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NUR MISUARI THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND MARCOS-DUTERTE TANDEM MITING DE AVANCE. UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., Iloilo Rep. Janet Garin, and LakasCMD/HNP vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio pose for a picture during Tuesday night's miting de avanceat the Guimbal Football Field in Iloilo. Ver Noveno

By Rey E. Requejo MORO National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari is endorsing the presidential candidacy of pre-election surveys frontrunner former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The 83-year-old Misuari announced the endorsement during a gathering with MNLF members and guests in Saudi Arabia while expressing support as well for Robin Padilla. In response to Misuari’s support, Marcos’ camp welcomed the former’s endorsement. “It is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge the esteemed Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari’s endorsement of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” lawyer Vic Rodriguez,

Marcos’ spokesman, said. Rodriguez said Misuari'sgesture showed the BBM-Sara UniTeam’s call for national unity “has already taken roots in the hearts, minds, and souls of the vast Filipino populace, as also shown by the results of all the reputable national surveys showing that Marcos Jr. enjoys a historic high in presidential preferential rating.” Marcos Jr. remained on top among presidential candidates with 56 percent rating, according to the latest Pulse Asia preferential survey conducted April 16 to 21, 2022. Rodriguez said Misuari had played an important role and had been an instrumental figure in the movement for lasting peace in Mindanao. “Peace and progress in Mindanao shall be top priority since that southern sector has always been a major part ofBBM’s unifying vision. Next page

Meralco to refund clients P7.75b ERC orders firm to repay ‘over-recoveries’ on electric bills in 12 months By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to refund its customers over P7.75 billion in overrecoveries on electric bills for a period of 12 months, starting this month.

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 79 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FULL ALERT.

Manila Police District Command cops inspect high-powered firearms at the Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in preparation for Monday's synchronized national and local elections. (Below) At the Doña Aurora Quezon Elementary school in San Andres, Manila, a teacher and a Department of Education supervisor check a malfunctioning Vote Counting Machine (VCM) that needs to be replaced before May 9. Danny Pata

DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY

Poll body to sue five for spreading fake election news

Abra town, Misamis Oriental now under Comelec control

By Vito Barcelo

By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano

reasons ahead of the May 9 polls as the police and military went on high alert. Earlier, the Comelec placed the towns of Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, THE Commission on Elections on Mangudadatu, Pandag and Sultan Kudarat in Wednesday added Pilar, Abra and the the province of Maguindanao under its control. province of Misamis Oriental to the 10 other Also under Comelec control are Marawi Next page areas already under its control for security

Global hunger ‘E-sabong’ ban violators face immediate arrest Vito Barcelo, affects 193m ByMaricel V. Cruz and people—FAO Macon Ramos-Araneta THE number of people facing hunger rose to 193 million last year as conflict, climate change and economic crises ravaged people's livelihoods, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said Wednesday. While experts have warned that Russia's war in Ukraine could cause famine, the FAO said in an annual report that nearly 40 million more people were pushed into "acute food insecurity" in 2021. Among 53 countries facing the problem, the most affected include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Yemen and Afghanistan where millions face hunger after the country plunged into financial crisis following the Taliban takeover in 2021. The United Nations defines "acute food insecurity" as when a person's inability to consume adequate food puts Next page

ERC commissioner and spokesperson Floresinda Digal said residential consumers will experience a higher refund of P0.47 per kWh, as Meralco must implement an average refund of P0.2583 per kWh effective the May billing period. This is seen to give relief to consumers amid anticipated higher electricity charges due to higher fuel costs and higher temperatures during summer months. "The ERC's review and true-up of Meralco's regulatory asset base (RAB) resulted in a reduction of Meralco's previously approved RAB for the 3rd Regulatory period," Digal said. "This reduction requires MERALCO to refund the amount of P7.75 billion for 12 months, equivalent to a refund

Eduardo Año said Wednesday. In an interview with Dobol B TV, Año said there was no need to wait for implementing rules and regulations after President Duterte ordered an end to ANYONE who continues online online cockfighting. “There is no sophistication in the cockfighting operations—or “e-sabong”-will be arrested, Interior Secretary President's order. When the Chief

Executive says that this is no longer allowed based on his power, then we'll have to implement it,” Año said in Filipino. “When he said it should stop, then it should stop regardless of technicalities or justifications. It’s that simple. If you don't Next page

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will file cases against five individuals for allegedly spreading fake news regarding the May 9 national elections, undermining the credibility of the poll agency. Commissioner George Garcia said Wednesday the poll body has already referred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the five instances wherein the credibility and integrity of the electoral process was “undermined.” This was after Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay in April threatened to have the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) involved against critics who were accusing the agency of bias for certain candidates. Bulay later clarified that he issued a warning against those who would Next page

‘PH in peril if China backs Russian war’ PRESIDENT Duterte the Philippine and Taiwan could be hit if China throws its support behind Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. At a campaign rally in Cainta, Rizal, Duterte said he was avoiding taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine war because doing so could put the country in peril. “If the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates into a nuclear war, we are in danger. We will be hit. That's why I'm being friendly," he said in Filipino.

He said the Philippines would likely be targeted because US troops use the country’s bases and facilities. “In case of war, we will be a target because of the presence of Americans and their weapons here," Duterte said. The US has provided Ukraine armaments, including drones, antitank and anti-air munitions, and heavy artillery to fight Russia. The President said the Philippines could not afford to be hostile because it does not have enough weapons to fight. Next page

YOUNG PROTESTER. A child wears an Ukrainian flag during a rally called 'Save the military of Mariupol' run by people and relatives of Azov battalion servicemen currently engaged in defending the Azovstal plant in Kyiv on May 3, 2022. AFP

News

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace: Press freedom remains ‘vibrant’ By Vito Barcelo

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Philippines at the 147th spot out of 180 Andanar issued the statement after the Re- countries regarding press freedom, a nineporters Without Borders (RFS) placed the rungs fall from its rank of 138th last year.

“Despite the low ranking, press freedom in the country is still vibrant compared to other nations,” Andanar said, adding “although the Philippines ranked 147th in this year’s Index, Reporters Without Borders, has acknowledged that the Philippine media are extremely vibrant.” “In addition, it should be pointed out that the Philippines is not included in its category of countries in the so-called ‘red list’ which RSF says indicates very bad

press freedom situations,” he added. According to RSF, the situation in 28 countries was classified as “very bad,” while 12 countries, including Belarus and Russia, were on the index’s red list. He said the Presidential Task Force on Media Security would release a more comprehensive statement on the matter. Meanwhile, among the world’s 10 worst countries for press freedom include Myanmar, China, Turkmenistan, Iran, Eritrea, and North Korea, RSF added.

P0.47 per kWh for residential customers, will appear as a separate line item in the power bills starting May,” Zaldarriaga said. ERC said the P7,755,444,758 refund covers the period for fiscal years 2012 to 2015 and shall be implemented for 12 months starting with the May bills of Meralco consumers. "Meralco is hereby directed to reflect the refund rate as a separate line item in the bills of its customers during the refund period," the regulator said.

ERC said the move is under Sections 2 and 41 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. "The Commission hereby issues an interim relief to allow the implementation of the foregoing refund to ensure the promotion of consumer interest, subject to the final evaluation of the respective instant applications," it said. In a separate decision, ERC approved Meralco's contingency capital expenditures for the relocation of its electrical

facilities with the implementation of the Build, Build, Build projects of the Department of Transportation. ERC said the amount of relocations, totaling P9.971 billion, shall be shouldered by DOTr and shall not be recovered under the account of Meralco. This includes the Philippine National Railways (PNR) North Line 1, PNR North 2, PNR South Commuter, PNR South Long Haul, the Metro Manila Subway project, and the MRT Common Station project.

its personnel ready to render service in preparation for the elections. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said troops would be on red alert starting Friday. “We are ready, we have done the planning, we have done the organization, and we have set up our monitoring command centers. We are declaring red alert by Friday so that we ensure that all AFP personnel across the country are accounted for by their commanders and ready for the election on Monday,” said AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino at a joint press conference with the PNP, the Coast Guard, the Department of Education, and the Comelec. “And this is an assurance from your

AFP, while at this time we are still uncertain of who will win, who will be the next leaders of our country, what we can be certain is that you have a strong armed forces ready to perform its duty,” Centino added. In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office joined Wednesday’s simultaneous multiagency send off ceremony of security forces tasked to ensure honest and peaceful elections in the region. Director P/Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said a total of 24,322 NCRPO personnel were dispatched for the entire election period, including those from the Special Action Force, Presidential Security Force Unit, Mobile Force Battalion, Explosive

Ordnance Disposal, Highway Patrol Unit, and Regional Maritime Unit. The government also deployed in NCR 2,322 men from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 262 from the Coast Guard, and 533 from the Joint Task ForceNational Capital Region. Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar said the Office of the President has formed a committee that will oversee and ensure the smooth transition of power when Duterte steps down from office. The transition committee will be led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Andanar said. In a speech delivered in Cainta, Rizal on Tuesday, Duterte expressed willingness to serve the public even beyond his term as a civilian.

HE Palace downplayed the Philippines’ fall in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index, saying the country was not in the “red list” of very bad press freedom situations, despite the ranking drop.

Meralco... From A1

to residential customers of P0.4669 per kWh. This is equivalent to a P93 refund for a residential customer consuming 200 kWh," she said. Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga confirmed the company’s receipt of the ERC order dated March on the refund of distribution-related charges. “The refund, which is equivalent to

Abra... From A1

City and the town of Maguing both in Lanao del Sur, in addition to Tubaran and Malabang towns. Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan urged the military and police personnel to uphold their basic duty, which is to serve the people. “Be loyal to your constitutional mandate as you safeguard the sanctity of the ballot. Protect our polling places and the Board of Election Inspectors,” he said. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, they have declared a full alert, with all of

Poll... From A1

attempt to disrupt the elections, not to jail critics. “So what I said, to those that will comment on lawless violence by inducement, with respect to the results of the election, you will be met with the full force of the law,” Bulay said in a press briefing. Meanwhile, Garcia said: “Last week, I referred to the NBI five instances in social media which really undermines the credibility, integrity of our electoral process system.” “Expect that in the next succeeding days, we will be filing cases against these individuals simply because what they did was wrong,” he added. The poll official said the Comelec is only against fake news or wrong information and not criticisms or commentaries against them. He also emphasized the importance of free expression and guaranteed that cases will not be filed against those who just simply express their opinions regarding the elections. Under the Omnibus Election Code, persons proven to be peddling fake news or disinformation among voters may be imprisoned for one to six years. “The Comelec would like to 100% guarantee to everyone that we will always observe constitutional due process. Everybody will be afforded due process,” Garcia said. Last month, Bulay said: “Those who are commenting their public opinion that the Comelec is siding with anyone and

Nur... From A1

Together as a people of one race and as one nation, we shall rise to meet our common destiny,” Rodriguez said. In related developments, political analyst Edmund Tayao said only a ‘black swan’ could prevent the impending victory of Marcos.

‘E-sabong’... From A1

comply, you will be held accountable by the law and you can expect that we will arrest those who do not comply.” Año saidt Duterte’s decision came following a survey conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on April 19 which showed that 68 percent of respondents said e-sabong did not help with their finances, and 62 percent said the form of online gambling should be stopped. Another 34 percent said the operations should be regulated, while only 4 percent said it should continue without any regulation. The DILG did not say how many respondents took its survey, how they were chosen, or what the margin of error was.

cheating the elections, I am warning you, we will not hesitate to call upon the AFP at this time, who is currently under the control of the Comelec to take action and detain you.” “So, if you are planning on disrupting the results of the elections, what we want, what the 10 of us in the COMELEC one, are credible, clean, and free elections,” he added. Bulay drew flak on social media, with several users and lawmakers calling him out to “do his job properly.” “Comelec threatens military action on its critics!” Kabataan Party-list 1st nominee Raoul Manuel said last week. “Tsk tsk. Pati eleksyon, militarized? Ayusin niyo kasi ang trabaho niyo (Even the elections will be militarized? Do your job properly)!” But Bulay said: “It’s no threat. It is the truth. So, I am actually warning people to obey the laws kung sakaling hindi nila alam [in case they didn’t know].” He explained that he made the statement to emphasize that election offenses are decreed as criminal acts. He really didn’t have to say it, Bulay said, since ignorance of the law excuses no one. Bulay even made an example out of the headline: “Comelec exec threatens to jail critics,” which according to him, falls within the elements of libel under the Revised Penal Code which are defamatory imputation, malice, publication, and identifiability of the victim. As a former Manila chief prosecutor, Bulay added that he will not think twice about filing cases against those who will impede the elections.

Global... From A1

their lives or livelihoods in immediate danger. "This is hunger that threatens to slide into famine and cause widespread death," the FAO said. The number has risen constantly since the first report was published by the FAO, the World Food Programme and the European Union in 2016. The increase in 2021 has been "driven by a toxic triple combination of conflict, weather extremes and economic shocks," with people affected in 53 countries, the FAO said. Although the report does not take into account the conflict in Ukraine, the FAO said the war "stands to have the most devastating impacts on food crisis countries and on those on the brink of famine." Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of essential agricultural products, ranging from wheat and sunflower oil to fertilizer, and the FAO has previously said the conflict sent world food prices to an all-time high in March. "The war has already highlighted the interconnected nature and fragility of global food systems," the FAO said. The agency noted that several countries battling major food crises obtained almost all of their wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine last year, including Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. The FAO warned that the "outlook moving forward is not good." "Today, if more is not done to support rural communities, the scale of the devastation in terms of hunger and lost livelihoods will be appalling," the report said. "Urgent humanitarian action is needed on a massive scale to prevent that from happening," it said. In 2021, conflict and insecurity was the main driver of acute hunger in 24 countries, affecting 139 million people. Economic "shocks," worsened by the impact of COVID, hit 30.2 million people in 21 countries. Extreme weather was the main driver of acute food insecurity for 23.5 million people in eight African countries. The FAO said it needs $1.5 billion to stabilize and increase local food production in at-risk regions where planting season is starting. "There is no time to waste," it said as it met on the issue on Wednesday. AFP

Alleged ISIS arms supplier nabbed in Zamboanga ZAMBOANGA CITY—Government forces arrested an alleged recruiter and firearms supplier of a locally-based Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group in Zamboanga Sibugay province, a top police official said Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, Police Regional Office – Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, said the alleged terrorist recruiter, Abdul Salikala, was arrested by a police and military team around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Libertad, Tungawan. Salikala, 32, of Tungawan town, is also a member of the Hassan criminal gang. He has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued in 2011, Simborio said. He said the suspect was monitored recruiting persons in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, to be part of the locally-based ISIS. Salikala was also monitored to have transported high-powered firearms from Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay to Barangays Latabon and Malambuhangin in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, he added. The suspect was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Russia bans entry to Japan’s Prime Minister, officials Russia said Wednesday it has banned entry to several dozen Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, after Tokyo joined international sanctions against Moscow over its military campaign in Ukraine. "The administration of F. Kishida launched an unprecedented antiRussian campaign [and] allows unacceptable rhetoric against the Russian Federation, including slander and direct threats," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "It is echoed by public figures, experts, representatives of Japanese media, who are completely engaged by the attitudes of the West towards our country," the ministry added. It accused Tokyo of taking "practical steps aimed at dismantling good neighborly ties, damaging the Russian economy and the international prestige of the country." The ministry said it was "indefinitely" banning 63 Japanese citizens, including the prime minister, cabinet members, lawmakers, journalists and professors. AFP

‘PH... From A1

Black swan is a metaphor based on an ancient saying that presumed black swans “did not exist.” Tayao stressed that based on the result of the surveys, Marcos and Duterte-Carpio were the sure winners in the presidential and vice-presidential elections. “I was asked several times on what could be the reason [to change the outcome of elections], the answer there is a 'black swan.' I mean something that

is unexpected. I can just hope and pray that if there will be a black swan, it will not be as disturbing,” Tayao said. Just like other political experts, Tayao believes Marcos will win by a huge margin against his closest rival, Robredo. “If our reference, and the only reference we have is the survey, it seems that the vice president will really have to settle in second place,” the political analyst noted.

