLE: Ban stays on new OFWs to Saudi Arabia

By Vito Barcelo

SWS: Jobless Pinoys declined in Dec.

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE number of jobless Filipinos slightly decreased in December last year in all areas except the Visayas, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Survey (SWS).

According to the Fourth Quarter 2021 SWS survey, the overall adult joblessness in the country eased to 24.7 percent in December last year, or 11 million jobless in December.

The resulting 25.7 percent average for 2021 is 11.7 points below the record-high 37.4 percent average for 2020 but still 5.9 points above the 19.8 percent average of 2019, before the

Covid-19 pandemic.

The December 2021 survey found the Labor Force Participation Rate at 62.8 percent, or an estimated 44.5 million.

It was 68 percent, or an estimated 48.2 million, in September 2021.

The jobless consist of those who (a) voluntarily left their old jobs, (b) are seeking jobs for the first time, or (c) lost their jobs due to economic circumstanc-

es beyond their control.

Joblessness reached a catastrophic level of 45.5 percent in July 2020. It eased to 39.5 percent in September 2020, 27.3 percent in November 2020, and 25.8 percent in May 2021. It rose to 27.6 percent in June 2021 before easing to 24.8 percent in September 2021 and 24.7 percent in December 2021.

The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults aged 18 and above nationwide, or 360 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Adult joblessness stayed highest in Metro Manila at 34 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 29 percent, Mindanao at 18 percent, and the Visayas at 17 percent .

The slight decline in the national joblessness rate between September 2021 to December 2021 was due to a decrease of 5.9 points in the Visayas, combined with increases of 0.4 points in Metro Manila, 1.6 points in Balance Luzon, and 1.7 points in Mindanao.

Joblessness fell in the Visayas from 22.6 percent in September 2021 to 16.7 percent in December 2021. However, it rose in Metro Manila from 33.6 percent in September 2021 to 34.1 percent in December 2021. It rose in Balance Luzon from 27.5 percent in September 2021 to 29.1 percent in December 2021.

It also rose in Mindanao from 16.4 percent in September 2021 to 18.1 percent in December 2021.

NAIA agents seize P3.9-m worth of shabu

By Joel E. Zurbano GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have seized more than P3.9 million worth of shabu during a controlled delivery operation Thursday night in Las Pinas City.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of two individuals, one of them a Nigerian national, whom the authorities identified as the claimants of the seized smuggled shipment of shabu.

The package from Laos, which was misdeclared as a baby feeding bottle sterilizer, arrived at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City on Wednesday.

Prior to the entrapment, the Customs-Port of NAIA placed the shipment under profiling and examination. The authorities discovered 588 grams of shabu wrapped in aluminum foil and concealed inside the bottle sterilizer and dryer.

The Customs agents conducted the controlled delivery operation with the help from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group resulting in the claimants’ arrest at Marcos Alvarez Avenue corner Veraville Homes in Barangay Talon Singko.

NAIA port officials temporarily withheld the names of the claimants, citing further investigation.

The suspects are now detained and would be charged for violating Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in relation to Sections 119 and 1401 of RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

LOREN IN ANTIQUE TRADE FAIR. Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda continues to invest invaluable support in Antique’s culture-based livelihood. Legarda launched the Antique Trade and Tourism Fair which will run until May 27 in the newly-restored Old Capitol Building.

THE ban on the deployment of newlyhired Filipino workers to Saudi Arabia remains despite an order issued by the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

The DMW lifted the ban on the deployment, according to DMW Secretary Abdullah Mama-o.

Bello issued the statement on the ban due to confusion brought by the DMW’s department order, “lifting” the deployment ban to KSA. Bello also advised the public not to believe the new order. “I issued a notice to the public not to believe the directive lifting the suspension of deployment of new hires to Saudi Arabia,” Bello said in a radio interview.

But Mama-o insisted that the DMW “can now do its function under the law.” The official also said Bello’s remarks were “inappropriate.”

Bello said that the DWM is not yet duly constituted and will start its official functions next year.

“That is ultra vires (beyond the powers),” Bello said, referring to Mama-o’s order and citing Republic Act No. 11641 that created the DMW.

Duterte signs law on fines for erring firms PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act (RA) 11711 amending the existing Contractors’ License Law to modify the renewal process, increase fees, and impose stiffer penalties.

Under the new law inked on April 27 and which amended RA 4566, any contractor who undertakes a construction work without first securing a license to engage in the business of contracting will face a minimum fine of P100,000 to a maximum fine of P500,000, plus the equivalent of onetenth of 0.1 percent of the project cost.

The offending party will also be prohibited from obtaining a contractor’s license for one year.

Any person who will provide false evidence to obtain a license certificate will be slapped with a minimum penalty of P500,000 to a maximum penalty of P1 million, as well as prison term for a minimum of one year to a maximum of six years.

RA 4566 merely imposed a fine of not less than P500 but not more than P5,000 to violators.

The new law also raises the fees prescribed by law from P50 to P5,000 for an original license, from P60 to P6,000 for the examination of an applicant, and from P50 to P5,000 for annual renewal.

Legarda supports Antique’s culture-based livelihood programs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATORIAL candidate Loren Legarda said she is supporting Antique’s culture-based livelihood and natural wonders through the launch of the Antique Trade and Tourism Fair which will run until May 27 at the Old Capitol Building.

She noted that Antique is considerably a small province, but each of the 18 municipalities has its unique features including cultural and heritage landmarks, historical significance and natural wonders such as rich landscape and seascape.

“This trade and tourism fair is an opportunity for our ‘’kasimanwa’ to showcase the natural wealth and the potential of their home province as a premier ecotourism destination. It will also provide sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities,” she said.

To make Antique a premier ecotourism destination, Legarda has been supporting local micro-enterprises like the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA) in Bugasong; the Malabor Abaca Piña Weavers Association (MAPWA) and the Tibiao Active Weavers and Knotters Association (TAWKA) in Tibiao; the Pahinis Muscovado Sugar of Laua-an Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC); and the Ati Bukidnon Tribal Organization in Libertad.

Makati hospital receives health care award

By Joel E. Zurbano HEALTHCARE Asia (HCA) gave Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay the Public-Private Healthcare Partnership of the Year Award for the city’s second public hospital, Makati Life Medical Center.

HCA is an industry magazine that caters to Asia’s hospital owners, investors, administrators, and policymakers.

“We are honored to accept this recognition of the city’s efforts to continuously enhance the quality of

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public health services in Makati and make sure these are always available and accessible to all Makatizens,” said Binay in a statement.

The city chief executive said Makati Life is an inclusive hospital that will expand the city government’s platform for delivering excellent treatment and health care to all residents in the city’s two districts.

She also underscored that the project demonstrates the power of public- private partnerships and the latest advancements in various fields of medicine.

TODAY

DANILO C. JOSE

July 4, 1957 - April 28, 2022 Chairman - Print Media Dealers Organization (PMDO)

His remain lie in state at Marian Memorial Chapels and Crematory, Inc. 017 Marcos Highway, Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City. Cremation will be on Sunday, May 1, 2022, 11 a.m. (Heaven`s Gate).

He is survived by his wife Dora Jose and daughter Patrizia Jose.

A4

Governors eye landslide win for Marcos

News

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

By Rey E. Requejo

ENVIRONMENTALISTS BAT FOR ‘GREEN’ CANDIDATES. Environmentalist groups Earth Island Institute of the Philippines and Luntiang Bayan stage a demo at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila to urge voters to cast their ballots for candidates with “green agenda.” Danny Pata

Lacson camp to voters: Choose the best bets THE camp of independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday reiterated its call for the people to vote conscientiously in the May 9 elections.

Lacson’s spokesman, former partylist representative Ashley ‘Ace’ Acedillo, said the electorate should go for the most qualified candidate to lead the country.

“Huwag po tayong mag-isip na para po tayong tayang sugarol na dapat tumaya (lang) tayo doon sa siguradong mananalo.

Ang pagboto po natin ay hindi po (gaya ng) taya sa sugal. Ang pagboto po natin ay naaayon dapat sa ating prinsipyo,” said Acedillo in a radio interview.

Acedillo pointed out that even in low stakes games, the perceived winner In the election still has a high probability of losing despite building seemingly insurmountable leads, thus the people should avoid making impulsive decisions, especially during elections where their lives and future are at stake.

“Sinasabi natin hindi masasayang ang boto ng taumbayan sa dalawang pinaka-kwalipikado at sa dalawang pinaka-eksperyensyado at ‘di hamak na may integridad na dalawang lider natin,” he said, referring to Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III. “To be quite fair and to be quite frank, kung titingnan po talaga natin, kung (if we’re only going to look at their qualifications) experience-wise, integrity-wise and track record-wise, wala na talagang tatalo dito sa tandem ng Lacson-Sotto (no one beats the Lacson-Sotto tandem),” Acedillo added.

He cited, as a case in point the ‘leadership by example’ manifested

by Lacson when he was chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1999 to 2001 when he reformed the entire organization, deemed one of the toughest agencies to transform.

Comelec interview a go but no Marcos, Robredo

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE Commission on Elections on Friday said six presidential aspirants and four vice presidential candidates in the May 9 polls are joining the “PiliPinas Forum 2022” interview series to be aired next week.

According to Comelec Commissioner George Garcia, those who confirmed attendance at the event are presidentiables Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Norberto Gonzales, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor, and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The vice-presidential bets who are also set to participate in the forum are Rizalito David, Manny Lopez, Senate President

Tito Sotto, and Carlos Serapio.

“It’s the final list,” he said The Comelec, together with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), will be holding the panel interview sessions set to air from May 2 to 6, 2022.

The participants will be given a choice if they want to conduct the interview either live and in-person; live and

via teleconference call, or taped live with no editing.

Meanwhile, the rivalry between the two leading contenders in the presidential race has evolved into a battle of attrition as Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday refused to participate in any debate organized by third parties, but dared former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to engage in a verbal tussle with her.

“If you [Marcos] accept my challenge, anytime, anywhere, I will come,” Robredo said.

“I have decided not to accept the invitation of Comelec and the KBP so I could be with my volunteers who have invested money, and spent time and energy with me,” she added.

FARMERS GO FOR LENI AND KIKO.

Members of farmer organizations nationwide and food advocates issue a joint declaration of support endorsing Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo and her running mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan during a press conference on Friday in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

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TODAY

THE governors of vote-rich Cavite and Laguna provinces have assured presidential frontrunner former Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., of landslide victory in the coming May 9, 2022 election.

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez made the assurance during a meeting with Marcos and other provincial chief executives across the country at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Thursday.

“Based on our projections he (Marcos) will get 1.2 million votes in Cavite. As per our latest survey dated April 24,” Remulla said.

He added that Marcos’ closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo would only get about 400, 000 votes in his province.

“I’m 99 percent sure that will happen,” Remulla assured.

For his part, Hernandez revealed that Marcos will get at least 60 percent of the Laguna votes.

“By my calculation, he will get more or less 60 percent of the votes in Laguna.

I have a regular survey of us, sometimes 57 percent, sometimes 60 sometimes 61 percent,” Hernandez noted.

Based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) records, Cebu was still the most vote-rich province with around 3.288 million registered voters.

Cavite, Pangasinan and Laguna still ranked second to fourth, while Region 4-A (Calabarzon) has the most number of voters among Philippine regions with 9.193 million voters in the 2022 elections.

Camarines Norte representative passes away CAMARINES Norte Rep. Marisol Panotes has died.

Panotes’ daughter, Rosemarie, announced the passing of her mother in a social media post.

“It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of my mother Congw. Marisol “Toots” Panotes—a loving mother, a loving wife, a loving grandma and a good public servant,” she stated.

“Your prayers will be much appreciated in this most difficult time,” she added.

The leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader and 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, sent their condolences to the Panotes family.

“We are saddened by the news on the untimely death of our colleague from the second district of Camarines Norte, Rep. Marisol Conejos Panotes,” Romualdez said.

“We condole with her family, relatives and friends at this difficult time,” Romualdez added.

Rep. Panotes was an active member of the majority. She was vice chairperson of the House Committees in Disaster Resilience and on Population and Family Relations. Maricel V. Cruz

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DOJ intervenes in killing of pol. supporter in Abra

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TODAY

NOTICE OF TOLL RATE ADJUSTMENT IMPLEMENTATION (VAT Inclusive) R-1 Expressway Notice is hereby given that, conformably with the Resolution dated 29 November 2021 issued by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) covering the Petitions for Approval of Add-On Agreed Toll Rate With Application for Provisional Relief for Segment 1 (R-1 Expressway) Enhancement of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP) separately filed by Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation and Philippine Reclamation Authority, the following toll rates have been approved and allowed to be implemented, effective immediately, subject to the imposition of Value-Added Tax:

April 27, 2022

PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03 - 2022 TO

Consequently, the following updated toll matrix for R-1 Expressway of MCTEP, inclusive of Value-Added Tax, are allowed to be implemented effective from the date of issuance of the Notice to Start Collection therefor, and upon compliance with the legal requirements delineated in the 2013 TRB Revised Rules of Procedure, other relevant laws and jurisprudence, to wit:

:

The Port Manager PMO NCR North Manila North Harbor Port, Inc. (MNHPI) Cargo Owners/Brokers/Shipping Lines Port Users Others Concerned

SUBJECT : Approved 10% Upward Adjustment in Cargo Handling Tariffs at the Manila North Harbor Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 3127, the 10% upward adjustment in cargo handling tariffs and Passenger Terminal Fee at the Manila North Harbor was approved.

SO ORDERED.

Said rate increase shall be effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager Date of First Publication: April 30, 2022.

(MS-APRIL 30, 2022)

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday it would order an investigation into murder and perjury cases filed against the Cordillera police arising from a checkpoint shooting in Abra nearly two months ago that resulted in one death.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the directive stemmed from a complaint filed before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) by Pilar Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono and relatives of her slain supporter, Sandee Boy Bermudo.

“The respondents will be given the opportunity to respond to the charges once they have been furnished with copies of the complaint. Thereafter, the case will be resolved considering the submissions of the parties,” Malcontento said in a statement.

The NBI filed the criminal complaints before the DOJ against several persons involved in a shooting on March 29 around at a Philippine National Police (PNP) - Commission on Job Vacancy Elections checkpoint along Berona Street in Pilar where Bermudo Qualifications: • 1 – 2 years experience in customer service. was killed.

• College graduate • Experience with an online booking system.

PNP operatives • Experience in the Travel or hospitality (Hotel) industry. initially claimed • Fluent in Chinese Mandarin and English (verbal and written) • 35 WPM Typing there was a car • Ability to use MS Office applications including Excel, Word, chase and a gun batOutlook • Can operate computer in Chinese Mandarin Characters tle between the passengers of the van Submit your applications thru email at manila.careers@webbeds.com accompanying the DOTW SHARED SERVICES, INC. vice mayor’s conCityNet 1 – Unit G10, 183 EDSA, Barangay Wack-wack, Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1555 voy and policemen.

Customer Service Associate

Opinion Why Leni and Kiko deserve our vote

WILL the country be in a better situation in the next years? Our vote will determine this, assuming that the elections will be free and honest. There are only a few more days before we troop to the polls and finally perform our sacred right to vote. The decision on whose names we choose to shade will determine how the country will be governed in the next six years. Therefore, ours should be an informed and intelligent vote.

Each voter has only one vote BUT this vote is very important especially at this point in our country’s life when we need to recover from six toxic years. The Duterte administration that is marked by war on drugs killings, China’s occupation of our territories and harvesting of our marine life, more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that killed thousands, exacerbated poverty, and brought our economy to its knees, is finally ending. It is ending but not without a big bang – the country’s debt amounting to P12.03 trillion as of January of this year.

This means that our children and grandchildren will be paying this debt as they grow old. We are not even finished yet with the debt incurred by the dictator Marcos.

We will again be proud as Filipinos.

However, the end of this administration presents a crucial opportunity for us to choose and do right by our country and our people. One correct vote is all it takes to turn things around. Vote wisely is what we should do.

For the country’s and our people’s sake, we need to give our votes only to deserving candidates. Those who have proven their integrity, capacity to work under pressure and extreme circumstances, those who inspire people to cooperate with government and do good to others, and those respected by the international community. Using these standards, we are left with very few choices, and the leading choice is the team of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

There is no question about their integrity. Their names have never been involved in any anomaly or case of corruption since they started public service. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) have received the best commendations from the Commission on Audit (COA). This means that the OVP has been using the people’s money prudently and correctly.

Moreover, the OVP was, and is able to do meaningful pro-poor programs despite the very limited budget given her office because

the private and development sectors support and trust her office. We, in the non-government world know that his kind of support cannot be enjoyed if her office is involved in shenanigans. Project funds, like government monies are regularly audited and a group may only be funded again if the audit reports are good, if the expected outputs are delivered, and they are not delinquent in their reporting. Track record and trust are crucial in the development sector.

Leni and Kiko’s capacity to work under pressure and extreme circumstances is already proven. VP Leni has been physically present and attending to people’s needs each time a crisis hits us. Whether these were typhoons, volcanic eruptions, the Marawi siege, or the COVID-19 pandemic, VP Leni was there, consistently and continuously working for the people.

Admittedly, while we already knew that the VP is a hardworker, we did not really know how hardworking she actually is. Only during the campaign did we realize that she seems to have the super power to fly from one place to another in no time at all. We are amazed at how she can be go on travelling from one province to another in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to personally meet and see people. The level of VP’s energy is very hard to match. She is one tough woman and if she becomes President, it is reasonable to expect her to work as hard especially since our country and people are in dire straits.

We have also seen how the VP is able to spark hope in, and inspire people to do good.

We have seen this in the Leni-Kiko campaign and in their rallies. This campaign has been fueled by volunteers’ hard work and resources. It is volunteer-driven. Supporters invested and continue to invest in the LeniKiko candidacies.

It has been often said that in Leni-Kiko rallies, no one gets hungry or thirsty. No matter how big the crowd is, people bring food and water not just for themselves but for others. Doctors and medical professionals volunteer freely. Artists and stars big and small contribute their talents and perform free of charge. Organizers of rallies in other places who need help are helped by others and each one is a success. Leni-Kiko supporters clean up after the rallies and they only leave when the venue is spic-and-span.

Indeed, the Leni and Kiko tandem gives hope and inspires others to do good. Should they win the elections, they can rely on people to help in governance, to participate in public affairs, and invest in the Filipino people.

Lastly, unlike the dictator’s son who cannot even travel to the United States because he can be arrested if he sets foot there, a President Leni Robredo and VP Kiko Pangilinan are well-respected by the international community. They will be our source of pride. We will again be proud as Filipinos.

Indeed, Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan more than deserve our vote. A vote for them is a vote for the country and the Filipino people. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

ideological contradictions with others.

What is disturbing is not about the suppression of the press but the insidious presentation of fake news. This level of deception is far dangerous than ordinary propaganda because people this time are made to believe that what they see and hear is the truth. Yet, the promoter of this twisted version of propaganda continues to parade to the whole world as press freedom.

Never before has the US attempted to collectively ban a country’s news media, Russia’s Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik News in the name of the truth and press freedom.

US attempt to control RT and Sputnik News is without regard to paying customers US social media moguls blotted, not to say of their brazen disregard of their right to freedom of the press. For local cable stations to ban RT and Sputnik News is to violate their constitutional right to freedom of information, notwithstanding that Filipinos are citizens of a sovereign and independent republic, and should not be affected by the decision of a country not a party to the contract they entered. Local distributors of RT and Sputnik News are not distributors of these US social media but are paying as franchise dealers.

This is a classic example of American arbitrariness to manipulate information for propaganda purposes. Why should the Philippines be included by that US decision? One of them offered to refund customers who subscribe to watch those Russian news channels.

Even if the Philippines voted to support the US-sponsored sanction, the contractual obligation of our local cable distributor is not with those tough guys in Washington. The governments can only act in accordance to how we voted at the UN General Assembly, and not to what is dictated by those foreign corporate social media moguls.

Moreover, despite the fact that RussiaUkraine crisis is now nearing its third month, US continues to pressure Ukraine to join

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EDITORIAL

Greater risk for nuclear war THE war between Russia and Ukraine officially began on February 24, 2021. But knowing who started it is for historians to analyze the conflict that could push the world to the precipice. The general public now wants to know what happened and who is responsible that today threatens to end human civilization. Answering all these is not intended to justify the invasion but to spell out the underlying cause of the Russian invasion.

As principal broker of the North Atlantic alliance, the US has purposely induced Russia to invade Ukraine by creating a military infrastructure that has the consequence of threatening Russia’s existential security. By laying down an open-ended invitation, NATO soon expanded to include the former members of the Warsaw Pact, and now the independent Soviet Republics of Georgia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to join the alliance, thus forcing President Vladimir Putin to declare a red line, that any further advance beyond the borders demarcated in 1991 is to cross the threshold of Russia’s limitation.

Russia has all the reasons to react. It could sense the US is implementing a unilateralist policy to gradually isolate it economically and politically. While admitting that the Cold War has ended, this means a new chapter to end Russia’s role of countering NATO’s eastward expansion.

The unique dimension about this war is the US eagerness of the to control the social media. Many failed to analyze that the US today is presenting only not just one side of the story much that countries would vote first to determine their national interest and forego their

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

Hubris

O

UTGOING President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he had underestimated the country’s illegal drugs problem and that he had been mistaken to promise he could clean up the mess in three to six months.

“Maybe it’s hubris. It was campaign time. Payabangan naman yang kampanya (campaign is a time for boasts),” he said at the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu on Wednesday.

At that time, he said, he was unaware of the involvement of top police officials in the drug trade.

Duterte’s ruthless approach to the drug problem—official figures say some 6,200 individuals have been killed for resisting arrest, but independent groups and human rights experts estimate the number to be between 12,000 and 30,000 instead – has made him notorious and has even sparked an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Then again, it was not only the narcotics problem that then-candidate Duterte vowed to stamp out.

He also promised Filipinos that he would eradicate government corruption in more or less the same period, and that he would not hesitate to remove his own appointees

If we continue to be uncritical about the disinformation being fed us, we can never expect to see change in our lifetime —no matter how big the promises are. and allies if they had a “whiff of corruption” about them.

Alas, the people soon saw that while he did remove some of these perceived-to-beerring officials from their posts, he had no qualms installing them elsewhere in government.

Candidate Duterte also famously said he would jet ski to the Spratly Islands and plant the Philippine flag to assert our claims on the West Philippine Sea. Last year, however, amid his favorite neighbor China’s continued advances in our territory, Mr. Duterte said this promise was just a campaign joke that only stupid people would take seriously.

Those who banked—if naively—on this dramatic gesture must have felt betrayed, let alone insulted.

Now that we only have a few more days before we troop to the polls, Mr.

Duterte’s words about hubris, jokes, and boasts reverberate as we make final our decision on whom to elect as our next leader.

Candidates’ promises are standard fare during elections—how can we tell if they represent a serious intent to follow through, or if, like Duterte’s words, were uttered in the heat of this season as they woo the voters without whom they are nothing?

We have known this all along, but Mr. Duterte’s admission should settle all doubts about the matter.

When decoding candidates’ gibberish about the things they say they will do once in office, perhaps we can use as clues their previous actions—not words—to help us gauge their sincerity and capability.

If they have been actively working to address such issues long before they were courting our votes, perhaps we can give them the benefit of the doubt.

If they have always been knowledgeable about the issues, in both depth and breadth, perhaps they do know what they are talking about and not just relying on prompts from their handlers.

But if they have not even been busy in the past few years, much less directly confronting the problems that ail us, the fancy, lofty words that they utter are as meaningless to us as they are to them.

It’s time to wake up and see the candidates for who and what they truly are. If we continue to be uncritical about the disinformation being fed us, we can never expect to see change in our lifetime—no matter how big the promises are.

God calls, surprises, and loves IN THE Gospel this Sunday, the Third Day of Easter, Jesus appears to seven of his disciples at the seashore. They have been fishing without any luck. Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

In 2019, when Pope Francis delivered his homily during the Holy Mass in Sofia, Bulgaria, he took the occasion to offer his reflections on this Scriptural reading taken from the Gospel of John about this particular episode. According to Francis, the Gospel reminds us of three amazing things that are part of our lives as disciples: God calls, God surprises, God loves.

Referring to the event narrated in the Gospel reading, Pope Francis said that Peter , after the experience of seeing the Master die and hearing news of his resurrection, goes back to his former life. He tells the others disciples, “I am going fishing”. And they follow. To Francis, this is a step backwards. The weight of suffering, disappointment, and of betrayal had become like a stone blocking the hearts of the disciples. They were still burdened with pain and guilt, and the good news of the resurrection had not taken root in their hearts.

How many times have we, by the grace of God, made a resolve to follow Jesus but then is tempted to return to our old habits, often sinful

The general public now wants to know what happened.

NATO. The warmongers persist in inviting Ukraine, knowing that it was precisely because of this threat to join NATO that prompted Russia to invade that country. As a matter of fact, the US and its allies increased their delivery of weapons to carry on the war with Russia. The US supply of weapons include sniper rifles, helmets, medical kits, encrypted communications, lots of bullets and the portable, shoulder-held Stinger and Javelin missiles that became icons of the conflict. This means these NATO are fighting a prolonged proxy war with Russia using the Ukrainians as cannon fodder.

The crucial question is, for how long can Russia allow the West sustain the war, in supplying Ukraine with lethal weapons and invariably increasing the casualties from both sides while announcing that its membership to NATO is just on hold? Is this not a circumvention for Ukraine to get the privileges of a member to avoid the ire of Russia? NATO’s intensified rearming of Ukraine is like adding fire to the raging cauldron. Zelensky wants to fight a proxy war unmindful that it is his own people that are

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

If only we let ourselves be led by Jesus’ love every moment of our lives, we will experience amazing things. selves, after we encounter obstacles along the way, when we feel that God is never present in our struggles or has abandoned us to fend for ourselves. To Francis, the temptation to return to the way things were before is like Peter’s nets which tempts nostalgia for the past. In the face of failure, hurt, or even the fact that at times things do not go the way we want, there always comes a subtle and dangerous temptation to become disheartened and to give up.