Last Monday, Marcos scored 56 percent voter preference in the last Pulse Asia survey conducted with 2,400 respondents in April 16- 21. Marcos also obtained 56 percent voter preference in the March survey of Pulse Asia and stayed the huge leader in the presidential derby with 33 percentage lead against Robredo who only scored 23 percent, a drop of one percent compared to her 24 percent voter preference last March.

He once again said the country would have no chance in a war with China, and said the crisis over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would continue after he steps down from office in June. “We cannot not fight outside of the country. If the situation gets out of hand and China joins in, they would probably hit Taiwan and the Philippines. That’s for sure. I’m sure of it,” he said. In April, Duterte and Xi expressed deep concern over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, hoping that the two countries would seek a peaceful settlement. Thousands have reportedly been killed and more than 10 million have fled to neighboring countries since Russia launched an unprovoked war on Ukraine on Feb. 24.

“The most serious problems here are the moral issues such as addiction. It’s really bad when people get addicted to e-sabong as they will look for money and even sell their house, land, and anything else.,” he said. The DILG recommended an end to e-sabong operations after 34 cockfighting enthusiasts allegedly involved in game rigging disappeared. Malacañang expressed confidence that the country's gaming regulator will find new sources of revenue to replace the shuttered online sabong operations. Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) can find alternative sources of revenue after the online cockfighting operations were stopped.

However, Andanar said that a formal order from the President has yet to be released from Malacanang's record office. PAGCOR said e-sabong revenues for the government hit P2 billion this year.Two lawmakers on Wednesday welcomed President Duterte's effort to put an end to e-sabong operations in the country, saying it was an affirmation of the Filipino values that keep the country strong. Senatorial candidate and Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano quoted the Bible and said while e-sabong has brought revenue to the government, the cost in lives ruined has been too high. House Deputy Speaker and Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also welcomed Duterte's order to halt the online cockfighting operations, saying this would save Filipinos from the evils of

gambling. “Tthere is incontrovertible evidence that e-sabong, like other forms of gambling, is a vice that ruins lives and even endangers lives, as online cockfighting personnel have even gone missing under suspicious circumstances,” he said. “The President’s directive will save lives from the evils of gambling, and will also prevent criminal incidents related to online cockfighting operations.” The number of licensed operators has since grown to at least seven: Belvedere Vista Corp., Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., Visayas Cockers Club Inc., Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc., Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corp., Philippine Cockfighting International Inc. and Golden Buzzer Inc.

Cayetano had consistently called for the complete banning of e-sabong, saying it was inconsistent with the values of the Filipino people who value faith and family more than anything else. He pointed to the rising number of crimes related to e-sabong, including the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts early this year with some police officers allegedly involved. He also cited the cases of some police officers resorting to robbery and of a woman who sold her baby—all to pay off their gambling debts. Senator Christopher Go also aired his support for the President’s decision, saying the benefits from online cockfighting cannot outweigh the social harm it does. He said the decision was reached after a thorough cost-benefit study.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Physicians exempted from number coding I test shall be filed with MMDA’s Traffic Adjudication Division where the driver or passenger medical doctor shall prove T took a long time coming, but the Metropolitan Manila by the presentation of evidence that he/ Development Authority (MMDA) finally announced she was on board at the time the vehicle that medical doctors are now exempted from the number was tagged for UVVRP,” MMDA chair Romando Artes said. coding scheme. In a memorandum issued on Tuesday, The MMDA clarified however that ing or riding in the vehicle could be Artes said the MMDA “acknowledges and values the services rendered by the exemption applies only to physi- verified on site. cal apprehension “where the identity “In so far as non-contact apprehen- Medical Doctors in the fight against the of the affected medical doctor driv- sion is concerned, the appropriate pro- COVID-19 virus including their role in

By Joel E. Zurbano

the maintenance and preservation of the country’s health care system.” “Relative hereto, any vehicle driven or transporting a Medical Doctor who is flagged down for violation of the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) shall not be issued a citation ticket and shall be allowed to carry on to his/her destination if he/she can present a valid and updated Professional Regulatory Commission Identification Card (PRC I.D.) at the time of apprehension,”

the memorandum stated. The MMDA’s number coding system was devised to keep vehicles out of major thoroughfares on certain days based on the last digit of the license plate. For this purpose, license plates with numbers ending in 1 and 2 are banned from travelling in the metropolis on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays.

HRW urges drug charges vs. Sen. De Lima dropped By Willie Casas THE militant Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday called for the immediate dropping of charges against detained Senator Leila de Lima. This developed as De Lima, who is seeking to regain her seat in the Senate, hailed the recent statement by six US senators renewing their call for her immediate release and dropping of the alleged trumped-up drug charges against her following the recantation by key witnesses of adverse testimonies made against her. “The Philippine authorities should drop the charges against de Lima, release her from custody, and investigate allegations that the witness testimony was coerced,” the HRW said in a statement. De Lima, 62, who has been in police custody since February 2017, was charged with alleging receiving bribes from drug lords while serving as Secretary of Justice. She has vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges were a mere reprisal of the Duterte administration for her in-

QC earmarks P18b for COVID response

IN BRIEF

American barred from entering PH

IMMIGRATION authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have barred the entry of an American suspected as a sex offender. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the American as Richard Vincent Boyd Rogers, 55, who was intercepted upon his arrival via a United Airlines flight from Guam. Morente said Rogers was immediately excluded and booked on the first flight back to his port of origin. “We received information about him, prompting our officers to deny his entry. After being excluded, his name was also placed in our blacklist to prevent his return in the future,” Morente said. The BI chief said that sex offenders are not welcome in the Philippines for being a threat to public safety. “Our frontline officers at the ports are vigilant and will not waver in upholding the mandate of our bureau,” he added. Vito Barcelo

vestigations of extrajudicial killings under the President’s anti-drug campaign. “Senator Leila de Lima has suffered five years in detention for an alleged crime that key witnesses now dispute,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of the HRW. “The authorities should immediately drop the politically motivated charges and release her, and impartially investigate the witnesses’ claims that they were coerced to give false testimony,” said Robertson. Rafael Ragos, a former administrator of the Bureau of Corrections, in a sworn affidavit issued last April 30, retracted his testimony during De Lima’s trial saying he delivered bribe money to the then Justice secretary. His testimony led to the filing of the cases drug against the senator in 2017. In his retraction, Ragos said his testimony was false and that he was coerced “upon the instructions of Secretary (Vitaliano) Aguirre,” referring to Duterte’s former Justice secretary. In exchange for his false testimony, Ragos said he was dropped as a respondent in the same case and turned into a witness.

OFF TO POLL SECURITY DUTIES. More than 40,000 policemen and 40,000 soldiers take center stage in a simultaneous send-off ceremony in Camp Crame, signaling their deployment to various parts of the country to ensure the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections on May 9. Mike De Juan

Food poisoning downs 77 in Cotabato rally, DOH sets inquiry THE Department of Health (DOH) is conducting a probe on the alleged food poisoning incident that led to the hospitalization of more than 70 people in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. “The DOH through the Center for Health Development Soccsksargen is working with local health ofﬁcers to care for patients while the matter is investigated thoroughly,” the DOH said in a statement. Authorities are still determining which of the dishes the residents ate might have caused the suspected food poisoning.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Ofﬁce, at least 77 residents ate at a rally, then later suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The DOH also advised the public and event organizers to always inspect any food that would be served, adding that food gets easily spoiled especially during hot weather. “Follow food safety guidelines, including wearing of food-grade gloves, hair net, mouth covers; hand and utensil washing/sterilization; use of fresh produce; and

DTI urges businesses to obey price tag law By Othel V. Campos

QC earmarks P18b for COVID response THE Quezon City government has allocated P18-billion for the COVID-19 response, part of which have been sourced from abandoned infrastructure projects of the past local administration. The local government decided to review all the infrastructure projects of the past administration found out that a large number of them had been abandoned by their contractors. The city cut down on allocations for planned infrastructure projects and set aside their implementation to prioritize the provision of much-needed support to QCitizens at the height of the pandemic. The bulk of the P18-billion went to the establishment of isolation facilities, including molecular laboratories. The procurement of hygiene and COVID-19 test kits was also prioritized in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. On ﬁnancial assistance, the city created the Kalingang QC and its own social amelioration program. Rio N. Araja

Cops nab 4 for alleged extortion in Malolos MALOLOS CITY – A media consultant of Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando and three other cohorts were nabbed by the police in Concepcion, Tarlac early this week for alleged extortion and usurpation of authority using press ID and posing as police agents. Arrested were Rene Clemente, 57, and his live-in partner Sally Inot, 43; Steve Inot, 22, single; and Jason Estrada, 45; all residents of Barangay Longos, Malolos City. In a belated police report from the Tarlac Police Provincial Ofﬁce, the four suspects allegedly approached Rolando Bucsit y Julaton, 53, of Brgy. Ilocano Sur, San Fernando City , La Union, and presently residing at Brgy. Alfonso, Concepcion, Tarlac where he operates a ‘Perya’ (small-town carnival). The police report said the four suspects, led by Clemente, introduced themselves as agents of ‘CIDG Tarlac’ and demanded a P10,000 ‘protection money’ from Bucsit for the continuous operations of his ‘Perya’. However, Bucsit apparently sensed that the four were fake CIDG agents after noticing the ‘Press ID” worn by the suspects. Orlan Mauricio

avoiding the mixing of cooked and uncooked products. Store food in cool and dry places away from direct sunlight. As much as possible, keep food refrigerated until consumption,” the DOH said. Individuals who experience any symptoms including stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after consumption of a meal, must consult the nearest clinic or hospital, the DOH said. Meanwhile, the local government in Lake Sebu gave assistance to the affected residents in the form of medicines and dextrose. Willie Casas

THE CHURCH MAKES ITS MOVE. A religious group of more than 1,200 bishops, priests, and deacons who call themselves the Clergy for the Moral Choice (CMC) group march toward Commission on Election building in Intramuros, Manila to conduct a mass and call on the Filipino electorate to vote for the right leaders of the country on May 9. Danny Pata

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges business owners and establishments to disclose their prices in compliance with the Fair Trade Laws. “We are ﬁrm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices,” said Trade undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Ruth Castelo. The CPG urged store owners, including online sellers, to comply with Article 81 of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines which requires appropriate tags, labels, or markings that indicate the prices of retail products. Under this law, selling a basic necessity or prime commodity without a price tag is prima facie evidence of proﬁteering. The law also mandated that products

must not be sold at prices higher than what is stated. To strengthen the implementation of the Price Act and Consumer Act, the DTI, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Intellectual Property Ofﬁce (IPO), and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) recently issued Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01, consolidating all existing rules and guidelines on online businesses. The DTI recently launched an online campaign against the “PM Sent (Private Message) culture.” The “PM Sent culture” was deemed a shady practice of online sellers who send private messages to consumers inquiring on the price of a product. The campaign apprises online vendors who conceal prices as a marketing strategy that the practice is punishable by ﬁnes and/or imprisonment in accordance with law.

SSS accepts payments via ShopeePay THE Social Security System (SSS) now accepts contribution payments of individual members through ShopeePay. SSS president and chief executive ofﬁcer Michael Regino said selfemployed, voluntary, non-working spouse and land-based overseas Filipino workers may now pay their contributions using ShopeePay. ShopeePay is a remittance sub-agent of CIS Bayad Center Inc., an SSS-accredited collection partner. It is a digital wallet, accessible through the Shopee App, whereby users can make safe and cashless payments for online transactions such as bill payments and other transactions. “Our members and employers need secure and convenient methods

for their SSS payments, especially during this time of the pandemic. We thank all our accredited collecting partners for making this possible by helping us provide additional payment options for our members and employers,” Regino said. SSS has various accredited bank and non-bank collecting partners that offer over-the-counter and online payment options. These are in addition to the automated telling system facilities located in SSS branches. The list of these payment channels can be accessed at https://bit.ly/SSSPaymentChannels. Other information about SSS payments, such as the mandatory use of Payment Reference Numbers (PRNs), are available at https://crms. sss.gov.ph. Rio N. Araja

DANGGIT, ANYONE? A vendor attends to her goods of danggit and other dried fish that she sells on a street side in Cebu City. Norman Cruz

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

News

Political parties appeal for honest May 9 elections By Maricel V. Cruz

IGHT political parties on Wednesday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure the conduct of honest, orderly, and peaceful elections on Monday.

SUPPORT FOR LENI IN LANAO. Vice President Leni Robredo greets supporters from all over Lanao Del Norte at the people’s rally organized for her in Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday. Pantao Ragat Mayor Mohammad Daud Nabil Dimaporo Lantud, Vice Mayor Lacson Lantud, and former Mayor Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud raised Robredo’s hands during the rally as they endorsed her for president. VP Leni Media Bureau

Leni camp expects record crowd in miting de avance

By Rio N. Araja THE camp of Vice President Leni Robredo is expecting a record crowd during her miting de avance with running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan on May 7, the last day of the campaign. “Expect that this will be a huge event. So far, the largest turnout is in Pasay City with over 400,000 people attending,” Robredo’s spokesperson Ibarra Gutierrez said. “We expect to break that record on Saturday,” he added. Robredo’s supporters, or the so-called Kakampinks, have been urging the public to come out and join the miting avance. “We have not considered a situation where [Robredo] loses,” Robredo’s

group said. “VP Leni’s schedule has been pretty punishing. She will maximize the remaining time by visiting as many provinces as she can, talking to as many people as she can and inspiring our volunteers to double down and escalate efforts on house-to-house campaigns and their efforts in their own networks to encourage people to support her,” Gutierrez said. With 5 days left before the elections, Robredo meanwhile expressed hope that Aklanons will once again help her win, just as they had put their trust and confidence in her six years ago. Speaking at the “Rosas de Mayo (Pink Festival)” event held at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges in

Kalibo, Robredo told supporters that Aklan gave her a huge victory in the 2016 national elections, grateful for the trust Aklanons gave her despite her being relatively new to politics. “Noong 2016 binigyan niyo ako dito ng napakalaking panalo. Noong 2016, nagtiwala kayo sa akin kahit wala pa ako masyadong resibo,” she said on Tuesday, May 3. She returned to Aklan with plenty of her “resibo,” allowing her to confidently say that she has not failed those who voted for her in the vice presidential elections. “Maraming, maraming salamat. Sana ‘yung botong binigay niyo sa akin noong 2016, doblehin niyo pa ngayong 2022,” Robredo said, as the crowd cheered.