But as the Gospel tells us, at the very moment of Peter’s failure, Jesus appears, patiently comes to him and calls him “Simon” – the name Peter received when he was first called. The Lord does not wait for perfect situations or frames of mind: he creates them. He does not expect to encounter people without problems, disappointments, without sins or limitations. He himself confronted sin and disappointment in order to encourage all men and women to persevere.

The Gospel shows us that the Lord never tires of calling us. His is the power of a Love that overturns every expectation and is always ready to start anew. In Jesus, God always offers us another chance.

God is full of surprises. He invites us not only to be surprised, but also to do surprising sacrificed to fight in a US-sponsored war and promoted by the US arms dealers.

The Philippine decision to support the USimposed economic sanction has greatly tarnished our credibility of wanting to improve our relations by presenting an image of being neutral to the conflict. Many observers were surprised when our loquacious president who once promised to kick out the US bases but only to retract his anti-American rant did even give an explanation why the Philippines voted to economically sanction Russia.

Duterte does not seem to understand the implication of his pronouncement like our support for RCEP. In fact, the Philippines is the only country that voted to condemn Russia, from among the members of RCEP and the ASEAN countries. Besides, the US-sponsored economic sanction includes our application of the international trade rule principle known as most favored nation clause. Our approval of the UN resolution includes our abeyance to all the terms of the sanctions.

The US decision to invite Ukraine to join NATO has been treated as more of a bluff to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. Between that bluff of NATO and the security assurance which Russia demanded, NATO rather miscalculated. All along, Ukraine was preparing to regain Crimea and Putin knew that. The action taken was intended to secure the Russian inhabited areas of Donbass and Lugansk which since 2014 have been relentlessly bombarded

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things. The Lord calls the disciples and, seeing them with empty nets, he tells them to do something odd: to fish by day, something quite out of the ordinary on that lake. He revives their trust by urging them once more to take a risk, not to give up on anyone or anything. He is the Lord of surprises, who breaks down paralyzing barriers by filling us with the courage needed to overcome the suspicion, mistrust and fear that so often lurk behind the mindset that says, “We have always done things this way”.

God surprises us whenever he calls and asks us to put out into the sea of history not only with our nets, but with our very selves.

Surely, today in the Philippines, one week before a really important election, if we listen very carefully with our hearts, we will notice that God speaks to us in the most unexpected ways, paths that we ourselves, if left to our own devices, would not take. But then again, if we only open our hearts and minds, and allow the spirit of God to guide us we learn that He does not disappoint.

God calls and God surprises, because God loves. Love is his language, according to Pope Francis.

He asks Peter: “Do you love me?” And Peter says yes; after spending so much time with Jesus, he now understands that to love means to stop putting himself at the centre. Peter recognizes his weakness; he realizes that he cannot make progress on his own. And he takes his stand on the Lord and on the strength of his love, to the very end.

If only we let ourselves be led by Jesus’ love every moment of our lives, we will experience amazing things just as Peter and the other disciples did when they encountered Jesus on the shore of Galilee. This is asked of us as individuals, as family, and yes as a nation.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

by Ukraine.

The intensified persecution, and violent harassment of native Russians living in Donbass and Lugansk have the shade of neo-Nazi racism. The Ukrainian government which has been greatly penetrated by fanatical neo-Nazis had integrated into the Ukrainian army known as the Azov battalion, which is free to commit atrocities like the massacre at Bucha and now being blamed on the Russian army.

The on-going special military operation by the Russian army is something the US, UK and the rest of NATO should not ignore. Zelensky failed to realize that his country is now taking the brunt of the fighting while the demand for more arms gets louder to the listening ears of the US arms manufacturers. Rumors are even circulating that the US and some NATO-members are pressuring Zelensky not to capitulate.

The NATO leadership should take into account that the people of Ukraine are being sacrificed to allow the US to recover their unexpected loss in Afghanistan and to rehabilitate the US dollar as the world’s dominant currency.

Russia now wants payment in ruble or in gold in exchange for Russia’s natural gas. That decision by President Putin was a blessing in disguise. In less than a month after Putin demanded that imports of Russian gas should be paid in ruble or gold, the value of the Russian currency was able to recover almost to its original level. (rpKapunan@gmail.com)

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila Eighteenth Congress Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of July, two thousand twenty-one.

[REPUBLIC ACT No. 11673] AN ACT GRANTING SULU-TAWI-TAWI BROADCASTING FOUNDATION, INC. A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS IN THE PROVINCES OF SULU AND TAWI-TAWI Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Nature and Scope of Franchise. - Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and applicable laws, rules and regulations, there is hereby granted to Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Broadcasting Foundation, Inc., hereunder referred to as the Grantee, its successors or assignees, a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio and/or television broadcasting stations in the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, where frequencies and channels are still available for radio and television broadcasting, including digital television system, through microwave, satellite or whatever means, as well as the use of any new technology in television and radio systems, with the corresponding technological auxiliaries and facilities, special broadcast and other program and distribution services and relay stations.

SEC. 2. Manner of Operation of Stations or Facilities.- The stations or facilities of the Grantee shall be constructed and operated in a manner as will, at most, result only in the minimum interference on the wavelengths or frequencies of existing stations or other stations which may be established by law, without in any way diminishing its own privilege to use its assigned wavelengths or frequencies and the quality of transmission or reception thereon as should maximize rendition of the Grantee’s services and availability thereof.

SEC. 3. Prior Approval of the National Telecommunications Commission. The Grantee shall secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) the appropriate permits and licenses for the construction and operation of its stations or facilities and shall not use any frequency in the radio or television spectrum without authorization from the NTC. The NTC, however, shall not unreasonably withhold or delay the grant of any such authority.

In case of any violation of the provisions of this franchise, the NTC shall have the authority to revoke or suspend, after due process, the permits or licenses it issued pursuant to the franchise. The NTC may recommend to Congress the revocation of the franchise for any violation of the provisions of this franchise.

SEC. 4. Responsibility to the Public. - The Grantee shall provide, free of charge, adequate public service time which is reasonable and sufficient to enable the government, through the broadcasting stations or facilities of the Grantee, to reach the pertinent populations or portions thereof, on important public issues and relay important public announcements and warnings concerning public emergencies and calamities, as necessity, urgency, or law may require; provide at all times sound and balanced programming; promote public participation; assist in the functions of public information and education; conform to the ethics of honest enterprise; promote audience sensibility and empowerment including closed captioning; and not use its stations or facilities for the broadcasting of obscene or indecent language, speech, act or scene, the dissemination of deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation, to the detriment of public interest, or to incite, encourage, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.

Public service time referred herein shall be equivalent to a maximum aggregate of ten percent (10%) of paid commercials or advertisements which shall be allocated based on need to the Executive and Legislative branches, the Judiciary, Constitutional Commissions, and international humanitarian organizations duly recognized by statutes: Provided, That the NTC shall increase the public service time in case of extreme emergency or calamity.

The NTC shall issue rules and regulations for this purpose, the effectivity of which shall commence upon applicability with other similarly situated broadcast network franchise holders.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 8370, otherwise known as the “Children’s Television Act of 1997”, the Grantee shall allot a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the daily total air time of each broadcasting network or station to child-friendly shows within its regular programming.

SEC. 5. Right of the Government. - The radio spectrum is a finite resource that is part of the national patrimony, and the use thereof is a privilege conferred upon the Grantee by the State that may be withdrawn any time after due process.

A special right is hereby reserved to the President of the Philippines, in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order: to temporarily take over and operate the stations or facilities of the Grantee; to temporarily suspend the operation of any station or facility in the interest of public safety, security, and public welfare; or to authorize the temporary use and operation thereof by any agency of the government, upon due compensation to the Grantee, for the use of said stations or facilities during the period when these shall be so operated.

SEC. 6. Term of Franchise. - This franchise shall be in effect for a period of twenty-five (25) years from the effectivity of this Act, unless sooner revoked or cancelled. This franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked in the event the Grantee fails to operate continuously for two (2) years.

SEC. 7. Self-regulation by and Undertaking of Grantee. The Grantee shall not require any previous censorship of any speech, play, act or scene, or other matter to be broadcast-from its stations, but if any such speech, play, act or scene, or other matter should constitute a violation of the law or infringement of a private right, the Grantee shall be free from any liability, civil or criminal, for such speech, play, act or scene, or other matter: Provided, That the Grantee, during any broadcast, shall cut off the airing of speech, play, act or scene, or··other matter being broadcast if the tendency thereof is to propose or incite treason, rebellion or sedition; or the language used therein or the theme thereof is indecent or immoral: Provided, further, That willful failure to do so shall constitute a valid cause for the cancellation of this franchise.

SEC. 8. Warranty in Favor of the National and Local Governments. - The Grantee shall hold the national, provincial,city, and municipal governments of the Philippines free from all claims, liabilities, demands, or actions arising out of accidents causing injury to persons or damage to properties, during the construction or operation of the stations of the Grantee.

SEC. 9. Commitment to Provide and Promote the Creation of Employment Opportunities. - The Grantee shall create employment opportunities and accept on-the-job trainees in the franchise operations: Provided, That priority shall be accorded to the residents of the place where the principal office of the Grantee is located: Provided, further, That the Grantee shall comply with the applicable labor standards and allowance entitlement under existing labor laws, rules and regulations and similar issuances.

The employment opportunities or jobs created shall be reflected in the General Information Sheet (GIS) to be submitted to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) annually.

SEC. 10. Sale, Lease, Transfer, Grant of Usufruct, or Assignment of Franchise. - The Grantee shall not sell, lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, nor assign this franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any other corporation or entity, nor shall the controlling interest of the Grantee be transferred; simultaneously or contemporaneously, to any person, firm, company, corporation, or entity without the prior approval of Congress. The Grantee shall inform Congress of any sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, or assignment of franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder, or of the merger or transfer of the controlling interest of the Grantee, within sixty (60) days after the completion of the said transaction.

Failure to report to Congress such change of ownership shall render the franchise ipso facto revoked. Any person or entity to which this franchise is sold, transferred, or assigned shall be subject to the same conditions, terms, restrictions, and limitations of this Act. SEC. 11. Reportorial Requirement. - The Grantee shall submit an annual report on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations to the Congress of the Philippines, through the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Public Services of the Senate, on or before April 30 of every year during the term of its franchise.

The annual report shall include an update on the roll-out, development, operation or expansion of business; audited financial statements; latest GIS officially submitted to the SEC, if applicable; certification of the NTC on the status of its permits and operations; and an update on the dispersal of ownership undertaking, if applicable.

The reportorial compliance certificate issued by Congress shall be required before any application for permit or certificate is accepted by the NTC. SEC. 12. Fine. - Failure of the Grantee to submit the requisite annual report to Congress shall be penalized by a fine of Five hundred pesos (P500.00) per working day of noncompliance. The fine shall be collected by the NTC from the delinquent franchise Grantee separate from the reportorial penalties imposed by the NTC and the same shall be remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury.

SEC. 13. Equality Clause. - Any advantage, favor, privilege, exemption, or immunity granted under existing franchises, or which may hereafter be granted for radio and television broadcasting, upon prior review and approval of Congress, shall become part of this franchise and shall be accorded immediately and unconditionally to the herein Grantee: Provided, That the foregoing shall neither apply to nor affect the provisions of broadcasting franchises concerning territorial coverage, the term, or the type of service authorized by the franchise. .

SEC. 14. Repealability and Nonexclusivity Clause –This franchise shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the public interest so requires and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant of the privileges herein provided for.

SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is held invalid, all other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.

SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, resolutions, instructions, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 17, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

VICENTE C. SOTTO III President of the Senate

LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on March 3, 2021, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on December 6, 2021, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on December 14, 2021.

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary of the Senate

MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved APR 08 2022

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE President of the Philippines

(MS-APRIL 30, 2022)

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SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 || mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Recognize our gov’t, Taliban chief exhorts world leaders

K

ABUL—Afghanistan’s supreme leader called again Friday for the international community to recognize the Taliban government, saying the world had become a “small village” and proper diplomatic relations would help solve the country’s problems.

No nation has formally recognized the regime installed by the Taliban after they seized power in August and reintroduced the hardline Islamist rule that is increasingly excluding women from public life.

In a written message ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada did not mention international sticking points—including reopening secondary schools for girls.

Instead, he said recognition should come first “so that we may address our problems formally and within diplomatic norms and principles”.

“Undoubtedly, the world has transformed into a small village,” said Akhundzada, who has not been seen in public for years and lives reclusively in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spiritual heartland.

“Afghanistan has its role in world peace and stability. According to this need, the world should recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”

His Eid message comes as the country has been rocked by a series of bomb blasts -- some claimed by the jihadist Islamic State group and targeting the minority Shiite Hazara community.

Akhundzada made no mention of insecurity but said the country had been able to build “a strong Islamic and national army”, as well as “a strong intelligence organisation”.

Link aid to rights Many in the international community want humanitarian aid and recognition to be linked to the restoration of women’s rights.

Tens of thousands of women lost their government jobs after the Taliban takeover, and they have also been barred from leaving the country -- or even travelling between cities -- unless accompanied by a male relative.

In March, the Taliban prompted global outrage by shutting all secondary schools for girls just hours after allowing them to reopen for the first time since they seized power. AFP

Manila

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Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission

TODAY

COMMISSION EN BANC

In relation to the lending business and industry, it bears emphasis that the Commission is mandated in Section 2 of the Lending Company Regulation Act to implement the policy of regulating lending companies to effectively prevent and mitigate the commission of practices prejudicial to public interest, thus: “SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to regulate the establishment of lending companies and to place their operation on a sound, efficient and stable condition to derive the optimum advantages from them as an additional source of credit; to prevent and mitigate, as far as practicable, practices pre judicial to public interest; and to lay down the minimum requirements and standards under which they may be established and do business.” (Emphasis supplied)

IN THE MATTER OF: GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH SEC CDO Case No. 04-22-089 ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTOR PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EIPD), Movant. x-------------------------------------------------x

CEASE AND DESIST ORDER This resolves the Motion for the Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order1 (the “Motion”) filed by the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) on 9 March 2022 praying that a Cease and Desist Order (“CDO”) be issued against the operators and owners of the following online lending applications: GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH (collectively referred to as the “Online Lending Operators “), including their agents, representatives and promoters, as well as the owners of the hosting sites of the Online Lending Operators and any and all persons or entities involved, directly or indirectly, in their operations, directing them to immediately cease and desist from (a) operating, engaging in, carrying out, abetting and/or promoting lending/financing business and related activities without the requisite license from the Commission, and (b) offering and/or advertising their lending business and related activities through the internet and any other media, and to delete or remove from the internet and social media platforms the promotional materials used to advertise their products and services.

On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the continued operations of GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH constitute a clear violation of, and should be penalized pursuant to the Lending Company Regulation Act because it engages in or carries out a lending business without the required license from the Commission.

Moreover, the abusive collection practices, misrepresentations, and unreasonable tenns and conditions imposed by GOLDEN CASH, and HELP CASH and their agents and representatives are the very acts and practices that, as a matter of policy, the States seeks to prevent and penalize.

To ensure that the Commission is able to perform this mandate and to protect the public, Section 179( f) and (P) of the RCC authorizes it to issue a cease and desist order and to perform such other powers which are incidental or necessary in carrying out its mandate, to wit: Section 179. Powers, Functions, and Jurisdiction of the Commission. The Commission shall have the power and authority to: xxx xxx xxx (f)

RELEVANT FACTS

xxx xxx xxx

The filing of the present Motion stemmed from the endorsement by the Corporate Governance and Finance Department (CGFD) to the EIPD for appropriate action, the numerous complaints it received from the public which alleged that the Online Lending Operators are engaged in unauthorized lending activities and unfair debt practices.2

(P) Exercise such other powers provided by law or those, which may be necessary or incidental to carrying out the powers expressly granted to the Commission. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

Acting on the said endorsement, the EIPD proceeded to conduct a formal investigation for possible violation of Republic Act No. 9474 or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007, which the Commission IS mandated to administer and implement. For this purpose, the EIPD looked into Google Play Store and was able to confirm that the Online Lending Operator GOLDEN CASH is still downloadable and accessible to the public, which in effect confirmed the allegation that the Online Lending Operators were indeed actually operating and maintaining an online lending business.3 The EIPD was also able to confirm that the reviews given to the Online Lending Operators, which are available in the internet and social media platforms, are replete with, and bear out the negative comments covering the users/borrowers’ experiences on the excessive processing fee and/or hidden charges assessed against them, as well as the use of threat, insult, or profane language by the Online Lending Operators in exacting payment of the loan amount. 4 The foregoing was also confirmed and attested to by the handling investigator who executed and issued an affidavit which was submitted in evidence.5 The records show that the online applications of HELP CASH and GRACE CASH are no longer available for download in Google Play Store.

The EIPD also submitted in evidence the complaints of borrowers of the Online Lending Operators who alleged to have been harassed, threatened, publicly humiliated, and assessed hidden charges and excessive processing fees by the Online Lending Operators.6 Finally, the EIPD alleged and presented evidence showing that the Online Lending Operators of the applications GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH are not registered as a corporation, partnership nor a one-person corporation which the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 requires from of all entities that are engaged in lending business/activities.

The certifications issued by the CGFD12 and CRMD13 confirmed that GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH are not registered with the Commission either as corporations, partnerships, or one person corporation. Neither is there anything on the records of the Commission that will show that GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH have been issued the Certificate of Authority which is required to validly engage in lending activities. The acts of GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH in engaging in the lending business sans the required registrations/licenses constitute a clear violation of Section 4 of the Lending Company Regulation Act, which warrants the imposition of the appropriate penalties provided under Section 12 of the Lending Company Regulation Act. Furthermore, the evidence presented by the EIPD shows that GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH are illegally engaging in lending activities as the latter are not registered as corporations, and have no Certificate of Authority issued by the Commission. Thus, the acts of GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH in offering and providing loans to the public constitutes actual fraud14 which was intentionally employed to lead the public into the belief that they are legally authorized to engage in the lending business which is not and has never been the case. This, in fact resulted in the public actually taking loans from GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH as shown in the complaint and in the evidence presented by the EIPD. Without the Certificate of Authority which is required under the Lending Company Regulation Act, the GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH cannot offer and provide loans to the public.

The Commission also condemns the unfair collection practices of the Online Lending Operators which are expressly prohibited under Section 1 of MC 18, as follows: a. The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person;

Relative thereto, the EIPD presented in evidence ( a) the Certification 7 issued by the Company Registration and Monitoring Department (CRMD) which confirmed that the Online Lending Operators are not registered as a corporation, partnership nor a one person corporation, and (b) the Memorandum dated 07 March 20228 issued by the CGFD which stated that the Online Lending Operators GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH are not included in the List of Financing and Lending Companies with Online Lending Platforms (OLPs) reported to the SEC pursuant to SEC Memorandum Circular No. 19 Series of2019 (SEC MC 19)9.

b. The use of threats to take any action that cannot legally be taken; c. The use of obscenities, insults, or profane language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the borrower and/or which amount to a criminal act or offense under applicable laws; d. Disclosure or publication of the names and other personal information of borrowers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, except as may be allowed under Section 2 hereof;

ISSUE

e. Communicating or threatening to communicate to any person loan information, which is known, or which should be known, to be false, including the failure to communicate that the debt is being disputed, except as may be allowed under Section 2 hereof;

Whether the evidence presented by the EIPD on record warrants the issuance of a CDO against the Online Lending Operators.

RULING

f.

The Commission finds merit in the Motion and hereby grants the same.

The pieces of evidence presented sufficiently support the allegations of the EIPD that the Online Lending Operators are either actually engaged in the business of offering and providing loans to the public, and/or are carrying out transactions proper to a lending company without a validly subsisting Certificate of Authority to operate as Lending Companies or Financing Companies from the Commission, or engaged in unfair debt collection practices under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of2019 (Me 18)10.

“Section 5. Powers and Functions of the Commission - 5.1. The Commission shall act with transparency and shall have the powers and functions provided by this code, Presidential Decree No. 902-A, the Corporation Code, the Investment Houses law, the Financing Company Act and other existing laws. Pursuant thereto the Commission shall have, among others, the following powers and functions: (a) Have jurisdiction and supervision over all corporations, partnership or associations who are the grantees of primary franchises andlor a license or a permit issued by the Government; xxx xxx xxx

(right) and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres give a joint press conference following their talks in Kyiv on April 28. The Security Council failed to go far enough in its efforts to “prevent and end” Russia’s war in Ukraine, Guterres admitted while visiting Kyiv. AFP

IN BRIEF Sokor to end outdoor mask mandate

SEOUL—South Korea said Friday it will lift its outdoor mask mandate next week in response to a steady drop in Covid-19 cases after an Omicron-fuelled surge.

The announcement comes after Seoul dropped almost all other social-distancing measures earlier this month, ending two years of strict requirements that put a strain on the country’s small businesses.

From Monday, residents will no longer be required to wear facemasks outdoors unless attending an event with more than 50 participants, health authorities said.

“As social-distancing measures are lifted and the mask mandate is being adjusted, people are increasingly returning to their normal lives,” Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), told reporters.

South Korea’s incoming administration, headed by conservative president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, on Friday criticised the decision to end the mask mandate as “premature”, questioning if it had been based solely on “virus prevention measures”.

Ahn Cheol-soo, chief of Yoon’s transition team, had previously said the new government planned to make a call on the mandate in May. AFP

Landslide kills 12 Indonesian women

MEDAN, Indonesia—Twelve women working in an illegal gold mine in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province were killed when a cliff collapsed and triggered a landslide that buried them, police said.

Unlicensed mines are common across mineral-rich Indonesia, with abandoned sites attracting locals who scrounge for leftover gold ore without using proper safety equipment.

A collapsed cliff in North Sumatra’s Mandailing Natal district struck Thursday afternoon, killing 12 women -- aged 30 to 55 years old -- who were digging for gold in an abandoned illegal mine.

“The cliff around the mine collapsed and buried the 12 women, killing them all,” local police chief Marlon Rajagukguk told AFP late Thursday, adding that the victims were not professional miners.

Two other women who worked alongside them managed to survive the disaster and ran back to the village to report the incident to the authorities.

It took hours for rescuers to evacuate the victims’ bodies as they were in a twometre deep hole, which was filled with mud. AFP

42 hurt in clashes at Al-Aqsa mosque

JERUSALEM—Fresh clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound injured 42 people on Friday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said, following weeks of violence at the flashpoint site.

The unrest came on the final Friday in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

None of the injuries were serious, the Red Crescent said, adding that 22 people had been taken to hospital.

Israel’s police said forces entered the compound after “rioters” hurled stones and fireworks, including down towards the Western Wall, the sacred Jewish site below Al-Aqsa.

The statement said officers used “riot dispersal means” to contain the unrest.

Witnesses and AFP reporters said police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Police said three people had been arrested, two for throwing stones and one for “inciting the mob”.

“For the past hour, the site has been quiet and (Muslim) worshippers are safely entering (the compound)” police said.

But tensions remain high at the site in the heart of Jerusalem’s old, walled city, part of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

Over the past two weeks, nearly 300 Palestinians have been injured in clashes at the Al-Aqsa compound, Islam’s third-holiest site which is the most holy site for Jews, who call it the Temple Mount. AFP

(d) Regulate, investigate or supervise the activities of persons to ensure compliance; xxx xxx xxx (n) Exercise such other powers as may be provided by law as well as those which may be implied from, or which are necessary or incidental to the carrying out of, the express powers granted the Commission to achieve the objectives and purpose of these laws.”

(Emphasis and underscoring supplied) In relation to the performance of its authority to investigate persons, and exact compliance with laws administered by it, the Supreme Court emphasized in Provident International Resources Corp. v. Venus,11 that the Commission has the concomitant duty to impose the appropriate sanctions/penalties for non-compliance, thus: “It can be said that the SEC’s regulatory authority over private corporations encompasses a wide margin of areas, touching nearly all of a corporation’s concerns. This authority more vividly springs from the fact that a corporation owes its existence to the concession of its corporate franchise from the state. Under its regulatory responsibilities, the SEC may pass upon applications for, or may suspend or revoke (after due notice and hearing), certificates of registration of corporations, partnerships and associations (excluding cooperatives, homeowners’ association, and labor unions); compel legal and regulatorv compliances; conduct inspections; and impose fines or other penalties for violations of the Revised Securities Act, as well as implementing rules and directives of the SEC, such as may be warranted.” (Emphasis supplied)

Such consent which shall be evidenced by written, electronic or recorded means, may be given prior to, during, or after the execution of the loan agreement. h. Notwithstanding the borrower’s consent, contacting the persons in the borrower’s contact list other than those who were named as guarantors or co-makers shall also constitute unfair debt collection practice.

On account thereof, the Commission finds and so holds that the issuance of a CDO is warranted in the instant case not only to stop the illegal act, but also to prevent the continued fraud on the public who are led by the Online Lending Operators to the belief that they are operating a legitimate business. This is a power that is expressly granted to the Commission under Section 179 (f) and (p), in relation to the SRC and the Lending Company Regulation Act. The acts of these unregistered Online Lending Operators in illegally offering and providing loans to the public, charging high interest rates, and subjecting its debtors to unfair treatment through abusive and even libelous language in collecting the loaned amount, have no place in a society that is governed by and faithfully adheres to positive laws. The Commission is dutybound to strictly implement the provisions of the Lending Company Regulation Act, ensure that public interest is at all times upheld, and that the public is protected from persons who carry out unauthorized or illegal lending activities.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH and GRACE CASH, its owners, operators, promoters, representatives, agents AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING AND ACTING FOR AND IN THEIR BEHALF, are hereby ORDERED to immediately CEASE AND DESIST from engaging in, carrying out, promoting and facilitating any lending activity/transaction until they have incorporated and have secured from this Commission the requisite Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Authority to Operate as Lending Companies or Financing Companies.