The eight, led by Lakas ChristianMuslim-Democrats (CMD) and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), made the appeal in a joint manifesto, which was also supported by Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), Nacionalista Party (NP), Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), National Unity Party (NUP), PDP-Laban, and Reform Party. “On May 9, our people will again troop to the polls to exercise their right to choose the nation’s leaders. The right to suffrage is inviolable, and the people’s will must be respected,” the political parties said. “As leaders of our respective political parties, we now join hands and stand with the Filipino people in sounding the clarion call for an honest, transparent and orderly elections. Toward this end, we make the following appeal to the Commission on Elections,” they said. Their manifesto then enumerated several suggestions, which include ensuring that all vote counting machines (VCMs) should be in place and operational in all polling precincts on Monday, and that spare VCMs should also be available in case some malfunction or are found to be defective. The eight political groups also suggested that there should be no delay in the transmission of votes from the precinct to the canvassing and tabulations centers, and that there should be transparency in such transmission. They urged the Comelec to “set in

Ping: Lacson-Sotto tandem left legacy of voters’ enlightenment By Macon Ramos-Araneta REGARDLESS of the outcome of the May 9 elections, independent presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson and his vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III will have left an indelible legacy: voters’ enlightenment. Lacson and Sotto said they believe they achieved this through the town hall meetings - all with dialogues or open forums - in the places that they have visited during the campaign. “Come what may, whether it is on May 9, 2022or in future elections in 2025, 2028, 2031, and beyond, at least we will leave a legacy for the next elections by improving our election culture from the current one where those who know how to entertain and smooth-talk are the projected winners),” Lacson said.

Binay camp says Mocha Uson appeal ‘laughable, pathetic’ By Joel E. Zurbano THE camp of senatorial candidate Jejomar Binay on Wednesday described the petition of blogger Mocha Uson with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against the former vice president as “laughable, pathetic, and desperate.” Uson, Margaux Justiniano Uson in real life, wrote a letter asking the Comelec to check the health condition of Binay, saying she is concerned about the possibility that a leading senatorial candidate may no longer be capable of fulfilling his duties if elected. “Following the mandate of the Commission on Elections as the primary guardian of the ballot and protector of the people’s right of suffrage. I write to you as a concerned citizen and voter in the coming elections,” she said. In the interest of full transparency, Uson said, she prays that the poll body can check if Binay is physically and mentally fit and able to perform his duties for the benefit of the Filipino people. Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado reacted, saying Uson’s “so-called petition is laughable, pathetic, and desperate.” Salgado said Binay is presently campaigning in Isabela and campaigning. “Yesterday, May 3, he toured Cagayan and the towns of Isabela. He went to the markets, took selfies with people, and talked to local officials. On May 2, the former vice president went to Davao City and made a courtesy call to vice presidential candidate and former Mayor Sara Duterte,” he said.

“Voters’ enlightenment, voters’ education. That’s all there is to it,” he added, pointing out that the town hall meetings give them a chance to feel the pulse of the people on the ground and offer solutions to their problems when possible. This is in contrast to rallies which are “detached” because they allow only one-way communication from the candidates to the people. Lacson said he and Sotto also hope that their town hall meetings will finally break the “traditional politics” that result in thieves or incompetents getting elected just because they know how to entertain the crowd. He said they are hoping for the “silent revolution of the Filipino masses” where they can express their preferences for government by exercising their right to vote wisely.

Manny embraces ‘dark horse’ tag in presidential race

ISKO IN CEBU. Presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso reaches out to supporters. Domagoso, running mate Doc Willie Ong, and Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial bets held a town hall meeting at Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. Norman Cruz

Moreno camp on full blast with ‘Switch to Isko’ plan By Rey E. Requejo WITH just a few days before the May 9 elections, Aksyon Demokratiko vice president Atty. Bobbit Roco said the party, along with the Alliance for Isko Movement (AIM), has gone full blast with their campaign strategy dubbed “Switch to Isko” in a series of media briefings to drum up support for Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. The son of the late Senator and Aksyon Demokratiko founder Raul Roco stressed that the media blitz is part of their campaign to further increase public awareness on the qualities and track record of Moreno that makes him the most qualified among the presidential candidates to be the next President of the Republic. “Isko is the only one who follows the principles of Aksyon Demokratiko

place all the safeguards necessary to avoid possible glitches in counting, transmission and canvassing of votes.” “With days to go before May 9, we trust that all systems are in now in place to hold a fair and free elections. We trust in the integrity of our Comelec commissioners, and we believe in the honesty and competence of all men and women supervising the elections,” the groups said. “We join our people in praying that the results of the 2022 elections usher in a new era of peace and development for our country and for our people,” they said. PFP is the political party to which presidential frontrunner former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. belongs. His running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who leads in the vice presidential race, is running under Lakas-CMD. Based on Pulse Asia’s newest tracking survey conducted last April 16 to 21, Marcos Jr. had a voter preference of 56 percent, while Mayor Duterte was preferred by 55 percent of likely voters. House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez, who is Lakas-CMD president, said if the BBM-Sara tandem’s scores landslide victory, they would be the first presidential and vice presidential candidates in the country’s recent history who would win by a majority, instead of a plurality, vote.

- honest governance, opportunity for all, special privileges to none, we will look after the people, productivity, and prosperity. And then of course, let’s not forget the environment and education. Isko does all that. I don’t think any other candidate can say the same thing,” Roco said. “Our duty is to increase awareness. One way to increase awareness is to go through the 32 media centers in the Philippines just to say that someone is looking around when you shout Isko Moreno Domagoso,” he added. Part of the “Switch to Isko” campaign strategy to increase awareness is to highlight Moreno’s many achievements as first-term mayor of Manila despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aksyon Demokratiko national chair Ernest Ramel said Moreno’s solution-

based approach and swift action amid diversities makes him the leader that the country needs in these trying times. “Why do you need to switch to Isko? Because he is the only one who knows and has experienced what millions of Filipinos are going through every day, he is also the one who has proven and proven. Everyone promises, Mayor Isko has done it - there is still a pandemic,” Ramel said. Despite the pandemic, the city government of Manila, under Mayor Isko’s leadership, built modern public hospitals like the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila; modern public school buildings like the New Manila Science High School; and modern housing for informal settlers like Tondominium, Binondominium, and Basecommunity which created jobs and livelihood opportunities when the people needed them most.

SHOWING signs that he is the emerging “dark horse” in the May 9 presidential race, PROMDI presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao said that his sorties in Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao in the last three weeks of the campaign have galvanized the support of the country’s poor and the so-called silent majority on his bid for the presidency. Asked in a news conference if he agrees with this tag given by political pundits, Pacquiao did not reject the idea that being a “dark horse” is the apt billing for him at this point of the campaign. Inspired by the huge crowds of Filipinos who voluntarily attend his recent sorties in the Ilocos region, Leyte and Samar, Cebu, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga peninsula, and Misamis Oriental, Pacquiao said he expects the masses, comprising of ordinary and poor citizens, to spring up a surprise against survey-leading rivals. Idolized by millions of Filipinos who are thankful for his sacrifices in the unprecedented honor he has given the country in international sports, Pacquiao will continue to barnstorm areas in Visayas and Mindanao. Pacquiao is the only Visayanspeaking and Mindanaoan candidate among the presidential bets. After his sorties in Central Mindanao, Pacquiao is in Cebu for a series of caravans and “people’s rallies.” “You saw the crowd for yourself, they were not fetched; neither snacks nor water was offered. They waited for almost a day starting in the afternoon until we arrived late at 10:30 yet they were still there, almost 30,000 of them,” he said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Imee: Next administration should revive ‘Kadiwa’ food program SENATOR Imee Marcos has warned that the country needs to improve the distribution of agricultural produce from farmer to consumer amid forecasts of a global food crisis this year. Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, said that an effective distribution system will not only enhance the cycle of food production and supply but also clarify the amounts of rice, sugar, vegetables, pork, beef, poultry, and fish that the country needs to import. “A poor distribution system creates scarcity amid bounty, waste amid want,” Marcos said. “We need to redirect the flow of income from import cartels toward our local farmers and provide the lowest food prices possible for the public,” she added.

To achieve those ends, Marcos said the next administration must carry out a “full-scale revival of the original Kadiwa system” and expand a program encouraging young farmers to increase national food supply. She called today’s sporadic operation of the Kadiwa system “a sorry version of its original intent, with no end to the stories of fruit and vegetable harvests left to rot.” “We have to rebuild what once was a reliable institution dismantled by one vindictive president, who sold its main storage and distribution hub - the Food Terminal in Taguig - to a favored tycoon,” Marcos said of the governmentrun system that brought down food prices in the 70’s by buying directly from farmers and selling their produce without profit. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘TESDAMAN DAY.’ Supporters of Sen. Joel ‘TESDAMAN’ Villanueva held simultaneous campaign actions across multiple locations on May 3 to advocate for the senator’s second term in the Senate. Different activities were held that day in support for the senator’s reelection bid, including motorcades and house-to-house campaigning. The senator expressed his gratitude to his supporters for their show of enthusiasm in what they called ‘TESDAMAN Day.’

Opinion 12 men and women for the Senate

IN NORMAL times, the election of 12 members of the upper chamber of Congress gets nearly as much attention as the election of the president and vice president. That is because the 14 officials involved are elected nationally. But things have been different in the current electoral season: the electorate’s attention is focused on the contests for the presidency and vice presidency and much less attention has been paid by the electorate to the senatorial races. Why the attention of this year’s electorate has been focused on the contest for the presidency is entirely explainable by one name—Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Election 2022 has been dominated by the continued presence on the ballot—despite the filing, and dismissals by a compliant Commission on Election of numerous disqualification cases of the namesake and son of the president overthrown by the people and bundled off into exile by the US government in 1986.

Sensible voters will shade their names on their ballots. The candidacy of Marcos Jr – his campaign strategy has included referring to himself as BBM to avoid recollection of his namesake – has been by far the most controversial presidential candidacy in the post-World War II era. Apart from his being the son of the most reviled chief executive in the country’s history, Marcos Jr.’s own legal and other transgressions – his brazen lying about his academic qualifications, his final-and-executory conviction for failure to file income tax returns, his failure to perform his administrative duty of paying the humongous tax on his father’s estate and his generally lackluster professional record – have caused the electorate’s attention to be focused on his candidacy for the position that his father was forcibly removed from. In the face of the consistently substandard record of the lower House—many critics prefer to say Low House—of Congress, the Senate has had to step up to the plate and perform the legislature’s constitutionally mandated role of checker and balancer. Indeed, with its performance through most of its life, the Senate may well be said to be the fourth branch of the Philippine government. This is why the election of the 12 men and women who will complete the incoming Congress’ upper chamber is important. The importance is heightened by the departure of leading senators like Franklin Drilon and Francis Pangilinan. My list of the 12 men and women who, by virtue of their character, academic qualifications and career record, deserve election as senators, is made up of the following names: Teodoro Baguilat, Lutgardo Barbo, Jejomar

AFTER hearing the shells raining down around her for weeks, 58-year-old Ludymyla is still learning to differentiate between the sounds of the explosions ripping apart towns in war-scarred Donbas. “It starts with a whistle and then everything shakes. It’s a hail of bombs,” the care worker who declined to give her last name tells AFP during a run for groceries in Lyman, a village in the crossfire. “Do you hear it, too? We’ve been hearing this sound for an eternity,” she says. For residents of Donbas who, like Ludymyla, have dismissed official calls to flee, and Ukrainian soldiers holding the line, interpreting the omnipresent sounds of war has become key to staying alive. They are learning to game-out loud duels between Russian and Ukrainian artillery, the buzzing of drones overhead, and slow wailing of sirens to gauge threat levels. Ludymyla says she hasn’t learned to tell yet whether the shelling she hears is “plus” or “minus” -- war jargon in Donbas for outgoing shelling by Ukraine’s army, or incoming bombardments from Russian forces and their proxies. “I’m not an expert. I leave that to the

Binay, Neri Colmenares, leila de Lima, Chel Diokno, Richard Gordon, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Minguita Padilla, Antonio Trillanes IV and Raffy Tulfo. The Senate needs someone who will steadfastly fight for the rights and interests of the nation’s indigenous peoples. Baguilat, a representative from the Cordilleras, will be that advocate. Barbo is one of the best politicians to come out of the island of Samar. His last government position was that of president of Philippine Normal University. Binay’s record hardly needs discussion. One of the heroes of the EDSA Revolution, where he earned the sobriquet Rambotito, he went on to become mayor of Makati City, administrator of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, and President Benigno Aquino III’s vice president. Colmenares has been a steadfast and articulate advocate for human rights and good governance within and outside the House of Representatives. Chel (Jose Manuel) Diokno is one of the founders of, and one of the leading figures behind, the Free Legal Assistance Group. He is on leave from the De La Salle University Law School, of which he is the dean. With the recantation of the testimonies by two of the government’s principal witnesses against her, former secretary of justice Leila de Lima should now be freed. De Lima incurred the fierce ire of President Duterte when as chairman of the COmmission on Human Rights, she investigated the then-Davao City mayor’s human rights record. If there is anyone who deserves re-election to the Senate, it is Hontiveros. She is everything that a first-rate senator sho;d be – honest, smart, empathetic and industrious. Her legislative work has focused on advancing the welfare of women and children. With his successful radio-TV program, Tulfo has done much to help ordinary citizens with their problems vis-a-vis the government. He will be useful to Senate committees like the committee on public accountability. Returning senator Loren Legarda is on this list of deserving candidates because of her sustained interest in the protection of the environment. The Senate needs someone passionate about environmental issues. She has co-authored many laws on this. The Senate also needs a member who is well-versed in health and healthcare matters. That person is Dr. Padilla. An eye specialist by training, she is smart, articulate and industrious. The Senate investigations into the PhilHealth and Pharmally scandals would have been more effective if she had been a member of the investigating committee. Finally, Trillanes. The former Philippine Navy officer has earned his place in the history of the Senate –nay, of the nation – by his extremely courageous challenge to thencandidate Rodrigo Duterte to bare the content of his bank accounts. Trillanes is principled courage personified. Every Senate should have someone like him. Baguilat. Barbo. Binay. Colmenares. De Lima. Diokno. Gordon. Hontiveros. Legarda. Padilla. Trillanes. Tulfo. These names belong in the incoming Senate. Sensible voters will shade their names on their ballots.

guys,” she says, referring to Ukrainian soldiers, before taking off on her bike. Plus or minus? Since 2014, when fighting erupted between Ukrainian forces and Kremlin-backed separatists, that is the first question asked when shooting starts. Twenty-two-year-old Ukrainian soldier, Denis, has been holed up in a trench in Barvinkove on the eastern frontline long enough to know exactly which is which. ‘First a whistle, then explosions’ “You know when it’s plus because it’s louder the closer it is. First it’s a whistle and then explosions. It’s one per shot and you can count them,” he told AFP. “When it’s minus—on us—there’s a highpitched sound, loud and clear. It just goes ‘boom’”. The war in Donbas is primarily a duel between Russian and Ukrainian artillery tens of kilometers apart. This tit-for-tat starts with a muffled detonation that sends a vibration through the body, then there is a hissing noise from the sky, and finally the explosion as shells land. They are Grad rockets that are launched by the dozen and shroud Ukrainian military positions and villages in a terrifying and deadly shroud of explosions. “The Grad goes ‘vziou, vziou, vziou,’” says Denis. “Rockets in general—it’s a very

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EDITORIAL

In east Ukraine, the war-weary listen out to stay alive By Daphne Rousseau

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

The virtue of work

ABOR Day was marked over the weekend, but the significance appeared muffled by the noise and chaos of the campaign. With barely a few days to go until Filipinos troop to their polling precincts – amid the continued threat of the pandemic – to vote, much of the conversation has centered around who is leading in poll surveys, who has gathered the larger crowd, and whether such measurement tools are accurate. Over the course of many elections, many promises have been uttered to our country’s workers, spanning industries and geographic locations. There is always that promise to uplift their condition—give them decent wages that would enable them to live with dignity amid soaring prices of basic goods, allow them to assemble to assert their rights

Without workers, the machinery of our economy and society will not turn. when these are being trampled upon or ignored, not be discriminated upon, enjoy security of tenure, provide them options by which to get to work and back home without difficulty. But improvement has been elusive, made even worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rate of increase of prices prompted by events outside the country. These last few days of the campaign, candidates must pledge their commitment to improve the lot of those struggling to put food on the table. Work is noble and virtuous, and those who embrace it – as opposed to the indolent and the indulgent—despite the difficul-

ties must be given opportunities to earn their keep over the long term. They must be treated not just as another form of resource but an essential component without which organizations will not be able to move. Their grievances must be acknowledged and must not be dismissed as gripes. Their aspirations, economic mobility and general well-being must be encouraged. The hardships that they endure every day just to show up at their workplaces must not be minimized. Every day is a day of labor— without which the machinery of our economy and society will not turn. Our next leaders, themselves working for the people as public servants, should make good on their promises instead of just paying accolades to workers only on the first of May.