GOLDEN CASH and HELP CASH, its owners, operators, promoters, representatives, agents AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING AND ACTING FOR AND IN THEIR BEHALF, are likewise ORDERED to immediately CEASE AND DESIST from engaging in unfair debt collection practices prohibited under MC 18.

GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH, its owners, operators, promoters, representatives, agents AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS ACTING FOR AND IN THEIR BEHALF, are directed to CEASE and DESIST from offering and advertising their lending business through the internet or any other media, and to delete/remove any and all materials involving or covering the same.

The EIPD is hereby DIRECTED to: 1.) Cause the posting of a copy of this cno in the Commission’s website, and the publication of the same in two (2) newspapers of general circulation; 2.) Coordinate with the appropriate cyber-criminal investigation and enforcement agency(ies) of the government in order to determine, identify, and apprehend the responsible pef SGRS involved in the illegal online operations of GOLDEN CASH, HELP CASH, and GRACE CASH, including its author, creator, owner and its officers, or any person, agent, representative conniving with them. The EIPD is also directed to conduct an investigation to determine and recommend the filing of a criminal complaint, if warranted; and

Among the existing laws that the Commission is mandated to implement is Republic Act No. 9474, otherwise known as the “Lending Company Regulation Act of2007” (the “Lending Company Regulation Act”), Section 4 of which specifically requires that persons or entities operating as lending companies should be registered as a corporation and should have an authority to operate issued by the Commission, to wit: “SEC. 4. Form of Organization. - A lending company shall be established only as a corporation: Provided That existing lending investors organized as single proprietorships or partnerships shall be disallowed from engaging in the business of granting loans to the public one year after the date of effectivity of this Act.

The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a borrower; and

g. Making contact at unreasonable/inconvenient times or hours, which shall be defined as contact before 6:00 A.M. or after 10:00 P.M., unless the account is past due for more than fifteen (15) days, or the borrower has given express consent that the said times are the only reasonable or convenient opportunities for contact.

The powers and authority, as well as the jurisdiction of the Commission are specifically provided in Section 5.1 (a) of Republic Act No. 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), thus:

UN LEADER IN KYIV. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Issue cease and desist orders ex parte to prevent imminent fraud or injury to the public;

3.) Submit a formal compliance report, by way of pleading, to the Commission En Banc within ten (10) days from receipt of this CDO. In accordance with the provisions of Sec. 64.315 of the SRC and Sec. 4-3, Rule IV, Part II of the 2016 Rules of Procedure of the Commission, the parties subject of the Cease arid Desist Order may file a Verified Motion to lift thereof within five (5) day~ from the date of its posting or publication.

SO ORDERED.

No lending company shall conduct business unless granted an authority to operate by the SEC.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

Pasay City, Philippines; 26 Apri12022

The Lending Company Regulation Act penalizes any person who, without being registered as a corporation and without a subsisting authority to operate obtained from the Commission, engages in the business of a lending company, to wit:

EMILIO B. AQUINO Chairperson

“SEC. 12. Penalty. - A fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) and not more than Fifty thousand pesos(P50,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than ten (l0) years or both, at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon: 1.

Any person who shall engage in the business of a lending company without a validly subsisting authority to operate from the SEC.

2.

The president, treasurer and other officers of the corporation, including the managing officer thereof, who shall knowingly and willingly: a. Engage in the business of a lending company without a validly subsisting authority to operate from the SEC; b. Hold themselves out to be a lending company, either through advertisement in whatever form, whether in its stationery, commercial paper, or other document, or through other representations without authority; c. Make use of a trade or firm name containing the words “lending company” or “lending investor” or any other designation that would give the public the impression that it is engaged in the business of a lending company as defined in this Act without authority; and d. Violate the provisions of this Act.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15

JAVEY PAUL D. FRANCISCO Commissioner

KELVIN LESTER K. LEE Commissioner

KARLO S. BELLO Commissioner

MCJILL BRYANT T. FERNANDEZ Commissioner

Dated on 09 March 2022.

Annex “C” of the Motion.

Annex “B” - “B-4” of the Affidavit.

Annex “A” - “A-5” ofthe Affidavit.

Annex “B” of the Motion.

Annexes “E” to “E-1” of the Motion.

Annex “D” of the Motion.

Annex “A” of the Motion.

Disclosure Requirements on Advertisements and Financing Companies and Lending Companies and Reporting of Online Lending Platforms.

Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies.

G.R. No. 167041, June 17,2008.

Id. Id. “Fraud is of two kinds: actual or constructive, Actual or positive fraud proceeds from an intentional deception practiced by means of the misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact. Constructive fraud is construed as a fraud because of its detrimental effect upon public interests and public or private confidence, even though the act is not done with an actual design to commit positive fraud or injury upon other persons. (Encinares vs Achero, G.R. No. 161419, August 25, 2009) Any person against whom a cease and desist order was issued may, within five (5) days from receipt of the . order, file a formal request for a lifting thereof. Said request shall be set for hearing by the Commission not later than fifteen (15) days from its filing and the resolution thereof shall be made not later than ten (10) days from the termination of the hearing. If the Commission fails to resolve the request within the time herein prescnbed, the cease and desIst order shall automatically be lifted.

(MS-APRIL 30, 2022)

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

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SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, April 29, 2022

-130.28 PTS. 6,779.17

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

840,298,815 73,279

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

7,919,031,378.47 64 122

UNCHANGED

46

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.1580

Japan

Yen

0.007643

0.3986

UK

Pound

1.246000

64.9889

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127447

6.6474

Switzerland

Franc

1.029018

53.6715

Canada

Dollar

0.780945

40.7325

Singapore

Dollar

0.721137

37.6131

Australia

Dollar

0.710100

37.0374

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652590

138.3538

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

13.9062

Brunei

Dollar

0.718546

37.4779

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029053

1.5153

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.2019

Euro

Euro

1.050200

54.7763

Korea

Won

0.000786

0.0410

China

Yuan

0.150932

7.8723

India

Rupee

0.013045

0.6804

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.229358

11.9629

New Zealand

Dollar

0.648800

33.8401

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033952

1.7709 Source: BSP

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK. Security Bank Corp. holds its 2022 Economic Forum where economists and analysts share their outlook on the local and global economy against a backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, the COVID-19 aftermath and the upcoming 2022 Philippine national elections. Joining the forum are (from top left, clockwise) SBC chief economist Robert Dan Roces; Dr. Cielito Habito, chairman of economic think tank Brain Trust Inc. and a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University; Akihiro Sato, chief economist and managing director and head of the economic research office at MUFG Bank Ltd.; and Prof. Victor Andres Manhit, founder and managing director of international research organization Stratbase Group.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

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ONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. will divest from remaining thermal energy businesses, its stake in Light Railway Transit Line 1 and other passive investments under AC Ventures, and other non-core assets by 2023 as part of a plan to raise $1 billion from asset sales. ary shares in AC Energy to Singapore’s wealth fund GIC. The conglomerate has reinvested $360 million of the proceeds to buy back shares in the company as well as property unit Ayala Land Inc. While Ayala is selling some of its non-core assets, it is scaling up its investments in emerging businesses, AC Health and AC Logistics Holdings Corp., in a bid to develop new revenue sources.

“We aim to establish a significant presence in healthcare and logistics, two industries that are undergoing critical transformation,” said Zobel.

He said both industries are highly fragmented, making them ripe for potential industry consolidation.

The conglomerate has allotted P12 billion to AC Health since 2015 to build a portfolio of assets in primary care and multi-specialty clinics, hospitals, retail pharmacy, pharmaceutical distribution and tele-health.

AC Health, which is currently constructing the country’s first cancer hospital, is expected to reach profitability this year and nearly P1 billion in net income by 2025.

In logistics, the group said plans to develop an end-to-end platform to serve the supply chain requirements of various industries.

Ayala in November signed an agreement to acquire a 60-percent stake in Air21 Group for P6 billion. The deal is expected to be finalized by the first half of the year.

The group is hoping that the next administration will focus on driving and accelerating the post-pandemic economic recovery by alleviating the plight of those who have been greatly affected by the pandemic and creating employment.

“We believe that regardless of who becomes the next leader, accelerating economic recovery will be made a priority, and we clearly observed this in our interactions with the candidates.

Our group has always aligned its strategic priorities with the national development agenda, and we look forward to working with the next administration,” the conglomerate said.

URC posted 15.6% increase in first-quarter profit to P3.47b UNIVERSAL Robina Corp. on Friday reported a net income of P3.47 billion in the first quarter of 2022, up 15.6 percent from P3 billion in the same period last year, on strong a rebound across all businesses.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-quarter consolidated sales climbed 22 percent to P35.783 billion from P29.36 billion a year ago as both domestic and international sales of branded consumers foods group (BCFG) posted double digit growth in revenues.

BCFG domestic operations booked a 15.4-percent increase in net sales to P17.6 billion, driven by double-digit growths across most categories on the back of strong volumes and increased prices.

The BCFG international operations registered a 41-percent increase in net sales to P7.84 billion during the first quarter of 2022. URC attributed the significant increase largely due to the double-digit growth from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, coupled with the contribution from recentlyacquired Malaysian biscuits company Munchy Food Industries.

Operating income stood at P4.1 billion, up five percent from the same period last year, as the company managed to raise the bottomline despite unprecedented cost pressures from spiking commodity prices, global supply chain challenges and geopolitical tensions.

“We are heartened by the accelerating growth trajectory of the company, as the economy has opened up and consumers see a return to normalcy,” said URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee. “On the cost side, we continued to face challenges from volatile global commodity prices, which we expect to remain choppy throughout the year. Despite these headwinds, we will continue to serve our customers and consumers to the best of our abilities, staying agile and nimble through shifts in the market, and focus on our company’s purpose: to delight everyone with good food choices,” Lee added. Jenniffer B. Austria

Toyota introduces all-new SUV Veloz

TOYOTA Motor Philippines expanded its commercial vehicle lineup with the reintroduction of the all-new Veloz as its newest sub-compact SUV. Toyota unveiled the new addition to the lineup Friday in a nationwide launch participated by major dealerships across the country and from the Veloz hub in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), streaming live on its Facebook page.

“The arrival of the All-New Veloz is very timely. With the reopening of the economy, and destinations all over the country already welcoming travelers, it is Toyota’s goal to address the ever growing need of Filipinos to move together with thrill and joy. And so we introduce this new sub-compact SUV perfect for families and friends seeking to discover new adventures,” said Toyota president Atsuhiro Okamoto during the launch.

The newly-unveiled 7-seater SUV features a modern striking design inside and out . Positioned as a sub-compact group carrier for adventurous families and friends, Toyota prioritized comfort and convenience in designing the spacious cabin. Othel V. Campos

Aboitiz Power bares data innovation plan

Ayala readies sale of rail, energy assets Ayala president and chief executive Fernando Zobel de Ayala said during the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday the conglomerate would use the proceeds from the sales of assets to fund future investments, reduce debt and strengthen its balance sheet.

Ayala as of March 2022 had realized 61 percent or $614 million from the sale of assets, including partial divestment from Manila Water Co., a stake in GNPower Kauswaganthe, and second-

IN BRIEF

EFFICIENT COLD CHAIN. The cold chain industry aims to be more energy-efficient as the government and the private sector through the Board of Investments, Environmental Management Bureau, Energy Utilization Management Bureau, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization sign a memorandum of understanding. The agreement will draw up guidelines on the minimum energy performance of the industry, including commercial refrigeration products. Signing the MOU during a virtual ceremony are (from left, clockwise) EUMB director Patrick Aquino, UNIDO industrial development officer Adnan Atwa, BOI governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego and Mae Valdez of FCC Project.

BSP sees April inflation rising to as high as 5% on higher fuel prices

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday inflation in April likely accelerated from 4 percent n April on higher prices of food, oil and electricity.

Diokno said in a message to reporters the April inflation was expected to settle within a range of 4.2 percent to 5.0 percent.

“Higher electricity rates in Meralcoserviced areas, increased domestic petroleum prices as well as higher meat and fish prices are the primary sources of inflationary pressures during the month,” he said.

He said inflation pressures could

also emanate from positive base effects.

“These could be offset in part by lower prices of fruits and vegetables and the broadly stable peso,” Diokno said.

He said the BSP would continue to monitor emerging price developments and possible second-round effects to help achieve its primary mandate of price stability that is conducive to balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.

Inflation in March accelerated to a five-month high of 4 percent from 3 percent in February, driven by higher food, transport and fuel prices.

This brought the average inflation in the first quarter to 3.4 percent, above

the midpoint of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent this year. In the first quarter last year, inflation averaged 4 percent.

Diokno earlier said monetary authorities might consider raising interest rates from the record-low of 2 percent

by June, amid the improvements in key economic indicators such as the gross domestic product and sustained manageable inflation environment.

The BSP kept the policy rate at 2 percent since November 2020.

Diokno said in an interview with Bloomberg Markets and Finance the economy rebounded by 5.7 percent last year from a contraction of 9.6 percent in 2020.

ABOITIZ Power Corp., in partnership with Aboitiz Data Innovation, recently launched its Data Innovation Program to help reduce the cost of electricity and improve power reliability and security in the country.

The program forms part of the company’s foray into the artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors. It is anchored to the Aboitiz Group’s aim to become the first “techglomerate” in the Philippines.

Aboitiz Power president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio stressed the importance of innovation and data science in making impactful progress to move the bottom line of the company and at the same time benefit consumers.

“We seek to not just experiment for the sake of experimentation, but to experiment to solve real operational problems that matter and will provide financial return and the opportunity for market leadership,” he said in a statement.

The move is a concerted effort of Aboitiz Power to make innovation and data science a driving force on all fronts of the business including generation, distribution, and commercial operations. Alena Mae S. Flores

Eton Properties books total assets of P32.4b

MAJOR real estate player Eton Properties Philippines Inc. reported an increase in total assets and gross profit margin despite a setback in net profit due to the expected market slowdown brought about by the global economic recession last year.

Eton in an annual stockholders’ meeting Friday said maintained a healthy balance sheet due to effective cost-saving measures that helped cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Eton Properties posted a modest growth of 2 percent in total assets to about P32.4 billion from a year ago, while equity grew P19.2 billion, resulting in an improved debt-to-equity ratio of 3 percent from 0.71 to 0.69.

Amid a slower demand in the office and residential markets, the company reported P2 billion in total revenues and a corresponding net income of P550 million in 2021. The office leasing portfolio delivered the most share with a 77-percent contribution, while commercial and retail added 11 percent. Residential leasing and the rest of the leasing portfolio accounted for 12 percent.

IFC subscribing to $100-m worth of BDO’s Blue Bond INTERNATIONAL Finance Corp., a member of the World Bank Group, said Friday its subscription of up to $100 million in BDO Unibank Inc.’s Blue Bond will help increase access to finance for blue projects in the Philippines.

IFC said in a statement the investment would also help tackle marine pollution and preserve clean water resources, while supporting the country’s climate goals.

Solid waste management and marine plastics are key issues for the Philippines, threatening several elements of the blue economy and urban public health.

The Philippines is the third largest contributor, with an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic entering the ocean every year, according to the Market Study for the Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers (World Bank Group, 2021).

The nation is also combating water stress with rapid urbanization. According to Water.org, more than 3 million people in the Philippines rely on unsafe and unsustainable water sources and 7 million lack access to improved sanitation.

“We welcome IFC’s timely support for BDO’s maiden Blue Bond issuance, which reinforces our commitment to sustainable finance and allows us to provide more support to critical areas such as water conservation, wastewater treatment, plastic recycling, sustainable tourism, fisheries, and sustainable seafood processing,” BDO Unibank Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson said.

“Marking our two-decade partnership, IFC’s investment will be key to helping BDO develop a Blue Finance Framework that will allow us to fund projects that support the country’s blue economy while establishing a new asset class in the Philippine debt market,” Sy-Coson said in a statement. Julito G. Rada

Globe signs deal with AST SpaceMobile to offer space-based broadband network in PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Friday it signed a deal with AST SpaceMobile Inc., which is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, to further expand its coverage and reach remote and underserved areas in the country.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the implementation of the planned

AST SpaceMobile cellular broadband service in the Philippines.

“Globe has always been a pioneer in bringing first-to-market digital solutions to empower Filipinos. It is our mission to enable inclusive economic growth and provide quality education and e-health even in remote and still unconnected rural communities,” said Globe network strategy and technology enablement director Gerhard Tan. “Space-based broadband, otherwise

known as Global Mobile Personal Communications Services, or GMPCS, is the new frontier in connectivity. We are proud to take the first step towards the adoption of this planned breakthrough technology that could address the need for reliable and practical mobile broadband connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and connectivity-challenged areas in the Philippines,” he said.

Once launched, AST SpaceMobile

aims to provide the first satellite broadband service directly to standard mobile phones in the country. Globe’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will enable its telecom services to cover areas beyond the reach of land-based cell towers.

The space-based cellular broadband service is being designed to offer voice, video data and internet access via 2G, 4G/ LTE and 5G signals helping to also provide connectivity during times of crisis including disasters and emergencies.

Sports

Perfect Paul as Suns win series; Sixers, Mavs advance LOS ANGELES—Chris Paul produced a perfect display of shooting to lead the Phoenix Suns to a series-clinching victory over New Orleans as Philadelphia and Dallas also advanced in the NBA playoffs on Thursday.

The 12-time All-Star Paul made 14of-14 shots from the field to set a new postseason record as the Suns defeated the Pelicans 115-109 to complete a 4-2 series victory in the Big Easy.

It marked an emotional return to New Orleans for Paul, who began his professional career in the city with six seasons for the then-Hornets between 2005 and 2011.

“I always say this city raised me,” Paul said. “It’s nice to do it here in New Orleans... it’s home for me. I root for this team when I’m not playing against them.

“It’s unbelievably special. You have no clue what it’s like for me to walk into this building. Everybody that works here, they’re like part of my family. This is like my family. There’s nothing like playing in this city.”

The Suns were also buoyed by the return from injury of Devin Booker, whose 13-point haul included a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to edge Phoenix ahead.

“Having Book back was everything,” Paul added. “Down the stretch they started to blitz and they forgot we had Devin Booker standing over there on the wing.”

Booker paid tribute to the 36-year-old Paul.

“I’ve been watching him since I was eight years old,” Booker said. “It doesn’t surprise me.

“It gives you the utmost confidence, playing alongside him, knowing he’s going to take care of the ball, knowing that the ball is going to find the right person, on time, on target.”

The Suns will play the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Mavericks dug deep to defeat Utah 98-96 on the road in Salt Lake City to complete a 4-2 series win over the Jazz.

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson scored 24 points apiece as Dallas fought back from a 12-point third-quarter deficit for a gutsy win.

Utah’s Bogdan Bogdanovic missed a wide-open three to win the game on the buzzer as Dallas escaped with victory.

- Embiid dominant The Philadelphia Sixers made sure there was no chance of a game seven decider as they thrashed the Raptors 132-97 in Toronto to seal a 4-2 series victory.

Philadelphia now face Eastern Conference top seeds Miami for a place in the conference finals. AFP

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

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Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns dives for the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP

Lopena wins 100m dash, denies Bautista 3rd gold A

NFERNEE Lopena denied national teammate’s Clinton Baustista bid for a golden treble Thursday afternoon by winning the men’s 100-meter dash with a personal best time of 10.41 seconds in the Philippine Athletics Championships at the Philsports track oval in Pasig City.

With a slight technique change, Lopena led from start to finish to clip Bautista, who was relegated to second place in 10.56 seconds, also a personnal best. John Dave Puno was third (11.0).

A gold medalist in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Eloisa Luzon-Medina easily won the women’s 100-meter sprint in 11.9 seconds, while Army’s Jelly Diane Paragile wa second in 12.17.

Khay Santos placed third (12.27) in the meet organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.

“Medyo binago ko ‘yung technique upon advice of coach Jeoffrey Chua na huwag mag-all out sa umpisa and just to accelerate in the last 60 meters.

Gumana naman,” said Lopena after his close duel with Bautista in the competition supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The 2019 SEA Games gold medalist in the 4x100-meter mixed relay said that the time was his personal best in seven years. It was even faster than the 10.49 seconds of Thai SEAG silver medalist Ruttanapon Suwan.

“Hindi ko na nasabayan si Penny (Lopena’s nickname) kasi napagod na ako after the two hard races sa una,” said Bautista, who was gunning for a third gold to his collection after ruling the men’s 110-meter and 200-meter hurdles Thursday morning.

Melvin Calano, the reigning men’s SEAG javelin champion, showed improvement in hurling the spear to 66.10 meters, 70 centimeters better than his previous throw of 65.40 meters in the Patafa Performance and Time trials at the same oval last month.

In the other afternoon results held the other day, SEA Games-bound Junel Gobotia topped the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:29.38) and teammate Mariano Masano took the men’s 1,500-meter race (4:02.37) in the competition backed by Iligan City, G-Shock Casio, Chips Delight and Lily’s Peanut Butter.

In morning results yesterday, nation-

Razak: More exposure needed for PH shuttlers Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia

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

By Peter Atencio MEMBERS of the Philippine national badmint o n team g o t the exposure they needed in the Smart Badminton Asia Championships this week at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Muntinlupa City.

But they should be joining more pocket tournaments and lower level competitions soon to gain more experience, exposure and points.

Newly appointed national head coach Rosman Razak said this after he watched 19 Filipino shuttlers, who are now training under him, drop out of conten-

tion during the early stages of the men’s and women’s divisions.

“They need to start from the lower levels. And we need to start from scratch,” said Razak, who became the mentor of the national squad after Malaysian authorities did not renew his contract at the end of 2020.

Razak believes that the Asian Championship is too strong for the Filipino shuttlers that he is training because the world’s best players are competing in it. His wards are still starting out and most have not played in international meets over the last two years because of the pandemic.

The coaching chores of the national team has changed hands thrice over the last 10 years, with Indonesian badminton legend Rexy Mainaky handling Team Philippines for

a year in 2012.

After that, Paulus Firman handled the national team from 2014 to 2018.

Razak said the national squad will now have a chance to work on their respective games when they leave for Hanoi, Vietnam in the days ahead.

“They have been training for just four and a half months. It’s been hard for them. They need to adjust,” added Razak.

The Malaysian coach said he plans to bring them to Futures events and raise their level of play in the coming months.

Meanwhile, world No. 7 and SEA Games 2019 gold medallist Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia came away with a 21-14, 2220 win against Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia in the men’s singles Round of 16.

Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan

Smart backs Kai goal to become 1st homegrown Filipino in NBA SMART Communications, Inc. is rallying behind long-time Smart ambassador Kai Sotto’s bid to become the first homegrown Filipino to be drafted in the NBA this June 23.

The pledge of support comes after the 19-year-old former “Batang Gilas’ and member of the training pool of the Men’s National Team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup announced that he has decided to submit his name for the 2022 NBA draft.

“As a basketball-loving country, it has always been a dream for Filipinos to see a homegrown player set foot on the NBA hardcourt. Today, we have come closer to realizing this as Kai aims to show the world what Filipino basketball players are made of: talent, skill, determination, and above all, PUSO,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT

and Smart President and CEO. “As an advocate of Philippine sports and basketball, it is an honor for us at Smart to be part of Kai’s journey. From his varsity days in Ateneo and when he suited up for Batang Gilas in 2017 up to this point, we have always known that Kai’s NBA dream has always been bigger than himself, and we fully support his bid to fulfill it and inspire our nation,” added Panlilio, who also sits as President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and MVP Sports Foundation, and Chairman of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 local organizing committee.

Last year, Smart welcomed Sotto as a brand ambassador as he represents and inspires young people to live big and pursue their passion for sports. Wield-

ing the power of social media and mobile technology, Sotto eagerly shares his basketball journey with his hundreds of thousands of followers who look to him for inspiration and motivation.

Sotto, who has always been open about his NBA dream, has spent the past year at the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia playing center for the Adelaide 36ers.

In an Instagram post on April 28, Sotto thanked his family and supporters before announcing his plans to enter his name in the much-anticipated 2022 draft as the NBA successfully returned to normal during its 75th year since the pandemic: “I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. Please pray for and support me during my quest to fulfil my ultimate dream.”

in the last eight will be Lee’s next opponent, after the Japanese world No. 14 stopped Tien Mihn Nguyen, 21-9, 21-10.

World no. 5 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia set a quarterfinal encounter against qualifier Weng Hong Yang of China after edging Kenta Nishimoto of Japan, 21-14, 13-21, 21-13.

Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia and Li Shi Feng of China battle to face either 2018 Asian Games champion Jonathan Christie of Indonesia or the reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore.

In women’s singles, world No. 13 Japan’s Sayaka Takahashi outlasted Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min, 21-12, 14-21, 21-16, to face world No. 4 An Se-young of South Korea, who earlier won past China’s Zhang Yi Man, 21-7, 21-19.

als Alrhyan Labia and Jessel Lumapas swept the men’s and women’s 400-meter runs in 48.58 and 56.07 seconds, respectively, in the meet also sponsored

by GuanaPro -C, Cellife Cellular Nutrition, @Tokyo, Masiv Sports, Gatorade, Summit Mineral Water and PencerQ. Also joining the ranks of yesterday’s winners were women’s national shot-putter Daniella Daynatta (11.74), men’s Leonard Grospe of Metasports AC (2.01) and women’s triple jumper ABCD Agamanos of Team Iskolar (11.23).