Election violence

WE have been having elections since 1907 when the first members of the Philippine Assembly were elected during the American colonial period. That is 115 years of political experience that we should be proud of. Yet, after all these years, we have not learned how to conduct a violence-free election. Political violence has become a feature of every election in this country since we gained independence in 1946. Just two days ago, I came across a report of a vice mayoralty candidate being shot in Mindanao. This is in spite of the many efforts of the government and well-meaning citizens to conduct free and peaceful elections. What does this say about us Filipinos? By now, we should have already attained a level of political maturity not to resort to violence in order to win an election. But alas, we have failed in this miserably. Why we continue on this trajectory should be a very good subject of study so that we can find a way to once and for all stop this despicable and embarrassing practice of ours. We will again go to the polls in four days which we hope will be conducted as peacefully as possible but somehow, I am pessimistic about this because we never had an election without any report of violence. For some reason, local elections as far as records are concerned appear to be more violent than national elections. The single most violent case of political violence in

Some towns and cities have even lowered the volume of the sirens to spare locals the ear-splitting shrill. high-pitched noise”. And these are sounds that can echo and reverberate dozens of kilometers across grassy plains in eastern Ukraine, particularly when these heavy weapons fire off barrages. Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline said listening out for those barrages -- and knowing when they are close—is especially important at night, when soldiers on lookout are mostly listening out. “It takes a long time to get good at figuring out the threat level. You have to listen con-

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

the country however, was on November 23, 2009 when 58 people were ambushed and brutally killed in Maguindanao province. Although the tragedy shook the conscience of the nation, the horror of what happened that day still reverberates up to the present. Some of the perpetrators have already been sentenced and are serving jail time but it is my understanding that the whole case is not entirely over. In the two months preceding the election on Monday, I have the impression

that violent incidents related to the election that resulted in multiple casualties seem to be fewer. We however, will still have to wait for the final tally to be released by the Philippine National Police to see if this year’s election would indeed be less violent than the last one. Since 1998, it appears that the 2004 election was the most violent with 189 being killed and 279 injuries. In 2007, it was 121 dead, 176 wounded and 2 missing. For 2010, we had that single day massacre of 58 people. In my long years in the service spent enforcing Comelec orders during elections, I have often wondered what drove people to violence during elections. To think that majority of the casualties are simply the foot soldiers of politicians who against all rational logic are willing to risk their lives for their political patrons. I never did find a satisfactory answer. The allure of politi-

cal power must be an intoxicating elixir that those who weld it have a difficult time letting it go. As we often hear, there are two kinds of candidates. The one who is cheated and the one who is proclaimed. No one loses. Defeat is hard to accept for some people. That is why some candidates go to extraordinary lengths to ensure election victory including resorting to illegal means like vote buying, intimidation, violence and cheating. The sad thing is that many consider this as part and parcel of our electoral process. In spite of strict and tight Comelec controls, we still see the laws of the jungle being played out in many parts of the country every election. Another political practice that has taken root is that holding elective office has become some kind of a family enterprise where members of a family take turns running for office if the term of one member is about to end. Many of the candidates we see are the same people belonging to the same families running against each other. That is why there are actually very few families throughout the archipelago whom we the people are electing to run the country. It is scandalous but that is the sad reality. Political dynasties are perhaps driving political violence but whether there is a direct correlation between the two is something that needs looking into. If there is, this might provide the necessary impetus to come up with an antipolitical dynasty law as mandated by the Constitution. We need a leader who can put an end to it but who? Let’s see what happens after May 9. In this part of the world, we have had the longest experience when it comes to elections. Unfortunately, we have really nothing to show for it as an example for the rest of our neighbors to follow. It’s a shame.

stantly,” says a Ukraine sergeant who goes by the name of Viking. War ‘embedded in our bodies’ “Like, with bombers, you have to know how to identify them while they’re still at a distance, before they strike. It’s an apprenticeship in itself,” he says in a trench on the outskirts of Lyman. And while Russian or Ukrainian Sukhoi fighter jets do not regularly fly over Donbas, the buzz of drones is a more frequent feature on the frontline—one that sends troops immediately taking cover. The rat-a-tat-tat of small arms that so dominated fighting between separatists and the Ukrainian army after 2014 is almost nonexistent now, replaced with bigger guns for bigger goals. Throughout Ukraine—not only in the eastern frontline regions—the slow wail of air-raid sirens warning of imminent strikes is another sound the country is adjusting to day and night. Since the first week of the war, that pierc-

ing shrill has been accompanied by the pings of push notifications issuing the same warning on phones. But in east Ukraine, where authorities for weeks have been urging residents to flee, the few who remain hardly heed the warning wail. Some towns and cities have even lowered the volume of the sirens to spare locals the ear-splitting shrill. That is not the case in Sloviansk, an urban hub in east Ukraine and key prize for invading Russian troops, where sirens emit a highpitched scream more likely to push out residents than the attack it is warning against. Outside Lyman, which is expected to fall imminently to Russian troops, 59-year-old farmer Anna Sysouyouk tells AFP that these sounds of war have been “embedded in our bodies since 2014.” “Our grandchildren are born into them. But you never get used to these sounds and you shouldn’t get used to them,” she said. AFP

Our polls have always been marked with killings.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US High Court ruling leak on abortion rights sparks firestorm W ASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden urged voters Tuesday to defend “fundamental” rights after a leaked Supreme Court draft ruling indicated the imminent end to nationwide legal abortion, long viewed as a basic freedom by tens of millions of Americans. If the draft ruling is confirmed by the court, it would overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which enshrined abortion rights across the country. Instantly, abortion laws would be left up to individual state legislatures, with as many as half expected to enact bans or new restrictions. For many women, the potential loss of abortion rights across swaths of the United States raises the prospect of being forced to travel hundreds of miles for the procedure or giving birth in traumatic circumstances. Outside the Supreme Court building in the heart of Washington, more than a thousand protesters on both sides of the hotly-debated issue gathered Tuesday. “It’s an obscene invasion of women’s privacy and their abilities to decide what to do with their own bodies,” Adriane Busby, a 40-year-old political analyst, told AFP. “I didn’t think that we would have to be here in 2022, debating, protesting this. It’s a regression,” the Washington resident said. Republicans have pushed hard for years to overturn Roe, and it became

only a matter of time after three con- PRO-CHOICE PROTEST. Lita Cenali holds up a coat hanger, a symbol of the reproductive rights movement, that reads “Never servative justices were appointed under Again” as pro-choice protesters gather in large numbers in front of the federal building to defend abortion rights in San Francisco on former president Donald Trump, shift- May 3. The Supreme Court is poised to strike down the right to abortion in the US, according to a leaked draft of a majority opinion that ing the Supreme Court’s political bal- would shred nearly 50 years of constitutional protections. AFP ance sharply to the right. The leaked ruling’s publication late Monday by the US news site Politico thrust the intensely divisive issue to the center of the November congressional ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine—Russian the shelling of the Avdiivka coke plant, coordinator for Ukraine, has warned midterms elections, potentially openforces have launched a major assault on one of Europe’s largest, calling it the there “may be more civilians who reing a path for beleaguered Democrats to the holdout Azovstal steel plant in the highest daily death toll since a Russian main trapped” in the immense understem expected losses. devastated port city of Mariupol while strike on a train station in Kramatorsk ground galleries of the Azovstal steelBiden, whose Democrats have been pounding sites across eastern Ukraine, about a month ago. works. forecast to lose their already narrow as the European Union moves to punish Ukrainian President Volodymyr As Russia’s renewed campaign in control of Congress, issued a rallying Moscow with oil sanctions. Zelenksky, meanwhile, said more than eastern Ukraine intensified, EU officry to the left, warning that restricting Three months into the war, Mos- 150 people had been successfully ex- cials on Tuesday handed a draft plan abortion rights will be only the begincow has focused its fresh offensive on tracted in Mariupol evacuation opera- to member states on a new package of ning. Ukraine’s east and south, while West- tions. sanctions aimed at Moscow. “I believe that a woman’s right to ern allies continue to provide Kyiv “Today, 156 people arrived in (the But several EU officials and Eurochoose is fundamental... and basic fairwith cash and weapons in a bid to Ukrainian-held city) Zaporizhzhia. pean diplomats in Brussels told AFP ness and the stability of our law demand force Russian leader Vladimir Putin Women and children. They have been there were divisions, with at least one that it not be overturned,” Biden said in to pull back. in shelters for more than two months,” member state jockeying to opt out of an a written statement. In one of a series of assaults Tuesday, Zelensky said in a daily address. oil embargo. “It will fall on voters to elect” offi21 civilians were killed and another 28 Further evacuations from the city Ambassadors from the 27 European cials who back abortion rights, he said, wounded in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk were to take place Wednesday with the Union countries will meet Wednesday vowing to work to pass legislation in region, local authorities said. help of the United Nations and the Red to give the plan a once-over, and it will Congress that codifies Roe v. Wade -Regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko Cross, a Mariupol mayoral adviser said. need unanimous approval before going a goal impossible to achieve unless far said 10 of the 21 dead were killed in But Osnat Lubrani, UN humanitarian into effect. AFP more Democrats win seats. AFP

Russia presses Azovstal as EU weighs oil sanctions

GUN PLAY.

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Palestinian children play with toy guns during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Rahaf in the southern Gaza Strip on May 3. AFP

Nokor fires ballistic missile in new show of force SEOUL—North Korea fired a ballistic missile pm (0303 GMT), Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Wednesday, Seoul said, a week after Kim Jong said, likely from the Sunan Airfield near PyongUn vowed to boost Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal yang, the site of previous recent ICBM tests. and just days before the South inaugurates a new, The missile flew 470 km (300 miles) and hawkish president. reached an altitude of 780 km, the JCS said, addPyongyang has conducted 14 weapons tests ing it was a “blatant violation of UN Security since January, including firing an intercontinen- Council resolutions.” tal ballistic missile at full-range for the first time Japan’s minister of defence Makoto Oniki consince 2017. firmed the launch and the missile’s trajectory, sayLast week Kim oversaw a huge military parade, ing it had landed “outside of Japan’s exclusive vowed to rapidly expand and improve his nuclear zone.” CYANeconomic MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK arsenal, and warned of possible “pre-emptive” North Korea’s “repeated launches of ballistic strikes -- as satellite imagery indicates he may missiles threaten peace and safety of our nation, soon resume nuclear testing. the region, and the international community,” he The Wednesday test comes days before the added. May 10 inauguration of South Korea’s PresSince high-level diplomacy with then-US presiident-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, who has vowed to dent Donald Trump collapsed, North Korea has take a hard line with North Korea and ramp-up doubled-down on Kim’s plans for military modsecurity cooperation with the US after years of ernisation, seemingly impervious to threats of failed diplomacy. more sanctions as it ignores the United States’ ofNorth Korea fired the ballistic missile at 12:03 fers of talks. AFP

US issues first visas in Cuba in more than 4 years HAVANA—The US embassy in Cuba began issuing visas on Tuesday for the first time since alleged sonic attacks against diplomatic staff more than four years ago. Washington closed its consular services in the Cuban capital in 2017 after US personnel and their families suffered from mystery illnesses subsequently known as “Havana Syndrome.” The closure was a huge blow to many Cubans hoping to emigrate to the United States and escape the economic woes of their island nation. “Welcome to the embassy after so much time,” said a Cuban employee to a small group of people waiting for their appointments in the consular section. The United States announced two months ago it would begin a “limited” and “gradual” reopening of its embassy and consular services. It was closed in September 2017 after thenUS president Donald Trump hit out at the al-

leged sonic attacks. A US government report in 2020 said the illnesses suffered by staff and their families were most likely caused by “directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy.” “We’re hoping that everything goes well. I’ve been waiting three years for this to rejoin my daughter” who is in the United States, said one man who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I haven’t seen her for seven years.” Following the embassy closure, Cubans wishing to emigrate to the United States were obliged to overcome numerous obstacles, among them being forced to travel to Colombia or Guyana to submit a request. Many instead opted to make the perilous journey through Central America and Mexico and enter the United States as undocumented migrants. The US customs office says more than 78,000 Cubans entered the country from Mexico between October 2021 and March this year. AFP

INDIAN SUMMER.