Among those scheduled to see action yesterday afternoon were Fil-Am and 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Willie Morrision III, who was favored to win his pet event in the men’s shot put to add to the discus throw gold he won last Thursday.

Also featured was up-and-coming pole vaulter Hokett delos Santos, only the third Filipino outside of Ernest John Obiena and US-based Edward Lasquete to clear five meters.

Altas clinch last play-in NCAA spot UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta clinched the last play-in spot with a 63-60 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College Friday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Generals, who never led, tried to send the game into overtime but Kriss Gurtiza’s triple at the buzzer missed the mark in the league’s first game with the fans in the stands.

The NCAA will continue to have spectators at the San Juan arena in the play-in and Final Four stage.

Making modest strides under first-year coach Myk Saguiguit, the Altas finished the eliminations with a 4-5 card in fifth place.

Perpetual will take on No. 6 Arellano University in a do-or-die match at 3 p.m. on Sunday, with the winner playing against the loser of the duel between the No. 3 and 4 squads for the last Final Four berth.

The Altas raced to an 11-0 advantage and led by as much of 14 points before the Generals threatened at 60-63 on a Gurtiza three with 1:07 remaining. “’Yung game plan namin, tanggalin ‘yung tira sa labas,” said Saguiguit, as EAC went 5-of-28 from the three-point area.

Kim Aurin paced Perpetual with 14 points, while rookie Mark Omega had a double-double outing of 13 points and 15 rebounds to go with four blocks, two steals and two assists.

Gurtiza had 18 points and nine boards, while Allen Liwag contributed 12 points and six rebounds for EAC, which ended its season with a 3-6 record in seventh place.

The scores: First Game Perpetual (63) —Aurin 14, Omega 13, Pagaran 10, Razon 9, Egan 6, Barcuma 5, Cuevas 4, Martel 2, Sevilla 0, Abis 0.

EAC (60)—Gurtiza 18, Liwag 12, Robin 11, Maguliano 8, Cosejo 5, Ad. Doria 3, Luciano 2, Taywan 1, Quinal 0, Cosa 0, Bunyi 0, Cadua 0.

Quarterscores: 18-10, 33-26, 48-44, 63-60

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SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

Mactan summer sanctuary MACTAN in Cebu is famous for its rich culture, beautiful sceneries, gorgeous beaches, historical places, and infrastructure.

“Mactan has a great mix of that laid-back feel of living in Cebu, but with the convenience of being near commercial spaces and an international airport,” said RLC Residences marketing head Karen Cesario.

VACATION AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE AmiSa Private Residences, RLC Residences’ condo development in Mactan offers business owners and professionals a Cebu property investment they can transform into a summer sanctuary, or a home where they can experience vacation-like lifestyle at any moment’s notice.

Over the years, Mactan has attracted travelers and migrants from different parts of the country and the world because of its booming economy and exciting tourist attractions.

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New Cebu workplace

ebu-based real estate developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) recently launched JEG Tower @ One Acacia, a LEED Gold certified 22-storey office and retail high-rise development in Cebu City.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings.

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management,” said Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s chief operating officer. “It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant.”

The building also features a green roof (shown in photo) that can help reduce

At the launch were (left to right) Tomas Abram L. Tan, senior manager for technical services; Marko G. Sarmiento, chief operating officer; Ayla G. Gomez - brand manager; and Arch. Carmelo T. Casas, chief executive officer of Casas + Architects, Inc..

stress and encourage socialization, positively impacting the wellness of employees. JEG Tower @ Acacia earned a LEED Gold Certification from the US

Green Building Council in 2021. The development was awarded 68 points, making it the highest-scoring LEED for Core and Shell project in Cebu.

Home of the good guys UPTOWN, Cagayan De Oro is the first master-planned development of SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) in Cagayan De Oro. Located along Pedro N. Roa Sr. Avenue in Barangay Carmen, just beside SM Cagayan De Oro, the project is a vertical garden community poised to be the vehicle of dreams for many Cagayanons and Mindanaoans.

SMDC designed Vail Residences with linear parks, pavilions, outdoor gyms, and open spaces in the development promote an active lifestyle for its residents. Meanwhile, resort-inspired amenities such as swimming pools, a covered basketball court, and a clubhouse are made available for recreation that double as spaces to socialize.

Greenmist Property Management Corporation, takes care of the spaces

with quality customer service and facility management. SMDC Prime Key Leasing helps unit owners to earn passive income by renting out units once these are turned over.

At the groundbreaking for the project were (left to right) Dreambuilders Pro, Inc. AVP Fil Jose Dela Cruz; Sharepro, Inc. president and COO Cherie B. Fernandez; Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) president and COO Kate Ilagan; FAI VP for supply chain management Andrew Gotianun III; and FAI project development and marketing first vice president Daphne Sanchez.

Perfect first home AT THE heart of the Alabang central business district is Studio N, Filinvest City’s latest residential development designed to meet the evolving needs of youth market.

The future-ready condominium, which is now in a pre-selling phase, is ideal for young people looking for a living space that will allow

In 2021, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), one of the major infrastructures on the island and the country’s second busiest airport, welcomed 1.3 million domestic and international travelers. The island is also seen as an extension of Cebu City’s thriving BPO community.

But what’s more attractive to tourists and professionals alike is Mactan’s ecotourism resources. Among the island destinations are the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary, Olango group of islands, and Caohagan Island. Swimming, camping, cycling, snorkeling, fish feeding, and harvesting fresh coconuts are just some of the most popular island activities one can do.

Mactan’s gastronomic goods are also well known. A must-try delicacy is the authentic Cebuano food Sutukil, an array of seafood that individuals can enjoy either grilled (SUgba), as a soup (TUla), or served raw in a salad (KILaw). A combination of all is always a good idea.

FESTIVALS GALORE After recharging from a filling meal, going to festivals or discovering Mactan’s rich culture and history can be the next stop in one’s itinerary. Joining the festivities of the Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival, a weeklong festival in April, is recommended for starters, while visiting the Lapu Lapu Shrine, a 20-meter bronze statue located in Punta Engaño is also a good choice.

The best way to conclude a day of adventure is to retreat back to one’s sanctuary at AmiSa Private Residences.

There’s plenty to enjoy and experience at AmiSa Private Residences, as it offers a breathtaking view of the sea. One can appreciate this view by just looking through the window, or from the balcony (Shown in photo).

“Living in AmiSa Private Residences allows homeowners to relax in their own sanctuary—a vacation spot, not just during the summer time, but any time of the year,” said Cesario.

them to live, work if necessary, and play. Studio N is located in Filinvest City’s Northgate Cyberzone, an information and technology park that is headquarters to many technology-centered companies and businesses. “Being located in a master-planned township that houses Metro’s biggest IT Hub, and

its modern and innovative amenities and facilities, make Studio N the perfect investment for new and young professionals and business executives wanting to make their first real estate purchase,” said Daphne Mae Odra-Sanchez, first vice president of Filinvest Alabang Inc.

HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. The National Real Estate Association (NREA) recently conferred an honorary membership on Eduardo D. Del Rosario (4th from left), Secretary of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), for his office’s partnership with the NREA from 1996 to the present. The DHSUD used to be the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). The certificate was awarded by NREA officers (left to right) DHSUD Asec Avelino Tolentino III; NREA National President Architect Ronie B. Biando, UAP; NREA Chair-Emerita and Chairlady of the Board of Advisers Marissa del Mar; NREA Board Vice Chairlady Imelda C. Magtoto; and NREA Trustee and DHSUD Director Jovi Francis W. Tupaz.

ENDERUN HOSTS ARCHI+DEX 2022. Enderun Conferences today kicks off “Archi+Dex Conference & Expo 2022,” a two-day conference for industry practitioners, urban planners, developers, LGUs, and members of the academe. The event will be happening via Zoom from 9:00AM to 3:30 PM, and will feature some the biggest names in architecture and design such as Arch. Felino “Jun” A. Palafox Jr., Founder of Palafox Associates; Arch. Gene Arthur T. Go, Senior Managing Partner of GSN+p Architecture Studio; Arch. John Ian Lee Fulgar, Principal Architect of Fulgar Architects; Engr. Francis Roberto S. Guevarra, Head & Mechanical Engineering Partner of Guevarra & Partner, Inc.; ands Engr. Edmond “Macky” Maceda, Sustainability Consultant of De La Salle University Animo Labs Foundation, among others. The conference will have four keynotes and three learning sessions under the themes Hospitality and Design in the Post-COVID World, The Economics of Sustainable Design, and Sustainable Urban Planning including mentorship sessions on Future-Proofing Your Own Architecture & Design Practice. To register, please visit https://conferences.enderunextension.com/conferences/archidex/.

Motoring

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

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MILO RIVERA, Sub-editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

All-New Toyota Veloz

Invigorating local SUV game with reinvented 7-seater

L

EADING automotive and mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has further expanded its Commercial Vehicle (CV) lineup with the reintroduction of the All-New Veloz as its newest sub-compact SUV. Now bearing its own standalone nameplate, the All-New Veloz was unveiled today in a nationwide launching program held by TMP in Taguig City, and participated in by its dealerships across the country that hosted the simultaneous reveal for their customers in their respective showrooms.

“The arrival of the All-New Veloz is very timely. With the reopening of the economy, and destinations all over the country already welcoming travelers, it is Toyota’s goal to address the ever growing need of Filipinos to move together with thrill and joy. And so we introduce this new sub-compact SUV perfect for families and friends seeking to discover new adventures,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto during the launch event, also live streamed for online audiences.

The newly unveiled 7-seater boasts of a modern striking design inside

and out exuding the premium feel of an SUV. Positioned as a sub-compact group carrier for adventurous families and friends, Toyota prioritized comfort and convenience in designing the spacious cabin.

And along with the excellent performance ready to take on the demands of users seeking thrill and excitement of their daily drives, comes lifeenhancing safety features for added protection and peace of mind.

The All-New Veloz comes in two variants and is now available through all of TMP’s 72 dealers nationwide, starting at PHP1,185,000 for the 1.5 G CVT and PHP1,225,000 for the 1.5

V CVT - available in Dark Red Mica Customers may check out the All-New Metallic, Black Metallic 1, Purplish Veloz on Display at the Amphitheater Silver Mica Metallic and Platinum at Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio White Pearl Mica.

Global City until May 1, and get a chance

to win exclusive Veloz merchandise for every test drive or inquiry. The All-New Veloz will also be displayed in Toyota’s authorized dealerships nationwide.

MPT South recommends summer escapades in Tagaytay ROAD trips are a popular summer activity, and so MPT South invites travelers to “Biyaheng South” (travel to the South) to explore hidden gems and treasures of the provinces of Cavite and Laguna that will surely give you that refreshing summer spirit, made even more accessible through its Cavite-Laguna expressway (CALAX).

Here are some suggested activities that you may enjoy down South, courtesy of MPT South:

1) Cafe-Hopping

Honda partners with JMS Motocross School to boost Off-Road riding experience HONDA Philippines, Inc., (HPI) re-exhibited its commitment to sharing the joy of mobility by providing different models of its popular CRF series to the country’s first motocross school. The project aims to help support the growth of the Philippine On/OffRoad segment, in partnership with JMS Motocross School, headed by its namesake, Filipino motocross legend Coach Jovie Saulog.

“Everything we do at HPI revolves around the single idea of sharing the joy of mobility. We hope that through this partnership with JMS Motocross School, more people will discover the value of that principle by experiencing the excitement of off-road riding in a safe environment,” says Honda Philippines Inc. MC Planning Department Manager, Hervic Villa.

As part of the partnership with JMS Motocross School, HPI will be turning over the CRF150L and CRF300L models as training bikes for those who want to learn off-road riding. Meanwhile, for those more inclined to competitive motocross racing, there’s the CRF250RX and the CRF450R Works Edition that students may use.

An icon in the Philippine motocross circuit, Coach Saulog has been involved in the sport for more than three decades. He started teaching motocross in the 1990s and established JMS Motocross School as the first of its kind in the Philippines.

The school caters to off-road riders both for competitive racing and leisure riding. JMS Motocross School also fields

Tagaytay has always been a perfect spot for cafes, thanks to its good weather and perfect scenic view of Taal Lake.

Visit these fairly new instagrammable cafes in the city, sip on their delicious beverages, and relax with its overlooking view.

Kape Sina Una— Tagaytay (Located at TagaytayNasugbu Highway, Laurel, Batangas (Before Twin Lakes Tagaytay)

a racing team that remains active in competitive and invitational events all over the country. Coach Saulog has handled students who went on to become national and international champions.

“There are a lot of good motocross riders in the Philippines, making motocross a very competitive sport,” he says. “You can improve your skills and riding using a CRF by enrolling in JMSHonda Motocross School.”

2) Food trip

Your Tagaytay food trip will never be completed without a satisfying bowl of the most famous Bulalo (beef shank soup). But have you also tried the ‘rising star’ dish in the city? The Sizzling Bulalo. This is one of the best sellers, aside from their lechon belly, of this new farm-to-table restaurant located near Tagaytay.