A boy cools off inside a barrel filed with water during a hot summer day in New Delhi on May 3. AFP

(MS-MAY 5, 2022)

French left closes ranks to hobble Macron in vote PARIS—France’s left-of-centre parties were on Tuesday close to a broad alliance for June parliamentary polls, hoping that a united front can offer stiff opposition in President Emmanuel Macron’s second term after a disappointing presidential election. Greens and Communists have fallen into line behind the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) movement, and the once-mighty Socialist Party (PS) is expected to follow. “The different parts of the left are not as irreconcilable as all that,” PS negotiator Pierre Jouvet told Europe 1 radio. He said the talks were “a few steps from a historic agreement” —while acknowledging that there were “some adjustments” to party programmes and constituency allocations to fine-tune before a deal was sealed. “There are some sticking points, sometimes on substance but mostly about seats,” said LFI negotiator Manuel Bompard. In an ultimatum to the Socialists, he added later that “talks will not continue tomorrow. That’s the deadline we’ve set ourselves” for mounting an effective campaign. A strong showing from LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon saw him fall just short of reaching the secondround run-off in the April presidential vote, while other left candidates were all but wiped out. AFP

Business PSEi May 4, 2022

TOP GAINERS

1 ROX 2 WEB 3 PCOR 4 ARA

LAST PRICE CHANGE 1.24 0.16 2.6 0.29 3.52 0.29 1.18 0.09

% CHANGE 14.81% 12.55% 8.98% 8.26%

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6 0.97 110.8 36.75 34.5 1.15

8.11% 6.59% 5.73% 5.00% 4.55% 4.55%

MACAY NI URC SMPH PGOLD SSP

0.45 0.06 6 1.75 1.5 0.05

TOP LOSERS 1 SLF 2 ACR 3 HLCM 4 X 5 BCB 6 LODE 7 JAS 8 IRC 9 MWP2B

LAST PRICE CHANGE 1786 -714 0.9 -0.09 5.1 -0.4 0.305 -0.02 6.88 -0.42 0.51 -0.03 1.6 -0.09 0.89 -0.05 95 -5.2

% CHANGE -28.56% -9.09% -7.27% -6.15% -5.75% -5.56% -5.33% -5.32% -5.19%

57.95

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market advances; SM Prime, Converge up T HE stock market bounced back Wednesday on profit taking ahead of what is expected to be the biggest Federal Reserve interest rate hike in more than two decades.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 81.65 points, or 1.2 percent, to 6,802.73 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 124 to 64, with 54 issues unchanged. SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group advanced 5 percent to P36.75, while noodles maker Monde Nissin Corp. climbed 3.7 percent to P13.90. Fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. increased 3.3 percent to P28.20, but Globe Telecom Inc.,

the second-biggest telecommunications firm, fell 2.3 percent to P2,222. The rest of Asian equities fell in Asian trade Wednesday in nervous trading. With inflation showing little sign of easing from its 40-year highs, the US central bank has set itself on a hawkish course of tightening this year, sending shivers through world markets. The prospect of higher borrowing costs has been compounded by a range of crises including the war in Ukraine, elevated oil prices and China’s COVID lockdowns that have strangled crucial global supply chains. The Fed now has to walk a fine line between getting control of surging prices and making sure it does not knock the recovery in the world’s top economy off course. “The Fed remains very focused on bringing inflation down, however, any further hawkish pivots will likely be tempered to some extent by the desire

to achieve a soft landing,” said Blerina Uruci at T. Rowe Price. The Fed is expected to announce a half-percentage point lift Wednesday— its biggest since 2000—but boss Jerome Powell’s post-meeting news conference will be closely watched for an idea about future hikes. Speculation was swirling that 75 basis points could be on the table at some point this year. “Powell will fall back to ‘we are not on pre-set rate hikes’ or something along those lines—’we go in with an open mind each meeting and will talk it over and we’ll see where we go from there’,” said Tony Farren, managing director at Mischler Financial Group. “The market would take that as hawkish. For his comments to seem dovish, he’d have to shut down the talk of 75 basis points. And while I don’t think he’ll endorse it, I don’t think he’ll shut it down.” With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

1 MREIT 2 ALI 3 SMPH 4 BDO 5 SM

VOLUME 105,744,600 13,854,900 10,031,400 2,369,450 360,110

VALUE (PHP) 1,850,543,526 440,558,960 359,233,820 301,208,288 300,585,790

6 7 8 9

ICT AC MONDE CNVRG

1,353,050 328,810 17,099,900 7,865,100

288,654,914 239,058,140 231,950,646 224,364,880

GLO

91,590

202,581,330

NO TO PRIVATIZATION. State-owned insurance group and investment company Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) employees shout slogans during a demonstration outside their office building in New Delhi on May 4, 2022, to protest against the privatization of the company. AFP

Pressure on OPEC+ eases amid oil demand worries VIENNA, Austria—Major oil producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia meet Thursday with less pressure to open tabs more widely than planned as China’s COVID lockdown threatens demand. The meeting on Thursday also comes as the European Union is eyeing a ban on Russian oil imports, following similar moves by the United States, Britain and Canada. The alliance known as OPEC+ slashed output in 2020 when oil prices crashed due to the pandemic. When demand picked up again last year as countries emerged from lockdowns, the coalition began to modestly increase production each month. But the United States has led calls for OPEC+ to raise output even further as prices soared to new heights earlier this year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent

prices rocketing higher and they have mostly remained above $100 a barrel. Despite the pressure, analysts expect the group to stick to the usual increase of around 400,000 barrels per day. Oil prices fell on Tuesday but are still high with Brent above $106. “The price slide was sparked by concerns that the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns in China could seriously dampen oil demand there,” said Carsten Fritsch, commodities analyst at Commerzbank. The world’s second-largest oil consumer and biggest oil importer is facing its worst coronavirus outbreak since spring 2020 and has imposed a lockdown in Shanghai, forcing most of its 25 million inhabitants to stay home for weeks. Also weighing on the market are fears of a global economic slowdown caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which

began in late February. Amid skyrocketing inflation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sharply lowered its forecasts for global growth for 2022. OPEC+ also has revised down its forecasts for global oil demand. As the market remains tense, OPEC+ members are continuing to struggle to meet even the modest output increase, according to John Plassard, analyst at banking group Mirabaud. Production in Libya, a key player in Africa, has fallen by about 600,000 barrels a day, Oil and Gas Minister Mohammed Aoun told AFP late last month. Since mid-April, Libya’s two major export terminals and several oil fields have been held hostage to the country’s latest political schism. Russian supply could also take a hit as the EU prepares to ban imports from the country. AFP

EU chief eyes gradual ban of crude imports from Russia STRASBOURG, France—EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said the EU would impose a gradual Russian oil ban, as Brussels unveiled new sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine. “We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion,” the EU chief told a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. “This is why we will phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year,” she added. In a document seen by AFP, von der Leyen’s proposal asked that Hungary and Slovakia, both hugely dependent on Russian oil, be given more time to meet the ban. Ambassadors from the 27 European Union countries will meet on Wednesday to assess her plan, and it will need unanimous approval before going into effect. Von der Leyen also said the EU would ask that the member states agree to deny Sberbank, Russia’s biggest bank, access to SWIFT, the global banking communications system. By hitting Sberbank and two other banks, “we hit banks that are systemically critical to the Russian financial system and Putin’s ability to wage destruction,” she said. The draft of her proposal also said the EU was seeking to add the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, to the latest list of sanctioned individuals in the package. The new list includes 58 people, including many Russian military personnel, but also the wife, daughter and son of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Von der Leyen said the list would add high-ranking military officers and other individuals “who committed war crimes in Bucha and who are responsible for the inhuman siege of the city of Mariupol.” “This sends another important signal to all perpetrators of the Kremlin’s war: We know who you are, and you will be held accountable,” von der Leyen said. AFP

Airbnb says its record-high bookings in 1st 3 months signal travel rebound SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Bookings on Airbnb hit a new high in this year’s first quarter, the home rental platform reported Tuesday, in a fresh signal that travel demand stifled by the COVID-19 pandemic is being unleashed. Despite the Omicron surge and a persistent level of infections, Airbnb bookings for lodging and travel “experiences” topped 102 million in the first three months of this year, setting a new quarterly record, the company said in an earnings release. “Guests are booking more than ever before,” Airbnb told shareholders in a letter. “Looking ahead, we see strong sustained pent-up demand.” The company’s stock price rose more than 3 percent to $150.50 in after-market trades following the release of the earnings figures. Revenue in the first quarter was $1.5

billion, up 70 percent from the same period a year earlier, the company said, adding that its quarterly loss shrank to $19 million from a loss of $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2021. The San Francisco-based company’s earnings reflect an ongoing recovery in the travel industry and show that Airbnb is gaining share in the market, Baird analyst Colin Sebastian said in an investment note. “Airbnb exceeded expectations on almost every line item, with strong bookings trends for the summer and balance of the year,” Sebastian told investors. “Looking further ahead, travel recovery in urban areas, cross-border and (the Asia-Pacific region) should fuel additional bookings growth.” The company said that trends of people booking stays away from urban areas and staying relatively close to home continue, but that guests are returning to cities and making cross-border trips. AFP

Tartan with Ukraine’s yellow and royal blue colors proves a hit in Scotland By Veronique Dupont KEITH, United Kingdom—At a tartan workshop in northeast Scotland, machines slowly unwind miles of the familiar criss-cross patterns of fabric in green, red, black, blue and white. But one checkered design at the Macnaughton Holdings’ giant factory in Keith stands out for its unconventional colors: yellow and royal blue. For a few weeks now, the Great Scot company, a client of the firm, has been weaving its “Ukraine Forever Tartan,” to raise funds for victims of the war. “We saw what was happening on the news and like so many people we were appalled,” said Patrick Lewtas, Great Scot’s head of operations. “We thought, what can we do? We could do something to raise some money and give to charities. Let’s design a tartan,” he told AFP. “We’ve had an amazing response from this from all over the world.” The tartan design refers to the pat-

A worker takes care of the creation of the ‘Ukraine Forever Tartan’ at the Great Scot textile company in Keith, in the North East of Scotland, on April 29, 2022. AFP

tern of interlocking stripes of two or more colors running horizontally and vertically through the cloth. It is Scotland’s national fabric and different colors, particularly on kilts, have long been identified with Scottish regions and Highland clans.

Once banned in the 18th century, the design has since been popularized both as a political and a fashion statement, in Scotland and around the world. When the Ukrainian tartan was first unveiled on Great Scot’s Facebook page, it was shared 10,000 times, got

nearly 140,000 likes and more than 2,700 comments. Ukraine’s foreign ministry also praised the initiative on its Twitter account. Proud history More than two miles (3.2 kilometers) of the fabric have already been sold, with strong demand from the United States, as well as Ukrainian expatriates. The design is now included on the Scottish Register of Tartans, and each sale sees a donation to the UK Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. “Ultimately we’d like to raise more than £40,000 or £50,000 ($50,000$63,000, 48,000-59,000 euros),” said Great Scot founder Margo Page, wearing a belted red tartan jacket. “We’re not there yet but people keep asking us to weave.” To those who accuse her of profiting from the war to boost sales, Page says she has chosen independent, familyrun factories to produce the tartan. “We could profit from many, many things. The whole basis of Great Scot is all about putting cloth to work in

UK family-owned artisanal mills,” she said. “It’s about keeping those traditions going.” She added: “We’re not the most commercially viable by choosing those traditional mills. Our balance sheet proves we didn’t profit from this tartan.” Creating a Ukrainian tartan has not been without financial risk: money has had to be advanced for yarns, dyes and production. Now Page says her dream is to “put a kilt on (Volodymyr) Zelensky,” Ukraine’s president. Euan Dalgliesh, assistant manager in the Keith factory, said: “We’re proud of weaving our national fabric. “If it helps other people it’s great. We’re always surprised by the demand for tartan. Generation after generation, we’ve been weaving tartan. “But you think you’re always at the peak but demand continues and continues. “We’re proud of our history and Ukrainians are proud of their history.” AFP

Business

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

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, May 4, 2022

81.65 PTS. 6,802.73

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

631,992,123 78,324 6,922,018,008.32 64 124

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.2970

Japan

Yen

0.007686

0.4020

Pound

1.250300

65.3869

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127424

6.6639

Switzerland

Franc

1.021868

53.4406

Canada

Dollar

0.778877

40.7329

Singapore

Dollar

0.722596

37.7896

Australia

Dollar

0.709500

37.1047

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

138.7299

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

13.9433

Brunei

Dollar

0.719994

37.6535

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029053

1.5194

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.2398

Euro

1.052600

55.0478

Korea

Won

0.000793

0.0415

China

Yuan

0.150932

7.8933

India

Rupee

0.013079

0.6840

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.229779

12.0168

New Zealand

Dollar

0.643300

33.6427

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033944

1.7752 Source: BSP

West PH Sea oil drilling not likely to proceed soon THE government should focus on the development of liquefied natural gas terminals because the resumption of drilling for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea may take a long time, according to an industry executive. “I think it will take a long time to resolve the West Philippine Sea [issue] considering the hard stance of the Chinese government that the area belongs to them,” said Pete Maniego, chairman of the Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, during a forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. “What we need is accept that probably we will not be able to drill there for a long time and accelerate LNG terminals because we need them,” Maniego said when asked for comment on the inability of petroleum service contractors to drill in the disputed areas. PXP Energy Corp. earlier announced that it put on hold exploration activities over Service Contract 72 and SC 75 in the West Philippine Sea until all the clearances are issued by government agencies. Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel warned that the Philippines could face a potential power crisis toward the end of the next president’s term, as China appears to be “holding hostage” the development of the world-class offshore Sampaguita gas discovery. He said the Malampaya deep-water gas field is projected to run dry by 2027, and without fresh reserves from the Sampaguita gas field in SC 72, Luzon’s power supply could be threatened. Maniego said that if the country could not have its own gas supply, it should import LNG and thus put in place LNG terminals. “There are already some applications for that, but these are delayed and they are not moving fast enough because the projection is by 2024 or 2025 we will run out of Malampaya gas,” he said. “We must accept that we might not be able to explore the West Philippine Sea and then move forward based on that assumption,” he said. PXP earlier said it received a directive from the Department of Energy on April 6 to “put on hold all exploration activities for SC 75 and SC 72 until such time that the Security, Justice, and Peace Coordinating Cluster has issued the necessary clearance to proceed.” Alena Mae S. Flores

MANULIFE’S AWARD.

Manulife Philippines, a subsidiary of international financial services provider Manulife, is named one of the country’s Trusted Brands for 2022, winning a gold award in the insurance category. It is the fourth time that the company was recognized in the category since 2017. Receiving the award from Readers Digest is Manulife Philippines chief marketing officer Melissa Henson (right).

Metro Pacific interested in Ayala’s stake in LRT 1 By Jenniffer B. Austria

NFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is actively evaluating investment opportunities in logistics, agriculture, real estate and tourism sectors despite the volatile business environment, its top executive said Wednesday.

Metro Pacific chairman Manuel Pangilinan said in a news briefing the group is expected to finalize three deals within the year. He said it has enough funds to make the significant acquisitions. “Our focus over the near to medium term is to continue to deliver on our commitments to support infrastructure development in the country,” Pangilinan said. Pangilinan did not specify the details on the planned acquisitions, but said the company was interested in acquiring Ayala Corp.’s stake in Light Railway Transit line 1. Metro Pacific and Ayala are joint venture partners in the company operating and expanding LRT 1. Pangilinan said the final decision would depend on the outcome of the elections. “We are looking at it a great deal, but

it will depend on outcome of elections because we need to understand what the new president might do with respect to LRT 1,” Pangilinan said. Pangilinan said the company is particularly interested if the new president will be more open or sympathetic to tariff adjustments on LRT 1. “We have pending applications for tariff adjustments which have not been given under the concession since 2015, and we have spent quite a bit of money to rehab the existing system of LRT 1,” Pangilinan said. LRT 1 is operated by Light Rail Manila Corp., a joint venture company of MPIC’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Sumitomo Corp. and the

Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Investments Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd. The group took over the operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a P65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority. LRMC has since replaced existing rail tracks, upgraded the signaling system and deployed new trains along the 19.6-kilometer line from Monumento to Baclaran. The group is extending the LRT 1 to Bacoor, Cavite under a P65-billion expansion project that is now 60-percent completed. LRMC said it plans to commercially deploy the first 4th generation train sets by the end of May. “We would like to inform our passengers that they will now start seeing brandnew Gen-4 trains along the LRT line 1, but they still cannot ride these Gen-4 trains yet. We are conducting these trial runs to simulate regular commercial operations and to make sure that these trains are safe for the passengers once we put them to commercial service soon,” LRMC chief operating officer Enrico Benipayo said.

Petron’s income jumped to P3.6b in Q1 on higher sales and prices By Alena Mae S. Flores REFINER Petron Corp. said Wednesday it posted a consolidated net income of P3.6 billion in the first quarter, or more than double the P1.73 billion it registered in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues leaped to P172.33 billion in the quarter from P83.31 billion a year ago, with the recovery in demand and higher international prices. Dubai crude reached an average of $95.6 a barrel from January to March amid the geopolitical tension and supply concerns triggered by the RussiaUkraine conflict. “Our efforts to increase our financial resilience, improve our efficiencies and strengthen our brand equity have all yielded positive results. Two years into this pandemic, we now find ourselves in a position of renewed strength and confidence as we continue to navigate the industry with the same caution and prudence that helped us turn our financial performance around,” said Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang. Petron’s consolidated sales volumes from the Philippines, Malaysia and its trading unit in Singapore grew 34 percent to 25.67 million barrels in the first quarter, on higher demand and the easing of mobility restrictions. Its retail segment in the Philippines marked a 7-percent increase during the period, signaling strong brand preference from consumers. Commercial volumes including sales of jet fuels and lubricant products went up by nearly 50 percent in line with increased economic activity and gradual resumption of local and international travels.

IN BRIEF Cebu Pacific reopens Manila-Legazpi route

CANCER CARE PARTNERSHIP. Security Bank Corp., SB Finance Inc. and AztraZeneca Philippines sign a partnership agreement for the funding of Cancer Care Ecosystem to provide cancer patients with easier funding options for diagnostics and longterm treatment. This is AstraZeneca Philippines’ first partnership with financial service providers. Signing the agreement are (from left) SB Finance product marketing head Anna Liza Disini, SB Finance president and chief executive Abigail Marie Casanova, AztraZeneca oncology business unit associate director Marq Marquez, AztraZeneca medical affairs associate director Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Security Bank executive vice president and retail banking segment head Maki Tingson and Security Bank executive vice president and branch banking group head Leslie Cham.

PH, Korea finalize $56.6-m loan agreement on interisland bridges By Julito G. Rada THE Philippines and South Korea on Wednesday exchanged copies of the agreement of the $56.6-million (about P2.94 billion) loan extended by the Export Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development and Cooperation Fund that will finance the engineering services for the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and KEXIM-EDCF executive director Tae-Soo Kim received from each other copies of the loan accord that was signed in April. Acting Secretary Roger Mercado of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Inchul Kim and KEXIM-EDCF country director JaeJeong Moon also attended the event. The interisland bridges project, to be implemented by the DPWH, involves the construction of two sea-crossing, four-lane bridges spanning 32.47-kilo-

meters combined—including connecting roads and interchanges—that will connect the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros in Western Visayas. The project is among the big-ticket items under President Duterte’s signature “Build, Build, Build” program. KEXIM-EDCF’s loan for the engineering services of the project, which includes the preliminary design, detailed engineering design and procurement assistance, will support the government in preparing and completing the necessary activities and works prior to the construction of the two bridges. This zero-interest loan with a 0.1 percent service charge per disbursement covers a maturity period of 40 years, inclusive of a 10-year grace period. The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project, with estimated total cost of P187.54 billion, is expected to commence engineering services this year and begin construction by 2025.

LT Group appoints Tan’s grandson as vice-chair and COO CONGLOMERATE LT Group Inc. said Wednesday its board approved the appointment of Lucio Tan III, the grandson of beer and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan, as new vice chairman and chief operating officer. LT Group said in a statement the board during an organizational meeting unanimously approved the succession plan involving the appointment of Michael Tan and Tan III as president and COO respectively, with the latter will assuming the position of president and COO no later than April 20, 2023. The conglomerate said Michael Tan, who has been the president and COO of the conglomerate since 2010, will continue to serve in his capacity as president during a transition period, while sharing the decision-making for business and operational matters with Lucio III. “I am very grateful for the trust and confidence of the chairman and the board of directors. I am fortunate to be working with the best minds in business, who have helped create a leadership succession plan that will ensure stability and business continuity for the LT Group,” said Lucio III. The 29-year old Tan, the son of the late Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr., already assumed various leadership roles within the conglomerate and its subsidiaries since he settled in the Philippines in 2019. Tan III was also elected as vicepresident of PAL Holdings Inc. in 2021. Meanwhile, LT Group said will increase its 2022 capital expenditures to P12 billion from P9 billion last year as it expects a better year for the overall business with the reopening of the economy. Jenniffer B. Aus-

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it resumed jet operations at the Bicol International Airport, making more seats available for passengers in time for the summer peak travel period. “Since the new airport opened in October last year, we have been operating our 78-seater ATR or turbo propeller type aircraft. The addition of jet flights will enable CEB to serve more passengers with our Airbus fleet while continuously contributing to tourism and economic growth of the Bicol region,” said Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao. The airline flies up to five times daily on the Manila-Legazpi-Manila route. It also operates flights between Cebu and Legazpi up to four times weekly or every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Cebu Pacific operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 34 destinations, on top of its 14 international destinations. Its 76-strong fleet, one of the youngest in the world, includes two (dedicated ATR freighters. The airline continues to offer guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its widest domestic network. Darwin G. Amojelar

DOT promotes PH as medical tourism hub

THE Department of Tourism plans to promote the Philippines as an attractive medical tourism destination by increasing public awareness in the global market, according to the agency’s top official. “We see so much untapped potential in the health and wellness industry. With world-class hospitals and facilities, skilled doctors and nurses and the Filipino brand of hospitality, the Philippines is poised to become an attractive destination for medical tourism,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. She said the DOT implemented measures to further develop the country as a medical tourism destination in a calibrated approach, including the development of an internal ecosystem and network of facilities in the country to accommodate concerns and issues surrounding this tourism product. Puyat said the DOT also developed a gold standard in approaching health and safety for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions events, following the successful hosting of the 21st World Travel and Tourism Global Summit in Manila last April and institutionalized health and safety in tourism activities. Othel V. Campos

SMFB says income stable in first quarter

SAN Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. said Wednesday it delivered solid top-line results in the first quarter despite sharp increases in raw material costs and disruptions to supply chains brought about by the prolonged conflict in Ukraine that is pushing up prices of global commodities. Consolidated revenues grew 9 percent from P83.1 billion a year ago, driven by a combination of volume growth and better pricing across multiple categories in its beer, spirits and food businesses. SMFC said that as with other consumer goods companies, it was faced with rising input costs on raw materials and utilities, squeezing profits and muting the gains from volume growth compared to the same period last year. Consolidated EBITDA and consolidated income from operations still managed to grow by 1 percent to P15.7 billion and P12.7 billion, respectively. Excluding non-recurring benefits in the first quarter of 2021 related to the CREATE law, the company’s net income in the quarter rose 1 percent to P9.2 billion.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Brown lifts Celtics in smashing of Bucks

Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

Richardson to take Knott’s spot, also tipped to win 100-m, 200-m Mechaela Hyacinth set last year at 11.34 seconds. She reached the finish line in 11.31 seconds. Richardson also established a new best time in the 200-meters, finishing in 23.12 seconds, giving her the second of the three meet records she set. She surpassed the nine-year-old mark established during the first ever PacWest Championships, set by Shavine Hodges in 2013 at 23.51. Her record in the 100-meter is close to the SEA Games’ mark that Knott made at 11.27 seconds back in 2019. Richardson is also near the 23.01-second national mark of Knott in the same SEA Games. Richardson was also part of the Fresno Pacific 4x100meter relay team that shattered the Grand Canyon meet mark of of 44.92 seconds in 2012 in a photo finish with Azusa Pacific. Azusa Pacific was behind Fresno by one-hundredth of a second with a time of 44.93 seconds.

By Peter Atencio

YLA Richardson said she is honored to take the place of Kristina Knott in the women’s sprint events of the athletics competition of the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

The 24-year-old Richardson goes to Vietnam full of confidence, after she won the three gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100 relay of the 2022 PacWest Track & Field Championships over the weekend at the Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. Knott won’t make it to the SEA Games because of a foot injury. Richardson is tipped to grab the golds in both the 100-meter and 200-meters, with top Vietnamese sprinter Le Tu Chinh out of contention due to a similar injury on her foot. Richardson will be joining up with sis-

Altas nail last seat in semis, face Knights Games Sunday (Filoil Flying V Centre) 12 noon – Letran vs Perpetual 3 p.m. – Mapua vs San Beda

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta bucked the absence of Kim Aurin to beat College of Saint Benilde, 76-64, and secure the remaining Final Four berth in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre. “Pagkagising ko, wala raw ‘yung Kim Aurin,” said first-year coach Myk Saguiguit of his prized forward, who was ruled out due to chickenpox. “Sabi ko maglaro tayo para kay Kim Aurin. Let’s give it to him. Nag-respond naman mga player natin.” Thankfullly, JP Boral, filling in for Aurin, scored all of his 11 points in the first half to put the Altas in command. John Abis led Perpetual with 14 points, Jielo Razon added 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while captain Jeff Egan also scored 13 markers to go with four boards and two assists. It was a sweet victory for the Altas, who staved off elimination by winning four straight games. Perpetual will face defending champion Letran in the Final Four on Sunday. The other semis pairing pits No. 2 Mapua and No. 3 San Beda. The loss means an extended Final Four drought for the Blazers to 20 years. CSB, the fourth-ranked team in the eliminations, also lost to San Beda in the first play-in last Sunday. The Blazers missed AJ Benson, who was suspended due to two unsportsmanlike fouls against the Red Lions. JC Cullar finished with 18 points while Will Gozum recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 boards for CSB.

ter Kayla Richardson, Robyn Brown and Eloisa Luzon in the women’s 4x100 relays. The four of them claimed the silver medal back in 2019 behind Thailand. Richardson, who is on her final year of college at Fresno Pacific, set three meet records on Saturday to help the Sunbirds record a total of 77 points in the sprints, according results on the tournament’s official website. “It’s definitely exciting. I’m happy about how I performed. I just want to stay focused,” said Richardson on Zoom. In the 100-meter finals, Richardson was ahead of three runners who finished ahead of the record, which

Kyla Richardson

LOS ANGELES—Jaylen Brown erupted for 30 points as the Boston Celtics bounced back to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-86 and level their Eastern Conference playoff series on Tuesday. Brown produced a masterclass of shooting as the Celtics sprinted away from the NBA champions in a rampant first-half display at the TD Garden which saw them surge into a decisive 65-40 lead. Brown went 9-for-10 from the field in the first two quarters – including five three -pointers – in a devastating points blitz which left the Bucks scrambling to gain a foothold in the contest. The 25-year-old shooting guard finished with 30 points, five rebounds and six assists while Jayson Tatum had 29 points with eight assists. Grant Williams added 21 from the bench as Boston completed a wireto-wire victory just two days after being humbled 101-89 in game one on Sunday. “It was one game, we weren’t going to let one game define our season,” Brown said of the Celtics’ response to their game one loss. “We’ve been resilient all year. Playoffs is all about how you respond. “The first game we got punched in the mouth, but tonight we came back and threw the first punch and we won.” Despite an improved offensive performance in the third quarter, where Milwaukee outscored the Celtics 26-18, Boston’s high-scoring first-half performance ensured they maintained a comfortable doubledigit lead advantage throughout the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks scorers with 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Jrue Holiday contributed 19. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton had 13 points each for the Bucks, who will now return to Milwaukee for game three of the best-of-seven series on Saturday.

Archers force death match with Maroons THE La Salle Green Archers weathered a late comeback by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and lived to fight another day as they escaped with a 83-80 triumph on Wednesday in the Final Four of the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena. Evan Nelle, playing his best game in his first year with the Green Archers, knocked in a career-high 26 points, including two crucial split charities in the final 12.1- and 5.1-second marks, the last of which finalized the count for the Green Archers. Kurt Lojera shot 11 points for La Salle, which now has a chance to

La Salle’s Evan Nelle shoots against UP’s Gerry Abadiano

claim a finals’ berth since they last earned it in 2017. The Green Archers saw their comfortable 22-point lead of 66-44 trimmed down to just three at 7881 following a 9-0 run capped by a Gerry Abando triple in the final 14.1 seconds. But foul trouble by the Maroons and a tough interior defense kept the ball in La Salle’s possession for most the remaining time. Nelle split his free throws to give the Green Archers a four-point lead at 82-78 with 12.1 seconds, as Ricci Rivero flunked his attempt from deep in the ensuing play. The twice-to-beat and secondseeded Fighting Maroons, getting game-high outputs of 18 points

apiece from Malick Diouf and Ricci Rivero, will try once again to go for a finals’ seat against the third-seed Green Archers on Friday. “We were trying to waste the time. But we didn’t come back on defense against UP. We were just trying to protect the lead, and we just waited the game to be over. Now, the boys know that the game isn’t over until it’s over. We just have to be ready for them next time,” said Archers’ coach Derrick Pumaren. La Salle, which disrupted UP’s five-game winning streak, drew 15 and 11 points, respectively, from Justine Baltazar and Kurt Lojera. Baltazar also had 18 rebounds. Peter Atencio

Quiñones named AAP Driver of Year for karting THE Automobile Association Philippines recently awarded Miguel Quiñones the 2021 AAP Driver of the Year for Karting during the recent 26th AAP Awards Night at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This award is considered the highest distinction in the field of Karting for Motorsports. Earlier this year, Quiñones also received the Golden Wheel Awards for Karting and was adjudged as the 2021 National Senior Karter of the Year. The two consecutive overall awards received by Quiñones were based on the accumulated points in the National Karting Championships tournament, where several rounds were held at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga and in Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite. There was also a period when Quiñones swept the last four championship rounds in two consecutive days of non-stop karting to finally secure the overall title. This happened only days after arriving from an

international karting campaign in Italy for the ROK Cup Superfinal and the IAME World Final last October 2021, representing the Philippines. Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Quiñones did not hibernate from the sport. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to prepare his body and mind, waiting for the resumption of events after health restrictions were relaxed. As he was always ready to race, Quiñones collected trophies round per round until the final four rounds where he poured out all the skills he gained from several international competitions, thus earning him the moniker “The Quadruple Champion” by beating all of his rivals in just two straight days of competition. Quiñones, a Santa Rosa, Laguna resident, who is 18 years old and studies at Brent International School, started karting at age 15. This is quite late when compared to kids who start learning karting as early as seven years old.

Miguel Quiñones (center) displays the Driver of the Year plaque as he is flanked by his parents, Dr. Maria Zen (right) and Dr. Ricardo Quiñones (left).

Sports

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Marikina nips Manila,78-77; Valenzuela edges Makati IRVIN Mendoza calmly sank two free throws with less than a second left to lift Marikina past Manila, 78-77, Tuesday night in a battle of debuting teams in the 2002 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) fourth season at the Paco Arena. The clutch charities preserved the allout effort of Alfred Gayosa, who was named best player of the thriller after compiling 21 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals for the Marikina Shoemasters. Gilbert Ocampo added 13 points while Raymond Casajeros posted 11 points and 9 rebounds for the Shoemasters who were coached by PJ Navarro in the absence of regular mentor Elvis Tolentino. It was a shocker for the Manila Stars, who pulled ahead at 77-76-following a 3-point play by Ira Bataller with 1 3.9 seconds to go. The 6’4” Bataller, a former star of the University of Santo Tomas, poured nine, including 2 triples, of his 14 points in the last six minutes before fouling out with a duty foul on Gayosa, time down to 2.6 seconds. Former PBA player Joseph Yeo returned to competitive ball for Manila and contributed 12 points, all from rainbow territory, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in a 28-minute stint. Manila, being supported by David Roxas Construction, drew 25 points and 8 rebounds from Kobe Monje and 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Earlier, Valenzuela City continued its recovery with a 56-52 victory over debuting Makati. Drawing another dominant performance from Jaymar Gimpayan, Valenzuela followed up its 79-67 conquest of Mindoro on Monday and climbed to 2-1. The 6’2” Gimpayan tallied 17 points, 24 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks to earn his second straight best player honors. The MPBL will take a break in deference to the national elections and will resume on May 16 with another doubleheader at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Bataan and General Santos will clash at 7 p.m. while Bacolod and San Juan will tangle at 9 p.m.