How about trying some ‘extraordinary’ dishes? This restaurant offers Famu Dining—Located at Purok 5 Santa RosaSinigang na Fried Chicken! A fried Tagaytay Road, Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite chicken marinated in Sinigang broth.

Kapeng Mainit— Located at Maharlika Avenue cor. A. Cruz Herrera Maharlika East, Tagaytay City.

Volvo raises optimism amidst ongoing adversities SWEDISH automaker Volvo Cars on Thursday announced better-than-expected quarterly results despite supply chain problems linked to the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic.

The Gothenberg-based firm, majority owned by China’s Geely Holding, said net profit rose to 3.9 billion Swedish kronor

Lawa Café— Tagaytay (Located at Purok 2 Maharlika West, Tagaytay, Cavite)

(380 million euros, $400 million) against 5.7 billion kronor a year earlier.

Its first-quarter operating profit fell to 6.0 billion kronor, while turnover rose 11 percent to 15.7 billion kronor, beating analyst forecasts.

A global shortage of semiconductors has forced Volvo and other carmakers to

cut vehicle output despite robust demand.

The new Covid lockdowns in China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the problem, Volvo said.

The Ukraine conflict “sent already rising inflation to new heights and further disrupted supply chains that were already fragile”, Volvo chief Jim Rowan said.

“Volvo Cars sold a total of 148,295 cars in the first quarter as the supply chain constraints affecting the company continued to slowly ease,” a statement said. This was 37,000 fewer than the previous year.

“However, late in the quarter the company was hit by a shortage of a specific component, which will also impact production during the second quarter,” it added.

Volvo however underscored that this was “a temporary setback”, adding it expected “marginal growth in sales volumes for the full year 2022, compared to 2021, although uncertainty is high”.

Volvo sales in its main markets fell all around: 26 percent in Europe, 21 percent in China and 16 percent in the United States. AFP

3) Staycation

To fully enjoy your much awaited trip, spend a night or two with your loved ones, family, or friends in this cozy city. Book a stay here in a breezy, quiet, and serene bed and breakfast located near Tagaytay that offers forest cabin rooms perfect for unwinding!

Lucia’s Bed and Breakfast—Located at Daang Balite Rd, Silang, Cavite

“We invite travelers to make use of CALAX to reach summer destinations such as Tagaytay, so that they can save on time, and make the most of their summer experience. To add to making sure your road trip goes smoothly, we encourage travelers to have an RFID installed and make sure it has sufficient load, to avoid queues at our cash lane”, said MPT South Assistant Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management and Spokesperson, Ms. Arlette V. Capistrano.

The toll road company also assures 24/7 motorist assistance as seasonal travelers on its network is expected to increase during the period.

MPT South holds the concession for the 18-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX); the 14-kilometer Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX); and the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment. These are ongoing projects that will soon be interconnected and will shorten the travel time from Metro Manila to Cavite and Laguna by 45 minutes.

Tech & Gadgets

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SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

GFiber brings exciting content on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, Viu BOASTING a new level of internet connectivity, Globe At Home’s GFiber brings the most exciting premium content—Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go and Viu— to give the whole family non-stop entertainment.

With this package, dad and mom may unwind by streaming top crime thriller “Reacher” on Amazon Prime Video, while teens in the house can indulge in adult superhero animated series “The Boys Presents: Diabolical.” The entire family can relax together and relive “Game of Thrones’” most memorable moments on HBO Go, check out the Filipino miniseries “On the Job: The Missing 8,” or simply laugh with bunso at the antics of “Tom & Jerry.”

Those obsessed with KDrama will be satisfied by Viu, where they can binge-watch “Business Proposal,” “Twenty Five, Twenty One,” “Mr. Queen,” and “True Beauty,” among a host of other South Korean hits.

Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, and Viu are free for the first three months for new GFiber subscribers. Be it drama, comedy, romance, sci-fi, or horror, GFiber has everything for a funpacked experience.

“We always make sure that we have a variety of content to complement our fast fiber internet to create more family-strong moments at home. We want to elevate everyone’s experience by making streaming of shows and movies more enjoyable,” said Barbie Dapul, Globe At Home Vice President for Marketing.

GFiber is the digital home life reinforcement that sustains the family’s new strengths in the face of change. It can be relied on for heavy data usage and provides access to relevant and enjoyable apps and sites.

You can get GFiber high-speed and unlimited broadband plans for as low as P1,599. It has a speed of up to 50 Mbps and comes with a free speed boost of up to 100 Mbps for three months.

For the best value plan, Globe offers GFiber Unli 2099 with a maximum speed of 150 Mbps.

Aside from Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Viu, all plans include unlimited 24/7 access to licensed Filipino doctors via KonsultaMD for three months.

Globe’s continuing innovation is in line with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Feel safer longer with Nokia G21, with unrivaled 3-day battery life H MD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces the newest member of the G-series family, the Nokia G21.

Challenging affordable smartphones, it comes with an impressive three-day battery life and 50 percent better display refresh for an extra smooth experience.

“Our mission from day one has been to make quality mobile technology accessible to everyone around the world.

Since we introduced the G-series globally and in the Philippines last year, we’ve enhanced each new addition that has followed in every way - the Nokia G21 encompasses all our hard work. And not only today, but for years to come thanks to our regular software updates and quality materials. We believe in connecting the world without costing the earth.

We want to empower Filipinos to feel good about keeping their smartphone for longer and combat the upgrade culture so we can all reduce our carbon footprint,” said Sancho Chak, general manager for Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand, HMD Global.

Unrivalled protection for mobile technology that lasts for longer

Three years of monthly security updates and offering more updates than most smartphones in this price range means the Nokia G21 will work seamlessly in the background to protect users, so they can go about the day worry-free.

Introducing Mask mode to affordable smartphones – available for the first time on the Nokia G21, it ensures the convenience of face unlock is never disrupted – keep user data safe with or without a protective face mask. The device is also ready for Android 12TM, so users may always have access to the latest features and have a smartphone that can be kept for longer.

Supported by industry-leading partners for best-in-class experiences, the Nokia G21 comes pre-loaded with Spotify and ExpressVPN. Spotify will give Nokia smartphone owners access to 70 million tracks and 3.2 million podcasts out of the box. For enhanced privacy and added peace of mind, ExpressVPN will be available on all new Nokia smartphones with a 30-day free trial.

A smartphone that gives users freedom to do more

Love it, three-day battery life and improved performance; Trust it, twice as many security updates as competition; Keep it, brand new design with legacy durability and freshness for years thanks to regular updates

than waiting until the battery dips down to 10 percent, as per the standard Android solution, enabling users to prolong it even further. When the time to fuel up arrives, 18W fast charging ensures users won’t have to wait long to get going again.

Fast response for increased productivity and immersive entertainment

Unlocking the power of 90Hz for the first time in G-series, the improved refresh rate makes scrolling and typing even more fluid, and photos look smoother. From reading the news to drafting emails, the improved response to touch brings an even more seamless experience. For the first time, users can now stream Netflix in HD making for optimum streaming of all the fan favourite movies and TV shows on-thego on the Nokia G21.

Channelling the Nokia feature phone legacy to the world of smartphones, the Nokia G21 makes battery life, a common pain point for consumers, a thing of the past. With unmatched three-day battery life, users can go on a full weekend getaway without a charger.

Fans can turn on the all-new bespoke Super Battery Saver mode to make the phone last even longer – available exclusively on selected Breathtaking photography Nokia phones. Users can even choose where exDelivering beautiful detail even in The G-series phone actly the energy savings are made, so they can still offers the most security low light, the Nokia G21 has 50MP access key features that are needed. The Nokia G21 altriple-lens camera that fully equips updates at its affordlows this feature to be switched on at 20 percent, rather able price point. anyone to create professional-looking

photography. On the front is the AI smarts to ensure that evening selfies will have just the right amount of light and clarity.

New design, same Finnish durability

Introducing an all-new design, the Nokia G21 is thinner and more ergonomic. Made from tough polycarbonate, the new design honours the durability and Nordic excellence one can expect from a Nokia phone whilst bringing a refreshed look to the range. For extra peace of mind, the Nokia G21 Clear Case will show off the phone’s beauty. It is made from 100 percent recycled materials and can also be recycled after use.

Find comfort and clarity with latest Nokia accessories lineup

HMD Global brings five new accessories to Filipino fans to perfectly match their Nokia devices – the Nokia Comfort Earbuds Pro, Nokia Clarity Earbuds+, Nokia Wired and Wireless Headphones and Nokia Go Earbuds2 Pro.

Nokia Comfort Earbuds Pro

Championing in-ear comfort and noise cancellation, this new accessory sports ANC noise cancellation technology and provides up to seven hours of noise-cancelled playback time on one charge. Made with natural ergonomic design and unique comfort ring, the Nokia Comfort Earbuds Pro lets users enjoy superbly balanced sound reproduction.

Openings in sales, digital marketing up for grabs at BRIA Homes’ nationwide Labor Day Job Fair WITH the end of the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly in sight, it is widely believed that no sector in our economy deserves our gratitude more than the country’s massive labor force. After all, while captains of industry and the business sector kept our heads above water, so to speak, it was our workers and laborers’ heroic efforts and determination that helped keep our beleaguered economy going.

That’s why after two years of a global health crisis, this year’s commemoration of Labor Day is a specially significant one. The Filipino workforce must be recognized for the unwavering persistence they displayed even through the darkest times of the pandemic.

No less than BRIA Homes, a leader and frontrunner in the hous-

ing development industry, strongly believes in this. While Philippine real estate fortunately proved to be one of the most resilient industries during the crisis, BRIA nevertheless

stood out for its groundbreaking projects and bringing legions of Filipinos closer to owning their ‘homes of choice’. Apart from building homes in the right places and at the right

times, BRIA acknowledges its dynamic sales force for its unmitigated success nationwide.

BRIA Homes is thus looking forward to celebrating Labor Day with a Job Fair in all BRIA offices across the country. To be held from April 30 to May 1, BRIA’s Job Fair will grant uncommon opportunities to any and all workers who aspire for an exciting career in real estate and wish to thrive in a competitive and nurturing environment. With openings in sales and digital marketing, BRIA invites everyone with skills—and the right aptitude and attitude—to be part of a leader in the Philippine housing industry.

While you explore the opportunities available at BRIA’s Job Fair, get a chance to win a brand-new Samsung gadget. All registered participants who bring one applicant-friend to the job fair will earn 1 raffle ticket for each successful referral. From that pool, five lucky winners will each win a brand-new Samsung Galaxy M12 phone.

Interested job fair participants can sign up right now at www.bria.com.ph.

Potential homebuyers can immerse themselves through BRIA’s 360 Virtual Tours in www.bria.com.ph and inquire online through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BriaHomesIncOfficial They can also reserve a house online through https://www.bria.com.ph/onlinereservation/

SmarTrade offers free 1-on-1 consultation on copy trading ARE you new to online trading? Don’t have the time yet to delve deeper into the trading strategies because of other commitments?

SmarTrade got you covered with its free oneon-one consultation on copy trading, a strategy that is ideal for beginners in trading and for those who just want to dip their toes first and are not yet ready to get fully soaked in the world of trading.

Copy trading is, as the word suggests, copying the trades of more experienced traders. This is beneficial when you want to mimic what they are doing and apply it in your own trades. It mirrors their portfolio and their strategies and can be applied for both long-term and short-term trades.

“With copy trading, you not just earn every successful trade of a pro but can also benefit from the in-depth market movements. Copy trading makes perfect sense for anyone who wants to make money in the financial markets without needing the time or knowledge to invest themselves,” detailed

Gab Santos, SmarTrade coach and market analyst.

For this strategy, you should use a copy trading service like the ATFX CopyTrade from an award winning and trusted broker like ATFX. This may sound like common sense but there are brokers out there that do not offer this service. Next is for you to choose a trader you would like to “copy”. Then the system copies his or her trading strategy.

It may sound really simple but because this is an investment of your hard-earned money, SmarTrade wants you to really understand how the details of the “copying” work at its core level. Your success depends on the investor that you would want to copy and it is crucial that you choose the right one that is aligned with your goals when it comes to trading.

“I will only recommend copy trade for beginners.

Majority of the beginners are having a hard time dealing with technical analysis, chart reading, risk management, and the likes. With the help of copy

trade, all they have to do is just follow a provider and wait to earn money but they need to understand that it doesn’t guarantee success all the time so they need to be very careful,” Santos explained.

SmarTrade allows you to dig deeper into this strategy for you to see how it works through demonstration and hands-on coaching.

“Copy trading has been growing for the past years, and it’s certainly a good solution for when you need some help in your trading. The better the trading signal you get, the more successful you may be,” said Santos.

Learn copy trading from SmarTrade coaches by booking your free one-on-one consultation at www.smartradeph.com. An advocate of financial literacy to help Filipinos gain financial control and growth, SmarTrade has been providing 100% free learning sessions about investments such as online trading. The company has trained more than 20,000 Filipinos in the past five years.

The ATFX CopyTrade using the MT4 platform.