NBA, Titan to open new store in PH on May 6

Novak delivers

‘best performance of year’ Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to France’s Gael Monfils during their 2022 ATP Tour Madrid Open tennis tournament singles match at the Caja Magica in Madrid. AFP

ADRID—Top seed Novak Djokovic described his straight-sets opening win over Gael Monﬁls in Madrid on Tuesday as his “best performance of the year” as he set up a showdown with Andy Murray. The 20-time major champion ensured he would keep his number one ranking for at least another week by extending his winning record against Monfils with a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the Caja Magica. Djokovic, who entered the contest 17-0 head-to-head against the Frenchman, needed a win in their second round match to avoid surrendering the top spot to second-placed Daniil Medvedev. “I would probably rate it as the best performance of the year, I would say. I felt very good on the court,” said Djokovic. “I’m very pleased, considering, you know, that up to today I was not playing my best tennis in the few tournaments that I played this year and still kind of finding my rhythm, finding my groove.” The three-time Madrid champion is finding his rhythm, after not competing much this season, but arrived to the Spanish capital fresh from a runner-up showing at his home tournament in Belgrade. The Serb saved three break points in his first two service games before he wrested control of the match from Monfils and grabbed a one-set lead in 47 minutes.

Djokovic had to save two break points as he served for the match before he booked a last-16 clash with Murray, a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 winner against Canadian 14th seed Denis Shapovalov. It will be the first meeting between Djokovic and Murray since the Doha final in January 2017. “In theory I should have no chance in the match, he’s obviously number one in the world and I’m playing with a metal hip,” said Murray, who is 11-25 against Djokovic in his career. “It’s a great opportunity for me to see where my game’s at and to play against him again. We’ve had so many battles over the years at some of the biggest tournaments in the world.” Carlos Alcaraz won his first match as a top-10 player, opening his Madrid account with a 6-3, 7-5 triumph over Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili. The Spanish teen sensation, who owns a joint ATP-leading three titles so far this season, extended his winning streak to six matches, having picked up the trophy in Barcelona 10 days ago. The seventh-seeded Alcaraz, who turns 19 on Thursday, awaits Cameron Norrie or John Isner in the last 16 and

could potentially square off with his countryman Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals. Rublev survives, Raducanu out Sixth seed Andrey Rublev needed to rally from 0-3 down in the decider to overcome British wildcard Jack Draper 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. The Russian world number eight, who beat Djokovic in the Belgrade final last week, dropped serve twice in the opening set and lost an early advantage in the second before squeezing past the left-handed Draper, who is ranked 121 in the world and was making his ATP clay-court debut in Madrid. Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina produced a gritty performance to eke past US Open champion Emma Raducanu 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time. The 37th-ranked Kalinina knocked out a Grand Slam winner for a third consecutive round, following up her victories over Sloane Stephens and Garbine Muguruza with a two-hour 18-minute win over the ninth-seeded Raducanu. “I want to give credit to Emma because we both played I think very good quality,” said Kalinina, who is making her Madrid debut this week. Meanwhile, former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu’s run came to an end at the hands of American 12th seed Jessica Pegula, 7-5, 6-1. AFP

Villamar, Gulagula dazzle in PPS Maranding KALE Cyd Villamar wore down Mcleen Gomera in a duel of unfancied bets and squeezed out a 6-2, 6-7(5), 10-8 decision in the boys’ 18-and-under finals while Christine Gulagula took the girls’ crown in the PPS-PEPP national agegroup tennis circuit at the Maranding, Lala courts in Lanao del Norte last Tuesday. The 15-year-old Villamar earlier ended top seed Thomas Gabuat’s domination of the Mindanao swing with a 5-3, 4-0 victory in the semis then the Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte find recovered from a second set defeat with clutch hits in the decider to foil Gomera for his first victory in the Group 2 ranking tournament presented by Dunlop. Gulagula, from Dapitan City, upended No. 2 AJ Acabo, 4-2, 0-4,

10-6, in the semis then routed Cielo Gonzales, 6-0, 6-0, to likewise post her first top podium finish in the country’s longest-running juniors tour sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating). “The rise of new faces further underscored the level playing field with the circuit providing the exposure these youngsters needed to develop their skills and talent,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Villamar, however, came up short in the 18-U finals, yielding to Tubod’s Christopher Sonsona, 3-6, 1-6, while top seed and streaking Ma. Judyann Padilla rebounded from his quarterfinal loss to Gonzales in 16-U play with a 6-3, 2-6, 13-11 escape over Angel Vosotros in the girls’ premier class.

Marlyn Mesiona of Sindangan, meanwhile, extended her domination of the girls’ 14-U division, picking her fifth straight win the hard way, 3-6, 6-3, 10-5, over Gonzales, while local bet Benedict Lim crushed Earl Albano, 6-3, 6-3, to clinch the boys’ title. Gabrielle Bolado from Dipolog followed up her Liloy leg win with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Stephanie Omos in the 12-U category while Pazz Ursal from Suminot, Zambo del Sur ran away with the boys’ diadem with a 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Vanizer Acabo. The chase for top honors and ranking points, meanwhile, resumed in Misamis Oriential for the Oroquieta City leg yesterday. For details, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

Smart powers CESAFI comeback in 2022

Kale Cyd Villamar

“Smart’s long-standing partnership with CESAFI is anchored on its mission to support passion points of the youth such as sports in different provinces. We want to further the PLDT wireless unit Smart Com- Inc. to bring back the premier col- COVID-19 pandemic. munications, Inc. partners with the legiate and high school sports league Smart is the league’s exclusive goal of enabling students to be the future leaders of the country and next Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation after a two-year hiatus due to the telco partner. world-class Filipino athletes,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management at Smart. In the coming weeks, rivals from the 13 member schools of CESAFI will battle it out in the various sports arena to claim the title as Cebu’s elite champions. Electronic Sports (E-sports) also debuts in the league’s reboot. The reinvigorated season kicked off with the search for Miss CESAFI. A staple of the league, the pageant crowns the school representative who embodies the ideals of a youth ambassador. Several of the country’s beauty queens can trace their roots to Miss CESAFI. “Smart has been very supportive of us in good times or bad. Our relationship with Smart has always CESAFI Board Members with Smart Community Solutions and Business Development Senior Manager Nancy Nacua during the CESAFI Soft Launching and Preliminary Round of Miss CESAFI 2022 been pleasant because we can always

THE National Basketball Association announced that a new NBA Store in Metro Manila will open on Friday (May 6) at 3 p.m. at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Managed by Titanomachy International, Inc. (Titan), the NBA Store in Metro Manila will offer fans official NBA merchandise from all 30 teams. The 250-square-meter retail space, which marks the league’s 29th international NBA Store, will feature an extensive selection of products, including jerseys, shirts, footwear, headwear, accessories, equipment, memorabilia and collectibles from brands including Nike, Jordan Brand, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Funko, Panini, Wilson, and more. The NBA Store will also carry locally designed shirts and special products from Nike, Jordan Brand, Mitchell & Ness and New Era. Additionally, the store will offer a number of interactive fan elements, including a photo wall decorated with an NBA-themed podium as well as measure-ups and footprints of notable NBA players and legends. The retail experience will also incorporate signature features including a digital panel displaying live NBA games, scores and highlights, and a kiosk integrating virtual photo booth technology that will allow fans to pose for a picture with select players from every NBA team. “We’re excited to welcome our passionate fans to the new NBA Store in Metro Manila and position the Philippines as a premier shopping destination for NBA fans across Southeast Asia,” said NBA Asia Head of Global Merchandising Lesley Rulloda. “Through our partnership with Titan, we look forward to delivering Filipinos an authentic retail experience that supplements our e-commerce destination as we celebrate their fandom with the widest range of NBA products in the country.” “Filipinos are among the most dedicated NBA fans in the world and have played an integral part in the growth of our e-commerce business,” said Titan Managing Director Mike Ignacio. “Opening the NBA Store in one of the largest malls in the country is the next logical step in providing Filipinos a seamless physical and online shopping experience that offers unprecedented access to exclusive NBA merchandise.” During opening weekend from May 6-8, the NBA Store will also offer a 20 percent discount on hyperlocal apparel, which consists of NBA Philippines and NBA 75th Anniversary t-shirt collections. Beginning May 7, the NBA Store in Mega Fashion Hall will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Fans can also visit the official online NBA Store at NBAStore.com. ph and sign up for the newsletter to gain access to exclusive offers on official NBA merchandise, and follow NBAStore.com.ph on Facebook and Instagram for more information on NBA product launches and brand highlights. work together. This is already our 8th year of partnership, and we hope that Smart will give us the same support in our upcoming CESAFI runs,” said CESAFI Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy,Jr. Smart has been the league’s exclusive partner since 2013. Founded in the year 2000, CESAFI encourages closer inter-school relationships while creating a platform to promote the physical and intellectual abilities of student-athletes through sports and academic competitions. CESAFI is the successor of the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association established in the 1940s. The league has produced some of the country’s sporting legends who have played in local competitions and have represented the country in international events. Smart and PLDT have long supported sports and Filipino athletes, championing the youth by supporting grassroots sports development across the country, and helping institutions discover the country’s next elite athlete who will proudly wear the Philippine f lag and bring honor to Filipinos.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Moving at a steady pace A

VIBRANT Alisah Bonaobra greeted the audience at the launch of her single “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” a cover of the classic song popularized by Regine Valasquez and Martin Nievera, and composed by Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the singer couldn’t contain her excitement to share the song with listeners who would instantly recognize it and with those who are not familiar with it yet. She can’t even wait to shoot the music video for the song listing James Reid as her dream leading man. “Let’s dream big. If I’d wish for a leading man, it would be definitely James Reid,” she said in jest. In recording the classic torch song, Alisah had nothing in mind except for giving her all and making the song sound as if she was the first one who interpreted it. “I’m nervous to hear any feedback from the original singers, but, in a way, it’s my way of paying tribute to their artistry. I just hope that they will like my version,” she said. Meanwhile, Cecille AzarconInocentes was all praise for Alisah’s rendition of the OPM classic that she composed in the ‘80s. “Honestly, I got goosebumps listening to her rendition. And I’m happy that this kind of song is being revived para ma-appreciate ng listeners today,” said Cecile, who gave her reaction via Zoom.

Alisah Bonaobra

Alisah will stage a concert in November with RJA Productions, LLC

“With the new release of ‘Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin’ by Alisah Bonaobra, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, especially since the song’s music arranger is one of the best arrangers I have ever worked

with, Homer Flores, who also arranged the original version of Martin Nievera. I just knew in my heart, the combination of these two very gifted and talented artists is going to be absolutely magical,” the

iconic songwriter added. The launch of the single marks another chapter in Alisah’s career. From being a contender at X-Factor UK and The Voice of the Philippines, her journey as a singer has indeed come a long way from her humble first step towards her dream; starting out at an early age as a “kontesera” joining various singing contests in Metro Manila as well as distant provinces and bagging awards from these endeavors. These singing contests developed her talent and confidence, and the cash she got for winning was a way for Alisah to help her hardworking sidewalk vendor-parents. Alisah’s patience and persistence paved the way for her to blossom into a full-fledged songstress. Her videos showcasing her world-class talent caught the attention of US-based Rosabella Jao-Arribas who heads RJA Productions, LLC and got in touch with Alisah to offer to manage her.

Alisah shared, “It all started with a chat with Tita Rosabella on my Facebook Fanpage. She offered to help me with my career and she’s been a really good manager, giving her all-out support since day 1. Being part of RJA Productions, LLC is one of the best things that happened in my singing career.” Under RJA Productions, LLC, Alisah has released numerous songs such as “Ginto Ang Sandali,” “Gintong Tinig,” “Kahit Na Malayo Pa Ang Pasko,” “Faithful,” “Pangako,” “Kahit ‘Di Totoo,” “Can I,” “Do You Have A Miracle For Me,” and “Muli’t Muli.” Her song “Faithful,” also composed by Azarcon-Inocentes, recently won Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards. This November, she will be staging a concert; Alisah remarked that in preparation for her concert with RJA Productions, LLC, she is keeping herself healthy and fit as she also continues to widen her repertoire.

Barangay LS 97.1 remains as top FM station in Mega Manila, ‘Barangay Love Stories’ rules podcast charts GMA Network’s flagship FM radio station Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! continues to dominate the airwaves and, at the same time, the podcast charts through its top-rating program Barangay Love Stories. According to Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement data, DWLS FM or Barangay LS 97.1 strengthened its lead in Mega Manila month after month in 2022. It recorded a 27.1 percent average audience share in January, 33.2 percent in February, and 36.5 percent in March. Its closest competitor, DZMB Love Radio, managed to score 14 percent in March. Furthermore, with 82 percent of its audience remaining loyal to the station, Barangay LS posted a total reach of 6.25 million listeners in March, which was higher than DZMB by 2.2 million. The 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. timeslot, occupied by the top FM program Barangay Love Stories, kept its stronghold as the highest rating segment across all FM stations. Barangay Love Stories continues to be the ‘Talk to Papa’ hosts Papa Marky, Papa King, and Papa Ace number one radio program for FM listeners with its dramatized stories narrated by awardalso consistently at the top of the charts being the winning DJ, Papa Dudut. The show’s podcast is most popular podcast on both Spotify and iTunes

(as of April 18). The station’s rating drivers also include Talk to Papa, hosted by Papa Marky, Papa King, and Papa Ace, and Potpot & Friends with Papa Jepoy and Papa Carlo. Moreover, these top three Barangay LS programs also continue to reap accolades from various award-giving bodies. Barangay Love Stories was recently named as Most Development-Oriented FM Drama Program in the 2022 UPLB Gandingan Awards; Potpot & Friends was Most Outstanding Radio Program at the Saludo Excellence Awards, and Talk to Papa won as Best Counselling Program in the 2021 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Netizens can also catch some of Barangay LS’ well-loved shows on YouTube with new episodes every week, and get the latest updates on its official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. Continue tuning in to Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! on FM radio every Monday to Sunday or online via live audio stream on www. gmanetwork.com/radio. Catch the Barangay Love Stories Podcast on Spotify and iTunes.

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night sets new viewership record on YouTube VIEWERS can rewatch the most beautiful day in the universe, which set an all-time high record of 641,000 concurrent viewers on its live airing last Saturday (April 30) on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube Channel. The recently concluded live coronation night not only smashed the live viewership record but garnered 4.1 million views on the same YouTube channel and 4.2M views on the Facebook page highlights of ABSCBN Entertainment. Reminisce the Uniquely Beautiful moments of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi and how she bested the other 31 candidates to take home the coveted crown. The 24-year-old model also bagged

special awards like the Best in Swimsuit and Miss Photogenic. Witness again how her fellow winners, Miss Universe Tourism 2022 Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Charity 2022 Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, Miss Universe 2022 first runner-up Annabelle McDonnell, and Miss Universe 2022 second runner up Ma. Katrina Llegado showcase their wits and confidence as Filipinas in their answers in the Q & A. See how Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez made another history as she broke norms in wearing a Francis Libiran black Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi (center) and her court (Photo by Teddy Pelaez) Tuxedo suit and enjoy the OPM performances of EZ Mil, Sam Nery. Also, watch how American Idol the audience with his single “Kissing Concepcion, JM Bales, and Arthur Finalist Francisco Martin serenaded on the Balcony.”

New MV calls on Filipino solidarity to counter rampant disinfo ONLY a few days left until the May 2022 Philippine national elections, and efforts to combat the rampant and outright spread of disinformation have been more vital than ever before. Many different artists have already expressed their dissent and have been making works to contribute to bringing back the lost respect for truth and honesty. The music video for the song “Hannga’t Hindi Pa Huli Ang Lahat (𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐨̂, 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐨)” by DAKILA Artist Collective Member and musician Johnoy Danao featuring artists such as Bullet Dumas, Ja Quintana, Pepe Herrera, and Gab Pangilinan, was launched to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and now streaming on Youtube. Directed by Kel Fausto, the music video is a collaborative effort of many ordinary citizens who want to address the crucial role of the Filipinos in voting for the right candidates in the upcoming elections. “Like COVID, we’re fighting an invisible virus infecting the minds of Filipinos around the world. The election season

revealed how grave the situation is, that people resorted to the alienation of their families and friends to stand up for what they believe in, whether or not it has factual bearing. The video resonates with the song’s call for reinforcing the bayanihan spirit and love of country to fight disinformation,” director Kel Fausto added. In partnership with DAKILA, the production hopes to continue igniting the people’s resistance in combating disinformation and against trampling of our rights and freedoms.

Patrick Michael Vargas (left) with his older brother Alfred Vargas

After receiving death threat, Alfred Vargas fears for his family’s life

ACTOR and Quezon City 5th district Rep. Alfred Vargas faced the press on Tuesday to release an official statement regarding an apparent death threat to himself and his younger brother, aspiring congressman Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas. On Monday afternoon, a package containing two bullets from an M16 rifle was sent to the office of Councilor PM who is believed to be frontrunning the race for district representative in Novaliches. “The intention of the sender was clear,” said PM. “In our more than 10 years of service in our district, this is the first time I’ve received a death threat.” After his brother’s statement, Rep. Alfred appealed for vigilance against all forms of poll-related intimidation and fraud especially since they are facing this kind of challenge where their life is at stake. “Ngayon ay nahaharap kami sa ganitong klase ng death threat na tinaon pa sa dulo ng kampanya. Nananawagan kami sa aming pamilya, mga kaibigan, at supporters na samahan niyo kaming maging vigilant sa lahat ng uri ng kasamaan, pananakot at pandaraya na ginagawa ng ating mga kalaban ngayong eleksyon,” Rep. Alfred said divulging that their family had been offered a huge amount of money four times already throughout the campaign in exchange for backing out of the elections. “Hindi tayo magpapatinag kahit anong pananakot pa ang gawin nila sa atin,” he affirmed. A brand new father, Vargas added that much as he is worried for his and his brother’s safety, he will carry on with his candidacy and fight if only to ensure a better future for his son. “Hindi po natin hahayaang dumanak ang karahasan lalo na’t buhay ng aking pamilya ang nakataya sa usaping ito. Walang puwang sa District 5 ang mga nagsisiga-sigaang sindikato para makuha lang ang kanilang gusto. Habang papalapit na ang araw ng eleksyon, samahan niyo po kaming protektahan ang ating boto. Tumayo po tayo sa likod ni PM. Let us all stand together to protect PM and District 5,” he ended.

DAKILA’s efforts to counter disinformation also include onground activities such as Palengke Tours where DAKILA members and its youth networks distribute political comics to combat disinformation, fake news, and historical distortion by Filipino comic artist Tarantadong Kalbo and voters’ education materials translated into different Filipino languages. DAKILA is a member of FactsFirstPH, a one-of-a-kind multi-layered and multi-sectoral initiative to fight disinformation. You may watch the official music video of “𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚’𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐏𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭 (𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐨̂, 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐨)” on https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=xBNJ77LCW6k You may read Tarantadong Kalbo’s comics on https://www.facebook. com/809073886155519/posts/1577185159344384/?d=n For updates, log on to DAKILA’s Facebook Page, www. ‘Hangga’t Hindi Pa Huli Ang Lahat' addresses the crucial role of the Filipinos in voting for the right candidates facebook.com/dakila.philippines

Life

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

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Gutz and glow

Inside Ruffa Gutierrez’s new lifestyle brand ACTRESS, model, and fashion icon Ruffa Gutierrez definitely knows how it is to live a fast-paced life in the eye of the public. From doing photoshoots to taping for TV shows and movies, she knew that she needed to create a lifestyle brand that would help her seamlessly go through her mundane activities with ease and confidence. Thus came the birth of Gutz and Glow, a lifestyle brand complete with products

specially made to suit her preference as a woman-on-the-go. “Ever since I was young, I have always known what I wanted when it comes to products I use. It must be effective, gentle, and affordable so that people will be able to embrace it as part of their lives,” Ruffa said. Added the celebrity mom of two, “I came up with a lifestyle brand because just as how our times have evolved, our

needs have also changed. Coming up with a beauty line alone is not enough. So, lifestyle brands like Gutz and Glow represent who I am. Each product is handpicked by me. It has the touch and feel of Ruffa––my preference, my needs every day.” The celebrity host carried with confidence the lineup of products under her own lifestyle brand, including Butt and Body Scrub, Disinfectant Hand Soap, Feminine Lightening Spray Mist, Luminous Hand Cream, Lustrous Hand Sanitizer, Blazing Hand Sanitizer, Makeup Remover Wipes, and Intimate Feminine Wipes. All of these products were made from the freshest and finest functional ingredients and antioxidants infused with superior technology to realize Ruffa’s vision. Yes, she was very hands-on every step of the way- from choosing which will be included in her line, to the scent, look and feel of

No matter your reasons for going to LU, you should include a first-aid kit when you pack your bag

Coffee shops in Elyu sometimes are not available to serve you early in the morning so bringing your own coffee paraphernalia can save your day

THE Body Shop has taken the bold move to change the name of its best-selling skincare range, Drops of Youth, to Edelweiss. The new name also comes with a new formula and extended line-up. The gamechanger is the Edelweiss extract containing Leontopodic acid, a unique and powerful ingredient that’s 60 percent stronger than ferulic acid, a known antioxidant. Edelweiss, after all, is a resilient flower with antioxidant power. Many of us know Edelweiss from a song in the classic mov- Have stronger, smoother skin as The Body ie The Sound of Music, but it’s so much Shop’s Drops of Youth makes way for more. For centuries, it has been widely Edelweiss with its game-changing extract used in folk medicine and in Alpine tra- containing Leontopodic acid dition, giving this flower to a loved one is the ultimate synthetic, The Body Shop show of dedication. sources from rice, a naturalorigin alternative. Found growing in brutal The Edelweiss line-up still Alpine conditions against includes the legendary Conextreme wind, snow, and centrate and favorites from rain, the resilient Edelweiss Drops of Youth range but has flower thrives. It protects and been expanded to include two repairs itself, thanks to its more products – Edelweiss natural antioxidants, includCleansing Concentrate and ing Leontopodic acid, which Edelweiss Intense Smoothing is only produced when the Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate, now Cream – so all your daily skin flower is in distress. needs are covered. The properties of Edel- enriched with antioxidant Made within strict ‘green weiss have been shown to Leontopodic acid, is chemistry’ principles, Edelmaintain skin barrier health, clinically-proven to help as well as smooth the skin’s protect skin from pollution weiss is organically farmed and responsibly harvested by surface, helping you keep a radiantly fresh face, whatever your age. hand by The Body Shop’s trusted supplier. That’s why Edelweiss is the beauty indus- It is carefully and respectfully cultivated in areas where the flower is not endantry’s best-kept secret. The new and improved range has been gered to respect the Alpine biodiversity. reformulated to deliver double the concen- It is then extracted using zero chemical tration of Edelweiss. Edelweiss stem cells waste, first through drying the plant and and Edelweiss extract which contain hard- then distilled using a renewable process. The Body Shop’s Edelweiss Skincare working antioxidants are combined with natural-origin peptides, known to boost the Range is available at The Body Shop skin’s defense mechanism and barrier func- stores and on its online store www.thetion. While most peptides on the market are bodyshop.com.ph.

Hilton Manila celebrates Mother’s Day A good trekking shoes or sandals will come in handy when you want to fo exploring theoff the beaten paths of Elyu

When you think see a majestic waterfalls four would do. Chances are, you can request towns away from San Juan. hot water or borrow a water boiler from of Elyu, the first When your hand is not busy the management of the resort hotel/hosthing that will probholding your hat in place, tel you are staying in. Also, you might ably come to mind is you can take a selfie, just do want to bring your coffee paraphernalia the surfing beach in it carefully, and safely. on your trek. It would be nice to have Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Power bank. Super pow- your favorite coffee blend while listenJuan, La Union, or erful power bank, if possi- ing to the relaxing sound of the watersimply known as the ble. Because even if the tour falls. Surftown. It’s a goguide says the travel plus to for surfers as well Extra tote. This is for when you find an trek will take about three interesting souvenir item to buy at a nonas weekenders from BY JOBA BOTANA hours, there’s a good chance descript shop in a small town somewhere, nearby places. Indeed, that you will most people go to San or when you happen to pass Juan for the beach. So, when it comes to be gone the entire day and by Breadwinner Bakery in beach essentials, you easily think of sun- you need to charge up your San Juan town proper and screen for your skin, beach hat, sunglass- mobile phone so you can you want to buy your fames, beach tote, your favorite beach read, update your family, reply ily back home some potato and of course, your LU-appropriate swim- to a co-worker who’s bothor cinnamon loaves as pasming attire that can ride the waves with ering you while you’re on alubong. vacay, take snaps along the you without any malfunction. Jacket or shawl/stole. I However, if you are like me and my way, and when there’s a know it’s summer and it’s friends, we go to Elyu not just for the signal, send those shots to usually really hot in any beach or to surf, but to discover its awe- your group chat ‘for pospart of La Union these days inspiring and sometimes lesser-known terity.’ but who knows, you might First-aid kit. This is a waterfalls and other hidden gems outside want to drive further North the town of San Juan. So far, we have al- must. You don’t have to to Baguio, the Summer ready visited a total of five waterfalls since carry a toolbox-like kit, but A stole or shawl might come Capital of the Philippines, last year, and we intend to visit more if and inside your tote, at least in handy during your Elyu trip. which is only an hour and a when circumstances permit. And so I’m you should have an anti- Use it as a blanket for a picnic half to two hours away from here to give you a rundown of some es- septic, bandage, ointment at the beach or for when you Elyu. I mean, why not condecide to drive up to Baguio, sentials for when you want to veer away for a scrape, wound, insect which is, more or less, only sider this appealing choice? from the well-trodden paths around this bite, or rashes, anti-allergy, two hours away from San Well, whether you head to and antacid if you tend to Juan, L.U. beautiful province in the North. Baguio or not, you can lay Trekking shoes or sandals. While a get acid reflux attacks out your stole on the sand, sit sturdy pair of flip-flops will probably sur- of nowhere. If you’re feeling like a real there with an ice-cold drink in your hand, vive a short trek, it’s better if you’re wear- Boy or Girl Scout, you can add more to and just admire the relentless crashing of ing a good pair of trekking shoes or san- the list. A trekker friend of mine who’s a the waves before you. dals when you’re off to discover new and pro when it comes to hiking needs would People visit Elyu for various reasons. hidden waterfalls. It will come in handy always bring his Swiss Army Knife and Some want an adventure like surfing, othwhen you come across muddy paths, a a flashlight. But we’re newbies and we ers simply want to chill, or work on the bolder you have to climb over, or when make sure we’re back in our hotel rooms beach. Whatever your reasons may be on or before sundown, so the abovemen- when you visit the Surftown, knowing you have to cross a gushing river. Sun hat/cap. Leave the beach hat in tioned will do. your essentials will make your stay more Coffee filter, ground coffee, and enjoyable. Be sure that your list of Elyu your hotel room or actually, leave it at home and save it for your Boracay or El flask or tumbler. If you are a sunrise- needs is complete, and that when you’re Nido trip in the future. In Elyu, you might catcher or an early-riser and coffee is there already enjoying the beach, the peowant to instead bring an outdoor sports hat a must the moment you wake up, you ple, and the vibe, you can say to yourself or headscarf that will protect you from the might not find your favorite Elyu cof- that it was a job well done. harsh summer sun and at the same time, fee shops already open to serve you. I won’t bother you when the strong wind suggest you bring your own ground cofFor comments and feedback, you may blows while you’re back-riding on a mo- fee and coffee maker such as a syphon reach the author at joba.botana@gmail. torcycle or habal-habal on your way to or a French press. In fact, a coffee filter com

JOB WELL DONE

each product. She made sure that Gutz get to see often. and Glow represents the Ruffa GutierWith Gutz and Glow, Ruffa is set to rez that everyone has learned to love, revolutionize the way most of us take plus her side that the public doesn’t care of ourselves.

Your favorite Drops of Youth is now called Edelweiss

Not your usual Elyu essentials

T’S officially summer in the Philippines and many of those who haven’t traveled yet are thinking of hitting the beach. If you are from Luzon, especially Metro Manila as well as its neighboring towns and cities, one of the favorite beach destinations is the province of La Union or Elyu to the frequenters.

Fashion icon Ruffa Gutierrez’s brand, Gutz & Glow, caters to women-on-the-go

The facade of Hilton Manila with the Vega Pool in view

HILTON Manila celebrates the coming Mother’s Day with Dampa-Style Feasts featuring sustainably-sourced ingredients, well-curated Bring Hilton Home set meals, and Signature Cakes, among other indulgences, on Sunday, May 8. “We look forward to this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, which is made special with how our moms tirelessly cared for us all as we navigated through the pandemic,” said John Lucas, hotel general manager, adding, “now, it is Mom’s turn to be pampered and treated like a Queen with exceptional dining and room offerings only here at Hilton Manila.” The hotel’s new Executive Chef Ryan Hong leads the culinary team with an indulgent spread of Mom’s favorites at Kusina Sea Kitchens. Indulge on a journey of flavors with a rich harvest of sustainably sourced seafood and premium meats grilled and prepared a la minute, Dampa-style, at the Marketplace. Mom and the whole family are also ser-

enaded by a musical performance by guest artists, with the kids invited to take part in an exciting art activity. As an added treat, mom gets to bring home a special gift from Kusina which the whole family can enjoy on their next visit to Hilton Manila. Buffet lunch/dinner price starts at P3,200 nett per person. RWM Exclusives Members enjoy special savings on Mother’s Day buffet. Terms and conditions apply. At Madison, treat mom to well-curated, Bring Hilton Home and celebrate with family and friends over delicately crafted signature cake, Filipino or Western platters, or a wine and cheese charcuterie set available from May 7 to 8, with prices starting at P1,200. Hilton Manila presents guests with a rewarding Mother’s Day weekend escape in urban oasis in the heart of Resorts World Manila, offering well-appointed guest rooms and suites, award-winning gourmet options, and the famed Vega pool and Vubble pods, among others. Bespoke room offers and special room rates such as the Foodie Staycation are also available for bookings made through www. hiltonmanila.com. For inquiries and reservations, visit www. hiltonmanila.com or call +632 7239 7788. Follow Hilton Manila (@hiltonmanila) on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube for more information and updates. ERRATUM

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a feast from Hilton Manila

Due to typing error, yesterday’s story entitled Jullie Yap-Daza’s latest: ‘Chinatown Is Not A Place’ mistakenly reported that the author ‘scratches taipan and tai-tai in their unguarded moments.’ This should have read ‘she catches taipan and tai-tai in their unguarded moments.’ We would like to apologize for the error.